Robert Kennedy and His Times Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapters 39-41: The Journey Begins; The Long Day Wanes; To Sail Beyond...the Western Stars, Until I Die Summary

Chapters 39-41: The Journey Begins; The Long Day Wanes; To Sail Beyond...the Western Stars, Until I Die Summary and Analysis

There came almost a free-for-all for the Democratic nomination, once Johnson made his intentions public. Of Course, Hubert Humphrey joined the race—as sitting Vice-President, he was "entitled." Both Kennedy and Humphrey were too late for the early primaries, but quickly entered those that were remaining. McCarthy supporters were particularly angry with Kennedy who they saw as an opportunist, allowing McCarthy to "test the waters" and then jumping in. His enemies came out in full force, and they were numerous—big business, labor leaders, Southern conservatives, angry blacks who felt he had spoken well but had not delivered, and, of course, Republicans and traditional Democrats. He entered the campaign perhaps the most hated candidate of the top three, and the job of winning voters would be daunting.

Aside from the war, the issues were equal opportunity and justice for the disadvantaged. Kennedy had no...
(read more)