President Kennedy's election was such an enlargement. It expanded religious freedom to include the highest office in the land. President Kennedy's administration was such an enlargement. It advanced the day when the bars of intolerance against all minority groups will be lifted, not only for the presidency, but for all aspects of our national life.

The quote by Robert Kennedy highlights the transformative significance of his brother President Kennedy's election, particularly in the context of religious freedom and intolerance. Robert Kennedy emphasizes that John F. Kennedy's victory was a major step forward in ensuring that religious freedom was extended to include the highest office in the United States, the presidency. At the time, there were concerns about Kennedy's Catholic faith, as many Americans doubted whether a Catholic could serve effectively as president. His election was a powerful symbol of breaking down these religious barriers and expanding the scope of freedom.

The origin of this quote lies in the political and cultural climate of the early 1960s, a time of significant tension around issues of religion, civil rights, and minority rights. Kennedy's election was a milestone in the nation's evolution toward a more inclusive society. Robert Kennedy, as a prominent political figure and advocate for civil rights, saw his brother’s presidency as a pivotal moment that not only addressed religious intolerance but also contributed to the fight against discrimination in other areas, especially for minorities.

Robert Kennedy’s words also reflect the broader goals of his brother’s administration, which aimed to advance civil rights and challenge societal norms that upheld intolerance. He believed that Kennedy’s presidency was an important step in overcoming these barriers not just for the Catholic community, but for all minority groups facing discrimination. The quote underscores the idea that Kennedy's presidency was about creating a more inclusive and equal society where people of all backgrounds could participate fully in national life.

In this quote, Robert Kennedy envisions a future where the "bars of intolerance" are lifted not just for the presidency, but for all aspects of American life, signaling his deep belief in the potential for progress in the nation’s treatment of minority groups. He highlights how Kennedy’s election was a stepping stone toward a more just and equitable society where all people, regardless of their religion or background, could contribute to the country’s leadership.