Tom Brokaw Reflects On Robert F. Kennedy In California | Morning Joe | MSNBC

NBC News’ Tom Brokaw reflects on the life and legacy of Robert F. Kennedy and on covering the 1968 California Democratic primary.
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Tom Brokaw Reflects On Robert F. Kennedy In California | Morning Joe | MSNBC

[@Thraxxx03]

4:02 always gets me. Bobby you were too good for America, but we needed you. We still need your philosophies.

[@rgwak]

I wasn't alive in 1968, but I watched the CNN documentary. To suffer the assassinations of both MLK and Bobby Kennedy within 2 months of each other. Man, that would have devastated me. So much hope....gone.

[@nanamarion5003]

Bobby, we hardly knew ye.... Your light dimmed before your dark, though there lives that wee glow in our hearts these fifty years since you crossed the bar.

[@jeremygobbato738]

8 years of Bobby would have shaped the nation in a beautiful way for decades.

[@WriterusAeternus]

I wasn't even born when he died but my heart hurts whenever I see footage of his assassination. Such a loss. Sad, sad day for Americans.

[@PaperRaines]

Same

[@fschiller8193]

I was ten when it happened and, even as a child, I cried and felt a great loss. Being reminded of this day has brought back the tears. Alexis de Tocqueville said: "America is great, because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great". America is quickly losing its greatness under the present administration.

[@gayleelliott3319]

Well said, f schiller--and de Tocqueville is right. (And the election of Donald Trump does not bode well for America remaining good. A country with a national policy of separating children from mothers seeking political asylum is anything but good!)

[@johokeen1]

f schiller ++ Reading your comment made me tear up for I feel your despair. Somehow, under the (a dark year and a half) "leadership" of your current president, America's reputation and good standing globally has been eroded week by week. I still ask myself how did a 'Beacon' nation like America manage to vote in such an unqualified despicable cretin into the most important govt post in the land?? A man who is without honour and diplomacy has no business being the president of a company, let alone that of a country. There is something very wrong with your vetting process. I pray 2020 will bring you a worthier president.

[@joshuaherpolsheimer4699]

J. Ho Trump2020!!!!

[@MrSS8864]

@f schiller. - Even as you spew forth your vileness, America's glory is being RESTORED under the current administration, no thanks to asshats such as yourself. America's greatness first began to languish just after the 1960 election. That was when the young people in the U.S. first started believing in fairy tales. It did not really begin to get bad until the mid-60's. Except for an eight-year respite during the Reagan administration, it has been horrific ever since - until right now.

[@ysgol3]

F Schiller - I was 8, living in Wales, and i recently found my little 1968 diary in which I poured out my heartbreak at the loss of someone I even then realised was so so special. And do you know, that heartbreak never really went away for me. Never.

[@dianeowen5258]

God we have fallen far. Listening to Robert Kennedy, remembering John F Kennedy, admiring Barrack Obama and looking at/listening to trump. Oh my God. It brings "tears of rage and tears of grief".

[@melissa9375]

Obama was no RFK.

[@770WT]

RFK rolled up his sleeves and got his hands dirty. Obama was more of cruise control guy .

[@euanelliott3613]

His speech after Martin Luther King's murder was an insight into the man he was. He believed in peace and love between all people. He would have made a brilliant and compassionate president. RIP Bobby.

[@BenB-yk7kd]

That's why the FBI decided he had to die

[@marsattacks7071]

That was a very dark chapter; with Reverend King lost too.

[@bluecollarlit]

2 Kennedy's + King .. happenstance or pattern ?

[@bluedeparture]

Ohh yess it was very dark and scary

[@shahrulamar5358]

Deep State ruled America then. 😟😟

[@BabyFox-ul9wg]

