On vacation this week not far from Ted Kennedy’s family home, President Barack Obama emerged this morning to describe the late senator as “a singular figure” in American history.
** FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS TAKING SHAPE. The late Senator Ted Kennedy will be honored in several ceremonies over the next several days.
The official tributes and funeral services for Senator Edward M. Kennedy will begin on Thursday morning, when his body is carried by motorcade from the family compound in Hyannis Port to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
There, his body will lie in repose beginning in the afternoon and evening for public viewing, and again on Friday. On Friday evening, a formal wake will be held at the library, with Vice President Joseph R. Biden and Senators John Kerry and John McCain among the notable featured speakers.
On Saturday, a funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica. President Obama will speak at the mass. Afterward, Senator Kennedy’s body will be carried by plane to Virginia, where a burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery will take place in the afternoon. The times have not yet been officially released.
He will be buried near the grave of his late brother, Robert F. Kennedy. In addition to his central role in American life as US senator for nearly half a century, Ted Kennedy also served in the US Army. Unlike his three brothers, Joe, Jack, and Bobby, who were all Navy men.
Senator Ted Kennedy’s dramatic speech to the 2008 Democratic National Convention came a year to the day before his death. “The hope rises again, and the dream lives on.”
** CAMELOT ENDS, AGAIN: THE PASSING OF SENATOR TED KENNEDY. Camelot has ended. Again.
The death late last night in Massachusetts of Ted Kennedy, one of the historic lions of the United States Senate, followed swiftly on the heels of his sister, the Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who passed away on August 11th. With the passing of these two very public personalities, only one of the siblings of JFK and RFK, the much more private former Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith, remains.
Camelot has ended again. Which means that it has ended before. And probably will again. For it is a legend, and legend seldom dies for long, if at all.
Camelot was the nickname for John F. Kennedy’s thousand day administration of the early 1960s, chosen because of the young president’s fondness for the hit Broadway musical about the legendary court of King Arthur.
But it was really about much more than a single presidential administration, or the immediate promise of another under a President Robert F. Kennedy, or the long lingering promise of yet another under a President Edward M. Kennedy, or even the transferred promise of another under a President Barack Obama.
It’s about a spirit, a spirit which to many seemed to have been captured like lightning in a bottle in the early 1960s, an exciting time of promise and peril, which accounts for that era’s powerful hold on the American popular imagination.
Ted Kennedy himself captured the spirit of the thing in his great eulogy for Robert F. Kennedy at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on June 8th, 1968 when he quoted from his second slain brother’s speech to the youth of South Africa on their Day of Affirmation a few years earlier.
“The answer is to rely on youth. Not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.” …
Senator Ted Kennedy passed away late last night in Massachusetts.
** OBAMA TODAY. President Barack Obama, along with First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha, is in Martha’s Vineyard this week on vacation.
Obama has received his daily intelligence and economic briefings.
He appeared briefly early this morning to note the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, calling him “the greatest senator of our time.”
“Even though we knew this day was coming, we awaited it with no small amout of dread,” Obama said. “For his family, he was a guardian. For America, he was a defender of a dream.”
Back in Washington, Vice President Joe Biden, diverging from planned remarks at an event at the Department of Energy, fought tears as he recalled his fallen friend.
“I truly, truly am distressed by his passing,” Biden said. “You know, Teddy spent a lifetime working for a fair and more just America. For 36 years, I had the privilege of going to work every day and sitting next to him and being witness to history. He restored my sense of idealism.”
Later today, Biden holds a Middle Class Task Force planning luncheon with Cabinet members and agency representatives at the White House.
Biden also Biden delivers remarks at the Minority Enterprise Development Conference at the White House.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will soon have another Kennedy family funeral to attend with First Lady Maria Shriver.
At noon today, he participates in a moderated Q&A with Twitter co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams at http://www.tweetcast.in/.
Schwarzenegger yesterday launched www.MyIdea4CA.com, a Web site for Twitter users to share their ideas for moving California forward. Ideas can be submitted to the Web site through a Twitter account with the hashtag #myidea4ca.
He issued this statement very late last night.
Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy. He was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate, a champion of social justice, and a political icon. Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character.
Teddy inspired our country through his dedication to health care reform, his commitment to social justice, and his devotion to a life of public service.
