June 4, 2008
RFK and Barack Obama (Ronald Goldfarb)
As the public remembers the political phenomenon that was RFK, stricken at this time of the political season 40 years ago, comparisons are being made between him and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.). I worked for RFK in the Department of Justice, and on his political campaigns, and I support Sen. Obama now. I sense a similarity in the public’s response to both men’s political quests, and wonder why.
The two young men (both in their 40s) came from totally different backgrounds; yet they appeal to similar groups. One came from a vastly rich family and had sophisticated political experiences early on; the other came from a poor, broken, mixed-race family and had no powerful connections. Sen. Obama is the smartest guy in the room, and had an outstanding academic career; RFK was no intellectual.
RFK moved from the right to the left politically; Barack Obama from the left toward the center. When I worked at Justice for Attorney General Kennedy, my liberal friends constantly criticized him (and me for my associations with him). When he moved to New York City to run for the Senate, and I joined him as a speechwriter, my friends in Manhattan were for Keating, his opponent. I have a note from RFK chiding me, “Every time I see television, you are defending me.” RFK cut his political teeth as a Washington-based racket-buster; Barack Obama cut his as a community organizer in Chicago. RFK had to win over liberals and intellectuals; Sen. Obama has to win over poorer, less-educated voters.
Yet their similarities are notable. Both candidates impatiently jumped over veteran politicians to run risky campaigns for the presidency, seeing their time as right. Both opposed an unpopular war — Barack Obama early, RFK hesitantly. Both appealed across racial lines, uniquely; but RFK also appealed to Hispanics who remembered his touching meetings with Caesar Chavez, the iconic farm-worker leader, while Sen. Obama has not captured their vote, so far. RFK was Catholic, of course; and Sen. Obama is having trouble connecting with Catholics. RFK played rugged touch football; Sen. Obama prefers basketball.
Why, then, the comparisons? Both ran at times of deep and widespread public cynicism about politics, attempting to tap into a common civic pride and purpose. Young people flocked to both men, sensing something unique and compelling. Both raised the hope of a racial coming-together, suggesting the end of our country’s historic civil war. Both appealed to the media, which saw them as phenomenal stars who draw huge, passionate crowds. They uniquely possessed the required alchemy for their times.
The two politicians’ biographical stories could not be more different. Yet, as we mourn the loss of one, we hope this other will pick up the possibility that was lost four decades ago.
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Obama moved from the left to the center? The center of what? Obama is the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate and your statement is laughable. There isn't a presidential candidate in the last 40 years who hasn't run at a time of deep cynicism. Guess what makes them cynical? Lying politicians for one. Barack Obama fits right in there. He's spreading cynicism with remarks like this:
And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — June 4, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Let's all remember that Rosencrats voted twice for Dumbya. That makes Rosie a sucker. Need we say anymore?
Comment by Lester — June 4, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Mr. Goldfarb, Thank you for bringing up Sen Robert F. Kennedy. You can see I am a Kennedy and Clinton fan from my name. It is nice to see you write about RFK with such truth and respect. America knew and respected he and his family well, and will forever appreciate the legacy. I agree RFK brought a "racial coming together". However, I must differ with you on Obama bringing a "racial coming together". Up until the exposure of his religious association w/ Rev. Wright, I may have 'bought' the comparison on your point. You see, up until the vile words that uttered from Rev Wright's mouth time and time again, and learning Obama sat passively and took the words in along with a lot of Political support from The Trinity Church, Senator Obama WAS also on my short list of choices for President. I am sorry, after learning for the first time in my life how hateful those folks are towards "White-America", I would never again consider Obama to run any office in the Land. RFK would never have sat for 5-minutes in the presence of people who preached racial hate to men, women and children, just trying to say their prayers on Sunday. The brain-washing I have learned about only furthers the separation of the races. As a tax-payer knowing my money goes to heal, feed and educate minorities, and a person who is kind to people of all races, I am deeply hurt that this takes place in this milleneum. We might as well be back in the dark ages again. I respect freedom of religion but this kind of preaching is a travisty.
I want to mention the following because it also reflects RFK, but in a much different citing. I recently read it on The Hill site, by Armstrong Williams on 5-28-08. It was a horrible rant tearing down Hillary Clinton when she mis-phrased an explaination of why she will continue her campaign into June. She was historically comparing her husband Bill, and RFK's Presidential campaigns running long into June as well as her own campaign. She used an unfortunate word the last time she explained her defence of remaining in the race. Well, Armstrong William's took full advantage of using our good leader RFK to rip Mrs. Clinton apart in a way I have never seen before from anyone, any opponent, including any blogger, and certainly not from an lucky, educated, successful, public personality. Please read it, and tell me, where does that level of true hate come from? I warn you it is a dark and disturbling read.