One of My Favorite People In History, we miss u Bobby💙 Thank You For Helping Changing, American History, We Miss You so Much❤💙❤💙❤💙💙💙❤💚❤💛❤💛💙💙💚❤💚❤💚❤💛❤💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💚💙💛💙💚💙💛❤💛❤💜❤💛❤💛💙💚💙💚❤💜❤💜❤💛💙💛💙❤💛❤❤💛💙💛💙💚💙💚💙💛❤❤💜❤💜❤💛💙💚💙💙💚❤💛❤💚❤💚❤💚💙💚💙💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚❤💛❤💛❤💛❤❤💛💛❤💜💜❤❤💜❤💜❤💓💓💚💓💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💜💚💜💚💜💚💙💙❤💙💙❤❤❤💙❤❤💙💙

[@beautifulangel3815]

I must admit, I didn't know a whole lot about the history of RFK like did his brother....But just recently I saw The Netflix special on Robert...And I must say I truly fell in love with this man....What a truly beautiful person..He was destined for Greatness as our next Presdient when he ran..He truly cared about us as Americans and as people...I went though a whole box of Kleenex when they showed the part where he got assassinated and the part when the train that was carrying his body showed so many mourners paying their respects....I couldn't hold back the tears....OMGoodness...He will be truly missed😔

[@katieviolin3621]

I have just been watching that aswell. Why did I not know much about this man before? The Kennedys are a great family. Such charisma and smarts,that we do not see much of anymore. Wonderful family. I can see why the Americans celebrate this family still and listen to them when they have something to say

[@charlie4301]

I also have learned a lot about him recently. I think you are right, he was destined to be a great President and I think he would have changed the whole history of the US for the better. We are very lucky to have youtube video of him, every single one of his speeches and interviews is worth watching. I am not even from the USA but I honestly think the world misses RFK even today.

[@libertyann439]

I was 11 in 1968. I had a crush on him then.

[@robertosso5210]

the dream of rfk becoming president can still happen. but thru his son rfk jr

[@beautifulangel3815]

@@robertosso5210 I wish it was his dad though

[@lazycomments7551]

I am not one to say I love a historical figure. I love Robert F Kennedy. A amazing, and my favorite American Philosopher. Highly suggest watching what he spoke about before he died. It is many issues we still face today, including the ongoing military industrial complex.

[@hollypietrzak5214]

I wonder why they didn't fire Tom Brokaw like they did with Matt lauer anyway?

[@joshuaherpolsheimer4699]

holly pietrzak that's cause Tom never sexually harassed women

[@chevalvivant]

Beautiful tribute, Mr. Brokaw. I remember that day, and the atmosphere that trust and hopes for progress and advancement here in USA were diminishing.

[@nanamarion5003]

chevalvivant. Amazing, isn't it? Tom Brokaw. Our Tom Brokaw is that Tom Brokaw, saved young.

[@Moodyblues99]

I was just a kid when he died and I cried and cried. I thought he was greatest, so very different from what we have today in politics. Someone who truly wanted to make the world a better place.

[@vik_body_beld7294]

JFK or RFK? Two of the finest but if you had to select one among them? I would go with RFK, he truly meant what he said in those speeches of his.

[@ysgol3]

JFK was clever but so cynical, RFK changed from an horrific right wing bully into the most compassionate, brave, decent politician I've EVER seen. That's why one writer very cleverly referred to the 'Unfinished Odyssey' of Robert Kennedy - he was destroyed while his journey of political and moral discovery wasn't yet completed.

[@darylralph8971]

VIK_BODY_BELD I agree...I loved both brothers as well....But, RFK was my favorite....He would've been a great President! imo

[@beautifulangel3815]

VIK_BODY_BELD There was something truly special about RFK......He would be my choice...I love both....But, Bobby made me feel a certain type of way when he spoke.

[@rickheras5871]

RFK

[@justmyopinion9883]

When the camera focused on Rose Kennedy, I got a catch in my throat. She must have been a woman of great faith to be able to cope with so much loss.

[@retrogal4598]

I wasn't alive in the 1960s, but if I were, there's no doubt I would have supported both JFK and RFK for president, and then been devastated by their deaths. Two great leaders who were brothers, stilled by assassin's bullets within five years of each other. Half a century later, our country is facing many of the same issues. We sorely need leaders like them right now!

[@debracurry612]

His speeches still have so much power today.

[@davidturner2233]

Curry, any relationship with Steph.