I have personally benefitted and grown from his experience and advice, and I know countless others have as well.
Teddy taught us all that public service isn’t a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life and his legacy will live on.
** MAD MEN REVIEW: “LOVE AMONG THE RUINS.” … From my August 24th column.
** OBAMA AND THE AFGHAN ELECTION: WHAT IT MEANS, WHAT IT DOESN’T. The Obama Administration should be sighing with a sense of relief after the presidential election in Afghanistan. However, for those with nascent/encroaching nation-building fantasies, what happened with the Afghan election should be thoroughly disabusing.
The Taliban failed in their threat to halt the election, and were unable to pull off any of the promised spectacular attacks demonstrating a strong military capability. But that’s to be expected, as some 300,000 US, NATO, and Afghan troops were fanned out across the county to prevent just that. Better to keep our eyes on the real world goals in Afghanistan: Denying it as a base to Al Qaeda, and moving on in the mission of dampening Islamic opposition to America.
While we slid by in this election, it would be a huge mistake to imagine that we are any closer to realizing persistent nation-building fantasies in Afghanistan. It’s nowhere near a 20th century democracy, much less a 21st century democracy. Perhaps a 19th century democracy. But for the powerful forces ever insistent on dragging it back into the Dark Ages. … From my August 20th column.
** MAD MEN: “OUT OF TOWN” … SEASON 3 OPENER SATISFYING NOT SCINTILLATING. … From my August 18th column.
** MAD MEN RETURNS: THE ‘60S ADVERTISING DRAMA IS A TIME TUNNEL TO THE PRESENT. The much acclaimed, if not so much watched, Mad Men makes a welcome return for its third season Sunday night. I’ve found the series, now the flagship show on AMC, a channel once best known as a reliable source for late night viewings of Commando, to be very compelling from the beginning, if not exactly action-packed.
There are a number of ways to view Mad Men. For my own part, I can take it as a period piece, a sort of time capsule of the early ’60s, at once relatively close yet far enough away to be intriguing for its unfamiliarity. Or as an evocation of style, with the sort of glamour and cool associated with JFK and the early Bond films, in this case a New York variant including chain smoking, constant drinking, and sexual play continually tinged with sexual harassment.
It’s a character study, as well, for the surface glitter of the persuader class and those who attend them masks confusion and lack of identity. That could also make it a cautionary tale, albeit one set during the height of the post-war expansion of American affluence.
Which makes it, in turn, a meditation on the American Dream. Not entirely unlike The Sopranos, on which Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner served as an Emmy-winning writer and producer. Well, except for the fact that Mad Men protagonist/anti-hero Don Draper is a charismatic and enigmatic New York ad man, not a perpetually depressed, poetically crude New Jersey mob boss. … From my August 14th essay.
** SOTOMAYOR, OBAMA, AND THE LOOMING REPUBLICAN RACE PROBLEM. … From my August 13th column.
** WHEN SHOULD GAY MARRIAGE ADVOCATES TRY TO REVERSE CALIFORNIA’S PROP 8? … From my August 11th column.
** OBAMA’S CAIRO ADDRESS: TWO MONTHS ON. … From my August 5th column.
** IS OBAMA GETTING OVEREXPOSED? … From my July 28th column.
** ANOTHER ‘60S ANNIVERSARY: THE UR-ACTION BLOCKBUSTER GOLDFINGER. … From my July 21st essay.
** OBAMA: RIDING WITH HISTORY. (NOTE: As Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States, this column was the featured column on the top of the front page of the Huffington Post.) … From my January 19th Huffington Post column.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the Russia Today channel. You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti. While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, which I know as a former DemRussia advisor, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. With U.S. cable news chattering away as it does, this sort of respite can be informative. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM AL JAZEERA. With the US entangled in two wars in the region, it’s valuable to keep up with news and perspectives from the leading Middle Eastern-based TV news network. Based in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar, Al Jazeera is very influential and more than a bit controversial. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer. The NWN live link to AJ does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** SCHWARZENEGGER’S CALIFORNIA. Here is my series of five columns on the governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Los Angeles Times in debate last fall, prior to the global economic meltdown, with Pulitzer Prize-winning former Times reporter/editor Bill Boyarsky, whose columns are also included. Among them is what I’m sure is the first piece examining Schwarzenegger’s legacy as governor of California. Since he will actually be governor of California until 2011. No technology known to be disruptive to the space/time continuum was used in its preparation.
