Indianapolis, 1968: Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King and a historic call for peace 

He would have made a wonderful President.

Indianapolis was one of the few major cities that did not riot that night, and it was because of the words of Bobby Kennedy.

No teleprompter, no cue cards. Off the cuff, and from the heart. Incredible.

Incredible speech, but it’s not due only to his magnificent, impromptu ability to put words together. People believed he meant what he said. No one doubted his intentions or commitment. Sincerity and moral clarity made him a leader.

Note: Robert Kennedy rarely ever spoke of his brother's murder. Let alone publicly. To open up his heart to reveal such a grievous wound to the public was such an out stretch of compassion and symphony for his fellow Americans, that Indianapolis was one the few cities, but the largest if them, to NOT riot that night in 1968. Sadly he would die months later in the hands of a kitchen worker in by a gunman. He'd pass on with a Rosery in his hand given to him by that same employee who caressed him as he succumbed to his wounds. Joining a long list of Americans that became the martyrs of Civil Rights and Freedom.

No matter how old I get this speech still makes me cry. RFK felt the pain of the world very deeply. His death was the death of an entire era, and a disaster for all of us.

A man who calmed Indianapolis while the rest of the country burned.

What made RFKs speech solid was that everyone knew about the Kennedy tragedy and for him to speak upon his brothers death the moment King was killed was powerful

He was like , you are like me. You’ve lost someone and I’ve lost someone. But, let’s try to move forward and not let the anger consume us. His voice was a special one.

When he mentioned his brother, JFK, it surprised his aides and many more because Bobby didn’t talk about it much. I this shows how he understands and relates. A true man

RFK is one of the bravest men to ever run for office. He even made the crowd cheer, on such a tragic night!

His finest speech. His death was such a loss and injustice to this country.

I still get emotional when I hear this speech. Only Bobby Kennedy could have been able to put into words that would comfort people. I remember when I woke up to find out the results of the California primary. They said Bobby won, but then they said he was shot. I started screaming so loud that it woke up my parents. I collapsed on my bedroom floor. I had met Bobby when he ran for Senate and campaigned for him in the presidential primary in 1968. I was emotionally destroyed by his death. I don’t think I ever recovered. Nothing would ever be the same. This speech reminds us of what we lost when Bobby was assassinated. I know that I was never the same.

If this man had become president we would be living in a better world

Words matter. This man calmed what could have been a riot. And he was in the middle of it.

My God we need leadership at this moment!

The greatest president we never had

He gave this speech and this is one of the only cities that didn’t have riots after the death of MLK. Where’s my old friend Robert?

Today 55 years ago (4/4/23) we lost MLK, and two months and one day later, RFK himself got cut down. Indeed the good die young. RIP to both.

Back when authenticity & integrity meant something.

Bobby was the kindest man out of the Kennedy bothers 😢

“To tame the savageness of man, and make gentle the life of this world”. The power of words are truly remarkable. By this short speech/eulogy RFK was able to tame the anger felt by so many and to instead focus this energy towards a better tomorrow. We in America would do well to heed his words.

Just an amazing speech. It was delivered off the cuff.

News must not have traveled as fast in 1968 if so many in this audience did not even know that MLK had been shot and killed. This speech was stunning and it left the crowd silent. Indianapolis was one of the few cities that did not have riots many believe because of RFK.

What a shame the world has no leaders like this anymore.

One of the most powerful examples of persuasive public speaking and beautiful oratory skills.

He never wanted to speak about brother's death. But he exposed his open wound to relieve suffering of the people. He was a painfully beautiful man.

This speech moves me to tears every time I watch it. The Kennedys were amazing speakers but this one takes the cake.

How refreshing to hear a speech spoken from the heart, without a script or teleprompter

That is America at it's finest. In the middle of tragedy to call on our better Angels.

We need a leader like him now! Especially with the protests!

What a speech. It’s such a shame he never got the chance to become President, I’m sure America would be in a far better place today if he had.

This speech makes my heart heavy man. RFK was an exceptionally and truly compassionate and truth seeking man. A gentle and incredible human being... They took your life but they can’t take your legacy!... God bless you Robert Kennedy...

"Even in our sleep, pain, which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom, through the awful grace of God."

