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Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit
A revealing new portrait of Robert F. Kennedy that gets closer to the man than any book before, by bestselling author Chris Matthews, an esteemed Kennedy expert and anchor of MSNBC’s Hardball.
With his bestselling biography Jack Kennedy, Chris Matthews shared a new look of one of America’s most beloved Presidents and the patriotic spirit that defined him. Now, with Bobby Kennedy, Matthews returns with a gripping, in-depth, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the great figures of the American twentieth century.
Overlooked by his father, and overshadowed by his war-hero brother, Bobby Kennedy was the perpetual underdog. When he had the chance to become a naval officer like Jack, Bobby turned it down, choosing instead to join the Navy as a common sailor. It was a life changing experience that led him to connect with voters from all walks of life: young or old, black or white, rich or poor. They were the people who turned out for him in his 1968 campaign. RFK would prove himself to be the rarest of politicians—both a pragmatist who knew how to get the job done and an unwavering idealist who could inspire millions.
Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Matthews pulls back the curtain on the public and private worlds of Robert Francis Kennedy. He shines a light on all the important moments of his life, from his early years and his start in politics to his crucial role as attorney general in his brother’s administration and his tragic run for president. This definitive book brings Bobby Kennedy to life like never before and is destined to become a political classic
With his bestselling biography Jack Kennedy, Chris Matthews shared a new look of one of America’s most beloved Presidents and the patriotic spirit that defined him. Now, with Bobby Kennedy, Matthews returns with a gripping, in-depth, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the great figures of the American twentieth century.
Overlooked by his father, and overshadowed by his war-hero brother, Bobby Kennedy was the perpetual underdog. When he had the chance to become a naval officer like Jack, Bobby turned it down, choosing instead to join the Navy as a common sailor. It was a life changing experience that led him to connect with voters from all walks of life: young or old, black or white, rich or poor. They were the people who turned out for him in his 1968 campaign. RFK would prove himself to be the rarest of politicians—both a pragmatist who knew how to get the job done and an unwavering idealist who could inspire millions.
Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Matthews pulls back the curtain on the public and private worlds of Robert Francis Kennedy. He shines a light on all the important moments of his life, from his early years and his start in politics to his crucial role as attorney general in his brother’s administration and his tragic run for president. This definitive book brings Bobby Kennedy to life like never before and is destined to become a political classic
601 pages, Library Binding
First published October 31, 2017
1171 people are currently reading
3362 people want to read
About the author
Chris Matthews
87 books164 followersChristopher John “Chris” Matthews is widely respected for his in-depth knowledge of politics. Now retired, he was a nightly host, news anchor and political commentator on MSNBC (1997-2020), a Washington, D.C. bureau chief for the newspaper, San Francisco Examiner (1987–2000), a Chief of Staff to long-time Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O'Neill, a Carter era presidential speech writer, and penned a number of bestselling books, to name a small part of his impressive resume. Chris has been married to Kathleen (née Cunningham) since 1980 and they share three children and several grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 575 reviews
November 23, 2017
I much prefer Chris Matthews the writer to Chris Matthews the tv host. I'm not really interested in people who yell their opinions at me, even if I agree with it. Every time I turn on Hardball he's yelling and not allowing anyone to finish their sentences. I wish Chris Matthews the host of Hardball were more like Chris Matthews the author of this book.
Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit is well researched and Mr. Matthews is a concise storyteller with wonderful style. Matthews manages to weave in his personal story of growing up in the years between the two Kennedy assassinations. This book is both a biography of the man Bobby Kennedy was and the ideals he stood for. In this book Mr. Matthews tries to put into context all the things this country lost 49 years ago when Senator Kennedy's life was snuffed out.
Recommended to lovers of politics and the Kennedy's.
Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit is well researched and Mr. Matthews is a concise storyteller with wonderful style. Matthews manages to weave in his personal story of growing up in the years between the two Kennedy assassinations. This book is both a biography of the man Bobby Kennedy was and the ideals he stood for. In this book Mr. Matthews tries to put into context all the things this country lost 49 years ago when Senator Kennedy's life was snuffed out.
Recommended to lovers of politics and the Kennedy's.
March 12, 2018
I will admit that I went started this book with a bias - I remember clearly where I was when JFK, MLK, and RFK were assassinated. I also remember that when Bobby Kennedy was assassinated, I was sure that there would never again be a candidate worth supporting (and I was not yet 16 years old). This book reminded me why I felt that way. Chris Matthews presents Kennedy with all his faults, including why he was considered "ruthless." He also presents him with all his idealism, which is why so many of us believed in him.
December 9, 2017
This is an outstanding biography of Robert Frances Kennedy from an author who was a young man when RFK helped his brother John rise to the office of President, struggled mightily when his brother was assassinated, and ran for the presidency himself.
The writing, though well researched, has an intimate feel, as Chris Matthews has been a friend of the Kennedy family for years, and their personal accounts bring Bobby to life.
Highly Recommended
The writing, though well researched, has an intimate feel, as Chris Matthews has been a friend of the Kennedy family for years, and their personal accounts bring Bobby to life.
Highly Recommended
April 13, 2019
**Apologies in advance for such a long review. I've tried reducing it but to no avail. I couldn't find a way to best explain myself without using so many words.
