Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 08:39 pm
If there is one word that can be used to describe both Democratic and Republican reaction to the news that Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, it is sadness. Below are some of the reactions from all over the U.S. political world.
President Bush said, “Laura and I are concerned to learn of our friend Senator Kennedy’s diagnosis. Ted Kennedy is a man of tremendous courage, remarkable strength, and powerful spirit. Our thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his family during this difficult period. We join our fellow Americans in praying for his full recovery.”
“My heart dropped when I heard the news about Senator Kennedy. On behalf of all Californians, I send him and the entire Kennedy family my sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. They are in our thoughts and prayers. There is reason for optimism. He has great physicians, a loving and beautiful wife in Vicki, and the indomitable Kennedy spirit. I look forward to the day when Senator Kennedy is back on the Senate floor, giving one of his famous stem-winder speeches. I hope that day will be soon,” Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA).
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Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) said, “I am having a hard time remembering a day in my 34 years here when I felt this badly.” Sen. Harry Reid called Kennedy an American icon, “The Senate is a family. We are all concerned about the health of Senator Kennedy. He is a friend, the model of public service and an American icon… The thoughts and prayers of the entire Senate family are with Ted and the Kennedy family. We are not sure when he will return to the Senate, but we all look forward to his recovery. Millions of Americans have benefited from the work of Ted Kennedy, and I know he’s not done yet.”
Republican presidential candidate John McCain said, “”Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Kennedy and his family. We hope and pray his doctors will be able to effectively treat his condition and that he will experience a full recovery. I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate, and I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate.”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, “The news of Senator Kennedy’s health has been met with great concern. Senator Kennedy is a champion for health care for all Americans and a great fighter for America’s children, workers and seniors. This same strength and fighting spirit will serve him well in this challenge.”
Note: As of this writing, statements from Clinton and Obama are not available. They will be added as soon as I have them.
