Robert Kennedy : Obama 's father was of an immigrant family that broke barriers . Maier says the Kennedy brothers supported wider opening of U.S. borders in 1960s . He says resulting demographic change helped usher in President Obama 's election . Maier : Like JFK , Obama 's background is much different than other presidents .
Thomas Maier : Kennedy 's heritage was of an immigrant family that broke barriers . Maier says the Kennedy brothers pushed wider opening of U.S. borders in 1960s . He says resulting demographic change helped usher in President Obama 's election . Maier : Like JFK , Obama 's background is much different than other presidents .