Statement of Bob Kerrey on the LIfe and Death of
Senator Edward m. Kennedy
I had never met Senator Kennedy until I went to Washington, DC, in 1989 to
represent Nebraska in the United States Senate. Then I would have been wary
of having my photo taken with him because he had been demonized as a
dangerous liberal.
Over time my wariness disappeared. In short order Ted Kennedy became a
friend. He became a friend of mine and a friend to many because of
his decency, his humility, his sympathy, and his respect for others. He was
one of the few I have ever met in public life who could survive without ever
using the pronoun "I". He didn¹t talk about himself much, his life, his
accomplishments, his losses.
I admired his values. I admired the effort he made to become the most
competent and effective member of Congress. I admired his perseverance
through tragedy, pain, and disappointment. Above all other things, I admired
his compassion for the underdog, for those on the wrong side of power, and
for those born into poverty.
My prayers go out to Vicky and her entire family. And my prayers include
the hope that our country will be lucky enough to be served by others in the
manner that he served us for the past 46 years.
Bob Kerrey,
President, The New School
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