Posted on Thu, Apr. 20, 2006
Kennedy tries to invigorate party, chides Bush, GOP chiefs in book
Massachusetts senator says work also urges an activist government to solve nation's problemsBy James Kuhnhenn
KNIGHT RIDDER
WASHINGTON - Caricatured and lionized, Sen. Edward Kennedy is forever a paradox.
As a liberal icon, he's the favorite target of conservative Republicans. As a senator, he's the quintessential lawmaker, often crossing party lines to craft high-profile legislation.
Just this month, leading Senate Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky introduced Kennedy at the University of Louisville as "one of the giants of American politics over the past half-century."
Today, Kennedy launches a national publicity tour to promote a new book he's written -- a blistering critique of President Bush and the Republican congressional leadership that makes a case for an activist government to help solve national problems.
Once again, as he has many times in his 44-year career, Kennedy is trying to put a bit of a roar in his voiceless party. Yet by continuing to work with Republicans on issues that include immigration and health care, Kennedy is also openly rejecting the view held by many Democrats that they shouldn't help their opponents win legislative victories, especially now that they're stumbling. Kennedy prefers achievement.
"The national discussion and dialogue is negativity," he said in a 45-minute interview at his home Wednesday. "If someone is going to do something right and take some political risk, we have to sort of deal with it. That is how the politics that I grew up with works."
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http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/cctimes/news/nation/14385390.htm?source=rss&channel=cctimes_nationI'm looking forward to seeing Kennedy on TV tonight.