Bobby Kennedy

1. Bobby Kennedy's Early Life Shaped His Contradictory Political Soul

The dueling aspects of Bobby’s political soul were part of his breeding.

Family Influence. Robert F. Kennedy's upbringing within the powerful Kennedy dynasty profoundly shaped his complex political identity. His father, Joseph P. Kennedy, instilled a relentless drive for success and a pragmatic approach to power, while his mother, Rose, nurtured a deep sense of Catholic morality and social responsibility.

Conflicting Expectations. Bobby, often seen as the "runt" of the Kennedy litter, strived to meet his parents' expectations, leading to internal conflicts. He embraced his father's conservative tactics while simultaneously adhering to his mother's devout Catholic principles, creating a tension between ambition and morality.

Early Sensitivity. Unlike his more assured siblings, Bobby's perceived shortcomings fostered a unique sensitivity and empathy. This vulnerability, combined with his fierce determination, would later define his political persona and his ability to connect with marginalized communities.

2. RFK's Ambivalent Apprenticeship with Joseph McCarthy

The truth is that the early Bobby Kennedy embraced the overheated anticommunism of the 1950s and openly disdained liberals.

Early Conservatism. Robert Kennedy's early career was marked by a strong anti-communist stance, aligning him with Senator Joseph McCarthy. This period reflects the prevailing political climate of the 1950s, where fear of communism permeated American society.

Ambition and Direction. Working for McCarthy provided Bobby with a sense of purpose and direction that had been previously absent. McCarthy's zeal, though extreme, ignited Kennedy's ambition and shaped his political trajectory for years to come.

Breaking with McCarthy. Kennedy's departure from McCarthy's staff was not a rejection of McCarthyism itself, but rather a result of conflicts with fellow staffers and a desire for advancement. This early association with McCarthy would later serve as a baseline for measuring Bobby's political transformation.

3. Crusading Against Corruption: Bobby Kennedy's Defining Battles with the Teamsters

“I do to others what they do to me, only worse,” Hoffa said matter-of-factly.

Clash of Titans. As chief counsel for the Senate Rackets Committee, Bobby Kennedy launched a relentless investigation into the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, led by the powerful and enigmatic Jimmy Hoffa. This clash between Big Labor and Big Government would define both men's careers.

Unearthing Corruption. Kennedy's investigations exposed widespread corruption within the Teamsters, revealing Hoffa's self-enrichment and ties to organized crime. This crusade solidified Bobby's image as a fearless reformer willing to take on powerful interests.

A Lasting Feud. The battle with Hoffa became a personal vendetta, shaping Bobby's public persona and fueling his ambition. While he sought to bring Hoffa to justice, his methods were often criticized as ruthless and overzealous, blurring the line between white knight and zealot.

4. From Enforcer to Advocate: RFK's Evolving Stance on Civil Rights

Both were right. Bobby was so enamored of the senator that he failed to see the fanaticism that, by the time he signed on, had already made McCarthy’s name a synonym for witch hunt and crowned “Low-Blow Joe” the most divisive man in America.

Early Ambivalence. Despite his family's support for civil rights, Bobby Kennedy initially approached the issue with caution, prioritizing political expediency over radical change. This cautious approach reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time and the need to maintain support from Southern Democrats.

Turning Point. The Freedom Rides and the violence they encountered forced Bobby to confront the brutal reality of segregation in the South. This experience, along with his growing empathy for marginalized communities, began to shift his perspective.

Championing Civil Rights. As attorney general, Bobby Kennedy became a vocal advocate for civil rights, using the power of the Justice Department to challenge discriminatory laws and practices. This transformation solidified his legacy as a champion of equality and social justice.

5. The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Crucible Forged in Fear and Transformation

In the lexicon of American politics, the Kennedy name is shorthand for left-leaning Democratic politics, and it is a tenet of Kennedy scholarship that the first and archetypal family liberal was Bobby.

Brink of Apocalypse. The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, testing the leadership and resolve of both John and Robert Kennedy. Bobby's role in the crisis was complex, initially advocating for a hard-line approach before ultimately supporting a peaceful resolution.

Lessons Learned. The crisis transformed Bobby, exposing him to the devastating consequences of ideological rigidity and the importance of empathy and diplomacy. This experience would shape his future approach to foreign policy and conflict resolution.

Myth vs. Reality. While Bobby's memoir, "Thirteen Days," presented a heroic narrative of American resolve, it also concealed the compromises and back-channel negotiations that ultimately averted disaster. This highlights the tension between political mythmaking and historical accuracy.

6. The Attorney General: A Champion for Justice and a Thorn in LBJ's Side

In the end he could become this nation’s high priest of reconciliation precisely because he had once been the keeper of our darkest secrets.

Championing Justice. As Attorney General, Bobby Kennedy waged war on organized crime, battled corruption, and championed civil rights, leaving an indelible mark on American society. His tenure was defined by a relentless pursuit of justice, often pushing the boundaries of legal and political norms.

Conflict with LBJ. Bobby's relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson was fraught with tension, stemming from their differing personalities, political ambitions, and the shadow of John F. Kennedy's legacy. This conflict would shape the course of American politics for years to come.

A Complex Legacy. Bobby's time as Attorney General was marked by both triumphs and controversies, reflecting the complexities of his character and the turbulent times in which he lived. His legacy remains a subject of debate, with some praising his commitment to justice and others criticizing his methods.

7. A Senatorial Awakening: Poverty, War, and the Search for a Newer World

Half Che Guevara, half Niccolò Machiavelli, Bobby was a shaker-upper dedicated to the art of the possible.

Finding His Voice. As a senator from New York, Bobby Kennedy found his own political voice, independent of his brother's legacy. He focused on issues of poverty, inequality, and the Vietnam War, connecting with marginalized communities and challenging the status quo.

A Moral Compass. Bobby's experiences as a senator transformed him, deepening his empathy and strengthening his commitment to social justice. He became a powerful advocate for the dispossessed, challenging the conscience of a nation grappling with profound social and political divisions.

A New Vision. Bobby Kennedy's senatorial career marked a shift from cold warrior to compassionate liberal, offering a new vision for America that resonated with a generation yearning for change. This transformation set the stage for his final, fateful campaign.

8. 1968: A Campaign Cut Short, a Legacy Unfinished

That he could change so substantially and convincingly over the course of his brief public life helped restore a changing America’s faith in redemption.

A Nation in Turmoil. The year 1968 was a time of immense social and political upheaval, marked by the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and widespread social unrest. Bobby Kennedy emerged as a beacon of hope in this turbulent landscape.

A Campaign of Conciliation. Bobby's 1968 presidential campaign was a bold attempt to bridge the divides that fractured American society. He sought to unite black and white, rich and poor, young and old, offering a message of reconciliation and hope.

An Unfinished Legacy. Bobby Kennedy's assassination cut short his campaign and left a void in American politics that has never been filled. His legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders who strive to create a more just and equitable world.

Last updated: April 11, 2025