Reacting To The Assassination of Robert Kennedy | The Dick Cavett Show

[@OTOss8]

I'm blown away by this conversation. It's serious and respectful and it was given airtime for the entire country to see. It's hard to believe such mature and serious conversations used to be held on television. When did we lose our way?

[@chairmanmeow958]

The turning point actually happened right after this aired when Gore Vidal and William Buckley was aired during the Summer of 1968

[@atomix62t]

Newt Gingrich

[@LBGirl1988]

I found this conversation, with the exception of the NAACP leader, extremely contemptuously hypocritical and biased to the point of utter cluelessness. Two of these people were part of the same government who were killing the “little” people of Vietnam. No wonder the grandchildren of these insufferably arrogant hypocrites are narcissists who are hypocrites.

[@libertyann439]

Too many channels. Too much emphasis on ratings, not enough on substance.

[@daviddaydodge8985]

When Reagan got rid of The Fairness Doctrine

[@OldMod67]

Cavett's top notch. I'm from England and find his shows outstanding. Puts today's tv to shame, their lack of quality so evident.

[@edmund184]

oh their hasn't been a show like this in England for decades

[@docadams7099]

I grew up watching The Dick Cavett Show, perhaps the best talk show ever on TV. Dick Cavett encouraged real dialogue and his show is pretty educational.

[@cejannuzi]

He can be hit or miss. Perhaps he was just smoking up too much before some of his shows.

[@brickstine202]

Take a look at his program which featured Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer if you haven’t done so already. Also, the Woody Allen Show featuring William F. Buckley.

[@petermcmillan3446]

@@brickstine202 I watched his show with Gore Vidal and Roy Cohn, just before going to see the Apprentice. Hooked on the Cavett channel, but not sure whether to be reassured or gutted that so many of the issues discussed are still live wires today.

[@rtg1960]

This is absolute gold. I was born in 1960 and I grew up watching the Cavett show. Nothing like it before or since. Dick Cavett is a national treasure.

[@contactkeithstack]

I was born in '85 but I've watched a lot of Cavett on DVD and then KZbin, you were very lucky to grow up with him on live tv.

[@thejosephchrist]

I'm Gen X which means that the talk show discourse I grew up with was Geraldo Rivera and Donohue level. I wish we had a show like this today and throughout my maturity.

[@boeingdriver29]

Here, here. 👏

[@ginadean5696]

Same here, I was born in 1961 and agree with you. Dick Cavett’s old show video’s are golden gems of those times, so many interesting guest and interviews, he was good at what he did and very sincere.

[@Pretermit_Sound]

@@thejosephchrist ugh. You can almost pinpoint when trash tv started, and guys like Geraldo are the ones who got the ball rolling. I grew up in the same era. After Rivera, there was Sally Jesse Raphael, Donahue, and Ricki Lake who further desensitized us. Along with the Howard Sterns, and Rush Limbaughs on the radio. Then came Jerry Springer, and Maury Povich who basically put the final nail in the coffin of quality, civil discourse on the airwaves. It’s actually pretty depressing to watch these old shows in a way, because there’s no way we could do something like Cavett today even if we wanted to. I’d even take a Firing Line with William F. Buckley jr., and I didn’t agree with hardly anything he believed, but at least he knew how to hold a civil/respectful debate. I truly hope that there will come a time when we can do that again as a society. 🙏🏼🤞

[@ChubbyChecker182]

I am from the UK, I only discovered Dick Cavett a few years ago on KZbin, he was a fantastic interviewer, I have watched many hours of his shows now, often Very amusing and entertaining, but he could be very serious and respectful when needed...we need more fellas like him.

[@lawrence142002]

I really felt for Robert Vaughn. He looked completely shellshocked. Even in interviews he did before his death in 2016, he still seemingly struggled to talk about RFK, whom he was close with.

[@smithfield06]

@ Lawerence Watson, if you haven’t read Robert vaughans biography you should there is a great chapter on this subject

[@davidhall8049]

@@smithfield06 I need to find that to read thanks

[@betsytucker4788]

Thank you Lawrence for the mention of Robert Vaughn. I used to watch Man from Uncle, when I was a kid, and didn't now about his politics. I was wondering why he was so much more devastated and taken down than the rest of the panel.

[@brupic8968]

vaughn was a very bright and committed man

[@LGBTQ71]

Reagan f"""sick assh*le. No its sad but we need more guns to protect ourselves. Can no-one see the circle???? Not England... In Scotland who has very good problem. We had the Dunblane murders of many 5 year old and their teacher. We as a whole ended up in the UK banned all handguns. USA completely give a shite even now in in 2023... 60 years fron JFK...and kids dying, mass shootings... and yet no-one can do bugger all. 18 years old you can over there can get a uzzie or multi shotguns. Here in Scotland (and the rest of UK) we have to show Id just to get a knife.... erm, different? Guns are you guys in the US are mad about them!!! Obama tried to look at gun control but he got stopped at ever turn. "You cannot changed or take an amendment away from us!" Errr.. yea you can as an AMENDMANT means you can change something... Serious disgusting and really scary society over their.

