Bobby Calls Daley (PJW)

"Bobby Calls Daley" is an excerpt from 1960, a historical recollection of the United States presidential election by historian David Pietrusza. Most of the information from the John F. Kennedy campaign comes from Ted Sorensen, Kennedy's adviser and speechwriter.

Bobby Calls Daley
"Someone get Daley on the line - NOW!" Bobby barked at one of the campaign aides. The news of John's defeat in Illinois had not been going well. John had retreated to his office, while Bobby was pacing frantically. With Byrd rapidly becoming John's main opponent, a solid victory over him was needed. Illinois was seen as a major opportunity for this, especially with Humphrey skipping over Illinois to campaign in West Virginia. A victory in Illinois in a direct confrontation over Byrd, coming off a victory in Wisconsin, could give John enough momentum to take West Virginia and then the nomination.

We made sure to get an in with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. Daley was a huge - very huge - boss for the Democrats, and his machine ran Chicago politics. John and Bobby had earlier talked with the Mayor, where they promised whatever Daley wanted to hear. The day after, Daley came out and announced his support for Kennedy. That support now seemed hollow as the headline "BYRD TAKES FLIGHT IN ILLINOIS" screamed from a newspaper on my desk.

Bobby had finally reached Daley. "Richard, what the hell happened?" Bobby angrily questioned over the phone. Now, Bobby was this inexperienced 35 year old, while Daley was 58, an experienced veteran. To be questioned by this kid - in the absolute ridiculous Boston accent that roared when Bobby was angry - must have only made the Mayor laugh.

Daley probably responded with something along the lines of, "Look, kid, the voters of my city are scared. Scared of the incoming negro revolution everyone speaks of. There's fear on the wind here. Now, we look at John and Harry. John seems to lean toward being soft on the negro, while Byrd offers a sensible solution. Now, look, John will have a tremendous political career in the future, but right now, we need veteran leadership with a strong hand."

Bobby wrapped the phone's cord around his finger as he paced. "You promised up your support!"

I imagine Daley shrugging across the room. "Thing's change. Byrd offered us peace. Tell John to come back in '64, maybe we can talk then. But for now, John's just too young to guide the country - and help my city."

Bobby slammed the phone back into its receiver. He practically fell back into his chair, his hands running through his hair in thought. He then looked at me. "Ted," he says, "We got a lot of work to do."