At 74, Sen. Edward Kennedy still roars

[cal04]

At 74, Edward Kennedy still roars as one of America's leading liberal voices, longest serving senators and most polarizing political figures. While most people his age are retired, Kennedy shrugs off an achy back and heads toward anticipated re-election in November to an eighth six-year term. "There's a lot to do," he said in a recent interview when asked to explain what even critics describe as his seemingly tireless efforts on behalf of the downtrodden.


"I think most of all it's the injustice that I continue to see and the opportunity to have some impact on it," the white-haired Massachusetts Democrat said. Kennedy is now helping lead a drive to revamp U.S. immigration laws while he keeps speaking out on such trademark issues as civil rights, education and health care. Time magazine recently named Kennedy as one of "America's 10 best senators," calling him "the dealmaker." The recognition comes nearly 37 years after the Chappaquiddick scandal that tarnished his reputation and prospects of becoming president.

At rallies, congressional hearings and in the Senate, Kennedy orates with a booming voice. Sometimes it has the cadence of a drum roll, other times the fury of fireworks. In his office this day, he talks softly and slowly. "The defining aspect of our country is opportunity -- the hope that you can do better, that your children can do better," Kennedy said. "But you need an even playing field." "To do that, you can't be sick and be in school. You've got to have health care.

You've got to have an economy working to give people a chance to get ahead. It is not guaranteed. But you have to have an opportunity." "Our country is big enough and strong enough and wealthy enough to give that kind of opportunity to everybody. That's what I work on every day," he said. Kennedy came to the Senate in November 1962 to fill a seat earlier held by his older brother, then President John Kennedy.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060421/pl_nm/kennedy_dc

[stepnw1f]

1. Notice the Sudden Interest by Our Foes

in Ted Kennedy.

However thank you for this post.

[NYCGirl]

8. He's on a book tour, which may explain the suddenness. NT

[AllegroRondo]

2. He was great on the Daily Show last night

When Jon asked "what has been the biggest change in your years in the Senate?" he immediately replied "Money" and spoke about how lobbyists have changed Congress and his support for public financing of elections.

[William Seger]

3. Thank you, Mr. Kennedy

"I think most of all it's the injustice that I continue to see and the opportunity to have some impact on it,"

That's also the answer to the question, "Why do 'conservatives' hate Ted Kennedy so much?"

[shenmue]

4. I wish...

he was my senator.

:applause:

:patriot:

[lonestarnot]

5. and he ROCKS too!

I had the honor of shaking his hand by shear luck while in D.C.

[dennis4868]

6. Where was good old Senator Kennedy.....

during the censure hearings and his support of Feingold? I lost total respect for him!

[Slit Skirt]

7. did you not see his speech on cspan

it was brilliant and it was emotional.

[blm]

9. He was leading the immigration debate in the senate.

Did you lose total respect for Feingold when he refused to lead a filibuster of Alito with Kennedy right out of the hearings? That lost us almost two weeks of preparation. Kerry had to stand up and do it, even though he was already in Europe for his OWN DUTIES on the Finance Committee.

Alito on the Supreme Court will have greater impact on the next few generations and our laws, whereas censure is a slap on the wrist with NO LEGAL CONSEQUENCE or accountability.

I am for censure, but, please keep some perspective.