I believe you are correct on that (Kennedy being perceived as weak at the time). I think we found out later that it was by the grace of God that the missle crisis didn’t come to fruition. Kennedy did step up to the plate though.. thank goodness. I doubt this Jarret-run WH would side with the US during any future missle threats though.
My dad was stationed in GTMO during the ‘62 missle crisis. We kids (and mom) were evacuated 10-22-62 in preparation for war. (were able to return in Dec). I was in the 8th grade... but remember it well.
One thing I remember was the nonstop 24/7 military cargo planes flying right over our house as they moved everything north out of the range of the missile's.
Just a couple of miles west the planes were flying back to the south to pick up more and move it north.
We have some property they planned on using as a refuge camp if Houston needed to be evacuated.
My old man had served in WWII and was put on notice that he was subject to a recall to duty for the military presence in the area if needed. Because he was subject to recall we got 2 or 3 cans of the survival crackers and cans of water. Never did open them up and taste them, we had to turn them back in.
The military brought in surplus arms and ammo and stored it in the courthouse basement.
My old man had to sign a statement that he would be willing to order US troops to fire on American citizens if necessary. He and my mother went round and round on that one.