3.75 stars
No I wasn't all choked up by the end of this, I just had something in my eyes. Who am I kidding? What happened to Jack and then to Bobby will always make me emotional whether it's the footage of it happening or a written description. This book, however, is so much more than that. It chronicles Robert F. Kennedy's life from early childhood to his ultimate assassination. It's a good general overview of his life and career in politics from helping sweep his brother into the presidency to his mourning of his brother and ultimate journey of coming into his own by championing the rights of poor whites, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and young people in a world that wasn't ready for that. Fifty years later, if America 2017 has anything to show for it, it still refuses that which Bobby fought for. If alive I think he and others such as MLK would have a heavy heart right now. However, this book isn't the best source to get a very intricately detailed look at his life but more of a 342 paged short and sweet overview. My main reason for giving it a 3.75 rating is because I felt this book was more of an introduction for those who haven't delved into Bobby Kennedy's life prior to reading it. So if you are one of those people I think this book would be a great and engaging first look at his life.
I'm not someone who is familiar with Chris Matthews. Although I did watch his Late Show interview about this book. He seemed nice and very passionate about it. However, I don't watch his show, so I can't really speak on whether he writes about politics like he talks but I did really enjoy this book. As I said before my main reason for my rating is because I feel this book works best as an introduction to Bobby, but it was also partially due to personal interjections. When the topic is modern history, I don't entirely mind the inserts of, 'Where was I in that moment,' but I'd rather reserve that added element for documentaries on the Kennedys not books. I feel it just doesn't come off as well when written, or maybe it's just that the visual medium has the added benefit of truly seeing and hearing the emotion of those reminiscing. Also because the personal inserts weren't that much in length it did make it feel a bit like a random pop-up. Don't worry though, there's not enough of it to take away from the overarching subject and since it's just my own personal taste arguing this point, you might actually be more fond of those interjections in books.
Partially because of that though, I did sense his opinion when reading. Don't get me wrong, everyone has an opinion on the Kennedys, me being one of them (ps: I love Jack & Bobby) but unless it's a memoir or autobiography I prefer my biographer to be as fair or as impartial (I'm not talking about neutrality, that's hugely problematic) as possible while still having an entertaining and not utterly dense read. I don't want to overstate, it's not all that opinionated, and many Kennedy bios will have some form of it which is fine, but my particular issue with his opinion was in regards to the fact that I could feel what camp he was in when it came to Lyndon Johnson and Bobby Kennedy. I totally get it. I'm anti-war and Vietnam was definitely no WWII. A vet once said that there's no such thing as a good war, but there is such a thing as a necessary war. Unlike Vietnam, no one ever doubts how necessary it was to prevent the Axis Powers from taking over the world, but I think history and people who experienced the 60s would look at LBJ's presidency more positively had it not been for the costly stain of Vietnam (the U.S. still hasn't gotten over its Asian fetish).
A lot of things like Civil Rights and healthcare were leftovers from JFK that, due to his assassination, LBJ ended up carrying the torch for, including Vietnam (which Bobby acknowledges). To be fair, it's Bobby's book not LBJ's. Can you write a fuller; concise picture of LBJ (a person who was never a fan of his & vice versa) while still maintaining that this is Bobby's story? I think you can, in the same way you can't talk about Bobby without first explaining his brother's presidency. On the flip side though, the benefit of his opinion is it allowed for a more emotional and sentimental read. It does make you feel things. :'(
I hope my review didn't sound too negative, because I did really enjoy this book. 3.75 stars isn't so bad, right? In the end, for a book I embarrassingly didn't even know was being published, I'm really happy my dad gifted it to me. I would recommend this to all Kennedy fans and especially to those who are just starting to become one. The only downside to having read this is that I have so many other books on my current reads I want to finish before this year is up, but now all I want to do is read another book on Bobby Kennedy. What to do. What to do...
-------------------------------
Love you dad!!!
He just randomly got me a copy of this book today saying, "Well, I know how you love Kennedys. Consider this an early Christmas present."
I must resist the temptation to start reading it now. Although.... it CAN count as a part of Nonfiction November. I should finish at least 2 current reads first.
3.75 stars
No I wasn't all choked up by the end of this, I just had something in my eyes. Who am I kidding? What happened to Jack and then to Bobby will always make me emotional whether it's the footage of it happening or a written description. This book, however, is so much more than that. It chronicles Robert F. Kennedy's life from early childhood to his ultimate assassination. It's a good general overview of his life and career in politics from helping sweep his brother into the presidency to his mourning of his brother and ultimate journey of coming into his own by championing the rights of poor whites, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and young people in a world that wasn't ready for that. Fifty years later, if America 2017 has anything to show for it, it still refuses that which Bobby fought for. If alive I think he and others such as MLK would have a heavy heart right now. However, this book isn't the best source to get a very intricately detailed look at his life but more of a 342 paged short and sweet overview. My main reason for giving it a 3.75 rating is because I felt this book was more of an introduction for those who haven't delved into Bobby Kennedy's life prior to reading it. So if you are one of those people I think this book would be a great and engaging first look at his life.
I'm not someone who is familiar with Chris Matthews. Although I did watch his Late Show interview about this book. He seemed nice and very passionate about it. However, I don't watch his show, so I can't really speak on whether he writes about politics like he talks but I did really enjoy this book. As I said before my main reason for my rating is because I feel this book works best as an introduction to Bobby, but it was also partially due to personal interjections. When the topic is modern history, I don't entirely mind the inserts of, 'Where was I in that moment,' but I'd rather reserve that added element for documentaries on the Kennedys not books. I feel it just doesn't come off as well when written, or maybe it's just that the visual medium has the added benefit of truly seeing and hearing the emotion of those reminiscing. Also because the personal inserts weren't that much in length it did make it feel a bit like a random pop-up. Don't worry though, there's not enough of it to take away from the overarching subject and since it's just my own personal taste arguing this point, you might actually be more fond of those interjections in books.
