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"One Too Many?" But the importance of Kennedy's victory went far beyond the boundaries of Massachusetts. It gave new life to an issue that is certain to echo across the U.S. between now and November. That issue might best be called "Kennedyism"; it springs from the fretful feeling that there are too many Kennedys doing too many things too conspicuously and achieving too much power. Republicans mean to make the most of it. Says Republican National Chairman William Miller: "We're going to take a lot of votes all over the country out of this, because people are going to think twice about the dynasty issue now. It was bad enough making Bobby Attorney General. But even that wasn't the joke this one is. The idea that Teddy is qualified to be a U.S. Senator is ridiculous."
Before the election, political cartoonists ridiculed the Kennedys' massed march on Washington. Cracked Satirist Del Close of Chicago's Second City: "If Teddy wins. Laos won't be the only country with three princes." Columnists were critical. "Make no mistake about it," wrote Scripps-How-ard's Richard Starnes, "Teddy Kennedy has mortgaged his brother's Administration." Asked Inez Robb: "Don't you think that Teddy is one Kennedy too many?" On primary day, Editor Jonathan Daniels of the strongly pro-Kennedy Raleigh News and Observer wrote: "Whatever happens in Massachusetts today, the implications of Ted Kennedy's campaign will not help the President, the Democratic Party, or the country." When the ballots were counted, the New York Times was moved to rare emotion: "This victory for Edward Kennedy is demeaning to the dignity of the Senate and the democratic process."
Matter of Survival. The Kennedys were acutely aware of the potential peril of Kennedyism as an issue. Jack and Bobby were dubious about Teddy's candidacy from the beginning. Teddy understood their doubts; yet he plunged right ahead. Why? First, because his father insisted. Second, because the Senate race was a challenge—and Teddy Kennedy is remarkable even among the Kennedys for his fiercely competitive spirit.
The Kennedys are famed for their family solidarity, but Old Joe and Teddy have always been especially close. When their father suffered his stroke last year, all three sons hurried to his bedside in Palm Beach, Fla., but it was Teddy who sat up with him all night for three nights, while the others went home to sleep. When Jack and Bobby expressed their hesitation about Teddy's candidacy, Joe laid down the law. Said he: "You boys have what you want now, and everyone else helped you work to get it. Now it's Ted's turn. Whatever he wants, I'm. going to see he gets it." What Ted wanted was the Senate. He wanted it as a measure of proof that he could hold his own as a Kennedy. For Ted was the kid brother, and he had to excel to survive in a family where life is a constant contest and victory the only goal.