History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories: The JFK Assassination – 95% Certain?

Episode Overview In this compelling episode of History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories, hosted by History Extra and featuring renowned American journalist and author Gerald Posner, the discussion delves deep into one of the most enduring and debated events in American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Released on February 4, 2025, this episode revisits prior conversations with Posner, expanding on theories, scrutinizing evidence, and addressing listener-submitted questions amidst recent developments, including President Trump's audit of classified JFK assassination files.

Introduction and Context

The host reintroduces the episode as a follow-up to prior discussions with Gerald Posner, emphasizing the significance of recent revelations concerning classified JFK assassination files. Posner's expertise offers a scholarly perspective on various conspiracy theories, aiming to discern truth from myth.

Wildest Conspiracy Theories Surrounding JFK's Assassination

Timestamp [01:26] - Gerald Posner on the Limousine Driver Theory

Posner begins by exploring one of the most outlandish theories: that the presidential limousine's driver, a Secret Service agent, assassinated Kennedy. He critiques the plausibility of this scenario, highlighting the improbability that no other individuals in the car, including other Secret Service agents and those seated beside Kennedy, noticed the driver's alleged gunfire. Posner expresses skepticism, stating:

"I marvel at the simplicity of that at the same time that I marvel at the outrageousness of it."
— Gerald Posner [02:10]

Listener Question: Accidental Kill by Secret Service [03:27]

Responding to a listener-submitted theory by Norman Cox, Posner examines the claim that a Secret Service agent accidentally killed Kennedy while responding to Lee Harvey Oswald's shots. Posner methodically dismantles the theory by referencing the timeline and existing evidence, noting inconsistencies such as the lack of additional bullet evidence and the improbability of a collective conspiracy silence among numerous Secret Service agents.

"Only these people who have seen the glint of light... they believe it wholeheartedly."
— Gerald Posner [03:40]

Security Lapses and Oswald's Accessibility

Listener Question: Oswald's Access to the Book Depository [07:35]

Alex Plotkin raises concerns about Lee Harvey Oswald's ability to access and fire a weapon from the Texas School Book Depository. Posner addresses the lack of pre-established protective procedures at the time, explaining that prior to the assassination, the Secret Service did not proactively secure motorcade routes or require local law enforcement to do so. The motorcade's route was publicly published, allowing potential adversaries to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

"The extent of what I call the great protection of the President... didn't have a role for it."
— Gerald Posner [08:04]

Posner further discusses Oswald's presence at his workplace, noting that the absence of coworkers due to lunch provided him the opportunity to set up his position unnoticed.

The Zapruder Film and Misinterpretations

Listener Questions on Zapruder Film Sound [10:45] & Missing Skull Bullet Path [17:18]

Wesley Lyons questions the supposed sound of a fourth gunshot in the Zapruder film. Posner clarifies that the film lacks audio, and the supposed sounds stem from later Congressional investigations. Initially, the House Select Committee on Assassinations suggested a 95% certainty of a fourth shot based on Dictabelt recordings, which later research debunked as unrelated to the assassination.

"Most people... don't remember the page 32 retraction six months later."
— Gerald Posner [15:50]

Michael Covey inquires about the bullet trajectory in the Zapruder film, challenging the official wound location versus the visual perception of a frontal gunshot. Posner explains the "jet effect" theory proposed by physicist Louis Alvarez, which accounts for the backward and leftward motion of Kennedy's head due to the bullet's force from a rear shot. He references forensic evidence and autopsy reports that support the rear-originated bullet.

"The thrust is coming out the rear of the engines and forcing the plane forward... exactly what we see on the film."
— Gerald Posner [19:45]

Posner also highlights Kennedy's use of a back brace on the day of the assassination, which influenced his physical reaction to being shot.

The Mystery of JFK's Missing Brain

Listener Question: Missing Brain [23:25]

Victoria Gray questions the absence of President Kennedy's brain in the official records. Posner acknowledges the anomaly, attributing it to actions taken by the Kennedy family to prevent the brain from becoming part of a public display trauma, similar to remnants from past assassinations. He cites Gus Russo's research, which reveals that the brain was likely reinterred alongside the Kennedy family graves, explaining its current unavailability for examination.

