As the last brother in a Democratic Party dynasty, Edward Kennedy has been a powerful voice and divisive force in presidential politics for nearly 15 years. Each campaign season, the Massachusetts Senator has been chalked up as the front runner for the Democratic nomination that his brother John won and Robert sought. But burdened by family responsibilities and the lingering scandal of Chappaquiddick, Kennedy spurned the challenge in 1972, 1976 and 1984. When he did summon the will to run in 1980, he performed dismally and was trounced by the incumbent President Jimmy Carter.
Last week, as all signs seemed to...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
