Ted Kennedy, R.I.P.

Bob Fertik — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:22:20 -0400

It's a day to be sad.

Sad for the Kennedy family, which lost its "rock." Sad for the Senate, which lost its best legislator. Sad for the Democratic Party, which lost its most principled leader.

But most importantly, sad for America, which lost one of its most intelligent, kind and generous men.

Sen. Harry Reid said it beautifully: "The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."

Ted Kennedy, we miss you already.

Watch Sen. Kennedy speak from the heart about health reform:

Statement from President Obama:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For 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.

I 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 profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.

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.

Ted Kennedy Hospitalized with Stroke

Bob Fertik — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:39:56 -0400

From the Boston Globe:

Doctors believe that Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts suffered a seizure at his home in Hyannis Port this morning, then a second seizure as he was being transported by helicopter from Cape Cod Hospital to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, according to an official briefed on the situation.

His condition was unclear early this afternoon, as a special police security detail gathered at Mass. General. Kennedy family members were called this morning and told to rush to Boston, according to sources.

The Hyannis Fire Department responded to an emergency call at the storied Kennedy compound at 8:30 this morning, according to the Cape Cod Times. The senator was rushed to Cape Cod Hospital, then flown to Boston. The newspaper published a photograh of Kennedy, strapped to a gurney, being carried to the chopper.

Kennedy, 76, is the senior statesman in one of America's political dynasties. He was first elected in 1962.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family.

Update 1: On CNN, Ed Henry is reporting that a Kennedy source says that the Senator himself at about 10:30 a.m. called someone to say he couldn't host a luncheon. That would have been more than two hours after the originial 911 call.

Update 2: For those who are rightly concerned about the fragile health of a 76-year-old man, this is a timely reminder that John McCain would be 76 at the end of his first term if elected President.