Feuding in the Rear Guard

“President Kennedy and President Carter agree on most things”—Vice President Mondale, June 6, 1979.

The battle between President Carter and “President” Kennedy for control of the Democratic Party has been going on for nine months now; an additional year of tiffs, spats, raids, harries, tumults, skirmishes, and piracies preceded their formal declaration of war. The President has called the Senator’s statements “baloney,” and promised to “whip his” buttocks. The Senator, more caustic, has called the President a “Republican.” Carter has accused Kennedy of compiling the most profligate spending record in Senate history, and of subverting national unity in a time of crisis. Kennedy has accused Carter of plunging the country into economic ruin and betraying the historical role of his party. Carter, says Kennedy, personifies “uncertainty and retreat.” Carter, say Carter’s ads (leaving the contraposition to the listener), is a distinguished husband and father.

About the Author

Richard Brookhiser

Historian Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor of National Review and a senior fellow at the National Review Institute.

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Presidential Election

“President Kennedy and President Carter agree on most things”—Vice President Mondale, June 6, 1979.

The battle between President Carter and “President” Kennedy for control of the Democratic Party has been going on for nine months now; an additional year of tiffs, spats, raids, harries, tumults, skirmishes, and piracies preceded their formal declaration of war. The President has called the Senator’s statements “baloney,” and promised to “whip his” buttocks. The Senator, more caustic, has called the President a “Republican.” Carter has accused Kennedy of compiling the most profligate spending record in Senate history, and of subverting national unity in a time of crisis. Kennedy has accused Carter of plunging the country into economic ruin and betraying the historical role of his party. Carter, says Kennedy, personifies “uncertainty and retreat.” Carter, say Carter’s ads (leaving the contraposition to the listener), is a distinguished husband and father.