In his book "Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace," Gore Vidal reflects on John F. Kennedy's political experience, particularly following the Bay of Pigs incident. Kennedy noted with irony that negative events in his administration sometimes led to an increase in his popularity among the public. This observation highlights the paradoxical relationship between leadership failures and public perception, suggesting that crises can sometimes boost a leader's standing rather than diminish it.

Vidal's commentary emphasizes the complexities of political leadership, where a significant misstep does not necessarily equate to a loss of favor. Instead, it illustrates how public sentiment can be influenced by the narrative of resilience or a leader's handling of adversity. Kennedy's insightful remark underscores the often unpredictable nature of politics and the public’s response to it.