Theodore Sorenson was Special Counsel, adviser and speechwriter to President Kennedy. In this first interview he describes the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. He explains that nature of the EXCOMM meetings and recalls debates over whether to proceed with an air strike or a blockade. He also notes President Kennedy's concern with retaining control over the military during the crisis, and the President's evolving views of the U.S. military. He describes the process of writing the October 22 blockade speech, as well as the American University speech in 1963, after the crisis was resolved. Along the way he notes some of the emotions of the time, including concerns about the nuclear threat and his pride at being a part of such an important historical event. He explains his and the president's feelings on the threat of nuclear war, and their desperate attempts, and eventual success in Cuba, in finding a peaceful resolution with the Soviet Union. He recalls several specific conversations with the President and Robert Kennedy throughout the crisis, painting a vivid picture of the former as a leader and a man, as well as the atmosphere in the White House at the time.