Mrs. Clinton has never been disrespectful to anyone in all the years I have seen her. I followed her incredible career, read her works, and listened to her, and having had the priviledge of learning more about her through people she has personllly helped.
This vile has to stop! If a man like Williams can't see the light, a guy who took every advantage generously given to him, accepting so many opportunities from politicians, Republican or Democrat alike, who equally want unity as well… How can we ever expect other Black people to elevate themselves from the prison of hate-rhetoric dished to them by people like these? How can they merge with pure and open heart and love with White America to create One-America??
I hope The Hill thinks about how William's words advances anyone or anything. He should write an apology and atone.
Comment by JFK-HRC — June 4, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Ron;
Good post.
RR;
Shut the f*ck up.
Comment by Mike Coleman — June 4, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Yes, I was just about to comment on the "left of center" remark which I found to be out of this world and then saw Robert's comment. In what universe is he close to the center? He advocates NOTHING but the policies advocated by the sixties radicals: increased government control of the economy, high taxes, universal health care, dramatic reduction of military spending and unilateral disarmament, withdrawing from the war regardless of consequences and quickly. He is also for complete and immediate legalization of the illegal immigrants. What is his one center position? Lack of advocacy for a violent revolution? Why even say something like this? I just found this statement so amazing for ANYBODY, even for someone who likes left-of-center position because it's so outrageous.
Young people like him? That's true. Young people obviously have little life experience, and given the poor state of American public education believe that Obama's "ideas" are new and have never been tried before. On top of it, the complete domination of the schools and universities by extremely liberal teachers produces unquestioning acceptance of every "let's help the people by using the Government" proposition and every "danger" popular with liberals, like global warming or "lack of diplomacy".
Obama is a clever politician who yesterday advocated this proposition: "You can't attack me for anything that is likely to hurt me, because that's divisive, but I will attack you for anything I want because no matter what you do it's not good enough". But as far as political ideas are concerned THERE IS NOTHING NEW HE OFFERS. If there is, someone please cite it.
Comment by Igor R. — June 4, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
I just saw the "great" contributions of Lester and Mike. Marvel at the quality of reasoning displayed by these typical Obama supporters and give some thought as to whether you want to be voting for whoever they find appealing.
Comment by Igor R. — June 4, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Yes, if you disagree with Obamabots, why, they will crush you. Remember what Stalin stated, “Ideas are far more powerful than guns. We don't allow our enemies to have guns, why should we allow them to have ideas?" It's fairly disgusting to have to listen to others, and liberals claim that as a mandate and call it diversity. Just say something they find unappealing and out come the insults and the jackboots.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — June 4, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Lester: I always thought if you voted for the losing horse, you were the sucker.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — June 4, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Igor;
What is that you wish to debate? After reading some the tripe that RR has posted over the past couple of days and some things that you have posted, I found that I wanted to be brief, ergo what I said. You got a problem with that? Also say it loud and say it proud — President Barack Hussein Obama. Cheers!
Comment by Mike Coleman — June 4, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
Wow! I see that Rosencrans is making progress; for once he quoted Obama's words rather than thinking that his warped paraphrase was saying the same thing!
Now if we can get Igor to follow suit, that will be amazing.
Igor, your worse than Rosencrans; at least he didn't put quotes around his so-called paraphrases.
You are just plain lying to imply that you are quoting Obama in your post. But then we know that you are not the sharpest tool in the belt.
Were you ever taught what quotes mean in a sentence?
Comment by smilinjack — June 4, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
I'm not surprised that smilinjack is bitter, since he's endorsing a bitter candidate. Will smilinjack turn to guns or religion? Only time will tell.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — June 4, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
Mike, I don't want to debate anything, it's just that "Shut the f*ck up" is a bit short on substance and a bit too rude as a response to a political opinion that didn't have any expletives.
Comment by Igor R. — June 4, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
No smilinjack, I never learned about what quotes mean in a sentence because I wasn't educated in this country. But as a "deep cover terrorist" "maybe" "you" "can" "figure" "out" "that" this "was" not a real "Obama" "quote". I guess it all depends on the meaning of the word "can".
Comment by Igor R. — June 4, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
I hope Obama isn't stupid enough to listen to you regarding taxing Iraq when we are simutaneously stealing their oil.
