Book SummaryThe Kennedy Brothers, by Richard D. Mahoney

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Kennedy Brothers

The personal characteristics, aspirations, and robust familial bonds of the Kennedy siblings shaped their dealings with the Teamsters and their connections to organized crime groups.

Mahoney suggests that the unique personalities and qualities of the Kennedy siblings played a significant role in both their ascent to political significance and the obstacles they encountered. Jack's captivating charm and steadfast fairness, combined with Bobby's fervent commitment to his values, steadfast allegiance, and tireless efficacy, created a formidable partnership that paved the way for their achievements. The ambition of their father to witness a Kennedy ascend to the pinnacle of national leadership resulted in a risky alliance with the criminal underworld.

Differing Personalities and Methods of Exercising Authority

The author emphasizes the stark contrasts in personality between John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert. John F. Kennedy, distinguished by his enthralling allure and his deliberate yet effortless demeanor, is markedly different from his brother Robert, who is defined by his solemn nature, unwavering determination, and intermittent bouts of melancholy, with his deep-seated faith, unwavering dedication, and vigorous vitality stemming from his Irish Catholic immigrant roots. John F. Kennedy's approach to power was shaped by his admiration for beauty and organization, while Robert Kennedy's outlook was rooted in his moral convictions. He viewed the act of governing as an elevated art form.

The charm and tranquil composure of John F. Kennedy sharply contrasted with the fervent intensity and deep moral fervor of Robert Kennedy.

Mahoney highlights the stark contrasts in character and approach among the siblings of the Kennedy family. John F. Kennedy frequently reflected on the nature of mortality, an interest that stemmed in part from his personal battles with health issues and the tragic loss of his brother Joe during World War II. He fully harnessed his intellectual and artistic potential, taking pleasure in literature and philosophy, and simultaneously pursued romantic relationships with women. His political aspirations lacked clear definition. Bobby, together with their father, effectively bridged the gap.

Bobby Kennedy was compelled by a profound sense of ethics to confront injustices and question the decisions of those with power. His steadfast Jansenist Catholic beliefs and a deep awareness of injustice were the foundation for these traits. Bobby, raised in a family that placed a premium on achievement, frequently felt eclipsed by his more athletic and outgoing brother Joe, which fueled his fierce resolve to succeed in any endeavor.

Context

• His appreciation for the arts and literature helped craft a public persona that was sophisticated and cultured, appealing to a broad segment of the American public during his presidency.

Other Perspectives

• The contrast between the brothers' personalities might be overstated; both shared a deep commitment to public service and had moments where their behaviors overlapped, suggesting a more nuanced difference than a sharp contrast.
• It could be argued that the reflection on mortality is a common philosophical inquiry that many individuals, regardless of personal tragedy or health, may engage in, especially those in positions of power and responsibility.
• The establishment of the Peace Corps and advocacy for the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty indicate that Kennedy had specific aspirations for not only national policy but also global diplomacy and peace.
• Questioning those in power can be a complex endeavor, and there were instances where Kennedy's approach might have been influenced by political strategy rather than solely by ethics.
• It could be argued that his awareness of injustice and his actions were not solely the product of his religious beliefs but also a result of his personal ambition and desire to continue his family's legacy in American politics.
• The focus on Joe's influence on Robert's determination could diminish the recognition of Robert's own intrinsic qualities and achievements that were independent of his relationship with his brother.
• The idea that Robert Kennedy and his father were solely responsible for bridging any gaps ignores the influence and efforts of other siblings and family members who may have played significant roles.

Joe Kennedy Sr.'s financial status and his dealings in the criminal underworld had a substantial impact on unfolding events.

The work by Mahoney explores the substantial wealth accumulated through the endeavors of Joe Kennedy, alongside his consistent yet frequently undisclosed endeavors to ensure the prosperity of his lineage as two central motifs. Joe Kennedy built his fortune through a variety of ventures, such as participating in the illegal alcohol market, engaging with the movie business, and other endeavors that frequently skirted the edges of lawful behavior, thereby facilitating their rapid rise in the political sphere. The family's elder statesman engaged in transactions with infamous individuals from the underworld, such as Frank Costello and Sam Giancana. These ties would eventually become a source of difficulty for the Kennedy clan.

