CLEVELAND - When I initially learned of Senator Ted Kennedy's malignant brain tumor in the Spring of 2008, I was saddened and nervous that he might soon die.He lived for another 15 months.
Kennedy, 77 died last night in Hyannis Port, Mass., leaving behind a gigantic legacy in American Democratic politics and a multitude of groundbreaking legislation. His family, the legendary Kennedy clan has captured the attention of the American public for a century, but the omnipotent Teddy came to represent not only his family, but the Democratic party as a whole.
Sure, Kennedy's older brothers achieved higher office (with John becoming president and Robert the attorney general), but Ted was a major force in the U.S. senate for nearly 50 years. Contrast that to JFK, who was tragically assassinated after less than three years in the White House. RFK was similarly killed five years later while running for president. Both of those brothers never made it out of their 40's. Another brother, Joe died in World War II in his 20's. Teddy outlasted them all and thus, had time to craft a sweeping legacy and accumulate an enormous "fanbase" in spite of the occasional mudslinging in the Senate.
Kennedy supported President Barack Obama's run for office last year, which helped to ameliorate Obama's candidacy and give him increased credibility. Kennedy was a role model and inspiration to many and endured unprecedented tragedies in his life that served to only make him stronger. He nearly became a dubious, infamous figure in history after the famous Chappaquiddick incident in 1969 that ended in a woman's death, but became an unlikely hero and beloved elder statesman instead.
I'm not heavily into politics, nor have I ever been. But Ted Kennedy's impact was sizable enough for me to feel sadness over his loss.
We'll miss him.
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