[@frenchprovincial9602]

One of the best interviews so civilised . This couldn't happen today. Dick Cavett on of the best interviewers of all time.

[@fanmaxis3004]

today we got shows like "the view"

[@frenchprovincial9602]

@@fanmaxis3004 I know and to think they get paid to lie and scream and shout.

[@rodzalez3549]

I'm 33 but I love watching these old real talk shows. Intellectual talk, stimulating and classy

[@dereklong2072]

I'm 30, and I agree. I can only hope our society can find a way back to this type of social engagement. It seems people weren't so extreme in their views during this time. People could have disagreements and still respect each other. It was "civilized." If we are unable to get back to that then we are doomed.

[@miller566]

What's sad is that all the 33 year Olds from the 60s never would have imagined that in 2024 , thousands of records are still classified of the kennedy assassinations 😢

[@RBTVN]

Once again, "talk shows" from pre-1980 show how far we have fallen in the level of public discourse. The medium now could never allow this level of calm, comradely discussion, allowing nuanced ideas the time/space to really be expounded and developed. Now, in the mainstream media at least, everything must be a soundbite, and blood in the water is not only encouraged, it's the raison d'etre. Podcasts, as a medium, offer hope, however.

[@MienemLeben]

Richard Bateman very True. Now “talk shows” are all about bashing and name calling. It’s disgusting and I refuse to watch any of it!

[@craighicksartwork]

@L D So do you diagree? And if so, why? Because right now you just sound like a fucking idiot with zero intellectual comeback to an extremely honest and apparent point of discussion.

[@willd6215]

@Polly Anderson and yet it never fails to make me smile

[@donnaross5105]

Until we found out what a creep Charlie Rose was, his show was sort of the modern day, Dick Cavett. Now we have Christiane Amanpour and she is terrific. Cavett was unique: Soft spoken, intelligent, sensitive, a TRUE gentleman, witty, urbane, humble. Nobody will ever match his perfect pitch, imho. He was kind but not a pushover.

[@claudiaxander]

@L D ok idiot

[@SciFiGirl007]

What a pleasure it is to hear intelligent conversation. Too bad you have to watch a ~50y old old show to hear it.

[@adrianjohnson650]

Sad but true.

[@davidcurran-z8g]

Agree completely. The only ones who can bring us back to the way things were back then are the voters. Wake up, do your homework, stop listening to the talking heads, know the REAL facts, and go from there. Also, stop and take a deep breath. This country will survive no matter who wins an election. It may be unpleasant if the winner is not your candidate, but that’s the way life goes.

[@freddyfurrah3789]

Oh, please.

[@tonyajohnson1059]

A very important discussion of the era. Dick Cavett my favorite talk show host.

[@Hegstuffing]

Agreed. I was a huge fan of Cavett from the time I was 12. I loved his humor and interview style. Just brilliant.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

I saw my father cry twice in my life: the day his mother died, and the morning after Bobby was assassinated. I was 11 years old and I'll never forget that day. The world changed. Imagine if Bobby became president. . .

[@suzieparis6821]

I was 11 too..i had just shook Bobbys hand 6 weeks earlier in the motorcave down 10th st in Indianapolis IN...he was a beautiful spirit..i could feel it whe he shook my hand♡

[@rayjr62]

Sadly, we'll never know. We can only speculate what might have been.

[@sebastianalegria3401]

Everything would have been different, the best president that we never had.

[@RR-mp7hw]

@J Stephen Straw men don't build strong arguments, or men.

[@mrkeno1000]

The world changed on November 22. This horrific event was a continuation of the downward spiral leading to where we are today

[@jhassett2]

Remarkable contributions....nothing like this would get on the air today.

[@tracyjacoby2382]

You are absolutely correct!👍🥺

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Nowadays you would have James Corden saying something Sad for 3 minutes, and then on with the show.

[@russellsteventon8069]

One cannot compare Dick Cavett with James Corden. Cavett is all class whilst Corden has none.

[@taoman85]

Dick Cavett had a different type of talk show. Carson was seldom serious. And, even when it was it was for just a few mins.

[@kitsanshugrosjean6170]

@@taoman85 eh

[@koalabrownie]

This is more like Bill Maher's talk show- or the one he had few years ago. Not sure what he's doing now. Corden is an entirely different format

[@nick56677]

Corden, Seth Myers, Frog Face Fallon, and Colbert are all Mainstream Media talking heads. They dont do shows, they just repeat the garbage of the MSM. Talentless hacks

[@liammcgowan6651]

Thank you KZbin for continuing to make available such wonderful shows & debates as this. The youth of today can most certainly learn from this.

[@michaelsix9684]

only Cavett could do a show like this after the tragedy, such an amazing group here to discuss the event

[@jamesanthony5681]

Cavett was a bright man, and he learned a lot from his former boss, Jack Paar.

[@michaelsix9684]

@@jamesanthony5681 Cavett said Jack was as nervous as a cat

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@michaelsix9684 He was, and Paar had interviewed both Kennedy brothers and would have handled a show like this quite well.