That was beautiful and heartbreaking, and to think he wrote it on the spot. You could see him struggling with remembering that quote... What a great president he would have been. I love RFK.

We need a man like this for the turbulent times we face today in 2020. Desperately. Who would have guessed that two months after this, he would fall victim to more senseless violence? RIP, both of you. 😥

“And even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.”

Simply the best speech I’ve ever heard. And probably the best one I’ll ever hear.

He was so heart centered. You speak of love as a politician and they take you out. It goes against the plan but unconditional love is the core of who we are, thank you for trying, like the others taken out because they spoke of unity and love.

They don't make men like this anymore. What men, what truly, amazing men, JFK, RFK, MLK Jr truly were. We need you, we need you today, so, so badly. The Kennedy brothers are legend 🙌 🙏

"It is not the end of the violence... " Unfortunately, Bobby, you were right. So sad.

This is a better version than that upload with the swirling, manipulative music bed. Senator Kennedy's words here are more powerful without attempts to force an emotional response. RIP President Kennedy, Dr Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy. _For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal_ - President John F. Kennedy.

This man could actually read. He could speak English, and in a way that inspired, comforted, and empathized with Blacks and everyone else. What a contrast to what's now in the White House!

I watched Bobby Kennedy & MLK on public TV recently and finally could not see the screen any longer thru my tears.

What a man he was. And first what a precious and a exceptional human being.

I love this man and I am black I love this man he was my idol over Martin Luther King over Malcolm X. who is my hero Bobby Kennedy was the reason I became me

who tf disliked this speech. this is how someone should address americans during troubling times.

Words of love and wisdom can reverberate into eternity. Thank you, Mr. Kennedy.

Bobby Kennedy was the best candidate for president in my lifetime. He was a man of honor and integrity with a beautiful heart. I hope karma exists, and those who took him from us get their just due.

This was a exceptional man...I often wonder how much better our nation would have been if he lived and was elected president in 1968. I truly believe he would have made a difference in bringing the country together, Instead of tearing it apart. RIP RFK.

Some speeches transcend generations...

What is so great in this speech is, in a way it is both a speech and a prayer.

How different our course of history could have been if Bobby won.

A good man. A voice of reason in a chaotic time.

1:24 - "We can move in that direction... in greater polarization. Or we make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand, to comprehend, and to replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand, compassion and love."

Absolutely heartbreaking😪

I wouldn't have wanted to deliver such news like that. I really feel for Bobby here. Bobby came to my hometown of Phoenix in March, 1968. We got within 10 feet of him. A memory I'll never forget.

the speech was perfect, because he meant it. love to all!

This hits hard even now.

Wow I can't believe I didn't know of this speech. That was phenomenal. How I wish we had a Bobby now. The unrest in our country is unbearable.

Of course, he had to improvise that speech on the spot, very impressive! Can you imagine the great progress we would have made under 8 years of his leadership! Just too much evil, greed, and racism to allow that to happen! And it’s worst now! I still believe the majority of people in this country want to see the American dream of equal justice and liberty for everyone in this country and every human being on the planet! That’s what Gandhi, MLK, JFK, RFK, Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and so many more have been trying to teach us all: We Must Stand Together!!! Knowledge is power, only if you have the courage and integrity to act on it! We Must Stand Together!!!

We need leadership like this now

I've never seen a politician so universally loved by all races of people, black people, white people etc he must of been a very inspiring man

He should have been President.

An incredible speech for the ages

We miss people like him and his brother. Standing truly for the people not for big corporations money and power. Aren't we tired of all of this yet? TOGETHER WE the PEOPLE ARE UNSTOPPABLE and these ones controlling our lives KNOW this. Shine your Light with your BIG heart. It's why WE ARE HERE! ❤🙏✌️

This one is the best and such an incredible speech. Impromptu no papers written to give the speech. Giving a speech impromptu done eloquently is rare! Pretty hard to do I would imagine.

