Robert F. Kennedy A Life of Compassion, Justice, and Unfinished Dreams
RFK Jr’s Dad, Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy (RFK), the seventh child of the Kennedy family, emerged as one of the most passionate and transformational leaders of the 20th century. A man of fierce loyalty and moral conviction, RFK’s life was marked by service to his family, his country, and humanity at large.
He played a key role in shaping modern American politics, notably during his brother John F. Kennedy’s presidency and in his own campaign for the presidency in 1968, before his life was tragically cut short. His legacy as a fighter for justice, equality, and the disenfranchised continues to inspire.
Early Life and Family
Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts, the third son of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Known as "Bobby" to his family and close friends, RFK grew up in the famously competitive Kennedy household, where his father emphasized public service and personal achievement. RFK’s early years were shaped by his intense loyalty to his family, especially to his older brother, John, with whom he came to share a particularly close bond.
Bobby was smaller and more introverted than his brothers, and he often felt overshadowed by his siblings. His older brother, Joseph Jr., was the golden child destined for politics, while John (JFK) had charisma and intellect. As a boy, RFK was seen as the shy, contemplative one, but he was determined to prove his worth. “I was the seventh of nine children,” RFK would later recall. “When you come from that far down, you have to struggle to survive.”
Education and Early Career
After attending various prep schools, RFK entered Harvard in 1944. However, like many in his generation, he interrupted his education to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Harvard and graduated in 1948 with a degree in government. He then attended the University of Virginia School of Law, graduating in 1951.
The Kennedys were deeply affected by the tragedies of World War II, particularly the death of (older brother)Joe Jr. in 1944. RFK idolized his older brother, and his death created a shift in the family’s dynamics, placing greater expectations on John and, later, Bobby.
Early in his career, RFK worked for a private law firm, but public service quickly drew him back (in-?). In 1951, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice as an attorney. His early exposure to government and the justice system shaped his belief that public service was the highest calling. By this point, he had already married Ethel Skakel, a lively, extroverted woman from a prominent Catholic family. Together, they would have eleven children, forming a large and active family life despite the pressures of political life.
“What I seek to impart to my students is the same thing i try to teach my own kids-to instill them with noble thoughts. Which is, I think, the principal objective of parenthood, to make them feel like they can be heroes. And that the object of life is to transcend narrow self-interest, and to spend your resources on behalf of the community. That’s the key to personal happiness and fulfillment. You work as hard as you can for the right thing, and then let God be in charge of the results.
- RFK Jr. In a talk with author Dick Russel in a 2002 visit, as quoted on page 189-190 of The Real RFK Jr. by Dick Russel
Role in JFK’s Political Rise and the Cuban Missile Crisis
RFK’s loyalty to his family was most evident in his work on John F. Kennedy’s political campaigns. He was instrumental in JFK’s successful Senate run in 1952 and played a critical role in his brother’s presidential campaign in 1960. As JFK’s campaign manager, RFK helped navigate the complexities of the election, organizing on-the-ground efforts and shoring up crucial support in key states. His organizational skills and tireless energy were vital to JFK’s victory over Richard Nixon.
When JFK became president, he appointed RFK as his Attorney General, a move criticized by some as nepotism, but RFK quickly proved his capability. In this role, RFK worked closely with his brother, becoming one of the president’s most trusted advisors. Their relationship was unusually close for two figures of such prominence in American politics. RFK was often referred to as JFK’s “ruthless” enforcer, a label he disliked but one that stuck due to his tenacious pursuit of justice.
One of RFK’s most crucial contributions came during the **Cuban Missile Crisis** in October 1962. As tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union escalated over the presence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, the world teetered on the edge of nuclear war. RFK played a pivotal role in guiding JFK through the crisis. Behind the scenes, RFK advocated for a diplomatic solution while preparing for the worst-case scenario. In one of the key moments, he negotiated a secret agreement with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin, leading to a peaceful resolution—Soviet missiles were withdrawn from Cuba, and the U.S. quietly removed its missiles from Turkey.
RFK later reflected on the lessons of the crisis, saying, “It is insane that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, should be able to decide to bring an end to civilization.”
Champion of Civil Rights
As Attorney General, RFK became a passionate advocate for the Civil Rights Movement, despite initially being hesitant to intervene in the South. His transformation into a civil rights champion came after witnessing the violence and injustice faced by Black Americans, particularly during events like the Freedom Rides and the violent backlash against civil rights activists in the South. He worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., eventually pushing his brother’s administration to introduce sweeping civil rights legislation.
RFK’s relationship with King was complex. King, at times, expressed frustration with the Kennedy administration’s slow pace on civil rights, but RFK’s personal commitment to the cause grew. In one notable incident in 1961, RFK was instrumental in securing King’s release from prison after his arrest during a protest in Georgia, a move that helped solidify Black support for the Kennedy administration.
In his own words, RFK remarked, “The problem of racial discrimination is a moral issue... We have to act. We cannot sit back and wait any longer.”