Digest

Maureen Callahan, author of "Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed," argues that the Kennedy family's legacy has been distorted by the media, which has often protected them and downplayed their misdeeds, particularly their mistreatment of women. Callahan discusses the New York Times' scathing review of her book, highlighting its personal attacks and its failure to acknowledge the Kennedy family's history of mistreating women. She delves into the Chappaquiddick incident, where Ted Kennedy left Mary Jo Kopechne to die in his car, highlighting the media's portrayal of it as a tragedy rather than a crime. Callahan discusses the complexities of the women involved with the Kennedy men, acknowledging their flaws while emphasizing the abuse they endured. She questions the allure of the Kennedy charisma and its impact on the women's choices. Callahan argues that the Kennedy legacy has been distorted by the media, which has often protected the family and downplayed their misdeeds. She contrasts the media's treatment of the Kennedys with their coverage of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Callahan discusses JFK's presidency, highlighting his alleged sexual misconduct and the media's complicity in covering it up. She compares his behavior to that of Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, arguing for a consistent standard of accountability. Callahan emphasizes the enduring influence of the Kennedy family in American culture and politics, arguing that their legacy is toxic and needs to be reevaluated. She criticizes the media's reluctance to hold them accountable for their actions. Callahan discusses Mimi Alford's memoir, which detailed her alleged sexual encounters with JFK, and the media's initial silence on the story. She highlights the importance of truth-telling and the need to rewrite history to reflect the reality of the Kennedy family's actions. Callahan explores the relationship between Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy brothers, highlighting how they exploited her and contributed to her downfall. She emphasizes Monroe's desire for love and her tragic misjudgment of the Kennedy men. Callahan discusses the inspiration behind her book, highlighting the influence of the Ted Kennedy media coverage and the Harvey Weinstein trial. She emphasizes her desire to tell the stories of the women who were harmed by the Kennedy men.

Outlines

00:00:15

The Kennedy Legacy: A Critical Examination

Maureen Callahan, author of "Ask Not," challenges the idealized narrative of the Kennedy family, exposing their history of mistreating women and the media's complicity in protecting them. She discusses the New York Times' scathing review of her book and the media's tendency to downplay the family's misdeeds.

00:01:11

The Chappaquiddick Incident and the Media's Role

Callahan delves into the Chappaquiddick incident, where Ted Kennedy left Mary Jo Kopechne to die in his car, highlighting the media's portrayal of it as a tragedy rather than a crime. She discusses the media's tendency to protect the Kennedys and downplay their actions.

00:07:01

The Women's Perspective and the Kennedy Charm

Callahan explores the complexities of the women involved with the Kennedy men, acknowledging their flaws while emphasizing the abuse they endured. She questions the allure of the Kennedy charisma and its impact on the women's choices.

00:16:39

The Importance of Truth and Rewriting History

Callahan discusses Mimi Alford's memoir, which detailed her alleged sexual encounters with JFK, and the media's initial silence on the story. She highlights the importance of truth-telling and the need to rewrite history to reflect the reality of the Kennedy family's actions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main argument of Maureen Callahan's book "Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed"?

  Callahan argues that the Kennedy family's legacy has been distorted by the media, which has often protected the family and downplayed their misdeeds, particularly their mistreatment of women.

• How does Callahan compare the media's treatment of the Kennedys to their coverage of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton?

  Callahan argues that the media was far more critical of Nixon and Clinton, even for relatively minor offenses, while they have consistently protected the Kennedys, even when accused of serious crimes.

• What is the significance of Mimi Alford's memoir and the media's initial silence on her story?

  Alford's memoir, which detailed her alleged sexual encounters with JFK, highlights the media's complicity in covering up the Kennedy family's actions and the importance of truth-telling, even when it challenges established narratives.

• What is Callahan's view on the enduring influence of the Kennedy family in American culture and politics?

  Callahan believes that the Kennedy family's legacy is toxic and needs to be reevaluated. She criticizes the media's reluctance to hold them accountable for their actions and the continued hero worship that surrounds them.

Show Notes