According to jfk what does the space race represent to the american public?

Confidence and superiority. He not only wanted to match the Soviets, but surpass them.

In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the satellite Sputnik, and the space race was on. The Soviets' triumph jarred the American people and sparked a vigorous response in the federal go vernment to make sure the United States did not fall behind its Communist rival. A new space program, Project Mercury