Challenges in the Life of Robert F. Kennedy in a Detailed Timeline
Life is full of challenges, and Robert F. Kennedy faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a prominent American politician and lawyer, serving as the 64th U.S. Attorney General (1961-1964) and a U.S. Senator from New York (1965-1968). A leading figure in the Democratic Party and an icon of modern American liberalism, he was assassinated in June 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Like his brothers John and Ted, RFK was a significant force in American politics.
January 1954: Professional and Personal Nadir
The period of July 1953 to January 1954 saw Robert Kennedy at "a professional and personal nadir", feeling that he was adrift while trying to prove himself to his family.
1957: Chief Counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee
In 1957, Robert Kennedy became the chief counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee, where he gained national attention for challenging Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa.
1960: Response to Anti-Catholicism During JFK's Campaign
In 1960, Robert F. Kennedy was deeply shaken by the anti-Catholicism he encountered during his brother's presidential campaign, particularly among Protestant intellectuals and journalists. He equated anti-Catholicism to the anti-semitism of intellectuals.
September 1962: Enforcement of integration at University of Mississippi
In September 1962, Kennedy sent federal forces to the University of Mississippi to enforce a court order allowing James Meredith's admission, leading to the Ole Miss riot.
November 22, 1963: Assassination of President Kennedy
On November 22, 1963, Robert Kennedy was informed by J. Edgar Hoover of his brother's assassination. He then instructed McGeorge Bundy to secure the president's files and asked CIA director John McCone about any CIA involvement.
April 1964: Gallup Poll on Vice-Presidential Choice
In April 1964, a Gallup poll indicated that Robert Kennedy was the preferred vice-presidential choice among 47 percent of Democratic voters, but Lyndon Johnson ultimately chose a different running mate due to their strained relationship.
June 1964: Offer to be Ambassador to South Vietnam
In June 1964, Robert Kennedy offered to succeed Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. as U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam, but President Johnson rejected the idea. He also considered leaving politics after his brother Ted's plane crash but decided to remain after a trip to Europe.
July 1964: Johnson's Statement on Running Mates
In July 1964, President Johnson issued a statement ruling out his current cabinet members, including Robert Kennedy, as potential running mates, leading to disappointment and criticism.
1964: Ran for U.S. Senate from New York
In 1964, Robert Kennedy ran for the U.S. Senate from New York, overcoming criticism and winning the election, continuing his political career after his brother's assassination.
February 1965: Kennedy Bothered by Bombing of North Vietnam
In February 1965, Kennedy was bothered by the beginning of the bombing of North Vietnam, but did not want to appear antagonistic toward President Johnson's agenda.
April 1966: Meeting with Philip Heymann on Vietnam POWs
In April 1966, Robert F. Kennedy met with Philip Heymann of the State Department to discuss securing the release of American prisoners of war in Vietnam, pressing the Johnson administration to take further action. However, Heymann emphasized that the administration prioritized the "consequences of sitting down with the Viet Cong" over the fate of the prisoners.
1966: Kennedy Takes More Direct Legislative Action
In 1966, Kennedy took more direct legislative action, but faced increasing resistance from the Johnson administration, despite supporting the "Great Society" program through his voting record.
September 1967: Semple Reports on Johnson Administration's Attack on Kennedy's Proposal
In September 1967, Robert B. Semple Jr. reported that the Johnson administration was preparing "a concerted attack" on Robert F. Kennedy's proposal to build more low-cost housing in slums through private enterprise.
1967: Kennedy Faces Resistance from Johnson Administration
In 1967, Kennedy's direct legislative actions faced increasing resistance from the Johnson administration, despite his general support for the "Great Society" program.
1967: Travels to Europe and outlines plan to end the Vietnam war.
In early 1967, Robert Kennedy traveled to Europe for discussions with leaders and diplomats regarding the Vietnam War. Later, on March 2, 1967, he outlined a three-point plan to end the war, including suspending U.S. bombing of North Vietnam and the withdrawal of American and North Vietnamese soldiers from South Vietnam. On November 26, 1967, he contrasted the Johnson administration's policies on the war with his brother's.
February 8, 1968: Kennedy Critiques Saigon "Government Corruption"
On February 8, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered an address in Chicago, criticizing "government corruption" in Saigon and disagreeing with the Johnson administration's view that the war would determine the future of Asia.
1968: Decision to run for president
In 1968, Robert F. Kennedy initially declined to run for president, citing the unrealistic challenge of running against an incumbent. However, after the Tet Offensive and influenced by a letter from Pete Hamill and the Kerner Commission report, Kennedy reconsidered, believing Johnson was not addressing racial unrest. This eventually led to him entering the presidential race in 1968.
1968: Kennedy decides to challenge Johnson for the presidency
In 1968, Robert Kennedy visited Cesar Chavez in Delano, California, and decided to challenge Johnson for the presidency. He asked Eugene McCarthy to drop out of the race, while Ted Kennedy advised him to wait until 1972.
