By: Guest ContributorMay. 20th, 2008more from Guest Contributor

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both released statements this afternoon about the news that Sen. Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Obama said, “Michelle and I were saddened to hear the news about Senator Kennedy’s condition today, and we plan on doing whatever we can to support him, Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family during this time. Senator Kennedy has been a fighter for his entire life, and I have no doubt that he will fight as hard as he can to get through this.”

Obama asked all Americans to pray for “Sen. Kennedy, He has been there for the American people during some of our country’s most trying moments, and now that he’s facing his own, I ask all Americans to keep him in our thoughts and prayer.”

Clinton cited Kennedy’s courage and called him one of the greatest Senators ever, “Ted Kennedy’s courage and resolve are unmatched, and they have made him one of the greatest legislators in Senate history. Our thoughts are with him and Vicki and we are praying for a quick and full recovery.” News like that about Ted Kennedy today tends to put the primaries tonight in perspective. Kennedy is a legend, and the last member of his family to carry the Kennedy mystique. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, this is a sad day for American politics.

Obama statement:

my.barackobama.com/page/c…

Clinton statement:

blog.hillaryclinton.com/b…