Aug. 20, 1963 - President Kennedy (pictured in 1961) was asked today whether he believed “the radical right” had captured Senator Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.) as its candidate or whether that political group had enough influence to make any candidate a captive. “I don’t know,” Mr. Kennedy replied. Then, smiling, he added: “I don’t know who’s captured who. This is a matter that can best be handled by the Republicans at this time. Then, after we have a convention and a candidate, I would discuss it in some detail.” Sen. Goldwater, meanwhile, said today that anyone who lumps all conservatives in “a kind of dangerous group” such as the radical right is insulting the majority of Republican Party members and workers. Goldwater said that “of this moment I have no intention” of seeking to head the Republican national ticket next year. Then he added with a grin, “But we’ll see.”
