Bobby Kennedy

A Raging Spirit

By: Chris Matthews

Narrated by: Chris Matthews

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A revealing new portrait of Robert F. Kennedy that gets closer to the man than any book before, by best-selling author Chris Matthews, an esteemed Kennedy expert and anchor of MSNBC's Hardball.

With his best-selling biography Jack Kennedy, Chris Matthews shared a new look at one of America's most beloved presidents and the patriotic spirit that defined him. Now, with Bobby Kennedy, Matthews returns with a gripping, in-depth, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the great figures of the American 20th century.

Overlooked by his father and overshadowed by his war hero brother, Bobby Kennedy was the perpetual underdog. When he had the chance to become a naval officer like Jack, Bobby turned it down, choosing instead to join the navy as a common sailor. It was a life-changing experience that led him to connect with voters from all walks of life: young or old, black or white, rich or poor. They were the people who turned out for him in his 1968 campaign. RFK would prove himself to be the rarest of politicians - both a pragmatist who knew how to get the job done and an unwavering idealist who could inspire millions.

Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Matthews pulls back the curtain on the public and private worlds of Robert Francis Kennedy. He shines a light on all the important moments of his life, from his early years and his start in politics to his crucial role as attorney general in his brother's administration and his tragic run for president. This definitive book brings Bobby Kennedy to life like never before and is destined to become a political classic.

©2017 Chris Matthews (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Brings back memories

Chris Matthews is obviously passionate about his subject and I am too. I became involved with politics after meeting "Bob" once in Brighton Beach NY and am sad that the world was forever changed by his loss.

The Difference

the best line in this book was at the end ,understanding the difference between "personal and political loyalty" our country could use another Spirit like Robert Kennedy, especially during these timse of such political corruption and lack of understanding for the importance of the highest office in this country. thank you mr. Matthews for writing this book. It's a must-read.

We need another Bobbie.

What a great book Chris. I was raised in the 60s and remember him well watching all the TV coverage. I loved him then and he's still on a pedestal for me. thanks Chris, for filling in a lot of blanks.

Horrible Audiobook, Fine Read

The author of this book is both a truly insufferable narrator (I found myself ramping up the speed to make up for his meandering way of narration) as well as someone desperately attempting to place himself into the story of RFK, creating somewhat false parallels between the two men. RFK is undoubtedly a great man, but this book fails to truly capture a fuller picture of the man as human and elevates him nearly beyond reproach. As Ted once said, he “need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it.” - I wouldn’t classify this as a pure biography with the inclusion of autobiographical information from the author, but a fine primer on RFK himself.

Not Your Typical Kennedy

This was a fun book especially as I was about to dig deeper into the second most famous brother into the most prestigious political family in American history.

I never knew that Bobby was considered to be less than attractive what is it baby into each other. The dynamic of inferiority was likely going to play wrong considering who Jack was and how precious Joseph Sr. felt Joseph Jr. was.

I never knew that Joseph Sr. was really obsessed with the goal of having his first born son to become president and even underestimated the power of Joe Sr. as his days with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration as its ambassador predated the power. Although I knew that LBJ wasn’t exactly friends with JFK, I was saddened to read how LBJ had conflicts with Joe Sr. and despite that and Bobby’s opposition, Jack still ran with him in a desperate attempt to get the southern vote.

Unfortunately, I did not get the sense that Bobby was the civil rights hero as his experiences with people of color seemed quite minimal based on the anecdotes and reputation that preceded him. Except, him as this black swan character who was pivotal in JFK’s campaigns and crisis was inspirational as he rarely let his drawbacks not hold him back as he got older.

Frankly, based on the center-leaning and progressive divide and personalities that are trying to take over the presidency, it seems as if their charisma, insights, and solutions pale in comparison to RFK. They’re too nice and don’t live with the necessary open disgust people must have for the untrustworthy the way Bobby did and are not as open about militaristic mistakes as he was.

The Kennedy name lives on in America as his descendants, including Bobby’s son Chris, either run or participate in politics presently. Except as they lead their own lives and inherit new traditions that contradict what the Kennedy name brings, there may never be Kennedy plan that much of the nation once envisioned again.

Moving

I was too young to understand all that was happening during this time frame. I would have to say when it was as done I cried. I do not think there are any more Bobbies. We need a Bobbie right now.

astounding.

I loved the narrators voice. I loved how he gave us a personal and political insight to a great great man, I didn't think I could miss Bobby anymore than I did. somehow now I do!

good read

best narration i have heard in years.
read at a good pace, kept story moving.

Heart warming

The book made me long for a hero. We need politicians that care about the people. I hope all the progressive s read this book. Get a clue thank you Chris Matthews for helping us remember what a presidential candidate should be.

Moral convictions

Incredible recount of a man with strong character and ethics. Something missing in our political climate today.