The Liberal Lion is dead at 77. Ted Kennedy died at his home in Massachusetts shortly before midnight Tuesday after a year of battling brain cancer. The staunchly liberal senator served four decades in the Senate, beginning in 1962. Though he led a tumultuous life filled with both personal and family tragedies, he remained a strong advocate for liberal ideals and bi-partisan relations. Through the loss of his brothers, sisters, sister-in-law, son, all his alleged indiscretions and the fatal 1969 car crash he endured as the center of the family affectionally known as America's Royalty. He will be missed.
This does however beg the question of what Obama will do in the absence of this fervent and popular supporter for healthcare reform. It does take some of the wind out of his sails, hypothetically speaking. It may not though, depending on how he plays the issue. It all depends on the spin the White House will inevitably exert on the story. Using the famous senators constituents as a rallying point to rebuild the crumbling reform proposal, Obama may be able to use this tragedy as a catalyst. Not that any event of this gravity should be used as leverage, but the silver lining on this American rain cloud could be renewed interest and support for healthcare reform in the Lions memory. Time will tell.
May the youngest Kennedy finally find peace at rest with his family.
Senator Ted Kennedy Dies of Brain Cancer at 77 - ABC News
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