Teddy Kennedy, liberal lion
James Forsyth 9:59pm
Today, Teddy Kennedy’s doctors announced that he has a malignant brain tumour. This is sad news. Whatever one thinks of Kennedy’s politics, there’s little doubt that he’s been the most effective legislator in recent US history.
The finest speech Teddy Kennedy has ever given was at the 1980 Democratic convention. Kennedy had unsuccessfully challenged President Carter for the Democratic nomination and lost fairly comfortably but carried his fight all the way to the convention. His address was both beautifully crafted and delivered. Indeed, it was so good that it overshadowed Carter receiving the actual nomination. The peroration, which you can listen to below, was particularly fine.
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Comments
TrevorH
May 21st, 2008 8:42amWe can be sorry to hear about Kennedy's illness, I know I am -- but lets not overstate his standing as a politician/ statesman. How many times does a politician have to be wrong, even by Democrat standards, before you label him an idiot.
Frank Pulley
May 21st, 2008 11:58amWhy post such nonsense, if you don't like caustic reactions? It was harsh and unsympathetic but justified! An egregious profligate from an appalling dynasty, founded on the proceeds of The Combination. And I repeat: Chappaquiddick! The rest is implicit in that one word anyway.
Fergus Pickering
May 21st, 2008 5:22pmThe man is sick and I'm sorry for anyone's suffering (well, not quite anyone and he gets pretty near the edge) but he is not a lion of any sort. He is a rat, a coward, a cheat, an IRA front man and someone you wouldn't trustto tell you the time. Pretty well anybody my age would feel the same.