12 years ago I found my older brothers cold body and hugged him as i cried tears unto his cold blue face.. It left me angry. Very angry.. i felt so wronged that the world I always knew was now gone forever, and I had just lost my closest friend and a mentor who guided me throughout my whole life up until that moment. And after i had lost my older brother.. I lost myself. And who I used to be melted away into a cold angry vindictive person I no longer recognized nor did anyone else. I felt was an Injustice and I held onto that rotting burning anger to the point it only hurt those I still cared for. And it took me many years to let go of that Hate that I buried deep within... but I did eventually learn to let go of it and choose Love over the Hatred. It was always a choice.. It was the most freeing experience of my life as i opened up and began to actively CHOOSE my path again, I finally began to know real Freedom. So I hope you understand that RFK's speech here makes me shed some real tears. I felt his pain and understood his strength in that devastating moment in US history. Maybe this speech doesn't make some of you feel anything as a citizen of the United States, and that's too bad and very sad.. I wish ya a chance to one day find a way to let go of all that anger that poisons your spirit. Perhaps life has hurt your spirit in a way that you think there is no return from? No light at the end of that dark tunnel.. I get it. but I hope that is not your truth and not the ending to your ride. Trust what RFK is speaking of here in this speech. I hope you rise again with a stronger spirit for the road ahead. ❤️‍🩹 What an amazing speech in such a low moment. ❤️‍🔥

Bobby Kennedy jr. Now running in 2023 David against Goliath! That money on Bobby Kennedy jr.

52 years later. 2020. RIP to Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy

A set of ideas we should all rededicate ourselves and our countries to, here in 2019.

This man meant very word he uttered. I truly miss him.

His speach moves me as a 10 year old. I remember the day well. My parents were both crying because MLK had been assassinated. When Mr Kennedy was assassinated, my whole family cried and my dad said things will never be the same....they weren't and its really bad now. My parents have passed before this hell we live in. I pray Robert Kennedy Jr wins the presidency, we need a change in this country. I had hoped President Obama was the change. It didnt happen😢 ive volunteered for Mr Kennedy and i will commit to his campaign 🙏💙💙💙💙💙

We all miss him.

We need leaders such as he, now!❤️

I remember only little bits when Dr. King died. I was young. But RFK's words are moving all these years later.

Who is here after the riots?😥

The greatest president that never was. We must never despair. We need ❤❤❤ for each other.

He was a true philosopher king.

Where the hell is our Robert Kennedy of our time to lead, inspire and set the tone of justice.

God bless him. Thank God we have this wonderful speech. Yes, he would have made a wonderful President. How I miss him still! Every now and then I have to go back and listen to this speech again.

The beauty and love in his speech helped keep a lid on the worst angels of our natures at this difficult time. It did not hurt at all that he knew this type of political loss and pain, too.

Imagine we still had leaders like this. He hardly had time to prepare this. Spoken from the heart. This young man wouldve made an amazing president

😪 Our world lost a Hero on that day in history. What a beautiful encouragement from Bobby Kennedy.❤️✝️

God bless you, Bobby. What dreams may come, and what could've been achieved we will never know. Rest in peace.

It starts with all of us. How we treat people in our day to day lives. We must respect everyone as our equal, whether they are black or white,rich or poor. When will we agree that enough is enough? ✌🙏♥️

Robert f Kennedy shot on this day back in 1968. Rest in peace Bobby you will never be forgotten 👍🏾♥️👍🏾.

RFK: the essence of perfection: Thoughtful, kind, caring & inspirational. He was the best of us. Thank you God for sending such a man to us 🙏.

The Kennedy's were some orators.

Very poor choice of ads to go along with Robert Kennedy’s powerful speech

The state of our country today. This is a wonderful speech in a crucial period of our history and I cannot find a modern day politician who can have such an impact!!! Sad really!!

Most beautiful speech I've heard❤

Can you imagine ANY political figure being able to deliver this type of off the cuff speech today.

Very heart breaking that he died at such a young age. RIP RFK

Don't listen to this while driving; it's hard to see with tears in your eyes.

This is one of the most moving, impromptu speeches in American history. Listen to Nina Simone’s “Why the King of Love is Dead.” She sang it three days after King’s murder.

What a good man rest in peace

This was such a great man, delivering very important words about the murder of another great man. Diffusing hatred and outrage . So many big cities all over America erupted in violence and outrage, but not Indianapolis. God Bless Dr. King, God Bless Bobby Kennedy, God Bless the United States, God Bless us all.

When people speak of American history, it is often negative. I think this aspect should be shown more - not in the sense of forgetting the bad, but remembering the hope. That there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. As a foreigner I do think that time will come again!

The world sorely needs leaders like him. Where are they?