Ted Kennedy heads home

Edward M. Kennedy, whose brain-tumor diagnosis brought the U.S. Senate to a halt yesterday, headed home this morning after recovering "remarkably quickly" from a biopsy procedure. But the upbeat sound of that obscures a dire prognosis.

Kennedy's illness gives rise to reflection on something of a symbolic and generational shift in American politics. Kennedy, the long-serving senator from Massachusetts, is the last of Joseph Kennedy Sr.'s four sons -- Joe Jr., who was killed in World War II; and John the president and Bobby the senator, both assassinated.

But it was the sense of hope that Kennedy's political brothers tapped in the 1960s t hat Barack Obama, a literal child of the '60s (born in 1961), has been trying to revive in his campaign. So there's an irony in the timing of Kennedy's diagnosis, coming just as Obama nears the tipping point in his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination.

While it might seem cold and premature, Kennedy's illness is already sparking speculation about two elements of succession. Who might assume his seat in the Senate, to which he was reelected two years ago, should he become incapacitated? And who, if anyone, would emerge as the symbolic leader of one of the nation's most significant political families?

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[dave]

this might be seen as the symbolic end of a self-defeating era of civic sleaze...that gave rise to the establishment of political feudalism, and surreptitious invasive growth and abuse of corrupt and corrupting political power in the core and center of what was meant to represent and reflect the heartbeat of america's constitutional spirit - for the people, by the people; there is no justification for the sacrifice of the people's highest values and their liberty, to compulsively-corrupt dynasties of plutocrats, kleptocrats and autocrats, no matter what their political colors.
it is by merit of their character and responsible actions that people might qualify to represent and lead, but not by corruption or unjustified privilege.

[Crocodile tears]

The senile old Kukluxer fooled very few with his crocodile tears yesterday. Newt was so right about term limits.As it
is now the taxpayer must foot the bill for decisions taken
by victims of dementia or teary-eyed seniles.Endorsement
by gov. Judas,Hanoi Jane ,Byrd and Kennedy will now be
seen for exactly what they are : worthless testimonys by
deranged minds.

[Slobodan Kvetcheworst]

Sen. Kennedy had many wondering why he was backing
Obama despite the overwhelming vote for Hillary by his
constituents. Should he beat this malignant tumour he could invoque temporary insanity as justification for his
faux pas.

[robinia]

My heart goes out to the Senator of Massachusettes. I'm glad he is headed home. I recommend take he allows his driver to take the long scenic route, for New England is a very picturesque region. Take the highway through Chappaquiddik. I heard the water there is beautiful!

[Ronald Loui]

First three comments are unfair! Ted Kennedywill be remembered well by historians, and he knows how to leave the stage on a high note. Bill and Hillary could learn a little something about exiting with class from this man.