Is it time for Ted Kennedy to step down?

[question everything]

It amounts to cruelty when he drags himself to come to the Convention, to the inauguration and to vote on the stimulus package.

He is battling cancer, has had a major brain surgery and is not getting any younger.

Yet, we are dependent on his vote in the Senate. Earlier a pundit said that the three Republican were going to be unhappy that they alone were going to reach the magic number of 60. Not 61 as we had earlier this week, with Kennedy, but 60. And if we ever welcome Al Franken to the Senate, we will would have had 59 even without the three Republicans.

It is unfair to put such a pressure on him and, no doubt, he himself sees the importance of his vote. But he is at the end of his teeter.

As a long time public servant, he should be the first to realize how important this seat is to the country and how unfair it is to be dependent on his health.

(Besides, time for John Kerry to become, at age 65, the Senior Senator of Massachusetts)

OK, start flaming.

[Bolo Boffin]

1. I don't see why you should be flamed.

It's concern for his health that's driving your position.

[K Gardner]

2. I think Teddy Kennedy and his family are more than able to decide what is best for him AND

the country. But I'm certain OPs like this are very encouraging to them all. Thanks for your concern.

:sarcasm:

[question everything]

16. Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Reagan

the most prominent examples of elected officials who should have stepped down before their terms ended, or before their death.

Historians already point out the missed opportunities when Wilson had a stroke and when Roosevelt was elected in 1944 already in bad health. And, someday, we will learn more about Reagan.

FDR should have never run again in 1944 and whoever decided then that "you do not switch a leader in a middle of a war" set a precedent for 2004 when the Republicans said the same about Bush.

All three, as well as Ted Kennedy, were proud people with long careers in politics, who would have never admitted for not being able to continue to do the same.

[lunatica]

48. FDR set a precedent in 1944 for Bush getting re-elected for a second term?

What historians are so elevated in their psychic abilities that they know that Woodrow Wilson's stroke was a missed opportunity? What opportunity would that be?

How is Ted Kennedy's health a bearing on some 'missed opportunity' and what is that 'missed opportunity"?

You logic eludes me.

[question everything]

53. Go back and read the many "reasons" that the Republicans used in 2004

that "we do not change a leader in a time of war, just as we did not with FDR."

Certainly I had some co-workers who said so.

From Wikipedia

One historian, Phyllis Levin, a former reporter for the New York Times, wrote, Edith Wilson was "a woman of narrow views and formidable determination" and blamed her for numerous diplomatic failures that occurred during her husband's incapacitation.

Obama needs all 57 Democratic Senators to be there for him to pass his programs. Kennedy certainly should be ashamed at how Ohio Sherrod Brown left his mother's wake so that he could cast his vote and then turned back for her funeral today.

[Politics_Guy25]

32. Gardner-you really need to back off sometimes-n/t

[SeattleGirl]

3. I'm not going to flame you. But I will say that I don't think Kennedy

wants to step down. I believe he will keep pushing himself as long as he can. He loves what he does, and I do believe he's still working on health care issues.

[BOSSHOG]

4. I believe if Senator Kennedy

resigned from the Senate, he'd be dead in a week and it wouldn't be from Cancer. Bear Bryant loved what he did, Coach football, shortly after he retired he died.

[SeattleGirl]

5. Thanks, BOSSHOG. As soon as I posted my response, I had

the same thought.

[dsc]

23. something similar happened with our long time insurance commissioner

He didn't run in 08 and thus retired in January. He died in mid feb after testifying at the legislature in what was going to be his last public testimony.

[question everything]

55. Sorry. The Senate is there to pass laws, not to keep

ailing individuals alive, regardless of how heroically they served our country.

Obama, and we, need all 57 Democratic Senators to be there when we cast their votes. How can you support Kennedy's missing an important vote - and more that will come - while Ohio Sherrod Brown is leaving his mother's wake to cast his vote, and then to turn back for her funeral?

[TheCowsCameHome]

6. It would not surprise me if he didn't run again.

He will decide when the time comes.

Meanwhile, I wish him well.

[JuniperLea]

7. Ted Kennedy clearly loves his job...

Have you evern known someone who knew their time was coming, and it wouldn't be very long in the coming? Some give up. Some fight to their very last breath. A certain strength comes over then and they just flat do not give up. Once they give up, they are generally done for.

I for one hope to see Ted do exactly what he wants to do, and serving his country to his last breath is probably what he wants to do.

[Phx_Dem]

8. Absolutely not! He's done too much for this country to be pushed out

when he's sick. That's disgusting.

[hlthe2b]

9. He has lived his life with purpose... why would you take that from him

now? Geebus. I think it is his decision to make and frankly the slim chance we have at any health care finance reform remains because of a broad desire to work with him as a tribute...

That said, if he chose to step down, I would absolutely support his decision. But, again, why would you want to take his purpose in life away from him, if this is not his choice?

[tridim]

10. Maybe it's time for the Senate to allow votes from the hospital bed

It's cruel to make him come into the chamber in his condition.

[ShortnFiery]

11. Both Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd need to hand over the reins to another Democrat.

:shrug:

[Dawgs]

12. The rules of the Senate need to be changed for Senators that can't make a vote.

I see two options.

1) Let them vote from a remote location, but only with special permission.

2) Let an individual vote for the Senator until he/she returns. Again, only with special permission.

It doesn't make sense that the Democrats, who have the majority, are being penalized because one of the Senators has cancer. That doesn't seem very fair, especially in a time of crisis, to me.

[demokatgurrl]

13. You're kidding, right?

Maybe his work in the Senate, for the country, is keeping him alive. Ever think of that?

[question everything]

17. As much as I admire him, the good of the country comes before

his need to keep the seat to "stay alive."

Are you willing to risk the chance of losing a filibuster because Kennedy's seat "keeps him alive?

I did not catch it at first, but my spouse was so excited to hear the term "common good" in Obama's inauguration speech, commenting how long it was when a President used this term.

And the common good will require that if Kennedy cannot participate in Senate votes, that he steps down.

[lunatica]

49. Ill health does not pre-empt the 'common good'

That's ridiculous!

[Thrill]

14. Not until Healthcare is done

.

[question everything]

18. We are not going to get a true universal health care

that most of us want. And any reforms, he should be able to advise Obama and other Senators on how to go about it.

[Thrill]

21. I think we're going to get REAL Close

As close to universal as we're likely going to get is enough to make Teddy retire happy

[WI_DEM]

15. I hate to say it but if he can't do his job, then maybe he should

And devote himself to trying to get stronger without having to worry about rushing back and forth to Washington.

[Cleita]

19. What I don't understand is why he doesn't have a hospital room

to go to like Jesse Helms did when Congress was in session?

On edit: Sorry it was Strom Thurmond who was living in Walter Reed hospital.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/11/14/politics/main318042.shtml

[LittleClarkie]

20. He still has his faculties and he's still an adult last time I checked

If he still wants to be a Senator, and drag himself thither and yon to do his business, it's hardly cruelty. He's choosing it.

And for all we know it's what is keeping him alive.

[Barack_America]

22. Do we have universal health care yet?

Then no.

[question everything]

38. And we are not going to get one

Not as long most Americans still get employer-provided insurance. This is the lesson that Hillary got back in 1993 and this is why neither she nor Obama, not even Edwards, proposed a real universal health care.

Either way, do you really think that he has the strength to work on such an uphill battle? With seizures occurring at the first sign of exertion, as we've seen on inauguration day?

How selfish to expect him to continue working hard for our needs.

Besides, he can always advise Obama and the Senate on these matters. He does not have to be a - let's be honest - a barely part time Senator.

[bottomtheweaver]

24. Is somebody still bitter?

:nopity:

[karynnj]

25. Senator Kennedy deserves the right to make that decision

and I am near certain that for Kerry becoming the senior Senator will be a bittersweet moment as he clearly respects and loves Ted Kennedy. After all, he is Chair of the SFRC and chair of a powerful Commerce committee - not to mention a long term member of the Finance committee - where (at least last Congress) he chaired the sub committee that oversees Social Security and pensions. Not to mention that he was easily nominated by his party to be the Democratic nominee for President. I don't think the added prestige of being the senior Senator from MA would add much - do you think being the senior Senator from CO makes Udall more important than he was before Salazar was picked?

I think it was unconscionable for the 3 Republicans to say that they were ok if it added to 61 and not 60 - knowing the burden it puts on Ted Kennedy. Where is the courage of their convictions - after they were feted by the press for their importance.

[crimsonblue]

26. yeah, he should probably retire gracefully.

He is doing his constituents a disservice by not being present in the Senate.

[lynne]

27. I would think that's something for his constituents to decide -

- and if they feel that he is no longer able to provide them with the representation they deserve, then - yes - he should retire.

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

28. No, it isn't.

Too fucking bad if my Senator's illness is annoying you After all he and his family have done for this country I think we should let Ted decide how long to stay in his job.

[question everything]

39. Oh, get real

Our country is in a crisis. Obama needs all the votes that he can get. He needs full time 57 Democratic Senators that are there for him. Respecting the family and his service are a luxury that we cannot afford.

I take it that you are employed with good health insurance, with a paid for house and a full pantry.

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

44. Wrong again!

I have been unemployed since October. Mr. Doggie has health insurance from his retirement, fortunately. Mortgage is more than the current worth of the house, but not by much. Pantry is full of mac and cheese, but I guess you can still say it is full.

So, I guess by your metrics, I am real.

And, in case you hadn't noticed, the Stimulus bill passed without him.

[question everything]

56. Yeah, without him but with poor Sherrod Brown of Ohio leaving his mother's wake

to cast the vote and then to hurry back for her funeral.

So what should get a preferred treatment? An indulgence to stay away or a mother's death?

And what would have happened had one of the three Republicans said 'hey, I am out. If they cannot get all their senators why should I'?

Lucky for you have a spouse who has retired. We just hope to be able to hang on to our health insurance until we reach 65. This is one instance when we are almost glad to get older every year. To get closer to apply for Medicare and for Social Security.

[Uzybone]

29. No its not, and its a dumb question

I bet you would have asked FDR to step down due to polio as well. Unless he is mentally incompetent to serve, then he should serve as long as he and his constituents want.

[jenmito]

30. He should stay in the Senate for as long as he wants. n/t

[politicasista]

31. Yep. He should make that decision n/t

[cherish44]

33. I think he'll step down if he thinks he can't do it anymore

But obviously he believes he still has some work to do and can do the job...Rock on!

[usregimechange]

34. I agree, pass the torch

[csziggy]

35. Teddy Kennedy should keep doing what he loves as long as he can

As several have said, if he retires, he is likely to pass away very soon after.

If he has the same kind of brain cancer my sister had, it will be obvious to him and everyone around him when he can no longer function as a senator. Until then, let him live the life he has chosen.

I suspect that if his vote was vitally needed for a important bill to be passed, he would make it to the Senate Chamber to cast his vote.

[jillan]

36. Even tho I agree with you - it's gotta come from Teddy.

It's possible that being a Senator is helping him fight his cancer....and that would be a shame to take away from him. Politics is a big part of his life.

It's gotta come from him.

[Clio the Leo]

37. You will not find a greater Kennedy-file than me.....

.... but if he can't make the votes, then yes. Sad as I hate to see it happen.

[question everything]

40. Thank you

We can continue to admire him and his work and his family. But we are in a crisis now and Obama needs all 57 Democratic Senators in a full time mode.

It was bad enough, two years ago, when we had to rely on another seriously ill Senator - Tim Johnson from South Dakota - to preserve our slim margin.

And look at poor Sherrod Brown from Ohio who came to vote from his mother's wake!!

[mountainvue]

59. Then more pressure needs to be put on loser

Norm Coleman to step down and let Franken be seated. That's a legit argument.

[Honeycombe8]

41. It's up to him. As long as he can show up and vote. It's a guaranteed vote for the Dems....

everyone knows how he'll vote, what he supports, etc.

That would've been true of Caroline Kennedy, too. Sigh.

[aikoaiko]

42. Sure, how else is Caroline going to get a Senate seat.

Its a joke. I keed.

[Marrah_G]

43. I think he should stay as long as he wants to.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

45. It's his choice

so many people wanted to determine other people's lives

[saltpoint]

46. I'll take Ted Kennedy's reliably liberal vote in the upper chamber for as

long as he is willing and able to cast it.

He and his physician will decide when he should step down.

The voters of Massachusetts likely will cheer him on for as long as he is able to represent their interests, as he has done awfully well for some decades.

Go, Ted.

[Dappleganger]

47. He will continue to serve as long as he knows he can still do some good

for his constituents. I trust that he will know when it is time to step down, and wouldn't presume to tell him when that will be.

[SunsetDreams]

50. Umm no I will not ask him to step aside for political purposes.

It is up to him, when he steps aside. Who are we to say how much time he has left, or how able the man is?

Sure let's walk up to the man and say "Teddy, we realize you have cancer, and due to your condition, it may prevent us from getting your vote in the Senate. While we value your service to this country, all we really care about in the end are numbers, and your number is up."

Sorry I can't do it.

[wisteria]

51. I am sure no one dragged Kennedy to anything. I believe the Senate is his life blood.

And, no it is not time for him to step down.

[Jane Eyre]

52. He should, but it is up to him

It seems clear that he is not physically able to deliver his much-needed vote on issues that matter to him and his constituents. That is a very sad fact, and I am so sorry for him and his family at this time.

That said, it is ultimately up to him to make the decision to resign his seat. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to make that decision and I respect his efforts to be present for important votes. But unless there is a significant improvement in his health, it would seem that the best thing for him to do in order to further the work to which he has devoted his life is to step down.

His wife would make an excellent Senator should he resign, and he would still be able to have an impact through her.

[AtomicKitten]

54. That's entirely up to Senator Kennedy. No pushing. n/t

[me b zola]

57. No

But it is past time to swear in Senator Frankin.

[ncteechur]

58. NO not until we get health care passed. Then he can go.

[tammywammy]

60. If he is unable to cast votes

He's not representing his constituency very well. When a senator is no longer able to actually be there and vote and do what they've been elected to do, yes I think they should step down.

Just my $0.02