[@gayleelliott3319]

Bobby Kennedy made me alive to justice, political activism, and the concept of courage, wisdom and heart in a statesman. He will always be missed.

[@RustinChole]

Me too.

[@wmw3629]

I was in awe meeting RFK the night of the Indiana primary in May of 1968!

[@brober]

How far my country has fallen from the vision of Robert F. Kennedy.

[@mesrk]

I am so sad ,I literally cry at his assassination, he was such a noble man

[@shantelelshabaz8006]

RIP great man

[@reginaldstyles3129]

A True Hero Who Stands The Test Of Time 🙏😥💙

[@florencechestnut2270]

I was born 11 years after Robert F Kennedy's death there is something about this man that you can't help but to wonder what if?

[@annemcquade7185]

The tears are flowing down my face because of what Robert and John F Kennedy sadly underwent in their country. These were good people, for the people! It is only fools who "think" that they can do away with good. Boy are they in for one shocking surprise!!! Amen Glory to You Lord God Almighty. Thank you John and Robert Kennedy!!!❤❤❤

[@PaperRaines]

A good... and decent... man. We've never recovered 😪

[@II-we2yp]

A man of wisdom and kind heart. How crude the presidents have become since RFK.

[@tm502010]

Heartbreaking!

[@walkingblueraven4088]

Excellent report Tom ... I was a teenager at the time and I remember it well ... Thank you for posting this.

[@euanelliott8068]

I was 4 years old, and my family were at Grandmothers house when it came on the news he had been shot. I didn't know who he was then, but I recall my father saying to my uncle: "Just like his brother...." My Mum was upset as she liked Bobby, more than JFK. A tragic but great family. R.I.P.the departed.

[@1burnman]

We need more politicians with the capacity for compassion that Bobby Kennedy had that good set the country in good stead

[@OzInglorious]

What an incredible man, and to think 50 years later we have actual garbage in the White House. Sad times.

[@deb310red]

Vietnam was NOT Jack's War. It was Lyndon's War. And Harry Truman's War. Jack was pulling the troops out.

[@jamesanthony5681]

JFK got America *ENTRENCHED* in Vietnam by sending 15,000 military (up from 500 when he became President) to Vietnam, a country less than 50% the size of Texas. Troops? Jeez, I thought they were military advisers.

[@Tuxedo2680]

If Bobby Kennedy had not been assassinated, the United States of America would be a very different place today. It is impossible to overstate the scope and the deep ramifications of the tragedy that occurred on that fateful day in 1968.

[@hannejeppesen2887]

As Tom Hayden said "We became a generation of what might have been". I was 23 living in Westport Ct, where I had arrived as an au pair from Denmark a year and half earlier. When JFK was assassinated I was a teen ager in Denmark, and we were choked sat around the TV the whole week end, just like the Americans did. My Dad was a great admirer of JFK, as was I, and still am, but I think RFK was more passionate, felt thing on deeper level, it is impossible to contemplate how different the US and the world would have been had just one of them lived.

[@stevengyoerkoes7680]

I was 15 years old when Robert f Kennedy was shot my grandmother loved the Kennedys

[@PaperRaines]

Hope, died, when RFK was assassinated. Not hyperbole, at all

[@petervonk7262]

JFK said of RFK that he totally incorruptible !!! I believe that is absolutely correct !!!

[@TheCaptainKim]

A very good retrospective, thank you MSNBC.

[@katieviolin3621]

50 years? I've just been watching a documentary on the kennedys and really I found Robert Kennedy (& the Kennedy's) fascinating. What a shame we dont speak of these leaders more often

[@Togwlm]

Even more of a shame is that I didn’t even get to learn about him in school. I found out about him just by a video I saw online. I believe all our schools should teach us about him just as much as they do MLK and JFK. Bobby is by far an under appreciated figure our schools should teach kids more about him what his thoughts were not only for a better America but for a better world.

[@johngrauman4208]

This country has never recovered from his death. It traumatized the whole nation

[@westyraviz]

It has since recovered.

