Q: You’ve said that Barack Obama reminded you of your brother, John F. Kennedy. What specifically?

A: My brother’s really on a special place for me. Part of Barack Obama and President Kennedy’s appeal, is they challenged young people, and older people as well. … He came to the Congress believing in the importance in change and challenge. He challenged this country to go to the moon. He challenged young people to serve in the Peace Corps, and they did. Barack Obama is really challenging the young and old to get involved in problems. Americans are prepared to do. … Inherently Americans like to be challenged . . .”

Q: Was there a family discussion among the Kennedys about endorsing Obama or Clinton?

A: No. Mrs. Clinton was a strong supporter of my niece, Kathleen, when she ran for governor of Maryland. So she supported her early on. Obviously I and Vicki are close to Caroline, close to the children. I listened to them, and listenied to our own children, to other nieces and nephews. I was very impressed at the degree of enthusiasm and emotional engagement these young people had in support of Barack Obama.

Q: When did you decide to endorse Barack Obama?

A: “I was waiting to be inspired by the candidates. I’ve known some of them a long time. Chris Dodd I’ve worked with a long time on children’s issues. Joe Biden on the Judiciary Committee. John Edwards I’ve worked with in the Senate. Gov. Richardson has been a good friend since the ’80s. I’ve worked with Sen. Clinton and also Sen. Obama. I was letting this thing go through.” After Iowa, “I thought Barack stood out. … It became apparent to me this was a very important opportunity and I shouldn’t be on the sidelines.”

Q: What kind of pressure did you come under by the Clintons to back them?

A: They were kind enough to call as others had to welcome the endorsement. It’s in one sense hard and in another sense not hard. These issues are very serious, very important, (they) make enormous difference. Life or death, war or peace. Therefore you have to make these judgments as I did on the war. I voted no. On a decision like this I want to see the war ended. I think he’s the person to do it . . .

Q: What is it going to take to beat McCain?

A: Different politics. Americans are prepared to respond to a new vision about the country and dealing with problems. It’s going to be a candidate who involves the American people in a very compelling way. … I think Barack has that unique ability to do it and makes that appeal every time he speaks. That’s the touchstone in this campaign.

Q: If I can throw you a softie question, what was it like growing up with John and Bobby? Did you guys butter each other’s glasses or short each other’s sheets?

A: “I’m the youngest. I had a very hard time,” he joked.” I’ve had a very hard time getting my older brothers and sisters to believe that I had a hard time. Some of them thought I was given an easier time. I was always at the extra table, you know because we didn’t have a big enough table. If they had too many for lunch or dinner I was always the one that was pushed out. My mother told me never to talk about those kinds of stories. So I never have. I was very lucky to grow up in a loving family rooted in faith, devotion to country and the great sense of expectation that we all have a responsibility to others.”

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