The self-deprecating Edward Kennedy was often the first to admit that he began his career in the U.S. Senate as a pampered political dilletante and the object of no small amount of scorn and derision. He worked hard to successfully overcome that initial public impression.

One story I heard him tell, while delivering the keynote address a decade ago to the graduating class at the University of Hawaii, concerned his first campaign for the Senate in 1962 at age 29, when he was taken aback at a rally by a Boston working-class stiff who boldly challenged him for having "never worked a day in your life." When Kennedy sheepishly admitted that it was true that he had never held a real job, the man answered light-heartedly to great laughter, "That's okay, kid - you really ain't missed very much."

Over the ensuing 47 years of dedicated public service, Sen. Ted Kennedy became a font of personal wisdom, maturity, and dignity that enabled him to stamp an indelible imprint on his country with his many accomplishments. And last night, as he drew his final curtain call on the political stage to near universal public acclaim, he was remembered and eulogized as one of the true legislative giants in the 220-year history of the United States Congress.

We are most certainly a better nation today because of Sen. Kennedy, and tonight I can't really mourn what was his inevitable passing, preferring instead to stand in silent awe of a great and good man.

I can't help but feel like Kennedy is one of the last true liberals, and with his death, we lose a little bit more of what being a liberal meant, and it will be that much harder to push back against a "progressive" movement that has embraced incrementalism, too easily excuses its move to the right and does not appreciate what it means to let go of long-standing, true liberal ideas and ideals.

the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

  Now they are all gone.  Now they are altogether.

A family filled with good causes for the common man have all left us now.

I hope his death has not been in vain.  The greatest tribute to him by his fellow democrats is to pass a meaningful universal health plan.
Maybe even name it after him.  The Ted Kennedy Health Act or words to that effect.

Puttering around the house all morning I've been racking my brain trying to think of any Senator that will be able to step up to the plate and take on the leadership role for the liberal wing of the party.

I can't think of one that has, not only the power of their convictions, but also the political clout to assume the role.

Typical comment like they hate him.

Nasty stuff...