A notable photograph from 1960 shows Robert F. Kennedy stopping for lunch at a drive-in called “Chicken in the Ruff” in Bluefield, West Virginia. This moment occurred while he was campaigning for his brother, John F. Kennedy, during the pivotal West Virginia primary. The image captures the grassroots nature of the campaign, highlighting RFK’s role in connecting with local communities.
The photograph, taken by Bob Lerner for Look magazine, is part of a series documenting the Kennedy family’s coordinated efforts during JFK’s run for the presidency.
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| “Efforts of John F. Kennedy’s campaign team, including members of his family, in West Virginia during Kennedy’s quest for the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination. Includes brother Bob at a drive-in in Bluefield.” From photos by Bob Lerner for the Look magazine article “The Kennedys: A Family Political Machine.” |
In 1960, Robert F. Kennedy was deeply involved in his brother John F. Kennedy’s campaign for the presidency, often traveling to various parts of the country to rally support. Bluefield, West Virginia, was a key stop during this campaign, as West Virginia's primary was seen as a critical test of John F. Kennedy’s viability as a Catholic candidate in a predominantly Protestant state.
When Robert F. Kennedy stopped for lunch in Bluefield, he was likely engaging directly with the local community, showcasing the Kennedy campaign's commitment to grassroots outreach. These kinds of stops were characteristic of the Kennedy strategy, which relied on personal connections, compelling speeches, and an energetic presence to win over voters.
The West Virginia primary ended up being pivotal, as John F. Kennedy’s victory there dispelled doubts about his ability to win in non-Catholic states and helped solidify his path to the Democratic nomination. Robert’s efforts in connecting with local communities like Bluefield played an important role in that success.
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