Sept. 19, 1964 - “Is anyone out there for Barry Goldwater?” shouted Robert F. Kennedy this morning from the steps of the New York State Capitol in Albany.
From a crowd of 3,000 came a thunderous “No!”
The throng that greeted the Democratic Senatorial candidate was not as large as the one that cheered President Kennedy here for years ago. Police Chief John P. Tuffey recalled that President Kennedy drew well over 5,000. But what this crowd lacked in size it made up in enthusiasm.
“No question in my mind he’s going to win,” said New York Mayor Robert Wagner, who joined the tour. The Mayor predicted a sweeping victory for the national ticket and Mr. Kennedy.
Today, Mr. Kennedy rode into downtown Albany in a convertible and was greeted by large crowds on the way.
“It’s almost as though his brother was running,” said Congressman Leo O’Brien. “A few weeks ago, I thought it was 7-to-5 for [Republican Senator Kenneth] Keating. Now, I think there’s a sweep on here.”
In his speech, Mr. Kennedy said Goldwater, as President, would take the nation back “to the days of the four-masted schooner and the covered wagon.” Moreover, he said, Goldwater is not a man to be trusted with command of the country’s arsenal of atomic weapons.
As usual, Mr. Kennedy made only an indirect reference to Mr. Keating. He said: “My opponent says he is not for Barry Goldwater, but he wants to make sure everyone knows he is not against Goldwater.”
In Troy, the crowds were even larger than those in Albany.
At Franklin Square in downtown Troy, 5,000 persons filling the square from building line to building line gave Mr. Kennedy a tumultuous welcome.
Some women became hysterical and wept. Several lost their shoes. Some tugged so hard at Mr. Kennedy’s arms that several times he fell back into the seat of his convertible.
At the edge of Troy, Mr. Kennedy left the car when he saw 8-year-old Bryan Barnes in a wheelchair, with both legs in casts. The youngster broke his legs when he fell from the top of a cliff recently. Mr. Kennedy autographed the cast on the left leg.
Mr. Kennedy was an hour and a half late to an Ulster County Democratic dinner at Ellenville. “I think a Republican makes up my schedule,” he said.
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