People: Mar. 17, 1961

The backdrop depicted the President's lush manor retreat in Virginia, and the prologue announced: "In this austere setting, we rejoice that never have so many reaped so much benefit from such large doses of misery." Thereupon, stage Democrats—including, of course, a regiment of simulated Kennedy relatives—rode to the hounds in pink riding jackets. It was the opening scene of the Washington Gridiron Club's annual political roast, and John F. Kennedy was present in person for the New Frontier's first ravaging by the press-corps parodists. While the catchy theme song was a doctored Good...