An overwhelming majority of the Daily Kos is obviously a fan of Senator Kennedy. With the outpouring of posts mourning the death of the Senator, I ask you....
What will Senator Kennedy's legacy be?
In an incredible accomplishment in and of itself, Liberal Lion was the thrid longest serving Senator in HISTORY behind Robert C Byrd (D WV) and Strom Thurmond (R SC). At one time three Kennedy brothers held the highest offices in the land, two of them being gunned down in their prime. Senator Kennedy became the patriarch of the Kennedy family after the death of Bobby Kennedy at the hands of Sirhan Sirhan.
Soon after, more tragedy struck the Kennedy family, this time from within. The Chappaquiddick incident destroyed any chance of Kennedy being president. Kennedy did overcome these tragedys and become one of the most effective senators in history. He was respected by members of the Senate, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
Questions -
How much of an impact did the death of Mary Joe Kopechne and inaction of Senator Kennedy at Chappaquiddick hurt his legacy in your eyes, as it did hurt his legacy in the eyes of people who were his political foes? It was a terrible incident, one that Kennedy obviously never meant to happen but it must be discussed. Does it's happening make you hold Kennedy's place in your heart any lower? Why or why not?
What legislation will you remember Kennedy for the most?
Will health care really reform be affected by the death of Kennedy?
Senator Kennedy Feb 22, 1932 - Aug 25, 2009