Robert Francis Kennedy, also known as RFK, was a prominent American politician, lawyer, and a driving force in modern liberal politics. He served as the 64th U.S. Attorney General and later became a Senator from New York. Born into the influential Kennedy family, RFK’s legacy spans civil rights, the fight against organized crime, and a tragically brief yet impactful presidential campaign.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts, Robert F. Kennedy was the seventh child in a family that would define 20th-century American politics. His parents, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, instilled in him a sense of public service and political ambition. As a child, Robert felt overshadowed by his older siblings, especially his brother John F. Kennedy, who would later become president.
Robert’s education took him to various prestigious institutions. After attending Milton Academy, he joined Harvard University, where he pursued political science. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Virginia Law School. These academic achievements paved the way for his later roles in law and government.
Political Beginnings and Early Career
RFK’s entry into politics began with his involvement in his brother John’s 1952 Senate campaign, where he demonstrated both dedication and political savvy. This experience was crucial as it introduced him to the inner workings of campaigns and the importance of strategic planning. In 1953,
he served as assistant counsel on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, a role that positioned him alongside controversial figures like Senator Joseph McCarthy. Although Kennedy left after only a few months due to McCarthy’s aggressive methods, his time on the committee had lasting effects.
In the years that followed, Kennedy took a more prominent role, becoming chief counsel of the Senate Rackets Committee. From 1957 to 1959, he investigated corruption in organized labor, particularly within the Teamsters Union, leading to a famous confrontation with Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa. This intense focus on organized crime established Kennedy as a tenacious advocate for justice, cementing his reputation as a relentless investigator.
Becoming Attorney General and Civil Rights Advocate
After his brother John was elected president in 1960, Robert was appointed U.S. Attorney General at just 35, one of the youngest ever to hold this position. This role saw him as both a close advisor to President Kennedy and a major figure in advancing the administration’s agenda. Kennedy used his position to address two major issues of the time: civil rights and organized crime.
RFK’s commitment to civil rights was instrumental during the 1960s. He championed efforts to combat racial discrimination, deploying federal marshals to protect Freedom Riders and supporting integration initiatives across the South. While this approach was often met with resistance, his efforts played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights.
The Cuban Missile Crisis and Foreign Policy Influence
Kennedy’s influence extended beyond domestic issues. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was an essential advisor to his brother, helping navigate this tense period in U.S.-Soviet relations. Later, he recounted these events in his book, Thirteen Days, providing a firsthand perspective on the crisis.
As Attorney General, Kennedy also took controversial steps, such as authorizing the FBI to monitor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. These decisions remain subjects of debate but underscore the complexities of RFK’s role in balancing security concerns with civil liberties.
A New York Senator Committed to Social Justice
Following his brother’s assassination in 1963, Kennedy continued his political career. He left the Attorney General’s office in 1964 and won a Senate seat in New York, where he worked on issues of poverty, social justice, and foreign policy. He was vocal against U.S. involvement in Vietnam and supported initiatives to help impoverished communities, notably the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Project.
Kennedy’s Senate tenure was marked by his dedication to addressing inequality and advocating for marginalized groups. He fostered connections with prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez, demonstrating his commitment to human rights and social reform.
The 1968 Presidential Campaign and Tragic Assassination
In 1968, Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, appealing to a broad coalition of African American, Hispanic, Catholic, and working-class voters. He emphasized social justice, opposition to the Vietnam War, and hope for the future, resonating with many who felt disillusioned with the political status quo.
On June 5, 1968, after winning the California primary, Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian national allegedly motivated by RFK’s support for Israel. This tragedy marked a somber moment in American history, ending the life of a man many believed would carry forward his brother’s legacy.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
RFK’s life remains an enduring symbol of hope, social reform, and dedication to justice. His work as a civil rights advocate, his relentless fight against corruption, and his dedication to the poor and oppressed continue to inspire Americans. His legacy is remembered through the continued influence of his policies, his powerful speeches, and the Kennedy family’s ongoing contributions to public service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What were Robert F. Kennedy’s key achievements as Attorney General?
RFK’s achievements include advancing the civil rights movement, combatting organized crime, and playing a key role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. His actions as Attorney General had lasting impacts on U.S. law enforcement and civil rights.
2. How did RFK’s Senate career shape his legacy?
As a Senator, RFK focused on poverty, social justice, and opposition to the Vietnam War. His advocacy for disadvantaged communities made him a champion for human rights, influencing policy changes that benefited low-income and marginalized populations.
3. Why is Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign significant?
Kennedy’s 1968 campaign brought hope to many Americans disillusioned by social issues and the Vietnam War. His platform of social justice and equality appealed to a diverse voter base, making his candidacy one of the most impactful in U.S. history.
4. What led to Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination?
RFK was assassinated on June 5, 1968, by Sirhan Sirhan, reportedly due to Kennedy’s support for Israel after the 1967 Six-Day War. His death shocked the nation, ending a promising campaign and leaving a lasting impact on American politics.
5. How does RFK’s legacy compare to that of his brother, John F. Kennedy?
While both brothers championed progressive ideals, RFK’s legacy is more focused on civil rights, social justice, and direct advocacy for marginalized groups. His work had a unique emphasis on human rights, setting him apart as a more vocal advocate for social reform.
Kennedy’s contributions remain a touchstone for those who champion equality, justice, and integrity in public service. His enduring legacy reflects the ideals of a generation yearning for progress and fairness in America.