[@michaelsix9684]

@@jamesanthony5681 Cavett once said a talk show is a recipe for a nervous breakdown

[@marconeill3875]

Articulate, knowledgeable, and giving each other time to speak and politely agree or disagree, at such a charged moment in history. The problem has only gotten worse and the people have only gotten dumber.

[@hasselett]

The holocaust took place only 23 years before this show took place. I'm not so sure people have gotten dumber.

[@peterm1826]

@@hasselett yeah they have

[@tomsenick2033p]

They were talking about the out of control gun problem and culture of violence in America! Lol that's hilarious 😆😆🤣

[@AliJawsXVII]

The educational system was domestically and to an extent globally better after WW2 that's why the gentlemen on the show were so careful with what they said and calm they taught to think deeply before talking...things went downhill after 1980 just look at todays trash on TV and media.

[@spockboy]

@@hasselett Your statement only proves the point. The holocaust wasn't dumb. It was a remarkably efficient attempt to exterminate an entire culture. How can you reduce an act that is arguably one the most sickening and twisted crimes in human history to the word DUMB?

[@bobob4477]

“What is wrong with our country is not its basic health, but its way of life" What year are we discussing again?

[@rebeccarivera5402]

The more things change...

[@lemurianchick]

What is your point?

[@arricammarques1955]

The plutocracy within the united states of amnesia.

[@markdurham5062]

@@lemurianchick that the atmosphere of hate is still strong

[@DA-rv6vf]

1968 till now, shows that this country haven't changed at all

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Back when talk shows had class

[@Mr_LMT_93]

I agree

[@truthseeker3129]

Back when Presidential candidates were assassinated.

[@Mr_LMT_93]

@@truthseeker3129 Trump might have had a assassination threat.

[@ferminmorales6564]

To be more precise, back when talk show HOSTS had class. Why can't someone model their new show on this?

[@Mr_LMT_93]

@@ferminmorales6564 I know, they are relevent.

[@davidec.4021]

The definition of Quality.

[@iwanttoseemrshow]

It used to be that our country was sick not in health, but in way of life. Now, we're sick in all ways.

[@code-52]

Gee you have exactly the same comment verbatim as someone who commented on this video. What a coincidence huh?

[@andrewv.l.8908]

13:40 "May I please continue?" When was the last time you heard that, in such a calm and respectful tone, in any recent debate or discussion? Ha

[@truthseeker3129]

They spoke better but they also had more political assassinations.

[@ilonabaier6042]

not a component of the trumpie beast's linguistic gifts.

[@nadiazayman779]

Now the microphones have to be muted so presidential candiates don't interrupt each other.

[@elbecko7969]

I speak as a foreigner, but Bobby Kennedy and these gentlemen, to me, represent the old America; the America I truly love.

[@keef7224]

And then he apologized at the end for “taking too much time”. Wow. Actual human beings.

[@jalapaeno]

I cant think of a more important program to reveal itself on youtube. Time and generations can find commonality here.

[@bigpeeler]

J Paeno Very well said

[@vendrameister]

@@bigpeeler in fact thats what i thought, as germany - the country i ive in - is being hit with a wave of right wing violence at this very moment. germany and the us are indeed hard to compare, but its clear to me, what is a big threat to violent movements and the only way to break them down - real leadership. the us gave light to many of them and many had to pay with there lifes. looking at germany, there havent been any since the 60s

[@simmiewilliams5970]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@ncr1264]

We need more of this now. The 24/7 news cycle, the constant influx of bad news from all over the world, it’s not good for people. We need to slow down and discuss with each other and try to understand.

[@harryanders2877]

I am impressed to learn that Robert Vaughn was so against the Vietnam War, calling it a "monstrosity". Good man.

[@bradsullivan2495]

So was Dan Blocker.

[@65TossTrap]

Kennedy and Johnson got us into Vietnam.

[@fieldthrasher]

​@@65TossTrap Check your facts. Eisenhower sent the first military and CIA "advisors", Johnson was responsible for the first boots on the ground.

[@MikeBreiburg]

@@65TossTrapeven good Presidents make terrible mistakes.

[@artlover1477]

​@@65TossTrapAnd I think there is substantial information to support that JFK wanted out by 65. A lot of people feel that he died for that.

[@brettwilkinson9529]

Interesting to see the guests having their say , giving their thoughts and views without continually being interrupted by the host.Todays shows should take note.

[@PreferredCustomer]

People were shocked that the killings involved several public figures in a short time. Not like today where it's mostly random high schools, nowhere events, and blacks in the ghettos.

[@scatrrr]

PreferredCustomer Two days before RFK was hit in L.A, Warhol was shot in NYC.

[@123rockfan]

@@PreferredCustomer Any kind of violence is shocking

[@adrianjohnson650]

Yes, I concur.

[@edfou5]

I had just turned 16 when Bobby was shot... and almost 52 years later videos like this still cause tears to well up in my eyes. I tell younger friends that they should feel very lucky they didn't live through the experience, because for millions of us the painful memories and the horror have never gone away - a wound that has never healed. It remains the most profoundly shocking news I've ever heard.