You can listen to my recent video webchat with Schwarzenegger here.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND NATIONAL ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Having crashed over $147 for yet another record on July 11th, 2008, crude oil is trading around $71 per barrel.
This is up about $37 from the low of $34 per barrel prior to enactment of the Obama economic recovery program, reflecting a low point in global economic activity.
Your posts are welcome in the Forum.
Read 
| Comments (47) |
That is a great speech by Ted Kennedy.
What a great legacy Ted Kennedy achieved in his own right.
To me one of Ted Kennedy’s great moments was the manner in which he presided over the events surrounding the death of John Kennedy Jr.
If it had to be one of his last it’s fitting that it’s one of his best.
Jonas Blane says:
August 26, 2009 at 8:45 am
That is a great speech by Ted Kennedy.
He was one of the greatest Senators of all time.
Jonas Blane says:
August 26, 2009 at 8:51 am
What a great legacy Ted Kennedy achieved in his own right.
As I said early this morning…may he rest in peace. This country has lost a great man. His memory will be with us forever.
You wrote a great column, Bill, on the Huffington Post.
Yes.
This is a real passing.
He did well then.
Hap Hazard says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:10 am
To me one of Ted Kennedy’s great moments was the manner in which he presided over the events surrounding the death of John Kennedy Jr.
It’s a great speech, that’s certain.
Capitol Boy says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:20 am
If it had to be one of his last it’s fitting that it’s one of his best.
Jonas Blane says:
August 26, 2009 at 8:45 am
That is a great speech by Ted Kennedy.
It is, indeed.
> Jack Aubrey says:
August 26, 2009 at 10:24 am (Edit)
This is a real passing.
Thanks.
> Capitol Boy says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:38 am (Edit)
You wrote a great column, Bill, on the Huffington Post.
Thank you.
> Ann says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:55 am (Edit)
Yes.
Some very fine words, Solon.
> Sacramento Solon says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:25 am (Edit)
As I said early this morning…may he rest in peace. This country has lost a great man. His memory will be with us forever.
It is one of his better speeches, all the more important for the timing and circumstance.
> Capitol Boy says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:20 am (Edit)
If it had to be one of his last it’s fitting that it’s one of his best.
Jonas Blane says:
August 26, 2009 at 8:45 am
That is a great speech by Ted Kennedy.
True enough, though not one of the things that first springs to mind.
> Hap Hazard says:
August 26, 2009 at 9:10 am (Edit)
To me one of Ted Kennedy’s great moments was the manner in which he presided over the events surrounding the death of John Kennedy Jr.
He wasn’t my favorite Kennedy, but he was good.
Ted Kennedy set a great example for all of us in the second half of his adult life. He was wise enough after 1980 to realize that he couldn’t quite live up to others’ (or his own) expectations for himself– i.e., become president and fully resurrect Camelot– and then went about his business of public service as best he could with diligence, patience, skill and some panache.
Ted Kennedy was one of the best friends the Latino community ever had. He followed through on RFK’s commitment. He did the best possible to try to create a finally sane immigration opportunity. He is greatly missed.
Thank you for an eloquent, excellent article on the Kennedy meaning.
Obama looks okay talking about Kennedy.
This isn’t turning into much of a vacation for Barack.
He did so many important things.
marcos leon says:
August 26, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Ted Kennedy was one of the best friends the Latino community ever had. He followed through on RFK’s commitment. He did the best possible to try to create a finally sane immigration opportunity. He is greatly missed
Teddy Kennedy’s death makes me realize all the politicians of my generation are now gone. Or at least all the great ones.
It’s not that bad.
Better.
lol
Capitol Boy,
It’s not that it’s bad, just that it’s over. Others will probably come along, in time.
Larry,
I fully understand. No one from our generation is left standing. None of those who led us into political awareness walk the face of this earth. They remain in our hearts, souls and minds but their physical self has moved on. Yes, others will follow…but they will be not be ours. The torch has passed…
Solon,
I was thinking earlier, about 1960. That summer i took a job at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda. Bill Mazeroski’s home run meant my Pirates beat the damn Yankees in the World Series. Kennedy was elected and I watched the election returns with neighbors–by that time national news had for me become local news. And what a meaningful election. Eisenhower was out, my parent’s generation was over. And Nixon was beaten.
