New York Times, Nov. 4, 1980
Cleveland, Act II: Kennedy defeats Percy 300-238, says "I have listened, and I have returned."
"In one of the most stunning political upsets in American history, former President Robert F. Kennedy recaptured the White House after losing to President McCloskey in 1972. The former President defeated Vice President Charles H. Percy after winning California by over 300,000 votes. Percy conceded to Kennedy, saying that "what we need now is cooperation, as occurred in 1972." For his part, President McCloskey said that "our roles are reversed, and I pledge my full cooperation to the incoming Administration." Kennedy won the popular vote, 52-48, the first Democratic President to win a majority of the popular vote since Franklin D. Roosevelt. Democrats retook the House, but the Senate remains under Republican control."
"I wish to thank Americans for giving me this unique opportunity, and since I will no longer have to worry about seeking reelection, 100% of my time will be devoted to getting this country moving again. This is a time for statesmanship, not partisanship."
- President-elect Robert Kennedy addressing supporters at Faneuil Hall, Nov. 4
Cleveland, Act II: Kennedy defeats Percy 300-238, says "I have listened, and I have returned."
"In one of the most stunning political upsets in American history, former President Robert F. Kennedy recaptured the White House after losing to President McCloskey in 1972. The former President defeated Vice President Charles H. Percy after winning California by over 300,000 votes. Percy conceded to Kennedy, saying that "what we need now is cooperation, as occurred in 1972." For his part, President McCloskey said that "our roles are reversed, and I pledge my full cooperation to the incoming Administration." Kennedy won the popular vote, 52-48, the first Democratic President to win a majority of the popular vote since Franklin D. Roosevelt. Democrats retook the House, but the Senate remains under Republican control."
"I wish to thank Americans for giving me this unique opportunity, and since I will no longer have to worry about seeking reelection, 100% of my time will be devoted to getting this country moving again. This is a time for statesmanship, not partisanship."
- President-elect Robert Kennedy addressing supporters at Faneuil Hall, Nov. 4