[@ClintScottFischer]

Very well said. It was before my time, but I feel the pain of this decade. I also feel the peace that was born in music.

[@TheSpookyDuke]

I am not American and I was 2 when Mr. Robert Kennedy was murdered, but I am crying all night now for this huge loss. But... I was brought up to never lose hope and to never surrender. We are many and we won't give up the dream of a better world. Ever.

[@Chuncks01]

Damn I would have thought watch watching people jump from the twin towers and a 3000 people dying almost instantly would be more terrifying than a politician getting murdered, but hey different times I guess.

[@--ag]

I'm sorry edfou5. Take care and love from NYC in the USA. Be good to yourself.

[@mr.raslyon6626]

@@Chuncks01 Both were horrible. I was born in 80 on the day John Lennon was killed. 9/11 shaped my modern world, but I can empathize with these historic events.

[@fazbell]

How deeply sad. I had forgotten how much this affected those who still had hope.

[@PreferredCustomer]

There is no hope. If humans arent the cause of what kills us, the Earth itself now will be. Just get as much as you can while the getting is good.

[@Phineas1626]

It must have been a sickening feeling to have lived in the US in 1968.

[@fazbell]

@@Phineas1626 It was the first time that I seriously considered that there might be a conspiracy.

[@Phineas1626]

@@fazbell I hope it was the last. Conspiracy theories have done nothing but help turn this nation back to the dark ages.

[@--ag]

Sending love to you Fred. Take care. From NYC in the USA.

[@LazyIRanch]

It was 1968, I was seven years old. I don't remember these events because my parents tried to protect us kids from knowing about these assassinations. What I still remember is that I saw my Mama cry a lot that year. April 4th, 1968 MLK was murdered; June 6, 1968, it was Bobby Kennedy. She loved them both and it broke her heart.

[@strothermartin5368]

Lazy I Ranch I was in elementary school when he was murdered. I was 8

[@riccaruso7791]

I was 10 & 1/2....I vividly remember these murders in 1968 as if yesterday. CIA did both of these political assassinations, in my humble opinion.

[@sharifsobol3776]

@@riccaruso7791 A lot of theories on how they were murdered. I believe the Mob got Kennedy.

[@mns8732]

@@riccaruso7791 Not your humble opinion, many many American humbled opinions.. I hope they leave their hands off Bernie.

[@twomindz79]

@@riccaruso7791 what evidence are you basing your opinion on ?

[@bobrand3895]

Remember that night clearly. I was listening to the dodger game on radio because don Drysdale was pitching against the giants going for the record of scoreless innings. Then the unthinkable happened at the ambassador hotel. I cried that night, the country I loved changed, one year later I was in southeast Asia as a member of the U S Navy

[@bigpeeler]

bo brand Thank you for your post and your service.

[@JMay-]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@JAY1892]

Gavin James After watching such a sad upload, you made me smile. 🙂

[@brianarbenz7206]

I was 9. Our mother had to wake her children, myself and my 11-year-old sister, to tell us that the pain we had lived through four and one-half years earlier when our president was killed was back. She told us directly. She knew it was the only way.

[@PS987654321PS]

Good for you, asshole. How many innocent people did you help kill?

[@j.b8728]

Robert Vaughn: I was impressed with his talk, somewhat eerie with today's politics of 2020

[@moow950]

@A E And he was exactly right!

[@johntomlinson6849]

@@moow950 Whereas Oswald was on the extreme left. Neither side can claim any moral high ground.

[@JSB1882]

@@johntomlinson6849 If you want to believe that Oswald assassinated JFK, but you are so right that nothing can change until the US citizens come together.

[@moderoy]

@@JSB1882 Oswald assassinated JFK as sure as OJ killed Nicole and Ron. The evidence is overwhelming and baseless conspiracy theories are one of the problems driving people apart.

[@SpencerioQ]

Bill Maher could have been the new Dick Cavett, but where Maher failed is that he developed a compulsion to be at the center or at least very involved in the discourse with his guests. Dick, from what I’ve seen, was incredibly gifted at interjecting only to guide the discourse, recognizing that the most intelligent interviewer respects the bounds of his own knowledge and so respects the credence that true experts are entitled too. Intelligent men are completely content not to be the most informed in the room, because they care more about learning than image.

[@NancySanders-om4ic]

Thank you,for such a well stated form of information.

[@jamesvokral4934]

In defense of Bill Maher I think he is primarily a comedian but like Howard Stern he can also be a great interviewer. That said, Cavett was a master interviewer and in a class by himself.

[@aaronjohnson8159]

Wish we had more talk shows like this on tv nowadays

[@ncr1264]

The only thing I could think that comes even half way close to this is The Hill’s Rising.

[@adrianjohnson650]

You are not alone.