Partially because of that though, I did sense his opinion when reading. Don't get me wrong, everyone has an opinion on the Kennedys, me being one of them (ps: I love Jack & Bobby) but unless it's a memoir or autobiography I prefer my biographer to be as fair or as impartial (I'm not talking about neutrality, that's hugely problematic) as possible while still having an entertaining and not utterly dense read. I don't want to overstate, it's not all that opinionated, and many Kennedy bios will have some form of it which is fine, but my particular issue with his opinion was in regards to the fact that I could feel what camp he was in when it came to Lyndon Johnson and Bobby Kennedy. I totally get it. I'm anti-war and Vietnam was definitely no WWII. A vet once said that there's no such thing as a good war, but there is such a thing as a necessary war. Unlike Vietnam, no one ever doubts how necessary it was to prevent the Axis Powers from taking over the world, but I think history and people who experienced the 60s would look at LBJ's presidency more positively had it not been for the costly stain of Vietnam (the U.S. still hasn't gotten over its Asian fetish).
A lot of things like Civil Rights and healthcare were leftovers from JFK that, due to his assassination, LBJ ended up carrying the torch for, including Vietnam (which Bobby acknowledges). To be fair, it's Bobby's book not LBJ's. Can you write a fuller; concise picture of LBJ (a person who was never a fan of his & vice versa) while still maintaining that this is Bobby's story? I think you can, in the same way you can't talk about Bobby without first explaining his brother's presidency. On the flip side though, the benefit of his opinion is it allowed for a more emotional and sentimental read. It does make you feel things. :'(
I hope my review didn't sound too negative, because I did really enjoy this book. 3.75 stars isn't so bad, right? In the end, for a book I embarrassingly didn't even know was being published, I'm really happy my dad gifted it to me. I would recommend this to all Kennedy fans and especially to those who are just starting to become one. The only downside to having read this is that I have so many other books on my current reads I want to finish before this year is up, but now all I want to do is read another book on Bobby Kennedy. What to do. What to do...
-------------------------------
Love you dad!!!
He just randomly got me a copy of this book today saying, "Well, I know how you love Kennedys. Consider this an early Christmas present."
I must resist the temptation to start reading it now. Although.... it CAN count as a part of Nonfiction November. I should finish at least 2 current reads first.
December 31, 2017
Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit highlights the life of Bobby Kennedy from his childhood in the large Kennedy family through college and law school when he began to come into his own. Bobby Kennedy was a devout Catholic and seemed to relate to his roots in Ireland including the immigrant experience faced by his grandfather when he emigrated to America. He worked for the senate campaign of John Kennedy and then brought that same organization and discipline to the presidential campaign of 1960. The book highlights the trust and closeness between Bobby and John Kennedy during the White House years. Bobby was devastated after the assassination and loss of his brother. It was Jacqueline Kennedy that suggested he turn to poetry to give him some measure of comfort.
With the war in Viet Nam raging out of control and the fight for civil rights led by Martin Luther King causing domestic unrest, Bobby Kennedy began to contemplate running for president in 1968. It was during this time that Bobby Kennedy began to come into his own as toured this nation. It is particularly poignant when he visits the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia. He was visibly moved by the abject poverty, wondering how this could be happening in America and vowing to intervene.
Following the assassination of Martin Luther King in Memphis, Bobby Kennedy was scheduled to speak in Indianapolis in an inner-city black community that was organized by civil rights activist John Lewis. There was some debate whether it should be cancelled but Bobby Kennedy felt strongly about keeping his commitment. He ended his speech as follows, "Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and to make gentle the life of this world."
After that fateful night when Bobby Kennedy too was shot, ending his presidential campaign of eighty-two days. Chris Matthews states that, "He knew the odds against him. Conscience, not glory, was what called this Kennedy into service. Now his death left a void as large as his promise."
With the war in Viet Nam raging out of control and the fight for civil rights led by Martin Luther King causing domestic unrest, Bobby Kennedy began to contemplate running for president in 1968. It was during this time that Bobby Kennedy began to come into his own as toured this nation. It is particularly poignant when he visits the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia. He was visibly moved by the abject poverty, wondering how this could be happening in America and vowing to intervene.
Following the assassination of Martin Luther King in Memphis, Bobby Kennedy was scheduled to speak in Indianapolis in an inner-city black community that was organized by civil rights activist John Lewis. There was some debate whether it should be cancelled but Bobby Kennedy felt strongly about keeping his commitment. He ended his speech as follows, "Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and to make gentle the life of this world."
After that fateful night when Bobby Kennedy too was shot, ending his presidential campaign of eighty-two days. Chris Matthews states that, "He knew the odds against him. Conscience, not glory, was what called this Kennedy into service. Now his death left a void as large as his promise."
November 7, 2017
A disappointing book from a Washington insider and spirited progressive. The first two third is a rather dull much told and retold recitation of events from Kennedy's early life and early political career. The book only comes to life in 1968 and mainly because of Bobby Kennedy's quotes. Matthews could have done much better. The last five minutes of his daily show is always far more passionate and inspiring than this book. Still any book about the Kennedy family is far more satisfying than anything we can read about what is happening today in politics.
July 23, 2025
Having lived through the sixties, I remember many of these experiences clearly, although the background and behind the scenes was not apparent. Such is the case of Politics; never a straight line to full disclosure or influence. 1968 was a difficult year, but then all of the 60s tested our nation.
