The Presidential Run

At one time—before Chappaquiddick—Ted Kennedy seemed destined for the presidency. Even after that, he took on the incumbent Jimmy Carter in 1980 and fought all the way to the Democratic Convention, where he gave one of his most famous speeches. “There were some—There were some who said we should be silent about our differences on issues during this convention, but the heritage of the Democratic Party has been a history of democracy,” he said. “We fight hard because we care deeply about our principles and purposes. We did not flee this struggle. We welcome the contrast with the empty and expedient spectacle last month in Detroit where no nomination was contested, no question was debated, and no one dared to raise any doubt or dissent.”