Ted Kennedy Jr.is shaping up like he will run for his father's seat against Scott Brown in Massachusetts in 2012.
Over the weekend, Ted Jr., who lost a leg to cancer, spoke in Worcester, MA, to a conference on disabled issues.
The choice of location was no accident, I'll bet. What he said was even more indicative.
He was asked about a possible political career. "Politics is in my blood,” he said, going on to state that "at the moment," he’s more devoted to his young children and the needs of the disabled community.
Note the "at the moment" qualifier. This is a 48-year-old with a political future. As the Boston Herald reported, "Told there was a Senate race in 2012, a very wry and self-assured Ted Kennedy Jr. just smiled: “You don’t say,” he chuckled.
Indeed we do say. And I'll repeat it here. I believe Ted Kennedy Jr.will face off against Scott Brown in 2012 in Massachusetts when Brown has to run for a full term.
Kennedy first came to prominence at his father's funeral when he delivered an impassioned eulogy that left many in tears and wishing he would run.
He has that depth of character and experience brought about by his battle against his disability that marks him as a special Kennedy. Though based in Connecticut and a successful human rights layer, he has retained his Massachusetts residency. That will surely come in handy.
There is no doubt the family is still steaming over the loss of the seat to Brown, and the pathetic race run by Martha Coakley.
Kennedy would have a great shot if he decides to run. The bloom will be off Brown by then, and Obama will be running and winning statewide for President unless he suffers a total political meltdown.
Over the weekend, Kennedy talked about his father's absence as health care finally passed and predicted some Republicans would have signed on if he was still around.
“It was a bittersweet moment,” Kennedy said. “And yes, something about it made me miss my dad all the more. For so many years, he was the one who worked to keep the flame of universal heath care going.
“He would introduce that legislation over and over again, certain that someday the moment would come when his dream of health care for all would become a reality. I just wish he’d been here to see it.”
If there was any consolation, Kennedy said, it was that his father died believing that his vision was going to become law. “With the (Democratic) majority in Congress and the commitment of President Obama, I think he knew it would happen,” he said.
“My father had this gift of forming personal relationships with people, and it didn’t matter which side of the aisle you were on. People like Al Simpson or Lowell Weicker would come over to my dad’s house for dinner all the time. Hell, I can even remember Don Rumsfeld coming over one night to jump in our pool. You could argue back then, and still be great friends.”
Methinks this son has many of the same talents.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.mamichigan | Sep 23, 2010, 03:29 PM EDT
We need someone like him for disabled people in our state. I have a son who lost his leg to OsteoSarcoma, which is bone cancer. He is 27 and has been disabled since he was 12 years old. He currently has no dental insurance and suffers. Our laws need to be changed or fixed, so anything that Mr. Kennedy and his family has done and continues to do has helped disabled people! Currently in Michigan disabled people have no dental care at all! Not right! I'm hoping this healthcre will help disabled people with dental care! Push on Mr. Kennedy, send some Kennedy's our way, here in Michigan. Our state is a mess!
shidoobe | Apr 30, 2010, 11:32 AM EDT
Tired of the Kennedy's already, GO SCOTT BROWN. May move to Mass. to vote for him
Monsoonman | Apr 06, 2010, 09:42 AM EDT
Do you yearn for a return of the monarchy class to rule over you? Evidently it gives some sort of comfort to subjugate yourselves to your "betters". But if you look behind the msm curtain and see who "your betters" really are, it would be a bitter disappointment. Must be some sort of inbred attitude left over from the tenant farmer/working for the lord/serf heritage. No wonder we are greasing our way towards socialism with nary a whimper.
stevereal | Apr 05, 2010, 09:32 AM EDT
Ted Kennedy would spank Senator Scott Brown in a head to head, toe toe, blow for blow Senatorial race hands down, anybody from New England knows that. Senator Scott Brown is going down. But Hey fellas... A lot of people want Ted Kennedy to run against Senator Joe Liebermann here in Connecticut and I like Joe. He's a good man. But Ted Kennedy exemplifies grace and we need more love then hate in our politiks. Good Luck Ted Ted Kennedy for Connecticut Senator.
Monsoonman | Mar 31, 2010, 10:44 AM EDT
kennedys don't pay taxes like us little people do. They have offshored blood money that pays for their trust brat existence. Hey Niall, how come a good Irishman like bill O'Reilly paying the legal fees for the Marines family, doesn't rate a comment? If it was a kennedy or other socialist it would be blaring news.
likesfasct | Mar 31, 2010, 09:48 AM EDT
mikemeboy: You're talking about Patrick, and the article was about Edward, Jr. If you're going to dislike the Kennedys, at least learn to tell them apart!
likesfasct | Mar 31, 2010, 09:46 AM EDT
To mikemeboy: You're talking about Patrick, and the article was about Edward, Jr. If you're going to dislike the Kennedys, you might at least learn to tell them apart!
rcrdskpr@aol.com | Mar 31, 2010, 08:07 AM EDT
another drunk, corrupt kennedy to contend with, who cant survive in the real world. has to suck off the public to get along. what is with the dual residency? does he pay taxes in both places, or does he slide?
IreneMarie | Mar 30, 2010, 06:59 PM EDT
Wonderful news, If Brown had been willing to help pass more legislation with President O'bama then friends in Massachusetts were willing to support Brown. A Kennedy would be wonderful as US Senator.
Spiritranger | Mar 30, 2010, 06:45 PM EDT
Sen. Brown has already proven himself a pragmatic bipartisan on economic issues. Yet he has convictions about the evils of socialized medicine. Teddie, Jr. is a carpetbagging liberal twit. And it's NOT his father's seat, it IS the people's.
LindaAnn | Mar 30, 2010, 11:00 AM EDT
My love for Bobby Kennedy has never dwindled. I would like to see his decendents (including good nephews/neices) carry the torch. He had the desire and the courage, like no one else since, to make this world a better place. I hope Ted Jr. would study his legacy.
shuvonn | Mar 30, 2010, 07:24 AM EDT
Sheila: Scott Brown ONLY gets to STAY IF he gets voted in again, and since he was ONLY voted in to fill the remaining time on Kennedy's seat he will have to run again in two years. Whatever your thoughts on Brown he didn't achieve a thing during his service in the state senate from 2004-2010.
mikemeboy | Mar 30, 2010, 04:02 AM EDT
The fact that he gave an "impassioned eulogy" at his father's funeral hardly qualifies him to be a US Senator. In fact his record as member of the lower house of Congress was, at best, dismal. The people of Rhode Island were ill served by this man, whose main claim is the Kennedy name. In comparison to his father Edward,and uncles Robert and John, he is truly an "empty vessel". And if memory serves me wel, he has his share of scandal in his life.
dengarrity | Mar 29, 2010, 08:39 PM EDT
He hasn't killed anybody or left the scene of a deadly accident so he has that going for him.
galway2001 | Mar 29, 2010, 08:27 PM EDT
HE WILL LOOSE BIG TIME
jdonovan | Mar 29, 2010, 07:58 PM EDT
There is no doubt the family is still steaming over the loss of the seat to Brown. Here we go again, another Kennedy to save us all. Heck lets just make President for life. All our problems would be over
GuinnessGrrl | Mar 29, 2010, 07:26 PM EDT
Better Ted Kennedy Jr than the Senatorfold Brown!
docmikey | Mar 29, 2010, 05:13 PM EDT
Hope he wins!!
candy151 | Mar 29, 2010, 04:19 PM EDT
The Senate Seat held by Scott Brown is not Ted Kennedy's Seat nor is it Scott Brown's seat. It's the seat of the Senator from Massachusetts, whoever that may be after the elections.