This is a straightforward, honest and balanced look at Bobby Kennedy and what he stood for. Chris Matthews personally knew Bobby in his adult formative years, and the book was well researched.
Anyone interested in history, be it from the angle of politics, the Vietnam War, integrity or civil rights would benefit from reading this book.
This is a straightforward, honest and balanced look at Bobby Kennedy and what he stood for. Chris Matthews personally knew Bobby in his adult formative years, and the book was well researched.
Anyone interested in history, be it from the angle of politics, the Vietnam War, integrity or civil rights would benefit from reading this book.
June 22, 2021
RFK is one of my heros!
February 23, 2018
This is a hagiographic biography. Matthews states of the Kennedy brothers: “All that youth and hope and sense of change; you couldn’t be alive and not feel it”.
The book is well written and researched. It covers some of the family history but primarily focuses is on Robert Kennedy, the third son. Matthews states Bobby chose to join the Navy as an enlisted man. He states that this helped him to easily mix with working people and developed his empathy for the poor, downtrodden and marginalized people. Matthews attempted to be unbiased, but to me his admiration for Bobby came through. Matthews emphasized that Bobby was more interested in Civil Rights than was JFK. I enjoyed reading this book. I picked up a few pearls of information, but most of the material has been covered in other biographies such as “Robert Kennedy and His Time” by Arthur Schlesinger. I think Matthews attempted to portray the person Bobby was rather than him being a famous Kennedy.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is just over nine hours. Chris Matthews narrated the book himself.
The book is well written and researched. It covers some of the family history but primarily focuses is on Robert Kennedy, the third son. Matthews states Bobby chose to join the Navy as an enlisted man. He states that this helped him to easily mix with working people and developed his empathy for the poor, downtrodden and marginalized people. Matthews attempted to be unbiased, but to me his admiration for Bobby came through. Matthews emphasized that Bobby was more interested in Civil Rights than was JFK. I enjoyed reading this book. I picked up a few pearls of information, but most of the material has been covered in other biographies such as “Robert Kennedy and His Time” by Arthur Schlesinger. I think Matthews attempted to portray the person Bobby was rather than him being a famous Kennedy.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is just over nine hours. Chris Matthews narrated the book himself.
November 3, 2017
Chris Matthews is a good, concise storyteller. Despite all of the people in the history he helps the reader keep everyone straight. His study reveals the tactics and personalities of true presidential politics. Having just read Dors Kearns Goodwin's book on LBJ this book about RFK was a great read. Same story with different perspectives is so enlightening about history, politics, governance and people. Matthews weaved a few parts of his life into the book and that added perspective and a frame of reference I appreciated. Matthews also has a way of telling each story revealing the strengths, weaknesses, failures and successes of the players. You can see he admired the actors but the book does not pull punches because of it. This makes for better history because all political history is of, by and for people.
Read
June 22, 2018DNF. I can tell this is an excellent book; but I'm just not in the mood for nonfiction right now. (Apparently, I'm not going to recover from my MA as quickly as I thought. ;-) )
November 28, 2017
This is a good introduction to folks who don't know much about Bobby Kennedy.
March 31, 2018
3.5*'s
Matthews definitely captured the spirit of the triumphs and the devastation of the tragedies. I wish he left some of his own political leaning at the curb but other than that a solid effort.
Matthews definitely captured the spirit of the triumphs and the devastation of the tragedies. I wish he left some of his own political leaning at the curb but other than that a solid effort.
December 28, 2017
Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews is a terrific book that really opens up a new level of the reader sees Bobby Kennedy. There seems to be a lot of books about him lately, maybe a group consciousness needing more in our leadership...peace, togetherness, love..
This is a wonderful book to get into the movement at the time and the spirit that moved across the country that I wish would rage across the country today. We need another Kennedy like him.
This is a wonderful book to get into the movement at the time and the spirit that moved across the country that I wish would rage across the country today. We need another Kennedy like him.
January 9, 2018
I love Bobby Kennedy, but there are so many better books than this one to understand the man. You can start with the O'Donnell's Playing With Fire or other bios. This one is paper thin and more about Chris than Bobby. I didn't learn a single thing in here and some of the stuff he presumes isn't exactly right.
July 15, 2021
This was a very well researched and very talented written biography of Bobby Kennedy. However I feel that the book wasn't quite a good thing to read as I don't know nearly as much about the Kennedy family as I feelt I needed. Had a big problem following around who all these people where and how they where related. I must admit I zooned out quite a bit reading it. Not because it wasn't interesting but because I had an issue grasping the whole picture. "The Kennedy cures" does fascinate me and I want to learn more about the people involved in the Kennedy. But I feelt that I was severely lacking that basic info I needed for the book to grasp the full picture. I might reread it someday when I got more meat on my bones. But it might take a while
December 8, 2017
This is not a detailed story of Bobby Kennedy's life (for that, I recommend Arthur Schlesinger's "Robert Kennedy and His Times"), but it is, nonetheless, a book that leaves one missing a truly unique, real, and capable of transformation human being.
For all the myth (even mythology) that has risen around the Kennedy clan -- and they were one of the most interesting families in our history -- their lives have always been an intriguing mix of tremendous talent and Greek tragedy.
Bobby, no more or less than his idolized brother Jack, was a flawed human being, and a magnificent one, too!
This book honestly identifies Bobby's many considerable strengths, but also reveals how much of an ideologue he was early in his life. An intense anti-communist, he also at first reacted to civil rights' tactics of civil disobedience with anger because of his strong feelings about "the law" and maintaining order. He was also subject to very strong personal dislikes about figures who wronged him (or his brother or family).
