Neil Gabler: Edward Kennedy’s Rise
On Tuesday, Marth 4th, historian and journalist Adam Goodheart hosted the Starr Center event “The Rise of Edward Kennedy,'' presented by biographer Neil Gabler. Gabler was the author of the book “Catching the Wind: Edward Kennedy and the Liberal Hour'' which details the life and achievements of more than just the third Kennedy brother. Gabler would spend his time talking about the lesser known story of a Kennedy that “accomplished what his brothers could not.”
Gabler described Edward’s difficult childhood enduring ridicule and humiliation by his friends, family, and peers alike. Edward was nicknamed the “fat Kennedy” and was conditioned to accept the bullying he faced. He moved through eleven schools in six years. Gabler stressed that Edward Kennedy’s life was not paved out for him. Edward’s life growing up was rootless, friendless, and full of humiliation. Gabler stopped by many of Edward’s achievements and records including being the youngest member to be elected to senate as of 1962. Gabler stressed that without Edward Kennedy’s strength in the Senate, liberalism would have been extinguished.
