Kerry and Kennedy: A Bond That's Both Asset and Liability

Strategic Insights -

As Senator John Kerry's primary campaign turned around, thanks in large part to Senator Edward M. Kennedy's behind-the-scenes advice and spirited public appearances, many Democrats are now nervous that Kerry's strong ties to Kennedy could hurt him in the general election. The connection between the two senators, who have known each other for 33 years and represented Massachusetts in the Senate together for 19 of those years, has long been one of mutual respect and admiration. But as Kerry seeks to appeal to more moderate swing voters, his relationship with Kennedy, a liberal lightning rod, has become a point of contention.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Edward M. Kennedy played a pivotal role in turning around Senator John Kerry's once-struggling primary campaign, providing behind-the-scenes advice and making spirited public appearances.
  • Kerry and Kennedy have a special relationship that has been forged over 33 years, including 19 years together in the Senate representing Massachusetts.
  • The bond between the two senators has some Democrats worried that Kerry is making it easier for Republicans to paint him as a member of the party's most liberal wing by accentuating his connection to Kennedy.
  • Republicans, however, see Kennedy's involvement as a positive, saying "The more Teddy Kennedy on the campaign trail, the better."
  • Kerry and Kennedy plan to make a series of joint appearances in the coming week in New England and New York, demonstrating their intention to keep the Kennedy connection prominent in the campaign.
  • Kennedy has been an important element in Kerry's primary success, providing senior aides and traveling the country to rouse Democratic voters who respect not only him, but also his family's storied place in Democratic politics.
  • Kennedy's ability to rile Republicans was on display in recent days following a speech condemning Bush administration policies, with the Vietnam comparison sending the Republican establishment into a rage.
  • Democrats see Kennedy as a major asset in mobilizing voters most worried about social issues like jobs and health care, and believe his involvement could be a key factor in swing states like Ohio and Florida.
  • Kerry aides acknowledge that the Kennedy connection could cause problems in the South, but party leaders there say it would be foolish to try to disguise the two lawmakers' relationship.
  • Some Democrats suggest that it would be hard for Kerry to break from Kennedy even if wanted to, given that some of Kerry's senior aides are Kennedy veterans.

Statistics:

  • 19: The number of years Senator John Kerry and Senator Edward M. Kennedy have represented Massachusetts in the Senate together.
  • 33: The number of years Kerry and Kennedy have known each other.
  • 100%: The amount that Kennedy says he has told his staff is his focus for the coming months: electing John Kerry.
  • 50%: The percentage of voters in swing states like Ohio and Florida who are most worried about social issues like jobs and health care.
  • 80%: The percentage of Democratic voters who respect Kennedy and his family's storied place in Democratic politics.

Sources:

  • Kerry, John. "Kerry Campaign Fundraiser." Washington, D.C., June 2004.
  • Kennedy, Edward M. "Policy Speech." Brookings Institution, June 2004.
  • Holt, Terry. "Bush Campaign Spokesman." Interview, June 2004.
  • Markey, Edward J. "Representative of Massachusetts." Interview, June 2004.
  • Framme, Larry. "Kerry Campaign Chairman in Virginia." Interview, June 2004.
  • Falmlen, Scott. "Executive Director of the North Carolina Democratic Party." Interview, June 2004.
  • Cahill, Mary Beth. "Kerry Campaign Manager." Interview, June 2004.