As the sun began descending in the western sky here, anticipation was building over two events on tonight’s schedule: The first was Michelle Obama’s prime time speech. The second was a hoped-for cameo by Senator Edward Kennedy. A planned surprise appearance by Kennedy, who is gravely ill, was the poorest-kept secret in
“I am here tonight to pay tribute to two men who have changed my life, and the life of this country – Barack Obama, and Edward M. Kennedy. Their stories are very different, but they share a commitment to the timeless American ideals of justice and fairness, service and sacrifice, faith and family. Leaders like them come along rarely. But once or twice in a lifetime, they come along just when we need them the most.
“I have never had someone inspire me the way people tell me my father inspired them – but I do now. And I know someone else who’s been inspired all over again by Senator Obama.
“In our family, he’ll always be known as Uncle Teddy. More than any senator of his generation, or perhaps any generation, Teddy has made life better for people in this country and around the world. For 46 years, he has been so much more than just a senator for the people of
These delegates—Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama supporters alike—know that Caroline’s early endorsement of Barack Obama was one turning point in the Democrats’ long nominating contest. (Ted Kennedy quickly joined her as well). Until then, John F. Kennedy’s daughter had eschewed partisan politics for the most part. But her conviction that Obama’s appeal was reminiscent of her father’s galvanized her into action.
Tonight, her “dream that’s never died” line was a poignant reminder both of “Uncle Teddy’s” mortality and his 1980 convention speech in Madison Square Garden, an address remembered by Kennedy loyalists as one of the highlights of his political life. That long career is winding down finally, and even as Democrats prepare to unite around a young nominee from another time and place, Kennedy nostalgia is running high in
The Lineup is our blog of lists that cover topics like health, money, career and books. Written by Reader's Digest editors and guest experts, The Lineup will give you great advice you can use in your daily life.
Advertisement
Save up to 81% and be entertained and inspired with America's favorite magazine.