But above all, just like his murdered brother, Bobby was capable of remarkable growth and change, more than any other public figures I have known in my lifetime (or, for that matter, read about in history). Just as the near-brush with nuclear war in the Cuban Missile Crisis changed Jack, causing him to urgently work for lessening tensions with Soviet Russia and increased efforts at arms control, so also did Bobby's personal experiences encountering the poor and suffering -- whether in other countries or in Appalachia, whether among poor whites or blacks who were discriminated against -- cause him to become a champion of the underdog.
He became an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War -- many charged, rightly I think, that he was very late to this conversion -- and entered the 1968 presidential race to end that war, get the US out of Vietnam, and also to rectify the injustice of poverty and racial discrimination within the United States.
One can only wonder how things might have been different had he lived to win both the Democratic nomination for, and then the office of, the presidency.
I miss that man, as much today as when he died 50 years ago next summer, felled -- just like his brother -- by an assassin's bullet to the head.
For all the myth (even mythology) that has risen around the Kennedy clan -- and they were one of the most interesting families in our history -- their lives have always been an intriguing mix of tremendous talent and Greek tragedy.
Bobby, no more or less than his idolized brother Jack, was a flawed human being, and a magnificent one, too!
This book honestly identifies Bobby's many considerable strengths, but also reveals how much of an ideologue he was early in his life. An intense anti-communist, he also at first reacted to civil rights' tactics of civil disobedience with anger because of his strong feelings about "the law" and maintaining order. He was also subject to very strong personal dislikes about figures who wronged him (or his brother or family).
But above all, just like his murdered brother, Bobby was capable of remarkable growth and change, more than any other public figures I have known in my lifetime (or, for that matter, read about in history). Just as the near-brush with nuclear war in the Cuban Missile Crisis changed Jack, causing him to urgently work for lessening tensions with Soviet Russia and increased efforts at arms control, so also did Bobby's personal experiences encountering the poor and suffering -- whether in other countries or in Appalachia, whether among poor whites or blacks who were discriminated against -- cause him to become a champion of the underdog.
He became an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War -- many charged, rightly I think, that he was very late to this conversion -- and entered the 1968 presidential race to end that war, get the US out of Vietnam, and also to rectify the injustice of poverty and racial discrimination within the United States.
One can only wonder how things might have been different had he lived to win both the Democratic nomination for, and then the office of, the presidency.
I miss that man, as much today as when he died 50 years ago next summer, felled -- just like his brother -- by an assassin's bullet to the head.
May 28, 2018
Bobby Kennedy - cut down in the prime of his life as he was coming to his own. This is a well done examination of Bobby's life and the influences that shaped him personally and as a political figure. There were a few topics where I would have liked a little more detail, but despite that the book gives a really good sense of how Bobby's beliefs were shaped and his claim to purpose. Heartbreaking recount of an American idealist lost to the very violence he opposed.
It would have been a better book had the author not periodically injected himself into the narrative, but it was a minor detraction from an otherwise worthy effort. 3.5 starts rounded up for the overall telling of the subject matter.
It would have been a better book had the author not periodically injected himself into the narrative, but it was a minor detraction from an otherwise worthy effort. 3.5 starts rounded up for the overall telling of the subject matter.
November 9, 2017
Could I love RFK any more? Yep! Need him now more than ever.
May 25, 2025
political dynasties are my guilty pleasure oKAY. unfortunately i hate chris matthews and there was SO much of him in here. begging biographers to tell me about their biography subjects and not their connection to their biography subjects. pls and thank u
December 15, 2017
It’s doubtful that more than a handful of writers and historians have the depth of experience, the credibility, or the personal relationships that Chris Matthews brings to this delightful book. He takes us behind the curtain of the Kennedy years, with a special emphasis in this case on Robert Kennedy, to a place where few could obtain access, now fifty years after the fact.
Every author has a perspective and Matthews is no exception. Nonetheless he gives a refreshingly complete and balanced narrative that in many ways reflects the Kennedy’s themselves. They had a perspective, too, but were remarkably pragmatic, clever, and determined in putting their often idealized perspective into practice.
Bobby in particular, Matthews tells us, was an idealist naturally aligned with the disadvantaged, yet with a competitive, sometimes ruthless, drive born of both his own burden as the third son of an aspiring Irish Catholic family and a relentless drive passed down by his domineering and competitive father.
While I am younger than Matthews, it is hard to convey to those who were not alive at the time the sheer scale and influence of the Kennedy clan during the late 50s and most of the 60s. While Jack, in particular, is revered in retrospect, the family, as Matthews chronicles, was not universally embraced across the nation or the political spectrum.
They, however, worked with what they had and pushed the nation forward in areas like civil rights and checking the growing influence of the Soviets without pushing the country to the breaking point. They had an uncanny ability to understand what the country wanted to do but couldn’t bring itself, for a myriad of reasons, to accomplish. They received, processed, and amplified all that was best about America and Americans. And then they got it done. From civil rights to putting a man on the moon, they thought big and accomplished a good deal of what they set out to do.
While you read the book Matthews reminds us just how broad and complicated is the political agenda of our country. Once you appreciate the dimensions of the challenge it is no surprise that our government barely works in the best of circumstances. The Kennedy’s, however, proved that it can work, and it is that optimism for which we are most indebted to their memory. The process of governance is loud and messy and mistakes are inevitable, but the battle can be won with grit and determination and the guiding hands of noble ideals and pragmatism (i.e., compromise!)
