On May 12, 1968, historic McCook, Nebraska was the center of the American political universe. On this day, Robert Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy both had campaign appearances in McCook. At the time, Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy and Hubert Humphrey were involved in a highly competitive contest for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Robert Kennedy, John Glenn, and Freckles the cocker spaniel next stopped in McCook, one of Nebraska’s most historic towns. McCook is remarkable because of its small size and its association with many prominent Nebraskan politicians. It is impressive that this tiny town of approximately eight thousand inhabitants is the adopted hometown of George W. Norris, Ralph Brooks, and Frank Morrison. Moreover, Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Ben Nelson was born and raised in McCook. This tiny burg also produced Nebraska State Senator and Lincoln Mayor Bill Harris. There is perhaps no other small town in the country with such a legacy.
Coincidentally, Kennedy arrived in McCook only a few hours after McCarthy, who had returned to Nebraska on May 12. Contrary to the protestations in his campaign memoir McCarthy did not abandon Nebraska, nor give it a cursory once over. Instead, McCarthy campaigned vigorously across the state on May 12 and 13. As such, the competing McCarthy and Kennedy rallies were a barometer of support between the candidates, with Kennedy the obvious victor. Approximately six thousand people came to see Kennedy in McCook, outnumbering McCarthy’s crowd four times over.
At a warmly received speech in the McCook City Auditorium, Kennedy referenced his familiar themes on Vietnam, the farm economy, taxes, increased local control, the draft, and his usual jokes about how his large family was good for farmers. He called for racial justice and more job opportunities for African Americans. Kennedy also condemned the violence and lawlessness that occurred in Washington, DC. During his remarks, Kennedy praised George W. Norris, as a man who met his
responsibilities for future generations. He also recognized the courage of a six-year-old boy who held a Nixon banner saying, “if we had all his courage, there would be fewer problems.” Afterwards, Kennedy flew back to Lincoln after his McCook speech, barely avoiding McCarthy at the Cornhusker Hotel. This first day of Kennedy’s final Nebraska push had turned out to be a great success as he was seen by as many as fourteen thousand people.
Two former McCook residents can attest to the excitement of the day when the two major Democratic presidential candidates came to their small town. Bert and Jim Harris were both teenagers at the time, and they were already interested in politics because their parents were close friends with Frank Morrison and his wife Maxine. Bert moved on to a successful career in business in Lincoln, Nebraska and Auburn, Alabama. His younger brother Jim went on to have a successful career in law and business in Lincoln.
In his autobiography, former Governor Frank Morrison described his close friendship with the Harris family: “John Harris almost instantly became my client and closest friend in McCook. Eleanor became Maxine’s closest friend.” John Harris was an Auburn University graduate and one of
McCook’s most prominent businessmen and Democrats. Eleanor had studied at Columbia University and the Juilliard School of Music. Morrison wrote: “The Harris family had merged with our own…Our kids grew up together. In John Harris, I had a partner for civic progress.”
Bert was a sophomore in high school at the time and the local Democratic Party asked him to organize a small pep band to perform at George W. Norris Park for the McCarthy rally. Bert said he had no problem finding volunteers and quickly organized a thirty-piece band.
Approximately one thousand people heard McCarthy speak at Norris Park. Bert said that “McCarthy was as dry as melba toast. His speech was mainly about Vietnam. It wasn’t a stirring speech. Especially in comparison to Kennedy’s speech later that day.” Harris went on to say: “Later that day, I made my way to the McCook Auditorium, where Kennedy was scheduled to
speak. There was a huge crowd. It was standing room only. When Kennedy took the stage, he brushed back his hair and commenced his speech. That is the moment that defines the word charisma for me. The entire room was electric”
Bert’s brother Jim also used the word “electric” to describe the atmosphere. “It was incredibly exciting. The auditorium was packed to the gills. It was a capacity crowd of around three thousand to four thousand people.” Jim remembers that “people were excited because Robert was John F. Kennedy’s brother. He was a part of Camelot. He was a huge celebrity. Even
rock-ribbed Republicans were excited. There is a McCook History Facebook page. Whenever somebody posts about Robert Kennedy, there is a huge chain of comments. Some of the posters are Republicans.”
“Like Bert said, Camelot came to McCook. We were honored and excited. The assassination of President Kennedy was traumatic. Robert Kennedy was the torchbearer for the late president. It was a thrill to have him in our town. I still remember the finale of Kennedy’s speech. He said that the United States was the ‘last, best hope on Earth.’ It was very inspiring.” Jim said.
Two days later on May 14, Kennedy won a resounding victory in the Nebraska primary. Kennedy defeated McCarthy by a 52% to 31% margin. Once again, as in Indiana, Kennedy did well with blue collar whites, farmers and urban voters. The New York Senator carried 60% of the farm vote and 60% of the blue collar vote. Kennedy carried 88 out of 93 counties. It was an impressive victory that made a strong case for his electability in the general election cycle.