Summary of "The JFK Assassination: Oswald’s Second Murder"

Podcast Title: History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories
Host/Author: History Extra
Episode: The JFK Assassination: Oswald’s Second Murder
Release Date: February 11, 2025

In this compelling episode of History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories, host Rob Attar engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned American journalist Gerald Posner. They revisit the intricate details of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, delving into the enduring conspiracy theories that have surrounded this pivotal event in American history.

Re-releasing the JFK Assassination Series

[01:20] Rob Attar (Host):
Attar begins by contextualizing the episode within a trilogy on JFK's assassination. He notes the significance of the recent announcement by President Trump to release classified files related to the case, prompting the re-release of the three-part series featuring Gerald Posner.

Belief in a Conspiracy Among Prominent Figures

[02:19] Gerald Posner:
Posner addresses whether key figures like Lyndon B. Johnson, members of the Kennedy family, and J. Edgar Hoover believed in a conspiracy surrounding JFK’s assassination. He confirms that “LBJ... thought Castro was behind it” and suggests that both governmental officials and the Kennedy family harbored doubts about Lee Harvey Oswald acting alone. Posner emphasizes that “most Americans thought it was a conspiracy soon after the assassination”, particularly because of the rapid conclusion by the Warren Commission, which many perceived as an attempt to “hide the truth.”

Oswald’s Second Murder and Its Implications

[04:21] Rob Attar:
Attar introduces a less-discussed aspect of the JFK assassination narrative: the murder of Dallas policeman J.D. Tippett by Lee Harvey Oswald. He inquires whether this event merely serves as a side note or offers deeper insight into the assassination.

[04:41] Gerald Posner:
Posner elucidates the significance of Tippett’s murder, asserting it as a “definitive piece of evidence” linking Oswald to the assassination. He argues that Tippett’s killing demonstrates Oswald’s intent and guilt, describing Oswald’s suspicious behavior post-assassination and the subsequent murder as indicative of his “guilt.” Posner vehemently dismisses theories positioning Oswald as a mere patsy, highlighting the overwhelming eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence that tie Oswald directly to both murders. He concludes that alternative theories, such as Tippett being part of a larger conspiracy, lack substantive evidence.

Why JFK’s Assassination Spawns So Many Conspiracy Theories

[11:00] Rob Attar:
A listener named Hugh Berkmeier poses a question: “Why does JFK attract so many conspiracy theories while Garfield and McKinley have become almost forgotten?”

[11:24] Gerald Posner:
Posner provides several reasons for the prevalence of conspiracy theories surrounding JFK's assassination:

1. Media Influence: The presence of video evidence made it easier for the public to scrutinize the events, leading to widespread speculation.
2. Ambiguous Assassin Profile: Unlike previous assassinations, Oswald was a 24-year-old defector to the Soviet Union with a complex background, making his sole culpability less believable to many.
3. Kennedy’s Legacy: JFK’s vibrant and promising legacy, coupled with the sudden and dramatic end, fueled desires for a more elaborate explanation.
4. Kenny’s Enemies: Kennedy had numerous adversaries, including the Mafia and political foes from the Bay of Pigs invasion, which provided plausible sources for conspiracies.
5. Oswald’s Demise: The killing of Oswald by Jack Ruby shortly after the assassination intensified suspicions of a broader conspiracy.

Posner summarizes, “No wonder this particular case has more than any other presidential assassination or moderate assassination in terms of its conspiracy speculation.”

Oswald’s Family Perspectives

[13:54] Rob Attar:
Attar shifts focus to Oswald’s family, specifically his wife Marina and his daughters, questioning whether they believe Oswald acted alone.

[14:03] Gerald Posner:
Posner discusses Marina Oswald’s testimony, which has been pivotal in shaping the understanding of Lee Harvey Oswald’s character. Initially, conspiracy theorists doubted her accounts, suggesting she might be coerced or influenced. However, Posner notes that after becoming an American citizen and remarrying, Marina continued to maintain her stance, “she believed that he was innocent because he was a CIA agent.” Posner critiques these beliefs as being influenced by external assertions rather than personal evidence.

