Superman Meeting JFK Ruined the Man of Steel's Reputation for Decades
When Superman met President John F. Kennedy, the writers at DC couldn't have known that not only would the meeting nott help Superman's image in the slightest, but would in fact ruin his reputation for decades to come.
The Man of Steel has always associated himself with the police and the government in a way that his counterpart Batman never truly has (at least since the 70s), and acquired one of his nicknames — the Blue Boy Scout — as a result. Unfortunately the events in Action Comics #309 cemented Superman's reputation as a man who would support the United States government with all his heart — regardless of those in charge.
Related: DC Actually Hired Jack Kirby To Draw Superman, Then Erased His Work
It's important to note that Superman wasn't always a law-abiding citizen who appeared to stand for the status quo. In his first few stories beginning in Action Comics #1, Superman was stylized as the «People's Champion» who attacked corrupt officials and those who preyed on the powerless and destitute (appropriate for a superhero appearing in the wake of the Great Depression). When America entered World War II, Superman pivoted toward a more patriotic, all-American approach; while other superheroes used this approach as well, the style seemed to stick for Superman.
In Action Comics #309, Superman teams up with the President of the United States, then John F. Kennedy. Kennedy dresses up and acts as Clark Kent (in part to allow Superman and Clark to appear in the same room). At issue's end, Kennedy removes his glasses and makeup and meets Superman properly. «I knew I wasn't risking my secret identity with you!» Superman assures the President. «After all, if I can't trust the President of the United States, who canI trust?»
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