Ethel Kennedy, the late matriarch of the Kennedy family, once made a heartfelt call to then-President Joe Biden to apologize for her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s, decision to run for president in 2023. According to a recent report by New York magazine, Ethel reached out to Biden to express her regrets about her son’s competing presidential campaign. This touching gesture sheds light on the complex dynamics within one of America’s most prominent political families.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Ethel-Kennedy-Robert-F-Kennedy-Jr-Joe-Biden-082525-tout-802caecdf3eb4d42b59fb7a7f98ea1c7.jpg)
The report details that when RFK Jr. officially entered the presidential race as a Democrat, Ethel took the initiative to call Biden and apologise for what was seen as her son’s “wayward” actions. Biden, known for his graciousness and understanding, responded to Ethel by reassuring her, saying, “You don’t have to. I know about these things.” This exchange highlights the respect and mutual understanding that existed between Ethel and Biden, despite the challenging circumstances of their sons being political rivals.
Ethel and Biden shared a longstanding friendship that spanned decades, making RFK Jr.’s decision to challenge Biden in the presidential race all the more difficult for her. A close family friend revealed that Ethel was deeply saddened by her son’s choice to run against Biden, especially considering her unwavering dedication to the Democratic Party. This personal insight offers a glimpse into the internal struggles and conflicting emotions that can arise within influential political families.
In 2023, RFK Jr.’s sister Kerry publicly distanced herself from her brother’s political viewpoints, emphasising that she did not endorse his stances on various issues, including the COVID pandemic and vaccinations. This public statement underscored the family’s diverse perspectives and the nuanced dynamics at play within the Kennedy clan. Despite sharing a name with the revered RFK, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s political inclinations did not align with the values upheld by the rest of the family, as highlighted by Kerry’s statement.
The Kennedy family’s response to RFK Jr.’s political ambitions was mixed, with several members openly opposing his bid for office. In a symbolic display of solidarity, a group of Kennedys gathered at the White House for a St. Patrick’s Day photo opportunity with Biden, showcasing their support for his candidacy. Subsequently, six of RFK Jr.’s eight siblings appeared on stage with Biden to publicly endorse his presidential campaign, further illustrating the divisions within the family regarding Robert’s political choices.
Despite the challenges and disagreements within the Kennedy family, the enduring friendship between Ethel and Biden remained a constant source of connection and support. Biden’s annual birthday calls to Ethel, including a special message on her 95th birthday, reflected the deep bond between the two influential figures. These personal gestures underscored the significance of empathy and understanding in maintaining relationships, even amidst political differences and familial discord.
The passing of Ethel Kennedy in 2024 marked the end of an era for the Kennedy family, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to public service. Her gesture of reaching out to Biden to apologise for her son’s political endeavours resonates as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in navigating personal relationships within the realm of politics. The intersection of family ties and political ambitions portrayed in this story offers a nuanced glimpse into the inner workings of a renowned American political dynasty.