Kennedy survived Chappaquiddick politically in large measure due to the fact his two older brothers had died tragically at the hand of assassins ... Robert in June 1968 and JFK in November 1963. The Chappaquiddick incident occurred July 1969, people, particularly in MA, tended to be in a forgiving mood as the death of Ted's two older brothers were fresh in people's minds. However, and rightfully so, Kennedy has to live with the legacy of essentially killing a young women thru irresponsible and negligent behavior ...