Transcript of talk given by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. about Robert F. Kennedy

1964 October

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (1917-2007) was a Pulitzer Prize winning American historian and Robert F. Kennedy supporter and biographer. Addressing a private group in a Brooklyn Heights (New York City) home on October 5, 1964, Schlesinger delivered a speech in support of Robert F. Kennedy's candidacy to become a U.S. Senator. Schlesinger's intention was to present Kennedy as a liberal ally to skeptical New York City Democrats. In his speech, Schlesinger discussed the influence of Barry Goldwater's presidential candidacy on American politics; situated the carpetbagger accusations aimed at Kennedy in historical and constitutional context; and invoked Kennedy's role in the United States's response to the Cuban Missile Crisis as an example of his leadership ability. The transcript includes Schlesinger's response to questions from attendees.