[@beauzer36]

Thoughtful discourse is not allowed without the establishment running around yelling 'misinformation'. You had better have the views that match with the narrative or else. These days the country comes to a standstill if someone dare express they would like to be in charge of their own healthcare choices etc. and all of the talking heads come out to wag their finger. They have actually convinced people that the first amendment should be done away with while simultaneously using it to say it doesn't protect naughty points of view they deem problematic. Everything people want to say needs to be heard so we may determine ourselves if it's valid. They are petrified we are staring right at them noticing their intentions and are working hard to stop it.

[@SilencedButNotForgotten]

I love how people used to discuss. So articulate, polite, respectful.

[@basssingerericwinston3561]

Dick Cavett is the epitome of class. Why can't we return to this this type of programming? America needs you Dick Cavett!!!

[@richardpape5546]

Because we would rather listen to the insipid babbling of the likes of Jimmy Fallon

[@richardpape5546]

Fyi. Mr. Cavet is in his 90s. Also, watch an old Phil Donahue show. Actual intelligence.

[@ohyeahthatsright3155]

These shows educated the public. DC doesn’t want that.

[@mrob1969]

One of the only major differences between now and 1968: America's psychological corrosion has long since outweighed its health.

[@petebondurant58]

Everyone is really fat now too.

[@HomeAtLast501]

On this day Elvis was doing his 4th day of rehearsals for the '68 Comeback Special. He was devastated by the death of RFK, and 2 months prior, of MLK. And his closing number for that show --- "If I Can Dream" --- commemorated the values that both men represented.

[@sean1672able111]

That's right, as the King couldn't believe it happened.

[@tracyjacoby2382]

I love watching Dick Cavett's interviews from years ago. He had the most interesting variety of people and interviewed them with intelligence and calmness. Thank you for posting this video.🥺💕

[@kt9166]

Only Dick Cavett could have put together a thoughtful panel to discuss this horrible cycle of assassinations and it remain civil. He is the most intelligent and articulate host to ever grace our American airwaves. This, unfortunately, could not exist today. And the killings go on, not always of well-known figures, but of everyday people who are just trying to live their lives in peace. And not just America; over the whole world. God watch over each and every one of us and keep us safe. And thank God for Dick Cavett.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@timmckeown1313]

I was 10 at the time and remember feeling sick to my stomach about RFK’s assassination.

[@michaelterrell5061]

@TheClassicalSymphony I don’t think so. I am 15 now and 5 years ago was around the time my grandmother passed, I was well aware of what that meant and I was saddened by it myself.

[@schwagarm]

Robert Vaughn looks absolutely devastated. A time when people were fiercely more articulate and educated - or when the articulate and educated where given time on air and not just a sound grab. If you are interested in this type of commentary and discourse watch the James Balwin and William F Buckley debate on youtube. These were difficult times in America and they have certainly returned, sadly.

[@mikewynne7131]

Vaughn was also full of crap. He blamed the political violence of the 60's as "rightwing" in origin. Oswald was a Marxist. Sirhan Sirhan was a Palestinian whacko with ABSOLUTELY NO TIES to Conservative or rightwing politics. Whoever killed MLK (and it was probably the nut James Earl Ray) succeeded only in making a martyr of him. There was no identifiable Conservative group or person involved with him or advocating King's assassination. Militants in the Black community had as much if not more of a motive to kill MLK. Furthermore, the violence of the Left (like today's Antifa and BLM ) dwarfed anything coming from "The Right". From people who get assaulted for wearing Trump hats to cities burning all over the US its the Left that is the predominant source of political violence. Don't even try to bring up the Jan 6 "riot". That was so overblown its absurd. The Communist Left is always committing the vast majority of political violence and justifying it by saying White people are racist and the Capitalism is unfair.

[@bobtaylor170]

@@mikewynne7131 , uh, Mike, I'm Southern, white, remember segregation, and I am not a racist.

[@johnbosco3371]

@@mikewynne7131 Your ignorance is staggering. You must be a fascist troll. Good for you. Your dear leader Drumph must be so proud of you.

[@GeeBee909]

Robert Vaughn was a personal friend of Robert Kennedy. I've seen pictures of both of them and their families taking vacations together, I believe they were taken a few months before he RFK was killed.

[@lucindaarmour7422]

@@GeeBee909 Thank you. That's very interesting and equally sad. Regarding Dick Cavetts show, I think the nature of discourse and the ability to truly articulate your beliefs started to shift when more and more adults started to use the word "scary" when describing trauma or a traumatic event. Scary is a cartoon. Scary is a Halloween party. Scary is not 9/11. Scary is not the attack on the Capitol. It is such an interesting clip to see the levels of discussion.

[@dexterbernard2701]

These educated gentleman are speaking so clear that children can understand. Mr. Abrahamson hits the nail on the head. And this is 1968!

[@richardclarke376]

What a consummate interviewer Dick Cavett is. He allows himself to fade into the background and lets his guests talk. And what calibre of guests too! I was too young to see this when it aired but I'm glad KZbin gives me the chance to see it now.

