President Obama broke from his vacation in Martha’s Vineyard to go before the cameras early Wednesday. Calling Ted Kennedy' “Teddy,” the president described the senator as a “singular figure in American history” and as “a counselor, a colleague and a friend.”
He said of the death Tuesday of Kennedy at 77, "We've awaited it with no small amount of dread.”
“Since Teddy's diagnosis last year, we've seen the courage with which he battled his illness,” Obama said. “And while these months have no doubt been difficult for him, they've also let him hear from people in every corner of our nation and from around the world just how much he meant to all of us. His fight has given us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you -- and goodbye.”
“At times,” the President added, "Ted was the target of partisan campaign attacks. But in the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle.”
California Gov. Arnold Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose wife Maria, was the senator’s niece, said in a statement: "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."
“Teddy," he added, "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.
“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.”
There was little surprise, but still shock in Washington this morning at the death of Kennedy, where the first mark of its official recognition was the changing of the senator’s website.
Sometime shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday Washington time, the normally colorful site of was replaced with a single toned one with the statement from the Senator’s family.
“Edward M. Kennedy -- the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply -- died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port,” it said.
“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever.
“We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it.
“He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”
For official Washington, the death was still sad, especially coming in the midst of a debate on changes in health care.
