Edward Kennedy Announces Candidacy for 1980 Presidential Nomination

Ted Kennedy and his swollen press entourage arrived in two planes in Boston on Nov. 7 for the announcement of his candidacy. He chose Faneuil Hall, so long associated with great Boston orators, to speak forcefully against Carter. The crowd and reporters alike sensed they were attending a historic event. Kennedy was way ahead in the polls, drawing about 65 percent. How could Teddy possibly lose?

Only Kennedy seemed skeptical.

"I've got 45 percent," he told a reporter, reflecting his private judgment that he could truly count on the party's core liberals. "The last 6 percent comes hard."

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009...