Ted
Kennedy
BackGround
Edward Kennedy, better known as Ted Kennedy was the youngest child of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Kennedy, and the longest living of all their sons. In trend with the other Kennedy sons discuss, Ted was often compared to those who came before him, immediately putting him at a disadvantage compared to their accomplishments. In addition, he also moved between boarding schools, even more so than Robert, and similarly had mediocre grades. Yet again, this did not stop him from getting admitted to Harvard University as a legacy after service with the United States Army, acting as an honor guard in France. Due to a cheating scandal and low grades he did not get into Harvard Law, but instead went with the same choice as Robert, University of Virginia Law School, which hesitantly accepted him. Here, his influence came not from high grades, but instead from utilizing his family connections to bring guest speakers and be elected to positions in school groups.
After graduating, Kennedy found himself helping John with the election, as he traveled in the western United States, honing his skills in door-to-door
campaigning. Soon after came his own bid for senate, a position he did not really desire, but did so to appease his family members. Similar to JFK’s first time as representative, the opportunity came through another family member’s influence. Now president John asked a favor of the Massachusetts governor to put a family friend in the seat until Ted was of age to run. In that election, Ted ran against Edward McCormack who viciously attacked him on the grounds that he only was there because of his family and his expulsion from Harvard. Kennedy was, however, noted to be a very successful campaigner to the common people and a brilliant public speaker, presenting himself well. Between this and the backing he had from his now politically strong brothers, he won the election.
Recovery
After the assassinations of his brothers, and more family deaths, Kennedy continued his work in the senate. Although littered with controversies regarding his character, he was noted as being a prime example of the democratic party, spearheading progressive legislation. As the new patriarch of the family, he was now the source of future generation’s continuation of power up until his recent death in 2009.