[@DA-rv6vf]

I like the way these men on the panel are very honest, mature and no egos, and nobody is disrespecting one another by interrupting the person because of a disagreement, i miss intellectual shows like this

[@paulknight9998]

Dr David Abrahamsen was way ahead of his time

[@hepphepps8356]

He gave me the chills. Every word he said would be precise today!

[@rodneyclarke6477]

It's amazing how this was broadcast almost sixty years ago. But still speaks to the malaise that is endemic in American society today. It's almost like it's holding up a mirror. But I still like to think like these fine gentlemen. That there is still hope for America.

[@Marlene837]

This was really good! America has gotten more and more and more violent since this aired!

[@somethingyousaid5059]

I know Robert Vaughn from my childhood. Even so, I didn't know that he was so well-spoken. He seems to have been a particularly intelligent articulate actor.

[@jimmycakes7158]

Most actors were back then I've noticed

[@PreferredCustomer]

Yes and no. He rehashes a lot of the bleeding heart leftist talking points you hear today, that are fundamentally incorrect. (Blamibg race for everything, all guns are bad, etc.) Still, I give him credit for being civil and at least trying to think up ways to stop wars and hatred.

[@Phineas1626]

@@PreferredCustomer This is and has always been a racist country. Laws have helped, and some hearts have been changed. But it’s still racist. Bleeding heart? You really are a stupid gun nut.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Two years after this, he earned a doctorate in communications from Southern Cal.

[@MacJaxonManOfAction]

You can still get this level of conversation, intelligence and class - just not on TV.

[@mysterytrain3]

Over fifty years ago, yet the words sound eerily familiar to those of today, with references to a “sick” country and the mention of gun deaths in the U. S., relative to those in England. I’m not making a political statement here, I’m just pointing out the similarities.

[@Phineas1626]

Political statement or otherwise, you raise an interesting point. We have failed to grow as a nation in many respects.

[@grokeffer6226]

This was a very, very sad time in our household. The Kennedys were held in very high regard in our family.

[@clc-gl4jn]

RFK is my biggest hero outside of my own family... Then JFK

[@TheMaxKids]

Notice the lack of filler words, "like", 'uh", etc. Very well spoken gentlemen.

[@michelebella677]

People do that to soothe their anxiety; it has nothing to do with their intellect or how "well-spoken" they are. What a stereotypical comment.

[@TheMaxKids]

@@michelebella677 like...wow

[@LordGreystoke]

Excellent discussion. Thank you so much for featuring. Would love to see/hear the rest of it.

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Byron Gordon - Cool image; I’m actually from the town in Greece where Byron died. Requiescat In Pace.

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

“What is wrong with our country is not its basic health, but its way of life...”

[@lolojopp]

Now is both

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

@@code-52 Since we were both quoting something that was said in the video I don't think it's amazing or even a coincidence, but what do I know about anything?

[@code-52]

@@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177 No coincidence at all dear. Unfortunately I didn't listen to the whole video so I didn't realize that was a quote.

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

@@code-52 No worries, I've been there too.

[@moretoknowshow1887]

Always liked Robert Vaughn. He was a class guy who knew what he talked about and just said it like it was. I also miss quality talkshows like this, where each night was a 60-90min salon of ideas..

[@deesandman3992]

Im listening to this and cant help but close my eyes and hear these same words still being spoken today in 2021. It seems as if nothing in this country has really changed as I think of all thats going on now. Ppl really need to hear this and ask ourselves its time we rethink and finally change. There must be change and then start doing it so we can finally stop this replaying of these words and become a better future for all that follow us.

[@BS-od5uw]

what's truly astonishing is this was taped the same day he was murdered.

[@bigbrianusa]

no sorry

[@thebluerobin]

Robert F. Kennedy was shot but died the next day.

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

The same things have been wrong with this country for 50 years.

[@PreferredCustomer]

Only the numbers have increased.

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Respect/Walk Yeah, sure. That’s what’s the problem

[@ClintScottFischer]

Much longer than 50 years

[@Phineas1626]

@@ClintScottFischer Indeed.

[@TheeOriginalSurferbob]

That stuff has been going on for centuries before the Kennedy killings. People here acting like oh it’s our sick way of life. Ya right. It’s been going on in this planet since humans started their era of life. It will never end.

[@billwhelpley6825]

Somehow very relevant today.

[@michelebella677]

It's sad that back in 1968 we were still talking about the destruction from GUNS and violence from right-wing lunatics in our society. It's only gotten WORSE!!

[@sean1672able111]

I agree, as we haven't learned a thing from gun violence.

[@casablanca2745]

I was 11 years old, 13:11 an age when you remember the names and stats of your favorite sports teams. I will always remember being at recess during school and listening to our transistor radios as Bobby clung to life. Sadly he passed 25 hours after being shot. Such a sad day for our country. RIP Bobby, you were greatly admired and loved.

[@thehotyounggrandpas8207]

When they used to talk on talk shows.

