On 12 August, 1980, US Senator Edward M. ‘Ted’ Kennedy appeared at that podium of the Democratic National Convention in New York City. Kennedy had spent the summer campaigning against incumbent President Jimmy Carter for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. Kennedy’s campaign failed to gain momentum and suffered a number of missteps. He attempted a parliamentary challenge that would have given him one last plausible chance on the floor of the convention, but when that failed, he mounted the rostrum at the convention to admit defeat. He opened his remarks by saying: “My fellow Democrats and my fellow Americans, I have come here tonight not to argue as a candidate but to affirm a cause.” He then proceeded to captivate the audience with his observations from the campaign trail and his affirmation of why he entered public service. He concluded his remarks with the memorable words, “for me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” Carter joined Kennedy on the podium at the conclusion his remarks, hoping Kennedy would clasp his hand and raise his arm in a gesture of victory and unity. Kennedy only offered a brief handshake and walked off. That fall, Illinois Congressman John B. Anderson would mount an Independent candidacy for President, with former Wisconsin Governor and longtime Kennedy family friend, Patrick J. Lucey, as his running mate. During the course of the fall campaign, Jaqueline Kennedy announced her support for the Anderson/Lucey ticket. Carter would be defeated in November of 1980 by Republican nominee, Ronald Reagan. A brief clip of the Kennedy remarks appear below…