RFK and Ted in JFK Lives TL

Taking a typical ATL where his brother lives, what career do Bobby and Teddy have -- assuming it's one where neither eventually become President?

Would John want to keep Robert him around in the cabinet? Would he pursue elected office -- and what are the chances he doesn't, at least not initially? Since I'm guessing Robert's more likely to get the PotUS nomination, how can Ted get it instead?
 
I think if JFK lives, and gets reelected, which is almost certain, his brothers will also end up as presidents too. Yes, Camelot fever was bolstered by Kennedy's assassination, but like the current U.S. administration, he received more passes from a friendly press establishment than his policy record warranted. This would be true of presidents RFK and Edward Kennedy too.
 
The Kennedy dynasty becomes even more powerful most likely, honestly I am suprised we haven't seen more TL's on the subject of JFK winning.
 
I take more stock in the vein of belief that Bobby would wait until around '76 for his own Presidential Run, since he would likely remain within his Brother's Administration until the end and will need some experience on the Hill beforehand. I don't believe Ted ever REALLY wanted the Presidency, and more wished to change the political trajectory of the country; his personal failings though would form a significant damper on any Presidential Bid he made, and if he comes after RFK, the Kennedy name might by then become more of a liability then an asset ("When's the next time we going to nominate a Democrat who ain't an Irish Catholic Boy named Kennedy?")
 
I agree a lot with this. RFK was very loyal to his family, especially brother Jack. I'm convinced, if JFK was reelected, a Republican would win in 68 and 72 and then RFK takes back over in 76 and 80. I doubt Teddy would be able to get a Presidential Nomination until 92, the earliest (and then it is far too late).
 
I take more stock in the vein of belief that Bobby would wait until around '76 for his own Presidential Run, since he would likely remain within his Brother's Administration until the end and will need some experience on the Hill beforehand...​

As long as it works out that he still fails in his bid for the presidency*...

I don't believe Ted ever REALLY wanted the Presidency, and more wished to change the political trajectory of the country, his personal failings though would form a significant damper on any Presidential Bid he made...​

Am I wrong, or did Ted not develop these bad habits (excessive drinking, etc) until after the deaths of his two brothers?

*related note, I've got my own idea where Moynihan becomes Sec of Labor in JFK's 2nd term, then has a career TTL that leads to the WH in 1980 -- if he gets elected NY Governor in 1970, and Bobby goes to the Senate that same year, does this work?
 
^Great post. I generally agree with it. RFK probably would have become Secretary of Defense in JFK's second term. Dallek would go to the UN to replace Stevenson, with Katzenbach replacing Bobby (most likely). In 1968 or 1970 Bobby runs for the Senate in New York and carries on his legacy from there. He might run, but like the above post said he equally well may not.

As for Teddy, his questionable habits may not boil over, but his frat-boy personality won't fundamentally change. He's a good senator, but his record is overshadowed by his older brothers. It won't be until he becomes a Senate elder-statesman in the 1990s and 2000s that he emerges as a major national figure.
 
Much thanks; I tend to agree with 03 and hc right now.

Here's one more thought -- say the GOP wins the House in 66 and the WH in 68; would it be beneath him for RFK to become chairman of the DNC in 69 and coordinate Democratic midterm efforts in 1970?
 
OK, one last minor point -- say the same day RFK is elected to the Senate, former Secretary of Labor Moynihan is elected the (Democratic) Governor of New York. Would anything special need to happen to make it plausible for DPM to get elected President in 1980?
 
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