"Nobody is going to ask the Kennedy family to take the President's body out in order to look at the brain again."
— Gerald Posner [24:05]

Posner criticizes the mishandling of evidence by the government, including the return and sale of significant artifacts like the revolver used by Jack Ruby.

Lee Harvey Oswald: Agent or Lone Gunman?

Listener Question: Oswald's CIA Connections [26:53]

Ed Bojangles raises the possibility that Lee Harvey Oswald was a CIA agent, citing his interactions with CIA contacts and his re-entry into the U.S. after defecting to the Soviet Union. Posner refutes these claims by clarifying the nature of Oswald's interactions, which lacked substantive evidence of him being an active intelligence asset. He explains the bureaucratic processes that allowed Oswald's return, emphasizing that his re-entry was consistent with standard procedures for defectors, not indicative of CIA involvement.

"The idea that Oswald having an intelligence connection is clearly... the evidence is not there for it."
— Gerald Posner [29:15]

Posner further dismantles the notion by detailing the lack of accelerated procedures specific to Oswald, contrasting his experience with others who had more overt affiliations or had revoked citizenship.

Oswald's Prior Assassination Attempt on General Edwin Walker

Listener Question: Oswald's Attempt on Walker [31:28]

Robert Bannerman questions Posner's account of Oswald's attempted assassination of General Edwin Walker, pointing out inconsistencies with witness testimonies about a car fleeing the scene. Posner responds by recounting the event, explaining that Oswald believed he had successfully shot Walker, missing due to the bullet deflecting off a window sash. He underscores the credibility of Marina Oswald's accounts and presents photographic evidence of Oswald's intent and actions prior to the assassination. Posner argues that Oswald's failed attempt on Walker is consistent with his later willingness to assassinate President Kennedy.

"He forms an organization to get people to support Fidel Castro... only by understanding Oswald can you appreciate how he took advantage of this opportunity."
— Gerald Posner [37:22]

Posner emphasizes that while Oswald's attempt on Walker showcases his readiness to engage in political violence, it doesn't inherently confirm or deny broader conspiracy theories related to JFK's assassination.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The host wraps up the episode by acknowledging the depth and complexity of the JFK assassination discussions, thanking Gerald Posner for his insightful analysis. Listeners are encouraged to return for the final part of the series, where Posner will address more audience questions and further dissect the assassination's enduring mysteries.

"Gerald is the author of Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK. Please do come back next week for our final part..."
— Host [40:06]

Production Credits This episode was thoughtfully produced by Jack Bateman, ensuring a seamless and informative exploration of one of history's most perplexing events.

Key Takeaways

• Skepticism Toward Extreme Theories: Posner critically examines and often debunks highly speculative conspiracy theories surrounding JFK's assassination, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based analysis.

• Oswald as a Complex Figure: Gerald Posner portrays Lee Harvey Oswald as a troubled individual with a history of political violence, yet not definitively tied to broader intelligence agencies or conspiracies.

• Critical Examination of Evidence Handling: The mishandling and disappearance of crucial evidence, such as JFK's brain, fuel ongoing skepticism and conspiracy theories, despite factual explanations provided by Posner.

• Importance of Forensic Science: Posner underscores the role of forensic analysis, such as the "jet effect" theory and autopsy reports, in understanding the mechanics of the assassination, countering visual misinterpretations from sources like the Zapruder film.

Notable Quotes

• Gerald Posner [02:10]: "I marvel at the simplicity of that at the same time that I marvel at the outrageousness of it."
• Gerald Posner [08:04]: "The extent of what I call the great protection of the President... didn't have a role for it."
• Gerald Posner [19:45]: "The thrust is coming out the rear of the engines and forcing the plane forward... exactly what we see on the film."
• Gerald Posner [24:05]: "Nobody is going to ask the Kennedy family to take the President's body out in order to look at the brain again."
• Gerald Posner [29:15]: "The idea that Oswald having an intelligence connection is clearly... the evidence is not there for it."
• Gerald Posner [37:22]: "Only by understanding Oswald can you appreciate how he took advantage of this opportunity and thought of it as something he could do."

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Produced by: Jack Bateman
Podcast Series: History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories
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