Which, in the end, is what makes this book both sad and inspiring. It is, indeed, sad to realize how little progress we’ve made in areas like civil rights and the promotion of world peace. The Kennedy’s certainly broke down barriers for Irish Catholics, but many barriers remain intact and many more have been added since that time. The whole contemporary debate about immigration is a good example. The debate, such as it is (not much of a Socratic debate, actually), being so remarkably anachronistic but nonetheless contemporary. How far we’ve come and yet how little we’ve accomplished.
I don’t watch much television, so I have to admit I have never viewed Hardball. I wouldn’t know Chris Matthews if he showed up at my door. I have to thank him, however, for this delightful tour and stimulating reflection. He certainly made me think and that is the greatest gift any author can give us through his or her prose.
Yes, I remember exactly where I was the day President Kennedy was shot. I was sitting in Mrs. Sanderson’s fourth grade class and when the principal came into our class and privately told Mrs. Sanderson of the news, she immediately broke down sobbing. Indeed, the nation sobbed in the most literal sense.
The Kennedy’s, however, cannot be understood as a single man. They were a clan in every facet of the concept and Bobby Kennedy played an important and very influential role. Lacking the natural charisma of Jack, he was both the idealist and the guy who made things happen, his strong will to take on injustice, particularly when his brother or his heritage was called into question by it, was both his greatest strength and greatest political weakness. I honestly don’t remember where I was the day he was shot, but with Matthew’s help, I certainly feel I have a much better gauge of the man.
More than anything else, I think the Kennedy’s proved that politicians can have it all. You can stand by your principles and still get things done. Success and progress, Matthews, through the example of the Kennedy’s, reminds us, are not achieved through stagnation or backing up. Our current politicians would be well served to take this entertaining and informative stroll through a time in political history that was so much different, yet so remarkably the same.
Every author has a perspective and Matthews is no exception. Nonetheless he gives a refreshingly complete and balanced narrative that in many ways reflects the Kennedy’s themselves. They had a perspective, too, but were remarkably pragmatic, clever, and determined in putting their often idealized perspective into practice.
Bobby in particular, Matthews tells us, was an idealist naturally aligned with the disadvantaged, yet with a competitive, sometimes ruthless, drive born of both his own burden as the third son of an aspiring Irish Catholic family and a relentless drive passed down by his domineering and competitive father.
While I am younger than Matthews, it is hard to convey to those who were not alive at the time the sheer scale and influence of the Kennedy clan during the late 50s and most of the 60s. While Jack, in particular, is revered in retrospect, the family, as Matthews chronicles, was not universally embraced across the nation or the political spectrum.
They, however, worked with what they had and pushed the nation forward in areas like civil rights and checking the growing influence of the Soviets without pushing the country to the breaking point. They had an uncanny ability to understand what the country wanted to do but couldn’t bring itself, for a myriad of reasons, to accomplish. They received, processed, and amplified all that was best about America and Americans. And then they got it done. From civil rights to putting a man on the moon, they thought big and accomplished a good deal of what they set out to do.
While you read the book Matthews reminds us just how broad and complicated is the political agenda of our country. Once you appreciate the dimensions of the challenge it is no surprise that our government barely works in the best of circumstances. The Kennedy’s, however, proved that it can work, and it is that optimism for which we are most indebted to their memory. The process of governance is loud and messy and mistakes are inevitable, but the battle can be won with grit and determination and the guiding hands of noble ideals and pragmatism (i.e., compromise!)
Which, in the end, is what makes this book both sad and inspiring. It is, indeed, sad to realize how little progress we’ve made in areas like civil rights and the promotion of world peace. The Kennedy’s certainly broke down barriers for Irish Catholics, but many barriers remain intact and many more have been added since that time. The whole contemporary debate about immigration is a good example. The debate, such as it is (not much of a Socratic debate, actually), being so remarkably anachronistic but nonetheless contemporary. How far we’ve come and yet how little we’ve accomplished.
I don’t watch much television, so I have to admit I have never viewed Hardball. I wouldn’t know Chris Matthews if he showed up at my door. I have to thank him, however, for this delightful tour and stimulating reflection. He certainly made me think and that is the greatest gift any author can give us through his or her prose.
Yes, I remember exactly where I was the day President Kennedy was shot. I was sitting in Mrs. Sanderson’s fourth grade class and when the principal came into our class and privately told Mrs. Sanderson of the news, she immediately broke down sobbing. Indeed, the nation sobbed in the most literal sense.
The Kennedy’s, however, cannot be understood as a single man. They were a clan in every facet of the concept and Bobby Kennedy played an important and very influential role. Lacking the natural charisma of Jack, he was both the idealist and the guy who made things happen, his strong will to take on injustice, particularly when his brother or his heritage was called into question by it, was both his greatest strength and greatest political weakness. I honestly don’t remember where I was the day he was shot, but with Matthew’s help, I certainly feel I have a much better gauge of the man.
More than anything else, I think the Kennedy’s proved that politicians can have it all. You can stand by your principles and still get things done. Success and progress, Matthews, through the example of the Kennedy’s, reminds us, are not achieved through stagnation or backing up. Our current politicians would be well served to take this entertaining and informative stroll through a time in political history that was so much different, yet so remarkably the same.
January 9, 2018
I recommend this book to anyone looking to appreciate leadership, principle and empathy - personal qualities in short supply today. Bobby, while not perfect, seemed to exhibit these essential qualities in spades powered with his own charisma. Matthew's book brought back a flood of memories of the time which I lived through. It is an easy enjoyable read that just skims the years Robert F. Kennedy spent in public service.
