Campaign '68 2: Long odds
Oct 2, 2018
The Democratic race heats up as Robert F. Kennedy joins the fray during a turbulent time. Lyndon Johnson’s departure sparks hope among anti-war activists and shifts the political landscape. The assassinations of key figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and RFK cast a long shadow, causing deep societal rifts. Tensions rise at the chaotic Chicago Convention, filled with protests and fierce divisions within the party, setting the stage for a contentious election. Amidst this turmoil, the search for unity and healing becomes urgent.
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Kennedy Enters With Personal Duty
- Robert F. Kennedy announced his presidential bid on March 16 and framed it as a duty to rescue the country from a perilous course.
- He emphasized new policy and personal obligation rooted in his prior role as Attorney General.
LBJ's Exit Changed The Race
- Lyndon Johnson's withdrawal and bombing halt undercut Kennedy's two main campaign themes: an unpopular war and an unpopular president.
- The sudden policy shift reshaped the Democratic contest and Kennedy's strategy.
Campaign Pivot To Economic Justice
- Kennedy pivoted to poverty, hunger, and Native American issues as Vietnam cooled and campaigned in Indiana.
- He arrived in Indianapolis on April 4 to speak amid breaking news about Martin Luther King Jr.'s shooting.
