A Question of Ambition

Certainly Robert Kennedy is an ambitious man, but so are most politicians, though most display less candor than he. But ambition does not preclude excellence; if anything, it encourages it. Kennedy knows very well that should he ever seek the Presidency he must amass a Senate record of extraordinary strength. He must represent his nation and his state as best he can.

When Kennedy originally expressed interest in running, the first to support him were New York's Democratic party bosses--Buckley, Steingut, English, Powell and Crotty. But he declined to enter under their aegis--pledging instead that he would battle for continued party democratization and reform. In no way has he reneged or indicated he might renege on his promise.

The Republican charges do not undercut Kennedy's achievements nor do they demonstrate why he should not represent New York in the Senate.

The Future of Republianism

Despite Keating's competent but mediocre record many liberals plan to support him in order to preserve moderate Republicanism. Unquestionably moderation in the Republican party should be encouraged. But liberals should remember that his failure to support Goldwater in a state with an overwhelmingly moderate electorate smacks more of common sense than principle. They should also remember all the rhetoric to the contrary, that Keating's reelection will not save the Republican party; for neither are presidential candidates chosen nor party organizations maintained on the floor of the Senate. Even if Keating is defeated, New York's Republican party will remain firmly under the control of men like Senator Javits and Governor Rockefeller. Keating's defeat would be almost meaningless in terms of national politics, for a Senator from New York does not control power within the party hierarchy.

New York's choice, then, is not between brash youth and experience nor residence and non-residence, but between mediocrity and the possibility of excellence. New York's choice should be Robert Kennedy.