Kennedy Vs Carter: The Fight That Broke the Democratic Party

The 1980 Democratic National Convention was a watershed moment in American political history. It marked the end of an era of liberal dominance within the party and the beginning of a new era of conservative ascendancy. The convention also saw the culmination of a bitter rivalry between two of the party's leading figures: Senator Ted Kennedy and President Jimmy Carter.

Camelot's End: Kennedy vs. Carter and the Fight that Broke the Democratic Party

by Jon Ward

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13688 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Kennedy and Carter had been on a collision course for years. Kennedy, a charismatic and popular figure, had long been seen as the heir to the Kennedy dynasty. Carter, a former governor of Georgia, had surprised many by winning the Democratic nomination in 1976. But Carter's presidency had been plagued by a series of crises, including the Iran hostage crisis and the economic recession. By 1980, Kennedy was seen as the man who could save the Democratic Party.

The primary campaign between Kennedy and Carter was one of the most intense and bitter in recent history. Kennedy attacked Carter's record on the economy and foreign policy, while Carter accused Kennedy of being a reckless and irresponsible politician. The campaign reached its climax at the Democratic National Convention in New York City.

The Convention

The convention was held at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The city was sweltering in a heat wave, and the atmosphere inside the convention hall was tense. Kennedy and Carter both gave rousing speeches, but it was Carter who emerged victorious. He won the nomination on the first ballot, and Kennedy conceded defeat.

The convention was a watershed moment in American political history. It marked the end of the liberal era within the Democratic Party and the beginning of a new era of conservative ascendancy. It also contributed to the rise of Ronald Reagan, who was elected president in 1980.

The Aftermath

The Kennedy-Carter rivalry had a lasting impact on the Democratic Party. It helped to create a deep divide within the party that still exists today. Liberals felt betrayed by Kennedy's decision to challenge Carter, while conservatives saw Kennedy as a dangerous radical.

The rivalry also had a personal impact on Kennedy and Carter. Carter was deeply hurt by Kennedy's attacks, and Kennedy never forgave Carter for defeating him. The two men never reconciled, and their relationship remained strained until Carter's death in 2018.

The Legacy

The Kennedy-Carter rivalry is a complex and fascinating chapter in American political history. It is a story of ambition, betrayal, and the changing face of the Democratic Party. The rivalry had a lasting impact on the party and the country, and it continues to be studied and debated by historians and political scientists today.

The Kennedy-Carter rivalry was one of the most significant events in American political history. It marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The rivalry had a lasting impact on the Democratic Party and the country as a whole. It is a story that continues to be studied and debated today.

Camelot's End: Kennedy vs. Carter and the Fight that Broke the Democratic Party

by Jon Ward

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13688 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE