Sen. John Kerry (D-MA): Kennedy "An Extraordinary Force," "The Best Senator"

[babylonsister]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/08/sen_john_kerry_dma_calls_kenne.html


Sen. John Kerry (D-MA): Kennedy "An Extraordinary Force," "The Best Senator"

9:00 am

August 26, 2009

At the Capitol, flags are at half-mast.

At the Capitol this morning, flags are flying at half-mast.(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

By David Gura


Through his press secretary, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) -- formerly the junior, now the senior senator from Massachusetts -- released a statement about the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), his colleague and friend, just a few minutes ago:

We have known for some time that this day was coming, but nothing makes it easier. We have lost a great light in our lives and our politics, and it will never be the same again. Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service.

No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best -- the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. He faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for which I will always be grateful.

Teresa and I send all our love to Vicki, Teddy Jr., Patrick, Kara and their family, and to the entire Kennedy family for whom Teddy was always a rock at times like this. Massachusetts and our entire nation shares their loss and grieves with them.

[TexasObserver]

1. Recommend

[Lorax7844]

2. that made me cry

[karynnj]

3. Kennedy was there for Kerry

both when he was a young veteran and in 2004, when Kerry was fighting a steeply uphill battle for the nomination. Kennedy Supported Kerry for 2008, until he opted not to run. Over the last year, it was clear from both their words and the pictures, that both Kerrys were there for Kennedy until the end.

"the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times." is well deserved praise from one friend to another.

[babylonsister]

4. Joe Biden is mourning him now, too. I'm sure he touched so many.

I couldn't hold it together like Joe.

Friends. My heart hurts.

[karynnj]

6. There may be no senior Democratic Senators who aren't

Biden and Kennedy had 36 years in the Senate together. I remember a Biden story that he when he was offered the Chair of Judiciary when Kennedy became the Chair of HELP, he held out for Kennedy remaining on the committee, something that didn't typically happen then.

[protect our future]

5. Crying all over my keyboard. n/t