JFK was not the only populist president of late. Carter was also a populist who just happened to have the empire credentials of being both military and Southern.

I still grin to think how instrumental Iran was in the election of Ronald Reagan - right down to the very minute of hostage release and the oath of office, and how selling weapons to Iran for cash to buy cocaine to sell on American streets to raise money for an illegal war in El Salvadore ened up helping no one except for Oliver North.