Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed

Joan Kennedy, during the run-up to Ted Kennedy’s 1980 presidential campaign, endured intense media scrutiny about her appearance, which Ted’s criticism and infidelity exacerbated. She struggled with alcohol use disorder and also with anger over Ted getting away with “drinking, drugging, and womanizing” while she was torn apart for wearing too short of a skirt (253). In addition, Ted fished for sympathy with the media, pointing out how hard his wife’s addiction was on him, seemingly unable to realize (or care) that his own actions led to her struggles.

He excoriated her for admitting to getting psychiatric help and going to rehab, which led her to leave him for a time. However, during the 1980 presidential election campaign, Ted and his advisors realized that she was receiving more support than him. He was unable to give coherent answers about the Chappaquiddick accident or even why he wanted to be president; meanwhile, Joan became a potent symbol for feminism, especially for women voters who were “no longer willing to look the other way” regarding Ted’s womanizing and instead wanted to see and talk to Joan (261). Soon, Ted’s aides begged her to attend more campaign events. Even after he dropped out of the race in August of 1980, she continued to help get the Equal Rights Amendment passed and fight to improve women’s access to higher education, employment, and equal pay.