I became a son-in-law in the United States

Chapter 68 The Road to Power

Having received Luther's promise, Joseph had no more reservations and announced his ideas to the public that very night.

The Kennedy family's reaction after hearing his words was quite interesting.

Daniel jumped up, almost slamming his fist on the table.

If his father were content to be a wealthy man, even if it wasn't entirely honorable, he could thrive in Boston. He might not become one of the most powerful men, but he could certainly enjoy the freedom to date.

But if Joseph Sr. announces his entry into politics, or even runs for state legislator, the situation will be completely different.

Because Lowell's father, Lowell II, was also running for office, the two were direct competitors.

This truly proves Luther's words: an individual is an individual, and a class is a class; class contradictions cannot be resolved and can only end with the complete annihilation of the other side.

How can we possibly make peace with Lowell like this? We'd be lucky if he didn't shoot us.

The brother-in-law was devastated, and the thought that he could no longer casually pick up girls made him drink a few more glasses of wine.

"Dad! Are you serious? You're going into politics, what will happen to our family business?" Daniel still struggled to ask.

Old Joseph's gaze swept over them, and he said calmly:

"The family business will be temporarily handed over to your mother, and the other part will be given to you and Luther. We are a family, Daniel."

"All right."

"And another thing," old Joseph continued, "once I run for office, my opponents will be keeping a close eye on everyone in my family, especially you. You'd better watch yourself from now on and not go around fooling around."

Daniel nodded, looking a little aggrieved.

He chose to participate in the "New Youth" movement; it was a form of spiritual comfort and self-redemption for a decadent young man. When he was bored, he would think about it and reminisce. The thought that he was doing something noble would instantly dissipate much of his guilt, and then he could go and drink to his heart's content.

But if his father gets elected as a state legislator, he'll probably be stuck in New Youth, hanging out with that writer named Hemingway.

Thinking about this life that seems to have no end in sight, how could Daniel not be in pain?

Of course, not everyone is like Daniel. The Kennedy family also has sensible children, such as John F. Kennedy Jr.

John F. Kennedy Jr. was the most excited when he heard that his father was finally going to run for state legislator.

"Dad, you're going to be a state legislator!! Just like Grandpa!"

Old Joseph nodded, looking at his youngest son with a touch of indulgence.

"Yes, this is the path our Kennedy family has to take. Only if I become a congressman can you become president, right?"

Unlike other fathers, Joseph Sr. encouraged his children to have ambitions and even to speak them out boldly.

In contrast, many parents would prefer their children to be more low-key, humble, and avoid saying irrelevant things in public, especially anything inappropriate.

John F. Kennedy nodded: "Yes, I will study hard with my brother-in-law and go to Harvard in the future!"

Although young Kennedy didn't quite understand what politics was, following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps was probably the right thing to do.

A passion for power struggles, an obsession with public affairs, and boundless ambition are the most typical characteristics of this family.

Mrs. Ross smiled faintly and nodded slightly.

Having been married for so many years, she knew her husband's ambitions well; it could be said that he had been preparing for this day for many years.

At a time like this, what can I say besides offer my support?

Gia and Catherine remained silent. Gia was represented by Luther, and Catherine was too young to get involved.

But only Luther knew that after this meal, the Kennedy family would probably be on a different path.

This was a turning point in the family's fate, the beginning of glory, and the origin of tragedy.

Ambition is a good thing, but in the long run, people with ambition probably don't have a good ending.

Old Joseph didn't know, or rather, even if he did, he wouldn't believe it, because people only believe what they see in front of them, or what they can hold in their hands, such as power.

Things are progressing smoothly according to plan.

On the third day, as usual, old Joseph went to attend a securities meeting.

These chambers of commerce meet regularly and are attended by bigwigs from Wall Street. They have complex relationships, many of whom have direct access to various families, and some even have connections to the White House.

At the Chamber of Commerce meeting, in front of numerous partners and reporters, Joseph Sr. "casually" revealed his intention to run for state legislator.

He might have been talking nonsense while drunk, or he might have been in a good mood, but in any case, he said a lot of things like how much he wanted to serve the people.

The speaker meant it, and the listener took it even more seriously; the news spread almost overnight.

The bankers, businessmen, and politicians present immediately turned into reporters, and the news spread like wildfire, reaching all of Boston the next day.

This is big news.

It's worth noting that Joseph Sr.'s father was a member of Congress, serving not only as a Representative but also as a Senator.

Between 1884 and 1889, he successfully entered the Massachusetts House of Representatives and served five consecutive one-year terms.

Between 1889 and 1895, he went further, being elected a state senator and serving three two-year terms.

Throughout his life, he was arguably very close to the White House, but due to his identity and ethnicity, he was never able to take that step.

Because the Wasp didn't welcome him; they didn't welcome a rough Irishman.

During his time as a member of parliament, this grandfather-in-law also did a lot of practical things, such as helping with community development, finding jobs for immigrants, and solving livelihood problems.

Therefore, even after he stepped down, he still had many followers, especially in the Irish community, which was considered a stronghold for the Kennedys.

Now, almost thirty years have passed, and even Joseph himself isn't sure if that voter base is still as solid as it once was.

After all, times change and the world changes; how can everything be the same as it was back then?

To be fair, Old-school Turkey did what a senator should do, and his political achievements were nothing special. But there was one thing he never spared any effort on: paving a solid ladder to power and wealth for his family.

His career as a member of parliament built a network of connections for his family and also made Joseph Sr. realize that wealth can only be invincible when combined with power.

Sure enough, once the news spread, it was like a depth charge had been dropped on the entire city of Boston.

"What! Old Joseph is going to run for state legislator?"

"So, this day has finally come?"

"The Kennedy family is rich and powerful; they'll be running for Congress sooner or later. Isn't his father one?"

"The son of old-school treadmill is finally taking the reins!!"

"The Kennedy family is truly ambitious!"

"A smuggler, a nouveau riche, wants to be a member of parliament? Does he think this is an Irish pub where whoever shouts the loudest gets to call the shots?"