New Ad Showcases Ted Kennedy’s True “Progressive” Legacy

[babylonsister]

Run time: 00:34 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sUEto4dyY0   Posted on YouTube: September 17, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: September 18, 2009 By DU Member: babylonsister Views on DU: 638

 
http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/house-dems/new-ad-showcases-ted-kennedys-true-progressive-legacy/

New Ad Showcases Ted Kennedy’s True “Progressive” Legacy


The first ad in the race among Dems to succeed Ted Kennedy is now out, and it’s really worth watching, because it shines a bright light on the true nature of Kennedy’s liberal legacy.

The ad, from Massachusetts Rep. Michael Capuano, who’s expected to declare his candidacy today, explicitly ties him to the man he’s hoping to replace:

The spot from Capuano, who’s entering a crowded primary, strongly emphasizes that he’s a “progressive,” using the word twice.

“Only one candidate stood with Ted Kennedy against Bush’s Iraq war and mirrors his progressive record,” the ad says, emphasizing his support for a “strong public option” and his opposition to the death penalty.

Whatever you think of Capuano, what’s interesting here is that the race could force a conversation about Kennedy’s real legacy — his strong, unabashed commitment to real liberal principles in the face of tremendous derision and hostility — rather than the mushy paeans to Kennedy’s supposed love of “compromise” we keep hearing from pundits.

[rox63]

1. I also saw one this morning on Boston teevee from one of the other candidates, Steve Pagliuca

Although he's running in the Dem primary, I know nothing about him other than he's a co-owner of the Boston Celtics. I know Mike Capuano better, because I lived in Somerville when he was the mayor. I no longer live in his congressional district, but I know he's a good congress-critter.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. I lived in Somerville when he was mayor too and thought he was awful.

I don't know his record in Congress but I do remember the sleazy politics surrounding his first run for mayor office when a straw candidate with a surname similar to his biggest challenger diluted the vote enough for Capuano to win. There was a long article about it in the Tab or Phoenix IIRC.

I also have a vague recollection of his early campaign literature when he was running for alderman as being light on issues and heavy on pictures of his family and touting his BC credentials.

That said, there's no way he would have won the Tip O'Neill/ Kennedy seat without the support of the power brokers in the MA Democratic party.

[GivePeaceAchance]

3. A big. +1