FastEddy | Mar 29, 2010, 03:13 PM EDT
Ha, ha, ha, ha ... LOL ... That blow dry penny-whistle doesn't stand another chance. ... LOL, LOL.
ssibeach | Mar 29, 2010, 02:22 PM EDT
It is repulsive to think that just because his last name is Kennedy that he is going to become the next Senator. I think the majority of the people have had enough of the Kennedys and all their antics. Whoever is the next Senator should have term limits. They all should have term limits.
bren2mike1 | Mar 29, 2010, 01:59 PM EDT
The Senate Seat held by Scott Brown is not Ted Kennedy's Seat. It's the seat of the Senator from Massachusetts.
sheilamurray | Mar 29, 2010, 01:37 PM EDT
Scott Brown should stay
torbreezy | Mar 29, 2010, 01:27 PM EDT
The Irish have fought "dynasties" (albeit English ones) for a 1000 years. Why would anyone want to perpetuate a suspect idea like this?
jdi2269 | Mar 29, 2010, 12:24 PM EDT
PLEASE SAY IT ISN'T SO!!! WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS CORRUPT DRUNKEN MURDERING FAMILY!!!
viplmp21 | Mar 29, 2010, 12:22 PM EDT
Teddy welcome to the field, there are going to a just of few Democrats in it!! It will be a tough fight against people that actually have been something more their resumes than being a Kennedy. One thing at a time, Democrats and then Scott Brown if you are lucky!!
haasny007 | Mar 29, 2010, 12:03 PM EDT
Go Teddy Jr., keep the Kennedy flame alive in Washington! You can beat Scott Brown, the accidental senator.
leomurphy | Mar 29, 2010, 11:15 AM EDT
I hope it comes to pass. Too bad he was unable to run earlier.
Cherishfan | Mar 29, 2010, 10:55 AM EDT
Ted sounds like he has inherited the* help the underdog gene* in the family. With all their wealth, the Kennedys could stay out of the hassle of public life but Ted it seems is following in his father's footsteps in working to take care of other people's needs.
katieherk | Mar 29, 2010, 10:52 AM EDT
OMG!!! Can't we rid ourselves of the so called Kennedy Dynasty... leave off the Dy and yes, it's nasty. Please do our country a favor and keep the Kennedys out since Healthcare (thanks to Teddy) we're doomed anyhow!!!
Spoon517 | Mar 29, 2010, 10:49 AM EDT
It's NOT "Kennedy's seat". Heir to the throne? Not in this country. Is there a primary, or coronation involved?
Searlit | Mar 29, 2010, 10:41 AM EDT
I'm all for it! Kennedy's have been strong leaders from way back!
smurphy | Mar 29, 2010, 10:38 AM EDT
Here's one that says, "go for it". Ted Kennedy was talking about health care long before it was popular in the U.S. I believe this young man, his son, would be a ray of sunshine if he should choose to put his name on the ballot. This country is now very dark and rude, seething with anger. I wouldn't like to see this fine man subject himself to that.
capemark | Mar 29, 2010, 10:27 AM EDT
Brown is so busy veering to the right that he will be an easy opponent for any Democrat with a pulse. Ted Jr. appears not to have skeletons in the closet, has worked in the private sector, started and runs his own financial services firm, knows finance and health care, is a cancer survivor, and comfortable in front of a crowd. What's not to like?
Christisall | Mar 29, 2010, 10:03 AM EDT
Any state that ushers in another Kennedy is a stupid state. The kennedys all think they are special. They are arrogant and narcissistic. Bring in Brown. It is time to clean house, sweeping out all liberal dems.
Mechan1 | Mar 29, 2010, 09:52 AM EDT
Being a Massachusetts resident, I can tell you this....it will be a"cold day in hell" before we put another Kennedy in office...The generation that supported this guys father all those years are dwindling..the younger generation won't be slaves again to the Kennedy legacy..rotten, thieving, sex addicted, drunken scoundrels..We have had enough of them.....enough already!..
DLW12183 | Mar 29, 2010, 09:35 AM EDT
A "Special Kennedy"? They think they are all special. Let's jump right to the US Senate with no governing experience except watching how the former generations have done it. (Does this sound familiar to a current leader who watched how Chicago politics are run?). God help us all and we thought we might be rid of all of them. GO SCOTT BROWN.
JJKelly123 | Mar 29, 2010, 09:22 AM EDT
Massachusetts has had enough Kennedys. This kid has no experience nor ability. He's just a memver of the lucky gene club. Scott Brown will bury him!
kerrigan | Mar 29, 2010, 09:09 AM EDT
YEA!