Where did the 49 years go? And are we further ahead?
Larry,
I just celebrated the 46th anniversay of enlisting in the Army and I was aksing myself the same question. Not sure where the time has gone and truly don’t think were are further ahead.
Is that the Pirate team that had a starting line-up of Dick Sturat (1B), Mazeroski (2B), Dick Groat (SS), Don Hoak (3B), Bob Skinner (LF), Bill Virdon (CF), Roberto Clemente (RF) and Smokey Burgess (C)? Do believe the pitching staff had Vernon Law, Bob Friend, Vingar Ben Mizell, Ron Kline and Roy Face to name a few. Yes, quite the year and I still recall the ball sailing over the wall.
Solon,
Almost perfect. Not Ron Klein but Clem Labine. I went to Forbes Field with my grandfather. After the game we would leave by crossing the field and exiting through a gate in the the left field fence, just to the right of where Mazeroski’s ball went. Ironically, he got into the Hall of Fame on the basis of his defense, mostly, rather than his hitting.
Clem Labine…the old Brooklyn Dodger relief pitcher. Forgot he was with them.
1960 was the last year in which both leagues would have only 8 teams. The American League expanded to 10 in 1961 and 1962 saw the National League do the same.
Maz was special…he, Groat, Clemente, Virdon, Law, Friend, Face were all guys who suffered through some terrible years in the middle 50′s as the grew into the championship team they became in 1960. Hoak and Burgess came over in ’59 and they added an important piece with Mizell in ’60. Impressive win over the Yankess, who would appear in the WS from 1960-64, capped a very improbable year for the Bucs.
Oh, well, guess we should return to the world of ‘tics and such.
Enjoy your evening.
May Senator Kennedy rest in peace along side his great brothers.
What new video today?
Obama at Blue Heron Farm, and media mobbing Hyannis.
Indeed and thank you.
> sergei says:
August 27, 2009 at 1:42 am (Edit)
May Senator Kennedy rest in peace along side his great brothers.
Not quite.
> larry says:
August 26, 2009 at 4:09 pm (Edit)
Teddy Kennedy’s death makes me realize all the politicians of my generation are now gone. Or at least all the great ones.
No, it certainly isn’t.
> Capitol Boy says:
August 26, 2009 at 2:36 pm (Edit)
This isn’t turning into much of a vacation for Barack.
Not one of his better appearances.
> Jonas Blane says:
August 26, 2009 at 2:20 pm (Edit)
Obama looks okay talking about Kennedy.
You’re welcome.
>#
marcos leon says:
August 26, 2009 at 12:19 pm (Edit)
Thank you for an eloquent, excellent article on the Kennedy meaning.
He followed through on RFK’s breakthrough with the UFW.
> marcos leon says:
August 26, 2009 at 12:08 pm (Edit)
Ted Kennedy was one of the best friends the Latino community ever had. He followed through on RFK’s commitment. He did the best possible to try to create a finally sane immigration opportunity. He is greatly missed.
That’s more than can be realistically asked.
He was never supposed to be the Kennedy leader, after all.
> Clutch J says:
August 26, 2009 at 11:49 am (Edit)
Ted Kennedy set a great example for all of us in the second half of his adult life. He was wise enough after 1980 to realize that he couldn’t quite live up to others’ (or his own) expectations for himself– i.e., become president and fully resurrect Camelot– and then went about his business of public service as best he could with diligence, patience, skill and some panache.
I hope Ted Kennedy fans are checking out this “lost” speech from Sitka, AK a few days after MLK’s death. It’s about as full-throated an exhortation in the cause of mid-century liberalism as one could find. In 1968, liberalism was still the status quo but was under extreme pressure from both left and right. Kennedy’s speech spells out the need for individuals to be law-abiding and to act for the common good and government’s obligation to create equal opportunity for all to help those who can’t help themselves. It’s an intriguing historical document.
Well, dang, maybe the link to the speech will work this time.
Thanks, that looks very interesting.