In order to preserve the truth of this moment, I have to say I wasn't agog over Kennedy, though I appreciate that he was a liberal, and how influential people say he was in the US Senate.
I recall feeling resentment for him in 1980 when he ran for President against the sitting Democratic president, Jimmy Carter. I may not have understood why he was running at the time, but it seemed to me he was running out of turn. He should have waited until 1984. Also, I was just young enough not to be under the spell of the Kennedy mystique and I felt too many other people supported him just because his name was Kennedy.
In any event, he seemed to have found his place in the world and made the most of it.
Because there was never any question that he'd win his Senate seat, I didn't have reason to know a lot about what he did. In the Senate he's known as being a great Legislator, which often means your have to compromise in order to get things done (similar to Obama). I don't always like compromise. But, I probably wouldn't get as much accomplished as he did in his Senate career. I heard on NPR yesterday that Edward Kennedy's Senate career spanned from the time when Richard Nixon began his speeches (campaigning for President? or did they say Ronald Reagan?) all the way beyond the time when Ronald Reagan's Vice President's son had served two terms as President (obviously they said it better). That's quite a span of time. Congratulations.
The Kennedy family story, is quite compelling isn't it? A lot of triumph and tragedy. I'm impressed by the Kennedy family's desire to serve the community and the world. I have a great deal of respect for each of them for that alone. Very impressive. I'm interested to see how that ideal will live on in the rest of the Kennedy clan? When will it be diluted over time and distance? Very interesting.
Finally, it sounds like Teddy Kennedy was the heart and soul of the Kennedy clan in the last 40 years particularly, though always well loved as the youngest child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy.
This is the e-mail Barack Obama sent out to his supporters about Ted Kennedy:
Vicky -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama
Goodbye and Fare Thee Well, Ted Kennedy
(I'd also like to note how much I appreciate that the media obsession is, this time, merited and worthy)
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