Regarding Oswald’s daughters, Posner mentions that they have remained largely silent, avoiding public discourse to protect their privacy. He remarks, “they have really kept their heads down,” highlighting their decision to stay out of the public eye despite the intense scrutiny their family has faced.

Impact and Reception of Posner’s Book

[17:08] Rob Attar:
Attar inquires about the reception of Posner’s book, Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK, over the decades.

[17:22] Gerald Posner:
Posner recounts the unexpected success of his book upon its release on the 30th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Initially skeptical, the Random House editor, Sir Harold Evans, was persuaded by Posner’s thorough research to accept the lone gunman theory. Despite fears that the book would be ignored or dismissed by conspiracy proponents, it garnered significant attention:

• Critical Acclaim: Posner’s book received praise from the mainstream press and influential figures, including The New York Times and historian Stephen Ambrose, validating his conclusion that Oswald acted alone.
• Public Backlash: Conversely, the book faced vehement opposition from conspiracy theorists, leading to personal attacks on Posner, including “pickets in Boston” and harassment in New York.
• Unexpected Outcomes: Posner highlights the irony where conspiracy theorists, even after the book’s release, consolidated their beliefs, with some still incorporating Oswald into their broader conspiracy narratives.

He reflects, “I was amazed at that response. I did not expect it,” underscoring the polarized reception of his work.

Remaining Questions and the Potential for New Evidence

[21:21] Rob Attar:
Attar poses a final question regarding any unresolved facts that challenge the Oswald-alone theory.

[21:31] Gerald Posner:
Posner states that, based on decades of research, he finds no significant evidence that contradicts the lone assassin theory. He acknowledges potential advances in technology and new documents but remains confident in his conclusions:

• Secret Service Testimony: A pivotal revelation came from a Secret Service agent who discovered a bullet at Parkland Hospital, reinforcing the single bullet theory without supporting a larger conspiracy.
• Continued Speculation: Despite the release of numerous classified documents, Posner notes that conspiracy theories persist, often fueled by the belief that additional undisclosed evidence exists.

He critiques the insatiable demand for complete answers, concluding, “you’re never going to satisfy people who want that answer.”

Final Reflections on the JFK Assassination

[25:31] Rob Attar:
Before closing, Attar invites Posner to share any additional thoughts or overlooked aspects of their discussion.

[25:38] Gerald Posner:
Posner emphasizes the enduring impact of JFK’s assassination on American politics and collective memory. He observes that while newer generations may feel detached, older generations retain vivid memories that influence their perceptions. Posner highlights the human inclination to seek meaningful narratives, such as conspiracies, to explain tragic events:

• Historical Chaos: He reflects on how unpredictable actions by individuals like Oswald can dramatically alter history.
• Unanswered "What Ifs": Posner acknowledges the speculative nature of alternative histories, “there’s no way of knowing that” if different actions could have led to a better America.
• Skepticism of Control: He concludes with a philosophical note on the unpredictability of history and the illusion of control, suggesting that “there is a human tendency to think that if things had gone differently, the world would be better.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rob Attar thanking Gerald Posner for his insights and teasing future installments of History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories. Produced by Jack Bateman, this episode offers a meticulous examination of the JFK assassination, reinforcing the lone gunman theory while acknowledging the persistent allure of conspiracy narratives.

Notable Quotes:

• Gerald Posner ([02:19]):
  “LBJ... thought Castro was behind it.”

• Gerald Posner ([04:41]):
  “The murder of Tippett... is to me, the definitive piece of evidence that Oswald is at the very least involved in the murder of the President.”

• Gerald Posner ([11:24]):
  “Oswald alone killed the President.”

• Gerald Posner ([17:22]):
  “The most outrageous thing to say was, I think Lee Harvey Oswald alone killed the President.”

• Gerald Posner ([25:31]):
  “There is a human tendency to think that if things had gone differently, the world would be better.”

This episode provides a thorough exploration of one of history's most debated events, offering listeners a well-researched perspective that challenges prevailing conspiracy theories while acknowledging the complexities that continue to fuel public skepticism.