- The closing of Ted Kennedy"s chapter in America"s political and cultural life means that, for the first time perhaps, the real measure of the Kennedy legacy can finally be taken. John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy"s individual stories can now be seen as essentially one, with each brother striving to fulfill the interrupted promise of the brother before. How did the brothers pass the family torch to each other? And who carries the torch forward now? Vincent Bzdek compellingly answers these questions and much, much more.