Has the Kennedy myth run its course?
The last time the Kennedys were invoked in a presidential election was the famous exchange in the election of Bush senior when Dan Quayle compared himself to John Kennedy and Lloyd Bentsen said, “You are no John Kennedy.”
Kennedy seems to be conspicuous by his absence from mention in the Obama campaign, though there are obvious similarities – two charismatic young polical reformers. Obama’s call for everyone to get involved in recovery sounds a lot like Kennedy’s “Ask not what you can do for your country” statement.
I don’t know if the latest generation of Kennedys has anyone in office. If it does, they are not very prominent. Then there is the embarrassing political foray of Caroline Kennedy.
It would seem the tragic Kennedy story is coming to a close.
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That should have been, “Ask not what your country can do for you.”
It should also have been “Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy”
Patrick Kennedy
In my view, the Kennedy name will always be involved in politics. As for the myth, what myth?
Specifically the Camelot myth that somehow became connected to John Kennedy. Most of those here are probably too young to remember it. There is not anything else that is comparable. There even was (still is?) a Jack and Bobby television show. The Kennedy image is that of America at its very peak and it makes me a little sad to see what has happened since.
don’t count the Kennedy’s out… Ted Kennedy is a powerful senator.
Bobby Kennedy, Jr. is very active in politics and supports environmental policies.
Joe Kennedy is famous for the ‘oil for the poor’ program.
All 5 of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s children are active in politics.
I’ve been thinking this myself. I don’t think of Caroline Kennedy actually considering herself as a candidate for Hillary’s seat, but actually being put forth as a candidate, and feeling as if there were family duty to seek it. She struck me as somewhat relieved that it wasn’t to be. Politics are perhaps the Kennedy “family business,” and public service seen as a family duty. I think the era though, is over. Certainly the mystique is becoming more about the tragedy that surrounds the family than actual accomplishments.
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