[@ArronP]

Rfk greatest person who has ever been in public service. Ugh I get mad when I see him laying there slowly dying. Whoever set those firecrackers off should of been arrested...giving what happened to JFK Bobby would have lots to worry about

[@CLASVE]

RFK was the very opposite of Trump.

[@GoodOlTimesOnlyGayer]

Senator Kennedy - how different (and better) the world would be today if you had run for President and likely won. The waste of your life and those of young men who fought in a war that was ultimately useless and in the end lost in its outcome and purpose. I can feel the tears running through the years.

[@markiworthington6658]

The saddest day in USA history, more than JFK's assassination, more than anything. RFK was the man that just was beyond, beyond, beyond.......he was able to bring peace to the world !!!

[@johnlavery6116]

I agree.

[@PaperRaines]

I concur. RFK's assassination was worse for this country than JFK's. When JFK died the country was in shock and mourning, but when RFK died the country literally broke in half Fifty, five, years, later...... and we _still,_ have, not, recovered. So sad for all of us, even people like me that weren't even born yet 😥❤️

[@dashcan8479]

What a President he would have made. If Martin lived too

[@nayanaadikari4454]

As a 9 years old girl from Srilanka I was shocked by the death of this world famous politician. I was interested to get yo know on world political and social environment.Withing a shorter term USA lost two noble leaders who were very closer to the ordinary people of the country.I was a small girl from the far East but I loved them for their strong personalities and the humanity of them. I always think why did the invisible hands do this murders. May your souls rest in peace.

[@ModnificentTV]

Shame on the 38 of you who booed a man who tried to spread love & hope instead of hate & despair...

[@libertyann439]

Unfortunately what he wished for has not come to pass. It has been taken from us at every turn.

[@supasaiyajinjay5387]

In memorial to the Kennedy Brothers: “When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.

[@kirkbowyer2758]

GOD BLESS THE ENTIRE KENNEDY FAMILY -- PAST; PRESENT; FUTURE; AND ALL OF THEIR PROGENY; GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

[@alaindeloor2965]

What could, what should of been.

[@trevorlittle3244]

A good man lost

[@fredwood1490]

Our heroes of yesterday, what wonders could they have made, had they had but a little more time? The beautiful youth of our day, become wrinkled and tired and yet no wiser. Pictures on the wall, in books of history, in our memories, pictures of heroes gone too soon and all we are left with are the same villains and newer ones and questions that can never be answered. What might have been? What might we be now, if they had had only a little more time?

[@davidellis5141]

The Best President Never.

[@libertyann439]

Bobby, John and Teddy all have their names on a plaque outside the Senate Caucus Room. It's called the Kennedy Caucus Room.

[@marcoscastro8361]

Such a great men so sad the way he died.

[@johnfay681]

There is a dark cloud over this country with all these assasinations and deaths These people were taken out by this DeepState It needs to stop

[@skykat1525]

Preach it, brother!

[@magiccookies420]

My grandfather spoke to him on the phone briefly in the late 1960s. My grandfather was the first black man to run for county supervisor in a certain area, I’m not gonna say where, but it gave him a chance to briefly speak to Bobby Kennedy and MLK on the phone.

[@billmcnally1011]

if he were alive today msnbc would smear him or ignore him

[@christinalynn8143]

Upsetting to be left in what could've been. A tough time of human history, not the only one, but one in and of itself. 💔

[@LPP_2024]

Today is The 53rd Anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's Passing 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭He Should have won not Nixon

[@BabyFox-ul9wg]

I Love Part 1:40 Where It Was Jfk's Voice Then It Changed To Rfk😊

[@Togwlm]

Great editing indeed.

[@johndanielson3777]

Why can’t the Democrats be like Bobby?

[@MrSS8864]

Bobby was far too much of a right-wing lunatic for today's Democrat Party.

[@libertyann439]

What if his Indianapolis message was able to be broadcast all over the country?

[@kabukiwookie]

What could have been/.....

[@sven7037]

We lost so many good men in the 60s, JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcom X

[@deborahbrown6289]

Unbelievable that Robert Kennedy , he like his brother John , God bless him... He was peace ful men. I remember that night

[@roberthendry614]

You wanted to reach through the TV and pull him to safety.

