Promises to keep: Memorable writings and statements

by Robert F. Kennedy, Edward M. Kennedy (Introduction)

Memorable writings and statements, with an introductory note by Edward M. Kennedy. A family man, a skillful advisor, with a keen cutting edge of reason and wit, dedicated to youthful ideals and mature wisdom, Robert Kennedy had only begun his quest for the highest office of the land when he was cut down, as his brother had been cut down five years before. What he might have achieved we can never know. What he did achieve, and what he envisioned for America, is recorded here in his own eloquent words.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

61 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy, also called RFK, was the United States Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and a US Senator from New York from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. He was one of US President John F. Kennedy's younger brothers, and also one of his most trusted advisors and worked closely with the president during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also made a significant contribution to the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

After his brother's assassination in late 1963, Kennedy continued as Attorney General under President Johnson for nine months. He resigned in September 1964 and was elected to the United States Senate from New York that November. He broke with Johnson over the Vietnam War, among other issues.

After Eugene McCarthy nearly defeated Johnson in the New Hampshire Primary in early 1968, Kennedy announced his own campaign for president, seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party. Kennedy defeated McCarthy in the critical California primary but was shot shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, dying on June 6. On June 9, President Johnson declared an official day of national mourning in response to the public grief following Kennedy's death.

His son is Robert F. Kennedy Jr..

Reviews

[Paul Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age of hyper-partisanship and, what at times feels like, weak partnership, this collection of statements and writings by Senator Robert F. Kennedy (aka The Good Bobby) is a welcome antidote. Granted not everyone may feel the same way about the original RFK. Someone once referred to him as a prism: when held to the light, people saw someone different. He was a man of his time who challenged his moment, his supporters and certainly his detractors. He aroused passions on both sides. This collection of excerpts from his speeches can make one feel very sentimental for a different time in politics. In some ways, 1968 resembles 2024 and 2025. This book is hard to find. If you can find it at a used book sale or in the library, you may want to take a moment to glance through the pages. 1968 was a long time ago. Yet in many ways, the idealism Robert Kennedy symbolized feels only a clarion call away. Book is highly recommended.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change."--pg. 26

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Even though I'm a Republican, I still found many of his speeches inspirational, especially the one entitled, "The Work of Our Hands." I didn't know much about RFK before reading this book, it made me want to learn more.

[Paige Pell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both rooted in his time & eternal.

[Henah Yoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty man who “need not be idealized or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life”.