This book is not an in depth look at the man but more a reflection on how he engaged in a career that helped shape him. We follow his brother's meteoric rise largely created by Bobby's strategy and energy (roughly 2/3 of the book is about the JFK years). The remainder follows his years as New York Senator and his attempt to run for President. My primary criticism is that Matthews sees Bobby's life more as a step-by-step political career, often shaped by incidents around him and his Catholic upbringing. Yet, he was prone to shift his ideals and goals as he was thrown into the many social issues of the day. A deeper dive into his personal reflections and motivation would have made for a more engaging look at a "Raging Spirit."
Still, the book is interesting and is a nice overview of the chaos of the 1960s. It was a time when anything seemed possible and people had the courage to live up to their ideals. Matthews finishes the book brilliantly summarizing an Emerson quote he found highlighted in Bobby's study.
This book is not an in depth look at the man but more a reflection on how he engaged in a career that helped shape him. We follow his brother's meteoric rise largely created by Bobby's strategy and energy (roughly 2/3 of the book is about the JFK years). The remainder follows his years as New York Senator and his attempt to run for President. My primary criticism is that Matthews sees Bobby's life more as a step-by-step political career, often shaped by incidents around him and his Catholic upbringing. Yet, he was prone to shift his ideals and goals as he was thrown into the many social issues of the day. A deeper dive into his personal reflections and motivation would have made for a more engaging look at a "Raging Spirit."
Still, the book is interesting and is a nice overview of the chaos of the 1960s. It was a time when anything seemed possible and people had the courage to live up to their ideals. Matthews finishes the book brilliantly summarizing an Emerson quote he found highlighted in Bobby's study.
"Always do what you are afraid to do."Bobby was not afraid to take on anything. Communism, corruption, racial inequality, poverty and the powerful. All inequities became targets of an unstoppable energy and optimism. Unfortunately tragedy silenced his efforts. We are all the poorer having seen his vision vanish before us.
December 15, 2017
It is amazing that when you read books about Robert Kennedy how much he was loyal to his brother Jack. Until his brother’s death, Bob Kennedy exhibited loyalty that was second to none. He put his brother’s ambitions first and gave every working hour to making Jack Kennedy successful. His life was simply black and white and charge ahead. You were either for us or against us.
For those of us that grew up during the Kennedy years, like the author, you were able to see how 1968 evolved. You watched as Robert Kennedy let McCarthy take the lead on the opposition to the War in Viet Nam and then his decision to run. His campaign was a picture of large excited crowds. You came to appreciate his growth as a candidate.
As was discussed in the book, his handling of the situation in Indianapolis was one of America’s finest moments. He addressed the killing of Martin Luther King with bravery and one of the greatest speeches in American history.
The book speaks of the anti-Viet Nam talks by Bobby Kennedy on college campus where he also addressed the inequality of the draft system in which his audience had avoided serving in the war because of student deferments. Kennedy didn’t mince words when he dealt with inequities and the book shows it.
If I have any complaints about the book it would be that he quickly covers many issues which might have deserved more attention. The book also blends in the author’s experiences with Kennedy’s which really doesn’t add a lot to an interesting book.
For those of us that grew up during the Kennedy years, like the author, you were able to see how 1968 evolved. You watched as Robert Kennedy let McCarthy take the lead on the opposition to the War in Viet Nam and then his decision to run. His campaign was a picture of large excited crowds. You came to appreciate his growth as a candidate.
As was discussed in the book, his handling of the situation in Indianapolis was one of America’s finest moments. He addressed the killing of Martin Luther King with bravery and one of the greatest speeches in American history.
The book speaks of the anti-Viet Nam talks by Bobby Kennedy on college campus where he also addressed the inequality of the draft system in which his audience had avoided serving in the war because of student deferments. Kennedy didn’t mince words when he dealt with inequities and the book shows it.
If I have any complaints about the book it would be that he quickly covers many issues which might have deserved more attention. The book also blends in the author’s experiences with Kennedy’s which really doesn’t add a lot to an interesting book.
December 9, 2017
A good but not great biography which was actually good for me because I didn't want to weighted down by a big huge tome like Hamilton. For an RFK admirer this was a great look at what "might have been."
June 17, 2018
I have watched Hardball for years, but hadn’t read any of Chris Matthews’s books. I didn’t know what to expect. On TV, he is very boisterous, can be tangential, and has a tendency to talk over his guests right when they are making a point. It’s something I find frustrating, but also endearing, because it reminds me so much of my dad. It probably helps that I often agree with Matthews’s point of view, and that no one is able to corner a right-wing hypocrite with quite as much zeal as he does. Anyways....
Lately, I have felt a strong pull to learn more about Bobby Kennedy, who embodies so many of the qualities we lack in our current political leaders. Matthews really did a wonderful job of bringing RFK to life for me. This book is both informative and enjoyable to read, a good mix of politics and personal dynamics. He has clearly done his research, and I feel I learned a great deal from this book. Now I want to read his books about JFK.
Lately, I have felt a strong pull to learn more about Bobby Kennedy, who embodies so many of the qualities we lack in our current political leaders. Matthews really did a wonderful job of bringing RFK to life for me. This book is both informative and enjoyable to read, a good mix of politics and personal dynamics. He has clearly done his research, and I feel I learned a great deal from this book. Now I want to read his books about JFK.
