He was the guy who had to say “no” when “no” needed saying.Īnd it worked, but barely. Doing so also required internal sacrifices: by design, Bobby became the “bad guy” to preserve the good-natured reputation that Jack had cultivated. was killed in a plane crash, after Jack fell ill and received last rites multiple times, and after Bobby had learned to “handle” his father, he proved his loyalty once again by giving up a growing career to work to put Jack into office.

At private schools-and he attended several of them over the years-Bobby was known as a trustworthy guy. “He wasn’t clever or bookish like Jack,” says Matthews, and he wasn’t as “well-rounded” as was Joe, Jr., but what Bobby lacked in charm and smoothness, he made up in morals and steadfastness. Being ignored by his father colored Bobby’s life forever.Įven so, he adored his brothers, Jack and Joe, Jr., and he always wanted to be with them. Kennedy was his parents’ third son, but he was preceded by several sisters and overshadowed by his big brothers, who were clearly Joseph Kennedy’s favorites. Known by his mother as a “vulnerable,” devout, compassionate boy, Robert Kennedy grew up with a handicap: his father’s disdain and dismissal. “What Happened” by Hillary Rodham Clinton Or sometimes, as in the new book “ Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit” by Chris Matthews, you may have been born to it. Sometimes, your plans are weaker than your duty. Sometimes, fate just steps in and changes things.

That’s your excuse for trying to get out of doing something you don’t want to do, but good luck with that. “Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit” by Chris MatthewsĬ.2017, Simon & Schuster $28.99 / $38.99 Canada 397 pages

A raging spirit