Oct. 31, 1964 - Sen. Kenneth Keating (R-N.Y.) and Robert F. Kennedy finally debated last night after weeks of turmoil over whether they ever would manage a face-to-face confrontation.
But members of the public who had waited breathlessly for the showdown were not able to see the spoken sparring.
The white-haired Senator and his youthful opponent with the Massachusetts twang confronted each other at 11:05 p.m. on radio, rather than on TV as they had originally planned in challenges to each other.
Both spoke softly and with restraint. Each had a kind word for the other. Kennedy called Keating “a fine gentleman.” Keating acknowledged Kennedy’s public service background.
These were the major issues raised in the 1¼-hour confrontation on the Barry Gray program over WMCA and WTFM:
— Keating was asked about a reported “heavy contribution” to his campaign by Teamsters president James R. Hoffa and his union. Keating said: “So far as I know, James R. Hoffa has not contributed anything to my campaign. I have no connection with Hoffa.” Kennedy rebutted that the Teamsters have distributed “scurrilous literature on your behalf,” attacking Kennedy’s civil rights record. He added: “I believe you have received a $1,000 contribution from Hoffa.”
— Keating was asked about literature — distributed in his name and offensive to Jewish leaders — saying that United Arab Republic President Gamal Abdel Nasser opposes him and “wants Kennedy” elected. Keating said Arab backers have opposed him and pledged to support Kennedy, and the literature is “factual as far as I know.” He said: “I favor cutting off aid to Nasser. My opponent has stated that he is for continued aid to Nasser.
Kennedy, in rebuttal, said he had visited Israel often, worked on Administration increases in aid to Israel, and wants “to keep the door open” to peace in the Middle East.
— Keating accused Kennedy of using a “cropped picture” technique by discussing only part of Keating’s Congressional record and taking it out of context.
— Kennedy, responding to a frequent charge that he is “ruthless” in his personal ambition, said: “I don’t know if I’m doing this because I need the money. Government is my life.” Keating rebutted that he wasn’t in the race for money either, and “I have no desire to set up a power base in this state: I want to serve the people.”
As the debate ended, the candidates stood up, with Mr. Gray between them and reporters clustering around the table.
Senator Keating said: “I don’t know that I want another press conference.”
Mr. Kennedy replied: “I don’t, either.”
“Let’s agree on that, then,” Senator Keating said.
“Let’s just go home,” Mr. Kennedy added.
One reporter did manage to ask Mr. Kennedy who he thought had won the debate. The reply, accompanied by a big smile, was: “I think it was very interesting.”
Senator Keating’s reply to the same question was: “Oh, I don’t know.”
Senator Keating and Mr. Kennedy shook hands and smiled at each other.
The candidates were asked if there would be another debate.
“That remains to be seen,” replied Senator Keating.
“Haven’t we done enough?” Mr. Kennedy asked.
Both candidates left the studio and went down in separate elevators at 12:25 a.m.
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