Administration of Barack Obama, 2009 / Aug. 29 from people in every corner of our Nation and sionately battle others and do so peerlessly on from around the world just how much he meant the Senate floor for the causes that he held to all of us. His fight has given us the opportuni- dear, and yet still maintain warm friendships ty we were denied when his brothers John and across party lines. Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time And that’s one reason he became not only to say thank you and goodbye. one of the greatest Senators of our time but one The outpouring of love, gratitude, and fond of the most accomplished Americans ever to memories to which we’ve all borne witness is a serve our democracy. His extraordinary life on testament to the way this singular figure in this Earth has come to an end. And the extraor- American history touched so many lives. His dinary good that he did lives on. For his family, ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws he was a guardian. For America, he was the de- and reflected in millions of lives: in seniors who fender of a dream. know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education’s I spoke earlier this morning to Senator Ken- promise, and in all who can pursue their dream nedy’s beloved wife Vicki, who was to the end in an America that is more equal and more just, such a wonderful source of encouragement and including myself. strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Kennedy name is synonymous with the her, his children Kara, Edward, and Patrick, his Democratic Party. And at times, Ted was the stepchildren Curran and Caroline, the entire target of partisan campaign attacks. But in the Kennedy family, decades’ worth of his staff, the United States Senate, I can think of no one who people of Massachusetts, and all Americans engendered greater respect or affection from who, like us, loved Ted Kennedy. members of both sides of the aisle. His serious- ness of purpose was perpetually matched by hu- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:57 a.m. at Blue mility, warmth, and good cheer. He could pas- Heron Farm.
Statement on the Death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy August 26, 2009
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this ed as President from his encouragement and morning of the death of our dear friend Senator wisdom. Ted Kennedy. An important chapter in our history has come For five decades, virtually every major piece to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, of legislation to advance the civil rights, health, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and economic well being of the American peo- and became the greatest United States Senator ple bore his name and resulted from his efforts. of our time. And the Kennedy family has lost I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, their patriarch, a tower of strength and support where, regardless of the swirl of events, he al- through good times and bad. Our hearts and ways had time for a new colleague. I cherished prayers go out to them today, to his wonderful his confidence and momentous support in my wife Vicki, his children Ted, Jr., Patrick, and race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a Kara, his grandchildren, and his extended valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve profit- family.
The President’s Weekly Address August 29, 2009
This weekend marks the fourth anniversary must take stock of the work being done on re- of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf covery, while preparing for future disasters. Coast. As we remember all that was lost, we
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