Reflections on Leadership Through the Lens of Bobby Kennedy

President Trump has taken actions that many interpret as stepping outside legal boundaries, leading to what critics label a political show trial. His decisions seem to be eroding freedoms, particularly affecting Spanish-speaking citizens, while employing tactics reminiscent of a police state that could ultimately harm our economy through customs duties.

Supporters of Trump revel in what they see as a display of authoritarian strength, almost gleeful in their dominance, while others are left questioning the Democratic response. It feels like the party is losing its grip, attempting to distance itself from strategies like videnomics and open immigration, which have disenchanted many working-class voters.

The Democrats, it seems, are in dire need of fresh leadership. There’s a call for individuals willing to push back against rigid progressive views and draw the party back into a more mainstream political space.

For inspiration, it might be beneficial to look back at the tumultuous presidential race of 1968. That period, tragically cut short by assassinations, carries lessons for Democrats striving to build a broad coalition across various social strata.

Back then, like today, the nation faced significant divides. The anti-war movement was rising, campus uprisings were common, and there was a palpable counterculture challenging traditional norms.

In March of that year, President Lyndon Johnson’s shock announcement that he wouldn’t seek reelection coincided with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., which ignited riots across major cities. It felt as though societal stability was precarious at best.

Then came Bobby Kennedy, who entered the race at age 42. His decision angered anti-war liberals backing Senator Gene McCarthy, yet many voters saw him as their best shot at preserving the New Deal Coalition and reigniting the hopeful spirit represented by his brother Jack’s “New Frontier.”

Particularly relevant to contemporary issues, Kennedy possessed a unique talent for bridging racial divides, earning trust from both black and white working-class communities.

A compelling narrative of his journey is detailed in the monograph “Bobby Kennedy, Liberal Patriot,” highlighting how he intertwined the goals of civil rights, poverty alleviation, and traditional family values.

As Attorney General, Kennedy advocated for civil rights, pushed for school integration, and enforced voting rights in the South. However, he ultimately distanced himself from liberal opinion, asserting that focusing on racial preferences could damage working-class cohesion.

His belief that “poverty is closer to the root of the problem than color” resonated with many. Like Martin Luther King Jr., he maintained that addressing poverty—rather than merely racial policies—would lead to more equal opportunities for all.

Similarly to Bill Clinton’s later policies, Kennedy valued work over welfare, criticizing existing programs as detrimental to self-esteem and stability within families. His approach was clear: the goal was to provide employment opportunities rather than relying on handouts.

In matters of crime, Kennedy’s perspective aligned more with the working-class experience than that of elite college students. His commitment to “law and order” was evident, expressing that freedom produces insecurity in communities.

Kennedy’s sense of patriotism was profound. While he opposed Johnson’s escalation of the Vietnam War, he rejected the anti-American sentiments prevalent among student protesters, instead emphasizing a need for constructive dialogue.

During a visit to Notre Dame, he faced backlash from students unwilling to support draft deferments, but he stood firm in his beliefs about America and its responsibilities.

When questioned about funding his poverty programs, he pointedly responded, “You are. You are privileged,” asserting that American privilege comes with an obligation to give back.

His vision included the establishment of a Domestic Peace Corps, an idea that anticipated Clinton’s National Service programs.

Kennedy’s hopeful campaign spirit, which drew enthusiastic crowds reminiscent of the Beatles, tragically ended with his assassination following a primary win in California.

Richard Nixon’s subsequent election marked a shift away from traditional Democratic values, but much of Kennedy’s practical liberalism reappeared in Bill Clinton’s approach, framed as “opportunity, responsibility, community.”

In these challenging times, revisiting Kennedy’s legacy could provide valuable insights for Democrats striving to redefine their party.

Wilmarshall is the founder and president of the Progressive Policy Institute.