[@thekitowl]

Samuel Feynman Tribute page 👍

[@57Koba]

RFK I was ten years old that June night In the shadow of a dark April In the turmoil of 68. I was a child Looking, learning, Reaching and grasping In the chaotic confusion Of tumultuous times. Cronkite every night In black and white, Cities burning Angry streets And Vietnam violence. Daily doses Seeping in Flooding the safety Of my living room. Yet in the midst of uncertainty I saw the hope in his eyes Those blue blue eyes Gleaming brightly Like a lighthouse On a dark ocean night. I was a child He was my idol, A suit with unruly hair, A scrapper, a subtle rebel, A rich man with the guts To walk in the ghetto. A Senator with the strength To hold hands with migrants, A brother with the courage To face the danger He knew was there. It was too late for me To stay up that night (I was a child), But the next day as usual I went to the corner store To pick up the morning paper For my grandfather. I ran and skipped and jumped With youthful joy Running to get the news The magnificent news Of California, of great victory And greater to come Chanting a song for Bobby I'd heard the day before: "Nothing can stand in our way All the way with RFK." I walked home slowly Carrying the Boston Globe A dime's worth of print Puncturing my soul. I sat alone on the back doorsteps Sobbing, clutching for answers That can never be found. I prayed with a fervor But in two days he was gone. The pedestal of idealism Crashed all around me Slaughtering the innocence Of a childhood world Where righteous heroes rule, The resurrection of Camelot Stillborn and swallowed By the cold reality of a steel bullet.

[@katec8796]

Incredible, intelligent discussion that completely illuminated the despair, the anger and disgust. "I really think the time has come for every single American citizen to make sure that the assassin's bullet doesn't shoot down with the man the thing that the man stood for and that we all must stand for if our nation is going to survive." The constant conversation of a sick violent America being allowed to dominate over a healthy and just one. How horrific that all these years later and we are still having these debates - America gets older but rarely evolves or at least enough that she lives up to her ideals.

[@jcanyiam8309]

5 VERY VERY VERY COMPASSIONATE & VERY VERY VERY WISE MEN!!!

[@postmoderncowboy93]

Thank you for posting this, ive been wanting to see this in its entirety for awhile. Can we get the sitdown debate with Bobby and McCarthy.

[@cronistamundano8189]

I am from Brasil. Is it true that Dick Cavett used to run on daytime afternoons?! That is amazing! This whole show is a lesson in how to react in the era of open TV, to a national disaster. Now all we have is blabbing heads pointing fingers at one another. Great show, respectful, intelgent, everyone is being polite, despite the evident sadness and shock that permeates the atmosphere of the show. I think RFK would have been a great president probabley to be included in the top 10.

[@jeffersonspace]

Dion DiMucc wrote this final verse: has anybody here seen my old friend Bobby? can you tell me where he's gone? I thought I saw him walking up over the hill? with Abraham, Martin, and John? Today is 2/13/21

[@johnfarr2738]

This is what we are missing today. Educated People from different races and backgrounds who can sit down and have a rational conversation without shouting at each other. We need this today!

[@stevefrayne]

This message is for the channel program director... Please change the celebratory “outro” for this video. It was solemn and poignant and then APPLAUSE/MUSIC! Check that just for this video. Thanks for posting. This is helpful today. We could use a Nixon impeachment/resignation one as well.

[@JerseyCityGuy]

I love these men who speak honestly and from their personal voices as caring Americans

[@richardgornalle4536]

Such a good program. Intelligence, reasoned exchange of feelings and ideas. Our society has the ability to learn from history. I feel we have failed to do so. Just cast your mind to the present level of the "whatever" of our present Whitehouse. Good grief!

[@evelanpatton]

I throughly enjoyed the concise explanation of America’s lack of “being” (as one will) described by/for within aprx. the 14:23 timecode). 🧿💌📺‼️ Great expectations was the DickCavett Show.

[@__seeker__]

Back when decency, decorum and a collective sense of respect was still a part of American public discourse.

[@marcusbradly5982]

Well put.

[@faithmapstone9982]

If I was famous, Dick Cavett would be the man I would have loved to be interviewed by! ⭐

[@safepethaven]

Viewing this panel of decades ago, it is refreshing to listen to a small assembly of persons [sans any female representation], who are civil, multi-syllabic, and need not break chairs over each others' heads a la Springer/Povich style talk shows. At age twelve, I remember vividly the JFK assissination and what it did forever to change our country. But the subsequent muders made it feel as though nothing would ever be possible again, having fallen away from the potential of Hope.

I was 5 years old when this happened. Good to be able to see what you missed years ago.

[@glennswain]

Sad to be watching this show, and a third of the way in, comes a 5-second upcoming movie clip featuring people firing guns. Way to go, KZbin...

[@MrTruckerf]

I would like to see guns banned from all movies! The Hollywood elite are vehemently anti-gun so they should NEVER show them, PERIOD!

[@bitcoinbelle]

Commercials are catered to individuals. I didn't have that commercial myself but rather one for autoparts. Ya outed yourself.

[@willielittle9301]

Ethel had to raise all eleven children after RFK...Now...she is now with him in eternal Heaven and bliss...😮😮😮...

[@jmbutler5]

I used to believe there was a better America back in this time. I no longer believe it. We are seeing the beginning of our country’s end as we know it.