Practical Tips

• Map your family's financial history to identify patterns that may influence your current financial decisions. Start by creating a timeline of significant financial events in your family, such as business ventures, investments, or economic hardships. This can help you understand how your family's financial past might be shaping your attitudes and behaviors towards money today.
• Educate yourself on investment basics and start with a small, manageable amount of money. Use free online resources or community college courses to understand the stock market, real estate, or other investment vehicles. Then, invest a small sum in a low-risk option to get a feel for the process...

The Kennedy Brothers Summary The rise of the Kennedy family in political circles and their tactics throughout the 1960 presidential race were characterized by the use of contentious strategies.

The story describes the manner in which their considerable fortune, significant sway, and relentless resolve to succeed against all challenges, hastened their ascent into the political sphere. The family's elder statesman, embittered by the adversities faced throughout the Second World War, intensified his commitment to see a descendant from the Kennedy bloodline rise to the nation's highest office. The family patriarch, who had previously faced some of these influential groups and individuals in opposition, was instrumental in obtaining the financial support essential for their political strategies.

Joe Kennedy Sr. was firmly determined to witness a Kennedy ascend to the apex of political leadership in the United States.

Joe Kennedy Sr.'s steadfast determination to ensure his offspring ascended to the presidency, along with his willingness to utilize his wealth to aid their political careers, is a central theme in Mahoney's narrative. His opposition to the United States joining the war garnered considerable notice and eventually resulted in his dismissal from the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, despite his substantial fortune and fame. The untimely...

The Kennedy Brothers Summary The Kennedy administration's handling of critical international and domestic policy challenges, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement, was complex and multifaceted.

The writer depicts the Kennedy brothers as navigating significant societal changes while remaining firmly committed to promoting civil rights for African Americans, both within the United States and in their foreign policy initiatives. After the calamitous Bay of Pigs fiasco, they pursued a strategy of fostering peaceful cohabitation with adversaries such as Soviet Premier Khrushchev, the heads of Communist China, and Cuba's Fidel Castro, in spite of resistance from American military and political leaders in Washington.

Kennedy's approach to Cuba was significantly shaped by the fallout of the ill-fated invasion at the Bay of Pigs.

President Kennedy quickly approved a CIA mission that was not well thought out, with the objective of deposing Fidel Castro, resulting in a disastrous invasion at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba. The decisions made by JFK were pivotal, culminating in Khrushchev's consent to dismantle the nuclear missiles in Cuba, which was contingent upon the United States vowing not to carry out an invasion of the island. Bobby's growing animosity towards Castro fueled his determination to craft strategies for retaliation. The book details the Attorney General's...

The Kennedy Brothers Summary The complex web of plots, the nuanced dynamics of power during Kennedy's presidency, and the personal tragedies that struck the family.

Mahoney traces the Kennedy family's resolute rise to prominence, a lineage whose steadfastness allowed them to surmount all obstacles, ranging from political rivals to the devoted people who entrusted them with their hopes. The siblings of the Kennedy family pursued political success with unwavering determination and a clear emphasis on outcomes, which allowed them to surpass individuals whose allegiance they either warranted, disregarded, or stirred up.

The dangers stemming from the Kennedy family's involvement with criminal syndicates during their efforts to depose Castro, along with the leverage Hoover possessed due to this association.

The writer suggests that Johnny Rosselli was a key figure in the tragic circumstances that impacted the Kennedy family. He engaged in a duplicitous strategy, coordinating efforts with the CIA to remove Castro, fully aware that this collaboration would also empower criminal syndicates to impact the Kennedy family and put a stop to investigations that could reveal their participation in the President's assassination.

Rosselli astutely manipulated the circumstances to his advantage, utilizing his connections with both the Kennedys and...