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Political Tributes to Senator Ted Kennedy
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by alia_d | August 26, 2009 at 01:00 pm
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The death of Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy has struck a chord with many politicians who have offered heartfelt tributes to Ted Kennedy and noted the contributions he had made to the United States.
President Obama was informed of Ted Kennedy's death shortly after it took place. Upon receiving a phone call, Obama immediately took measures to mourn the death.
Obama had been awakened at his vacation home on this island off Massachusetts by a top aide just after 2 a.m. EDT and told of Kennedy's death. He spoke with the senator's widow, Victoria, around 2:25 a.m. and ordered flags flown at half-staff on all federal buildings.
Later on the morning of August 26, Obama delivered a speech at a makeshift podium on Martha's vineyard. Obama described Ted Kennedy as "not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy."
VP Joe Biden also paid his respects while speaking at an event of the Department of Energy. Biden teared up during a heartfelt speach about the late Senator, in which he described Ted Kennedy's idealism as inspiring and said that he had"changed the circumstances of tens of millions of Americans for the better."
Other Democrats who paid tribute included Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator John Kerry.
Even Republicans, some of who have had conflicts with Kennedy in the past, mourned his death.
- Nancy Reagan described Ted Kennedy as "an ally and a great friend."
- Mitt Romney, the former governer of Massachussets, said, “The last son of Rose Fitzgerald and Joseph Kennedy was granted a much longer life than his brothers, and he filled those years with endeavor and achievement that would have made them proud.”
- Utah Senator Orrin Hatch released a statement stating that America had "lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate" and he had "lost a treasured friend…."
Political experts say that Ted Kennedy has made a lasting mark on the United States during almost 50 years as Senator.
Ross Baker, an expert on the Senate at Rutgers University, said that during 46 years as a senator, beginning in 1962 at the age of 30, Kennedy came to transcend even the daunting family name, rising from out of the shadows of his elder brothers. "If you look at the legacy of all three of the Kennedy brothers in politics - John, Robert and Teddy — Teddy's was by far the greatest. His impact was broad, it was important and it will be long-lasting."
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Robert Greer (not verified)at 05:53 on August 28th, 2009
May Ted Kennedy rest in peace but its a stretch to say that he did anything great as a Senator. Most of his work was to appease the liberal left that he represented and resulted in more government intrusion into our lives. It's difficult to practice what you preach when you live the protected wealthy life that he did.
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Kathleen Eason (not verified)at 08:03 on August 28th, 2009
Good Morning, Blessed America, and Our Global Neighbors! We mourn the passing of a great man, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, because he was a gift to humanity. He worked with tears of sorrow for all those who had been beaten-down because of the color of the skin; because their sorrows were his sorrows; for all who were hungry and sick and without the social status to gain access to life-saving medical attention; because their sorrows were his sorrows; for all who wanted access to secondary and higher edcuation; because their sorrows were his sorrows; his Boston Office was an open door for all that needed a voice in the democracy that has made America Number One; his Boston Staff emulated this great leader of compassion because His needs were Their needs...I shall miss him and my blessed friend, "The Roxbury Kid," will miss him, too! I remain, Sincerely yours, Kathleen Eason, Boston Back Bay & Cape Cod, MA. August 28, 2009