Ward argues that in part Kennedy was driven by the cost and state of health care in America in the 1970s. Further, the author contemplates how Kennedy’s challenge impacted the two men on a personal level. Ward explores why Kennedy challenged Carter’s re-nomination, and what impact that challenge had for American political history. Ward raises important questions that effected the course of the Democratic Party after the 1980 election that elevated Ronald Reagan to the presidency, as well as the country at large. The scope of Ward’s narrative encompasses the politics of the south that Carter emerged from, in addition to the Kennedy legacy that Senator Kennedy had to cope with his entire career. Ward’s book is in large part a dual biography of President Carter and Senator Kennedy tracing their personal roots from their upbringing, their political careers, as well as their distaste for each other. (The Kennedy brothers…the legacy Ted Kennedy had to cope with) One could also make a similar argument as the more establishment wing of the Republican Party appears to be growing tired of threats, government shut downs, “wall” politics for the base, that even President Trump might be challenged during the primary season for his parties’ nomination. Jon Ward’s new book, CAMELOT’S END: KENNEDY VERSUS CARTER AND THE FIGHT THAT BROKE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY successfully takes up the task and provides numerous insights into the politics of seeking the presidency considering today’s budding Democratic Party fissures. Kennedy’s response went along way in destroying his candidacy as his rambling response lacked coherence, and in no way answered the question, leaving the American electorate in the dark as to why he was running.Īt a time when the Democratic Party seems split between its progressive and moderate wings it would be a useful exercise to examine a similar split that played out during 1980 election campaign. For me, it brings back memories of watching a 60 Minutes program in 1980 where Roger Mudd interviewed Ted Kennedy and asked him why he was challenging President Carter for their parties’ nomination.
Talking heads on cable news programs ask each candidate why they are running and what sets them apart from the competition. It seems that each day another Democrat announces their candidacy, and President Trump does what President Trump does. Today we find ourselves at the beginning of the 2020 presidential campaign even though the Iowa caucuses are eleven months away. (Former President Jimmy Carter and Senator Ted Kennedy)
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