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Allies like Obama and adversaries like Hatch, McCain and Reagan revered Kennedy
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It is not surprising to hear President Obama speak glowingly about the life and career of Senator Edward Kennedy, but it is quite remarkable to hear the kind words and discover the close friendships that existed among Republican stalwarts Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. John McCain and former First Lady Nancy Reagan towards the recently departed Kennedy.
During Sen. Kennedy’s eulogy, President Obama described the unrelenting belief in duty and service that Kennedy brought to his work every single day. A belief that rubbed off on some of Kennedy’s greatest political adversaries. People who would often use Kennedy as their poster boy for anti-Democratic Party fundraising efforts.
“While he was seen by his fiercest critics as a partisan lightning rod, that is not the prism through which Ted Kennedy saw the world, nor was it the prism through which his colleagues saw him. He was a product of an age when the joy and nobility of politics prevented differences of party and philosophy from becoming barriers to cooperation and mutual respect, a time when adversaries still saw each other as patriots,” said President Obama.
Utah Senator Orrin Hatch can be described as the polar opposite of a liberal Democrat. Despite his positions, it is simply amazing to witness the bond he and Kennedy shared in both friendship and legislation.
“Ted Kennedy, with all of his ideological verbosity and idealism was a rare person who at times could put aside differences and look for common solutions. Not many ever got to see that side of him, but as peers and colleagues we were able to share some of those moments. Elaine [Hatch] and I express our deepest condolences to Ted’s beloved wife Vickie, and their extended family. I am hopeful that they will find peace and comfort in the memories and life they were able to share with this giant of a man,” said Hatch via a press release.
In this release, Hatch also listed many of the legislative successes that he and Kennedy had collaborated on while both working in the Senate. Interestingly, the vast majority of this list of accomplishments involves various types of healthcare reform.
“The Ryan White AIDS Act,” “State Children’s Health Insurance Program,” “Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007” and “Americans with Disabilities Act” represent examples of these joint reform efforts.
Arizona Senator John McCain, a man long known for sharing Kennedy’s belief in building friendships and alliances with those on the other side of the aisle, has always been outspoken regarding his bond with Kennedy. A striking example of this took place in May of 2008, shortly after it was learned that Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“Senator Kennedy's role in the U.S. Senate cannot be overstated. He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him. When we have worked together, he has been a skillful, fair and generous partner. I consider it a great privilege to call him my friend. Cindy [McCain] and I are praying for our friend, his wife, Vicki and the Kennedy family,” said McCain.
Perhaps the most surprising story to immerge out of Kennedy’s passing was delivered by former First Lady Nancy Reagan, while appearing on “CNN’s Larry King Live.” Clearly, party affiliation and political ideology was easily pushed aside by the modern day icon of the GOP and his Democratic counterpart.
"Most people didn't realize the friendship, or didn't accept it, or didn't know about the friendship. You know, Ronny [President Reagan] was so identified with the Republican Party and Teddy obviously with the Democrat Party. But that doesn't make any difference. It shouldn't make any difference. I'm afraid it does now, but it shouldn't," explained Mrs. Reagan.
Sen. Edward Kennedy certainly had his share of adversaries and detractors. But, he also had an ample supply of allies, allies that disagreed with him nearly every step of the way.
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