2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: In 1980, did Ted Kennedy endorse Jimmy Carter? [View all]PJMcK
(21,921 posts)..was disastrous for Democrats and Progressives and the policies that they collectively believe in. It was also disastrous for the United States and her citizens.
In the midst of an economic/energy crisis and an international hostage and diplomatic crises- issues that the president has very little ability to influence- a member of the president's own party challenged his legitimacy. Senator Kennedy's actions undermined the president's credibility. After all, if President Carter can't get the support of his own party how can he get the support of the American people?
I won't judge Senator Kennedy's intentions or ambitions or desires for our country. By all that he did in his life, it's clear that he was a true American, a true Democrat and a true supporter of the common man.
However, his decision to run for president demonstrated that he lacked the judgment and wisdom for that office. To a more cognizant man, his own personal history would have been an indicator of the problems to come. There was an arrogance to his campaign that implied that he was entitled to this nomination because of his, and his family's, efforts on behalf of Americans. But the baggage he carried far exceeded any political issues President Carter had as a candidate in the General Election.
By dividing the Democratic Party, Senator Kennedy inadvertently opened the door for President Carter's defeat.
We'll never know if President Carter would have defeated Ronald Reagan if Senator Kennedy hadn't challenged him. in the end, it's just speculation anyway. But one thing is clear: the election of Ronald Reagan was disastrous for our great nation and his presidency did much to diminish our country.