The memorial service for Ted Kennedy at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston earlier tonight was extraordinary. Almost all of the tributes were superb. Here are the ones that struck the deepest chords in me ...
Joseph Kennedy, II, former Congressman, son of Robert Kennedy, set the tone with captivating anecdotes and restatement of Ted's political ideals. I hope he runs for Ted's Senate seat.
Chris Dodd spoke of what it was like to have Ted Kennedy as a close political ally and friend. I was impressed with Dodd during the 2008 Democratic primary. He has a crispness of vision, and should play a crucial role in the battle ahead this September for health care.
John Kerry's speech at the Democratic convention in Denver last year wasn't carried live by the networks and all-news cable. But it was one of the best at the convention, and his speech at the JFK Library tonight was the most politically powerful. (I saw Kerry briefly this June, as he was boarding a boat in Hyannis. I was too far away to tell him how much I appreciate his continued fight for a better America.)
Orrin Hatch's speech was also impressive, especially given that he, too, was a close friend but also a staunch political foe of Ted Kennedy. I wonder - will Hatch search his soul and find room in there to do the right thing and help all Americans get good, affordable health care? Maybe.
Joe Biden gave another very moving tribute, as only someone who has had such close personal tragedy in his own life could provide. I don't know what the Vice President has been doing behind the scenes in the health care legislation discussions, but I'd like to see him set loose to ply his unique political skills with recalcitrant Senators.
John Culver, former Senator and Ted's Harvard classmate, provided comic relief, in the best sense of the phrase at a time like this. His story of how he wound up on a small boat with Ted, inveighed to go sailing, brought tears of pure laughter to my eyes.
In contrast, Caroline Kennedy's concluding tribute brought tears of something else. As did Joe, she brought home what it meant to have Ted as an uncle. I still can't forgive Gov. Patterson in New York for not appointing her to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. Our state and our nation would have benefited greatly.
Tomorrow Barack Obama gives the eulogy at Ted Kennedy's funeral.
And then the full business of governance resumes in September. There are two possible paths to universal health care. One comes from a few Republicans and recalcitrant Democrats truly taking a chance on reform and the American people. The other comes from Obama leading a take-no-prisoners charge, and getting the needed legislation with no Republican help. I'll take whichever works.
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bill benzon
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Comments
Great Post. I was wondering how I was going to find out who had the best story of Ted. Thanks~~
scanner asked about John McCain – I thought he was his typical self – grumpy, bland, no too sincere and almost said he definitely will not vote for healthcare reform; because he said over & over that he never agreed with Kennedy’s policies, but enjoyed the fight with him. At the end of his statement, he is the only one that did not hug Vicki, Teddy’s loving & supportive wife.
I like the way V.P. Biden concluded his very heartfelt talk… he thanked the old Kennedy family, the one we grew up with in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, for not only leaving a lasting legacy, but for leaving talented, caring and generous Kennedy’s of the generation now & future. You could tell that Teddy was a dear friend & mentor for him.
For 3 hours 10 minutes, family, friends and staff made this extraordinary man come alive with song, laughter, tears and stories. The wake ran over time by an hour & a half – it was a celebration that did not want to end.
Thanks Paul for posting this, so others can read and comment.
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Paul Don't wait for our leaders to provide health care. Take the wealth you have and go adopt some of the homeless people in your neighborhood. Why wait for big government to do the trick. The fact you were able to get close to Kerry in Hianis speaks volumes on the lifestyle you lead. If you really believe in health care for all then lead by example. Kerry is another candidate with his wealth he could tend to the health care needs of thousands of people with trust funds set up. Its really the perfect solution. All you rich and well meaning liberals putting your money where you mouth is and leaving the poor taxpayer his money for a change.
That would have no effect on the poor taxpayer.