Campaign '08

Politicans Nationwide React To Kennedy News

 Sen. Kennedy: His Life And Diagnosis

BOSTON (CBS) ― Reaction to news of Sen. Ted Kennedy's brain tumor poured in from politicians around the region and across the nation.

"Laura and I are concerned to learn of our friend Senator Kennedy's diagnosis. Ted Kennedy is a man of trendous courage, remarkable strength, and powerful spirit. Our thought are with Senator Kennedy and his family during this difficult period. We join our fellow Americans in praying for his full recovery."
-President George W. Bush

"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. And anyone who knows Ted Kennedy also knows that he is a fighter. He has a work ethic like no other and has risen to every challenge he's faced – and we are confident he will rise to this one as well.

"It's no surprise to me that when I talked with his wife today, she told me he is in good spirits and full of energy. 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."
-Sen. Harry Reid, Majority Leader

"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."
-Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-Presidential Candidate

"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. 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 prayers."
-Sen. Barack Obama, D-Presidential Candidate

"Obviously, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to him. We hope and pray that they will be able to treat it and that he will experience a full recovery. I have said on numerous occasions, 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 if you want to get results."
- Sen. John McCain, R-Presidential Candidate

"Senator Kennedy is a true American hero and a leader in the Democratic Party, having spent a lifetime standing up for the values of fairness, justice and equality. On behalf of the Democratic Party, we extend our prayers and well wishes to Senator Kennedy, his wife Vicky, and the entire Kennedy family."
- Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee Chairman

"Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family have faced adversity more times, in more instances, with more courage and more determination and more grace than any family should ever have to face even just once.

"He's helped millions and millions of people, in so many ways, at so many different times, from countless big pieces of legislation in Washington to the most personal of issues.

"Now, everybody needs to pull together on behalf of Ted. We must pull for him and his family and remember that Teddy is one unbelievable fighter.

"Over the weekend, I saw him and he's in a fighting mood, and I'm confident that he will continue to draw strength from his tower of strength in Vicki, from each of his children and grandchildren, and from his unbelievably loving and caring family, both in Boston and from his extended family of Americans and people all over the world.

"I know that Ted is determined to fight this because he wants to continue his fight for the people of Massachusetts and he wants to continue to fight for everything that he believes in here in the United States Senate and throughout our country.

"Teresa's and my prayers – and the prayers of a nation – are with my good friend and his family in these most trying of times."
-Sen. John Kerry, D-MA


"Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family. I have faith that my friend will come through this with the same courage he has demonstrated throughout his life. For decades the people of Boston, this nation, and countries around the world have benefited from the Senator's energy, compassion, and commitment to those most in need. We have looked to our senior Senator in the most challenging times and we will continue to fight with him on issues necessary in moving this country forward. On behalf of myself, my family, and the City of Boston, our thoughts are with him and we hope people would respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time."
-Boston Mayor Tom Menino


"Ted Kennedy is the greatest Senator in American history and a tireless fighter for Americas families. I know that he will take on this latest challenge with the same fighting spirit, strength and courage he has always shown. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife, Vicki, and his family. I look forward to seeing him fully recover and working with him for many, many more years to come."
- Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass.

"The news about Senator Kennedy's health is disappointing to most Americans, and it is particularly sad news for those of us who've had the privilege of working under his leadership for Massachusetts, and for the goals he has championed.

"I hope that the great fighting spirit that has helped him win so many tough battles will continue to serve him well, and I hope the knowledge that hundreds of millions - if not more - people around the world are pulling for him, will prove a source of strength at this difficult time."
-Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass

"He's comforted by the fact that his dad is such a fighter, and if anyone can get through something as challenging as this, it would be his father. ... He's hopeful that his father is going to beat this and be back at it. This is definitely a medical challenge that his dad can get through."
- Robin Costello, spokeswoman for Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.

"I am so deeply saddened I have lost the words."
- Sen. John Warner, R-Va.


"He knows how we feel about him, without our even telling him. ... And so we stand as a body, and as certainly a Democratic family, with our affection, our love and our prayers with Senator Ted Kennedy." - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"Senator Kennedy is a real fighter. We all know that. I'm betting on Senator Kennedy."
- Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.

"I have confidence though because Senator Kennedy has been a fighter all his life. He is a fighter - a fighter for our children, for our workers, for our seniors. He is a champion fighting for health care for all Americans. I know that that fighting spirit will hold him in good stead in the challenge that he faces now."
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"Senator Kennedy is a giant in the Senate, a wonderful public servant and a great American. ... Ted Kennedy has faced many challenges during his life, and I know he will meet this one with determination and strength, and I hope to see him back in Congress soon."
- House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

"This is obviously a challenge. However, he's overcome more than his share of challenges. I think everyone is optimistic. It's another challenge, but he's gonna have a full life."
- Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass.

"He's a strong guy and has great heart and we're confident he'll be back here."
- Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

"Ted Kennedy has spent his life caring for those in need. Now it's time for those who love Ted and his family to care for them and join in prayer to give them strength."
- Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

"Senator Kennedy approaches every obstacle with tremendous courage, poise and resolve. And I know his tremendous heart and spirit will prevail now. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Americans, are with him and his family at this difficult time."
- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

"I'm having a hard time remembering a day in my 34 years here I've felt this sadly."
- Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

"I'm really sad. He's the one politician who brings tears to my eyes when he speaks."
- Former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb.

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