[@skykat1525]

I know...

[@spanishracer1097]

Eisenhower's war! He sent in first civilian and military advisors to Vietnam 1957.

[@bracketvilletexas]

God why? this is so emotionally taking a humans life because they want rights for all people in the united states.

[@26DeislerFCB]

the world would have been a better place today when both brother would have lived

[@tpf4292]

RFK changed America's history, RFK's death also did

[@burkeherrick3580]

How can CNN even stand to show let alone talk about RFK? They are the antithesis to everything he stood for.

[@nosir1479]

“I’m going to have a very very rough road ahead of me” He got that right

[@ML-ul2zq]

The road has been rough for America and the world.

[@toddtaylor3578]

“Jacks war”? Someone needs to do some research.

[@user-ts6by6xu7y]

I was eighteen when he died. I still remember him.

[@richardgibbs1527]

Thank you. History matters.

[@john1198]

It would be nice to saytherewas13 bullets fired and sirhan gun had8 bullets. That the pathoglist dr. Noghuchi said the fatal shot was 4 mm from behind the ear and sirhan was in front . Theses are things I think mr brokaw either does not want to share or believes it is better to keep the past buried. The circumstances of his death are a stain on the nation

[@paulsimon8269]

After mlk assassination he had only 2 months to live and he called out the cowards who killed him and his brother jfk...a sniper is a coward and not a hero...rfk.

[@risitasfrance9020]

He could have been president instead of Nixon

[@DanielLopez-fj9yz]

The Kennedys would of brought peace to US

[@ilovebeinagirl]

4:27 Ballsy. Those could have been gunshots and he is standing tall like a freaking unmoved boss still shaking hands. They don't make politicians like that anymore.

[@avecmoi9429]

Combat troops were first sent by LBJ to Vietnam. Both Eisenhower and JFK sent advisors but clearly said no combat troops. Get it right.

[@arricammarques1955]

Only the good are taken much too early, sadly.

[@tabithadye9581]

Bobby should have been a church pastor!!!!!

[@leifcoombes3008]

hi 50's today at Robert Kennedy he was in 1968 he was 42 at the time. live long and prosper.

[@TobiasMartochko]

Reminds me of Bernie Sanders!

[@johnhrosovsky]

Sorry my Freind Bernie Sanders is no Bobby Kennedy. 13 days Bobby was one of 3 people who stopped World War 3 we might not be here today if not for Bobby

[@andreweston2377]

🙏🏾

[@Rpgedimac]

The time travel scenario of where and what would you stop if giving the chance. Most say Hitler, which I agree - but a shining, patriotic moment would be stopping what happened in June at the Ambassador.

[@LibertynFreedom]

A democrat with a heart and brain. Rare these days. AMERICA NEEDS JESUS CHRIST.

[@MisterstereoOso]

The industrial military complex strikes again 😱

[@skykat1525]

Yes...

[@MrLChurchill]

I didn't often see my mother cry. Once was when Robert Kennedy was assassinated.

[@gothicmom5232]

I was 4 years old....what would it had been like IF he lived and became presisent....makes one wonder about the state of things now.

[@kirkbowyer2758]

GOD BLESS Vice President KAMALA HARRIS & HER ENTIRE FAMILY

[@BabyFox-ul9wg]

BOI DID I NEVER LIKE LBJ

[@mrog5481]

He would have gotten both the nomination and won the election.

[@TCt83067695]

I love Tom but wasn't he accused of sexual harrassment? Why are we still giving these ppl a platform?

[@hollypietrzak5214]

TCt83067695 why wasn't he fired like Matt lauer anyway?

[@jorgeespinosa3179]

What a passionless, mailed in reflection from Brokaw. He was there, we weren't. How about saying something from the heart. Did he even write this "reflection" ?

[@theangelforjusticeorgoul8966]

Dear god. When Are scientist going to make time Machines

[@paulchamberlain8355]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@chuckersimsII]

Rfk was the best no one will replace him I wish rfk was alive and take the place of trump

[@jessereed550]

Let rest in piece nothing bring back the dead just memory s lets go to future my public comments