January 6, 2021
The last fourth of this book was much better than the entire book as a whole. I've always enjoyed reading about Bobby Kennedy's life and legacy, but I found much of this book to be too dense to appreciate. I kept putting it down and picking it back up for an entire year before I could finish it.
September 23, 2019
This was a gift. Now, most of my gifts are based on what's hot on the Nonfiction charts, and that's been generally books by Fox News Talking Heads lately. So, this is undoubtedly, down my alley. I am a big fan of Matthews and read him before.
That said, I don't think I would have picked this up. Talking Head books generally are lightweight, and hasn't everything been said about the Kennedys?
I would have missed this, though. Matthews's book is quite good. He has an unique perspective which he filters the RFK biography through. For starters, he was as a young Catholic boy who watched and adored the Kennedys. He would work in Massachusetts politics with Tip O'Neil, so he knows the state politics and players from being in that next generation. Lastly, over the years, he has become close to the Kennedys. So, while this won't be the definitive word on RFK, it is quite worthy.
You likely know the story of the Kennedys, but JFK's success was precipitated by RFK doing all the grunt work (and being the bad guy), and JFK avoiding the fray. RFK sets on his own course, wanting to take down the mob and fight corruption; haunted a bit by a family alliance with Joe McCarty; and ultimately, near the end of his life, truly someone who sought to understand the struggles of the downtrodden and worked for noble causes.
Timing plays a big part in the RFK story (and ultimately his life). He is under his brother's shadow. LBJ and him are never friends, and RFK has to decide whether it is in his best interest to wait to run in 1972. When LBJ does not run in 1968, RFK has seen some liberal support be usurped by Eugene McCarthy. He gets in the race and it is a question who the young Democrats will support.
RFK would be a true hero of the left, friend of MLK and Cesar Chavez, and working to carry on the Kennedy legacy. He was betrayed by what was a life of wealth and prestige. We will forever contemplate what could have been.
This book covers all that and is easy to read, but succeeds in leaving the reader feeling like they know everything they need to know about RFK.
That said, I don't think I would have picked this up. Talking Head books generally are lightweight, and hasn't everything been said about the Kennedys?
I would have missed this, though. Matthews's book is quite good. He has an unique perspective which he filters the RFK biography through. For starters, he was as a young Catholic boy who watched and adored the Kennedys. He would work in Massachusetts politics with Tip O'Neil, so he knows the state politics and players from being in that next generation. Lastly, over the years, he has become close to the Kennedys. So, while this won't be the definitive word on RFK, it is quite worthy.
You likely know the story of the Kennedys, but JFK's success was precipitated by RFK doing all the grunt work (and being the bad guy), and JFK avoiding the fray. RFK sets on his own course, wanting to take down the mob and fight corruption; haunted a bit by a family alliance with Joe McCarty; and ultimately, near the end of his life, truly someone who sought to understand the struggles of the downtrodden and worked for noble causes.
Timing plays a big part in the RFK story (and ultimately his life). He is under his brother's shadow. LBJ and him are never friends, and RFK has to decide whether it is in his best interest to wait to run in 1972. When LBJ does not run in 1968, RFK has seen some liberal support be usurped by Eugene McCarthy. He gets in the race and it is a question who the young Democrats will support.
RFK would be a true hero of the left, friend of MLK and Cesar Chavez, and working to carry on the Kennedy legacy. He was betrayed by what was a life of wealth and prestige. We will forever contemplate what could have been.
This book covers all that and is easy to read, but succeeds in leaving the reader feeling like they know everything they need to know about RFK.
December 6, 2017
Nothing really new, but not a complete waste of time.
March 21, 2018
This is the Diet Coke of Robert Kennedy biographies, half the calories. In saying that I mean that there is not a lot of depth in the book. It moves fast and covers all the key points in RFK's life but it just does not dive deep.
For that, I highly recommend Evan Thomas' Robert Kennedy: His Life which was much more in-depth and does not contain Chris Matthews personal tales that seemed to get this book off track in the later chapters.
Happy Reading.
For that, I highly recommend Evan Thomas' Robert Kennedy: His Life which was much more in-depth and does not contain Chris Matthews personal tales that seemed to get this book off track in the later chapters.
Happy Reading.
December 27, 2017
So Bobby Kennedy is pretty much my dad's favorite politician of all time. I knew so little about him other than that his was a mighty potential to have been lost in a time when America never needed it more. That and he had earned the same two degrees I had from the same two institutions, though in the wrong order. I also took a 12-person Spanish class with his grandson, also named Conor, when I was in law school and the latter in undergrad. He was so quiet and handsome and showed up so infrequently that I thought he was a disenchanted student athlete. Little did I know that he had made international headlines months before by briefly dating Taylor Swift! Man, these Kennedy's really have a way of capturing our attention, don't they?
I don't know what I expected to get from this book, but I don't think I found it. RFK was definitely a champion of the little guy, and Matthews does an able job of connecting his runt-of-the-litter role to Bobby's later sympathies. But he was also pretty chummy with Joe McCarthy, and took some anti-Progressive positions in his time. I guess I was just looking for a bit more inspiration, but what could competently slake that thirst in these despairing times?
I don't know what I expected to get from this book, but I don't think I found it. RFK was definitely a champion of the little guy, and Matthews does an able job of connecting his runt-of-the-litter role to Bobby's later sympathies. But he was also pretty chummy with Joe McCarthy, and took some anti-Progressive positions in his time. I guess I was just looking for a bit more inspiration, but what could competently slake that thirst in these despairing times?
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