http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/feature/2009/08/26/reaction/
Reactions to the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy are pouring in from around the world. President Obama has already spoken about his friend and supporter, and other leading political figures from within the U.S. and beyond have been weighing in with their own statements about the senator's long and memorable career. Below, a roundup of some of those reactions.
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Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.: "Today there is an empty chair in our Senate and an empty feeling in our hearts
We all waited expectantly during Ted's struggle with cancer for the Senate doors to swing wide and that great Irish spirit to once again return
His voice roared as he battled for the poor and the victims of injustice yet he had a smile that could light a room, a laugh that would draw a crowd and a heart always ready to share your sorrow. America was blessed to have the gift of Ted Kennedy and I was blessed to count him as a friend."
Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.: Im not sure America has ever had a greater Senator, but I know for certain that no one has had a greater friend than I and so many others did in Ted Kennedy
I will always remember Teddy as the ultimate example for all of us who seek to serve, a hero for those Americans in the shadow of life who so desperately needed one
He worked tirelessly to lift Americans out of poverty, advance the cause of civil rights, and provide opportunity to all. He fought to the very end for the cause of his life ensuring that all Americans have the health care they need.
Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.: "Ted Kennedy was more than a Senate icon who fought tirelessly for the causes he believed in so passionately. He was more than a voice for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather and friend. Working with him for the last 30 years was one of the great honors I've had as a United States Senator
Senator Kennedy is simply irreplaceable, and the Senate will forever miss its great Liberal Lion
Yet, though Ted Kennedy is no longer with us, his legacy and his memory live on forever in the millions of people whose lives were made better through his work
In the true spirit of Ted Kennedy we will continue to advance the ideals and issues that were so close to his heart and such a part of his remarkable life
As we all mourn this great loss, his wife Vicki and his entire family will remain in our thoughts and prayers."
Democratic National Committee chairman and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine: Today we mourn the loss of one the greatest and most consequential political figures in American history with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy
Senator Kennedy was adored by millions of Americans and was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his energy, his passion, his humor, his compassion, his friendship and above all his commitment to serve his country in pursuit of a more common good for every American
It is not an exaggeration to say that Senator Kennedy devoted his entire adult life - in the great tradition of the Kennedy family - to public service. And, in his forty-six years in the Senate, Senator Kennedy's primary focus - and the legacy he will be most remembered for - will be his work to improve the plight of ordinary Americans, to empower the powerless and to end the scourge of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and economic background that was all too prevalent in an earlier time.
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