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Y&R Discussion Group
Let me first say I completely understand why someone people dislike Ted Kennedy. The Chappaquiddick thing was a tragedy that never should have happened and Ted and his family never should have tried to cover up the events leading to it. The reason I posted this topic is not to start a debate on the life and times of Ted Kennedy but rather to get people's reaction to his speech at the DNC convention in light of his present illness.
I watched his speech last night. It was vintage Ted Kennedy -- very firey and passionate and reflective of his ideals and vision. To see and listen to him, you wouldn't even know he was sick. I saw the look on Caroline Kennedy's face. Ted has been like a father to her and she looked at him with such love and pride. Maria Shriver (another of Ted's nieces for those who may not know), however, looked very worried and was even crying at one point. I noticed afterwards that it looked like Ted was anxious to get off the stage but people thronged around him and kept him there for a few more minutes.
Apparently from news reports this morning, Ted had checked out of the hospital yesterday in order to give his speech and it was uncertain whether he would have the physical stamina to stand long enough to deliver it. He was driven through the convention hall to the backstage area in a golf cart in order to save his strength. In the speech, Ted said he'd be there on the Senate floor in January 2009 but Mr. Ingy said he wonders if what Ted really meant was that he would be there in spirit.
Any thoughts?
A heck of a lot of memories in that tribute last night. Because of Chapaquiddick and the coverup attempt, I am not a fan of his. However, his impact on politics cannot be denied, and he does seem to be very passionate in his politics and in his attempts to help people
I grew up in the JFK era, so the pictures sure did stir up thoughts of the old days. It was bittersweet.
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I think that Ted was there speaking, more for the "party", than for the "man", and I really do believe that he got so mad at Bill Clinton, that he withdrew his support from Hillary - for spite. The story told to me sounded too believable not to be true.
However, having said that, I admire Ted Kennedy, though, like you, thought Chappa.....(can't spell it!!), was horrible, and that he should have somehow been prosecuted for that.
But, this man has had so much tragedy in his life, and I remember those awful times; the death of JFK, the death of Bobby, the death of JFK Jr. He has been through hell, and now he is facing death.
It took alot of courage and stamina to be there "for the party". His speech, I thought, was your typical political speech, and no one knows for sure, what he is thinking privately.
However, when he is gone, I will be very sad. He was the last of a dynasty, and I know that there are the Kennedy children, but how sad for them to lose their "Uncle Ted". He truly did have my respect and admiration last night, for using his every last ounce of strength to be there to pull the party together, and work for the nomination of their nominee.
I think he has paid his dues, in more ways than one.
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I loved Ted's speech! It was the highlight of the convention for me. I'm so glad he was able to make it there. During his speech, he came across as his usual strong self, and I thought he was fantastic. I so wish he could be there in January, like he said! Who knows, maybe he will be.
I got emotional when he got the standing O as soon as he took the stage, and nobody wanted to sit down, they kept cheering for him. Then while he was speaking, I started crying again when I saw Maria Shriver crying, and other members of the audience.
I did worry about him when he was trying to get off the stage and he got bombarded with supporters. I saw the look on Caroline Kennedy's face, and it was clear she was very concerned about him at that point.
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I have to admit, he made me a bit teary and I felt we were watching a very historical moment. Unfortunetly, I don't think Ted is going to be around very long, so this might have been his last moment of glory.
I suppose we could look at it like he shouldn't have made the trip, to save himself from tiring out and getting weak. But, I don't think a team of wild horses could have held him back. He was determined and was very serious about his feelings.
What bravery and determination, to get out there and really give it his all. I admire that in him. He gave a great speech.
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I watched last night specifically to see and hear Senator Kennedy. Considering his illness, he was wonderful! He looked good - other than the puffiness that comes with steroid use. He didn't miss a beat with that speech.
I read an article about the pros and cons of his making the trip. Apparently his wife and some of the doctors were not enthusiastic about him traveling that distance. The last comment was from an MD who is not involved with the Senator's care. She said - "I don't limit my patients at all," she said. "If patients want to travel, I never tell them to hold off just because they have a tumor or they're on treatment. Life is precious."
Ingy, by the end of his speech I was worried too, because it seemed that he was giving all he had in him to be up there-and like he said, nothing was going to keep him from last night.
I had a fleeting thought myself about whether he will make to the Senate floor in January, I just wonder...I don't think that he meant that he'd be there in spirit...but I just wonder...( I couldn't help feeling that for some reason I was watching a historical moment with Ted)
Anyway-the excitement in the air last night when he took the stage was palpable, wasn't it?
I'm so bummed out! I missed the convention yesterday! From what I hear Michelle Obama adn Ted Kennedy gave wonderful speeches. Hopefully they'll show up on YouTube or somewhere else so I can watch them. If anyone find a link, please post it so I can watch it tonight.
AS far as Ted's health, I think it's amazing, that given his grave condition, that he still showed up and gave a speech at the convention. It shows that he is 110% dedicated to teh Democratic party. Obviously nothing can hold him back from showing his support of something so important, especially in these times. I'm saddened by his current health crisis, and being from his state, I can tell you that when that awful time comes, all of us here will be in mourning.
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