[@hannejeppesen2887]

I came to this country in 1967 as an au pair from Denmark, to Westport Ct, where I was still living when RFK was shot, it was a shock, I was 18 and living in Denmark when JFK was shot, I admired them both. 1968 was a pivotal year, much happened, the assassinations, war in Vietnam, the democratic convention in Chicago.. I have seen mucb in all those years since. I do think it was a better time, we had hero's we could look up to, who inspired us, even if they kept getting assassinated, as Tom Hayden said "We became a generation of what might have been". The country was divided for certain, but you had show like Dick Cavett's that provided intelligent discussion, you had protest in the streets and protest music, thinks were happening. Now it seems like everyone just stick to their tribe and are not interested in hearing other opinions, and worst of all we have a President that is not in any way trying to bring the country together, in fact he is doing whatever he can to divide us, and that is just one of my complaint about him, but I won't go into that. RFK could talk in a compassionate way that made black and white listen to him, MLK gave speeches that both black and white listened to, and was moved by, I don't see this happening today. We need someone, who has courage who is not too tied to one ideology, who has compassion and charisma to get some of that back. I don't really care if he is liberal or conservative (for the record I mostly liberal, probably more to the center than left) as long as he has vision, I don't really see any public figure on the national scene that has that. That said I very much hope come 2020 Trump will be voted out of office. If not I will for the first time since I came here in 1967 be really afraid for my adopted country.

[@JohnCarpenter-o7i]

I met Mr. Vaughan many many years ago, and he took time for a nice albeit brief conversation outside Carnegie Hall. It is nice to hear the thoughtful ideas and well chosen words of an actor of merit.

[@roberthendry614]

People not only talked back then, they also listened.

[@sylvesterlennon8925]

Great, intelligent TV talk. I am trying to think who would lead this type of round table conversation on British TV.

[@suzannereilman4516]

..@3:08, and onward....’we’re in a climate of violence’, etc....wondering how long it’s going to ‘go on’...52 years and a few weeks later, nothing’s changed for the better....

[@richardlucas9272]

This is wisdom. We need this kind of wisdom today.

[@xodus8077]

Things have continued to slide in every direction for America and the World since1968.

[@simmiewilliams5970]

I grew up watching Mr, Cavett, I miss his show....thank you KZbin.

[@ahousecatnamedmr.jenkins1052]

"I really don't worry that much about it, if some nut job is going to knock me off like Kennedy what can i do about it? It doesn't bother me at all really"- John Lennon 1968

[@conradsieber7883]

1968 and this commentary is timely for issues of today. This timeliness on issues today should trouble us. What is preventing progress?

[@RobTheNotary]

I remember seeing the interview done with Bobby Kennedy after John was gone

[@shawnmorymcmillion]

I was a grade school student when President Kennedy was assassinated, and when Robert Kennedy and Dr. King were assassinated, I felt the world would never be a safe place to live in. This trauma still resides within me however the words and wisdom of these panelists remind me of the importance of hope and actions to fight hatred still.

[@TerriKnight-x3s]

Medgar Evers…so many others that have been taken before. I lived through this time and I hardly recognize the respect here. It saddens me how our Country has not learned from our past. We have changed but not for the betterment of all.

[@calvinbealer7264]

This is a Classic. The Younger Generation of today should Watch, Listen and Learn about the 1960s were all about.

[@brickstine202]

I mistakenly said the movie HUD. It was actually Cool Hand Luke. I apologize.

[@JohnJ-fj2xe]

An intelligent discussion among intelligent people. It was interesting to hear the one gentleman saying "We are living in 1968.." suggesting that by now we should have learned that gun violence has become a significant problem. One can only imagine what this same gentleman would have thought of the mass shootings that have happened over the past twenty years, not the least of which were in Sandy Hook and in Las Vegas.

[@PreferredCustomer]

Back then it took guts to March up and attack a visible, protected figure like Robert Kennedy. Today's killers are gutless cowards. They go after the helpless and vulnerable like schools and churches. No Courage. No manhood.

[@JohnJ-fj2xe]

@@PreferredCustomer I think I understand your point, at least to some extent. However, let's remember that the assassinations of the sixties were most often carried out from a distance with rifles, therefore there were few occasions (RFK being an exception) where the killer shot his victim at close range. My point was that by 1968, mass shootings of strangers were still incredibly rare.

[@CharlesParkhill]

I knew Robert Vaughn from RFK '68 campaign

[@ChrisWaters]

Fascinating! Is there a Part 2 to this discussion?

[@Marita940]

I wish there were more shows like this now It's very sad 2024 not much has changed 😢😢

[@theunwantedcritic]

Everyone seems to be so intelligent

[@richardpodnar5039]

The mentality of Wild West thrills is something I have always believed is a great influence in present-day attitudes among many Americans, coupled with stalwart independence and lawlessness. It is reflected here beautifully and still holds today.

[@nobodyreally4678]

Incredible

[@Festoniaful]

this was very very interesting and the discussion is still so relevant