Kennedy's endorsement may have won Obama the nomination. His legacy, health care legislation, has already shaped Obama's presidency, and Obama will deliver a eulogy at Kennedy's funeral Saturday. But it wasn't until the last minute, in late January 2008, that Kennedy decided to take sides at all - throwing himself into a hard-fought primary between two of his friends, Obama and then-Sen. Hillary Clinton.Reading this piece opens old wounds from the primary, especially those born by Hillary Clinton supporters. It’s a reminder of a series of betrayals by supposed friends of the Clintons including Bill Richardson and John Edwards, as well as Ted Kennedy.
Richardson and Edwards, I’m sure, had their own motives, but I agree with Cinie at Cinie’s World that Ted Kennedy was most concerned to keep the family myth of Camelot alive, as in “Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot.”
Smith and Martin also highlight the Kennedy family's aim to anoint Obama as the boy king who pulls the sword from the stone:
The family had decided to go all out, to make explicit a passing of its legacy to an outsider, after decades of searching for an heir inside the clan. On stage at American University that Monday with Caroline and his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), the senator, too, referred to passing the torch and echoed his famous 1980 Democratic National Convention promise that "the dream shall never die."And who can forget Caroline Kennedy’s well-timed op-ed in the NY Times, “A President Like My Father.”
Since Ted Kennedy’s death on Tuesday evening tributes have been pouring in for this man who served honorably as a U.S. senator from Massachusetts for many years. And it is befitting that his home state is leading the nation in its mourning.
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It is surprising to recall, though, that in a quirky turn in the Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton won the state of Massachusetts – despite endorsements of Obama by both Sen. Kerry and Sen. Kennedy, and Gov. Deval Patrick.
The Kennedy magic also failed in delegate-rich California. Concerned to steal the women’s vote from Clinton, the Obama campaign featured appearances by Caroline Kennedy; Arnie Schwarzenegger’s wife, Maria Shriver; and even Oprah. The voters said, “No dice,” and Hillary won again.
Hillary is still winning, by the way, as her job approval as secretary of state remains in the 70s, and she’s recently been credited with revolutionizing American foreign policy.
yes, I was not pleased, to say the very least, of the Kennedy role in the 2008 primary. I didn't understand the Obama support, because the choice seemed so very clear to me. There is no accounting for political persuasion though. They had their reasons, whatever they may have been and it is is sad that I remember Ted Kennedy almost more for his poor judgement in 2008 than for his lifetime of service to the nation. I do not believe that speaking ill of the dead serves any purpose at all. It is over, it is done. Let us all move forward and face the challenges ahead while paying respect to a public servant who gave tirelessly for causes which few today are willing to take an honest stand on. The times, they have changed.
ReplyDeleteStabbing Hillary in the back is the one act that I will never forgive Ted Kennedy for.
ReplyDeleteI tried to overlook the drowning of Mary Jo.... but, with Hillary I saw a pattern repeated. Women were politically disposable to Ted Kennedy.
Sorry, but this PUMA won't be mourning.
Hi Becky and SYD,
ReplyDeleteI've not felt the same toward the Kennedy family since 2008, but I think Becky is right. Ted made quite a few constructive contributions during his long career in the senate, and it's time to move on.
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on Hillary's electoral successes. I know how badly the Clinton-hating mainstream media wanted to bury the fact, but let's remember that Hillary won the most votes as a presidential candidate of anyone in history. THAT is a monumental achievement. It is up to PUMAs to ensure that history is recorded accurately, and that includes the systemic caucus fraud that stripped Hillary of the nomination. Pacific John has an excellent report over at Alegre's corner on a recent court ruling in Texas in this context. We must make sure future elections are conducted fairly.
ReplyDeleteAs for Ted Kennedy, let's be honest: anyone other than a Kennedy would have ended up with a serious criminal record. That he continued to make jokes about Chappaquiddick (see SaraInItaly blog today) destroys any possibility of forgiveness.
As for Obama, I'm sure his motives for tapping Hillary for SoS were suspect (keep your enemies close), but thank god she accepted, as she is the only trustworthy person in the entire administration.
Thanks for your comment, Texasdarlin. You make good points. I have mixed feelings about the Kennedy clan with the exception of RFK, Jr.
ReplyDeleteIt seems none of the Kennedy "clan" put too much thought to what was true and what was not about BZero. I shall never consider Ted and the present cast of off spring(except RFK, Jr.) like I did prior to this selection. They come off small, shallow - bloated with a sense of entitlement.
ReplyDeleteHi Boo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in. We're on the same page in our feelings about the Kennedys.
Thanks for stopping by.