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Robert F. Kennedy and the 1968 Indiana Primary

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The 1968 Indiana Primary thrust Robert F. Kennedy into the national spotlight for the presidency. While it remains open to debate whether he would have won, the primary allowed Robert to leave his brother's shadow in the national conscience and make a mark for himself. This book chronicles that journey.

The book begins with the beautiful landmark for peace in Indianapolis which many people do not know exists. Questions about the Vietnam war and the dissent in the Democratic party seem to suggest the incumbent may not be welcome to return. Eugene McCarthy initially kindles the flame, but Kennedy stirs a fire. By the time the Indiana primary arrives, Lyndon Johnson announces he will not seek another term. Poverty, war, and race are the spotlight issues of the campaign. But the book is centered on what may be Robert Kennedy's finest moment. Speaking in an African-American neighborhood in the hours after Martin Luther King's assassination, Kennedy made his legacy of peace evident.

Being before my time, it was interesting to see some of the landmarks of my home state appear throughout the story. It adds to the book that members of my family also remember the events and speeches of this primary. For those interested in Robert F. Kennedy, this book focuses on a small but important aspect of his life. On the other hand, it says a great deal more about him than many 400 page books.

I am a voracious reader of insightful books involving, or in part containing, Robert Kennedy's '68 run for the Democratic nomination. This book is a first-rate addition to the few great ones out there. Previously unknown stories of this Hoosier primary from first-hand sources, wonderfully well-researched accounts of how decisions were made and the campaign trasnspired, all brought together in a smooth style that doesn't get in the way of the story.

You'll find stories and accounts about this particular primary that are not found elsewhere. The book deservers its place among the other great books that cover the '68 campaign of Bobby Kennedy.

What makes this book especially interesting is how it describes the details and the process of a candidate and his staff focusing on one state's Presidential Primary election. Boomhower has written an excellent book, one I would recommend to anyone interested in political history and the intricacies of each state's Primary election. During the 2008 election, with each candidate trying harder to bash the other than to promote their own views and goals, this book is a look back at a truly different time in American history.

The Washington Post on March 25, 2008 reported that the Indiana May primary between Obama and Clinton may make the difference for the Democratic nomination. Forty years ago this was also the case. Every political reporter, blogger and junkie needs to read this book. Indiana politics are quirky, but there are similarities between 1968 and 2008, especially over the race issue. Obama is Bobby Kennedy. Hillary is trying to figure out if she is Gene McCarty or the machine candidate represented by Gov. Roger Branigin.

On April 4, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. came to Indiana to campaign for the Indiana Democratic presidential primary. En route, Kennedy learned that civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been shot and had died. Despite the Indianapolis police department's warning that they could not guarantee his safety, Kennedy chose to address an outdoor rally amid the city's African American community. Kennedy delivered one of history's great speeches, breaking the news of King's death and stressing the need for compassion amid violence. Robert F. Kennedy and the 1968 Indiana Primary commemorates the fortieth anniversary of Kennedy's passionate speech, and examines the characters and events of the 1968 primary, in which Kennedy rose from underdog to victor. A fascinating close study of a great leader's power to console and inspire.

Fabulous book....Bobby Kennedy began his Presidential campaign on a wing and a prayer...he is evolving as a candidate as his Indiana campaign evolves from basically nothing.

Grass roots stuff...volunteers who are motivated...kind of familiar!!!!

Between the usual Kennedy professionals and the local Indiana organizers, this win was pulled off.....this book also debunks the notion that after California RFK was waltzing to the nomination.

Such a great read I was saddened that all the primaries that year haven't gotten their own books.. Puts you right there in the middle of the good fight albeit for too short a time.. Brings back anew the feeling of grief and especially loss..