Comment by Gary Anderson — June 4, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
Some food for thought. If Sirhan Sirhan could vote from prison, would he go for Obama or McCain? How about OJ? It's brother Obama in '08 for Sirhan and for OJ, no doubts about it! Now, think about it and don't forget to vote!
Comment by Misha — June 5, 2008 @ 2:36 am
Mr. Goldbard, It's great to read someone who knows our American History and keeps up with current affairs to make such parallels. Biblical Moses and his people had to wait 40 years before they were allowed into the Promiseland. After losing JFK, RFK, & MLK, I feel our last 40 years were spent wandering & totally lost just like Moses and his people. Maybe, this time we will have faith to know the real deal when we see it & give hope a chance. It starts with understanding those famous words, "…Ask what you can do for your country" then we can fulfil the promise of JFK, RFK, & MLK.
Comment by Marie — June 5, 2008 @ 3:18 am
Igor #12;
What part of it didn't you get. I find that brevity works very well sometimes.
Comment by Mike Coleman — June 5, 2008 @ 10:29 am
Misha #15;
Damn Girl, you went there! Mad at black men much? Some brother did you wrong? Whatsup Girl friend?
Comment by Mike Coleman — June 5, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Mike Coleman, keep working on your "brevity". In a few short years, you'd transition to a "hunter/gatherer" state and won't need verbal skills to survive. Practice with a boomerang and a spear in your free time. Alternatively, if your guy gets to a White House and pushes reparations to his inspired, but otherwise worthless supporters through friendly Congress, you'd be set for life.
Comment by Misha — June 5, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Mike, just go grunt for a while. That "shut the f*ck up" was a brilliant contribution.
Comment by Igor R. — June 5, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Mike Coleman, #19; I don't deal with "brothers", so I wouldn't know. However, I noticed the awe-inspiring eloquence of many Obama supporters such as yourself and your twin Lester in expressing their mood, ideas and of course desire for change. Since the media is saying that Barack gets his support from the educated Democratic voters, I dread to see how uneducated voters express themselves.
Comment by Misha — June 5, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Ahmadinejad Tells Japan to ‘Prepare for a World Without the U.S.’
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,363498,00.html
I think Messiah needs to talk to this intellectual quickly, without ANY precondition to convince him that the US will be around.
Comment by Igor R. — June 5, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
Yes, it's important for Republicans to keep Barack's friend Ahmadinejad in the news daily to show what a disaster Obama's Presidency would be. Obama is a dark horse and needs to be defined appropriately for voting public.
Comment by Misha — June 5, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
Misha, you really should go back to the doctor to ge that prescription filled again as it is so obvious you're off your meds. Furthermore, it seems Misha is mainlining goofballs. Misha, son, try and take a deep breath and say "Om", that may help stabalize your brain chemistry until mediciad renews the prozac perscription. You could always practice saying aloud, "President Barak Obama"
Comment by DavidinCT — June 5, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
DavidinCT, you are a typical Obama supporter that belongs to Marxist left-wing crowd willing to put people who disagree with them politically in a mental institution once you get the power to do so. That may have worked in Cuba, Venezuela and Communist Russia where there was no Second Amendment that protected the First. Just remember this for your own good and don't tell me what I should and should not practice to say, punk…
P.S. For those independent voters, this is what you'd get if you elect Obama.
Comment by Misha — June 5, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
That's right, back in the Soviet Union they invented mental disorders for those who disagreed. David in CT, how about you stand in front of the mirror and practice saying "I'm a cult member. My cult leader is perfect. Those who criticize him are evil and must be put down at all costs. That's change we can believe in."
Comment by Igor R. — June 5, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
Proof that the Democratic Party has gone insane:
“Well, the purpose of the surge was to provide a secure space, a time for the political change to occur to accomplish the reconciliation. That didn’t happen. Whatever the military success, and progress that may have been made, the surge didn’t accomplish its goal. And some of the success of the surge is that the goodwill of the Iranians-they decided in Basra when the fighting would end, they negotiated that cessation of hostilities-the Iranians.” – Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, in the San Francisco Chronicle, 28 May 08
"It is the policy of the Iranian government, approved at the highest levels of that government, to facilitate the killing of American and other coalition forces in Iraq. Period," – CIA Director Michael V. Hayden, Washington Post, May 30, 2008
Comment by Igor R. — June 5, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Even ABC calls the lying Messiah on his pandering:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=4999088&page=1
Comment by Igor R. — June 5, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Messiah backtracking on Jerusalem. How come his "misstatements" always favor the group he is speaking to?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1212659672984
Comment by Igor R. — June 5, 2008 @ 9:50 pm