Senator Ted Kennedy Enlivens Democratic National Convention

(Getty Images) Did anyone else wonder what was going on during the first couple of hours of the Democratic National Convention last night? I have never seen such a dull, uninspired political gathering in my life. Maybe it was more exciting on the convention floor, but the speeches by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and company certainly didn't make for good TV. Then Senator Edward Kennedy took the mic following a moving video tribute to him and spoke with the passion his fellow Democrats lacked.

There was some question as to whether Kennedy would have the energy to speak. After all, the man has a brain tumor, and it is amazing that he even had the will to travel to Denver for the convention. But Kennedy summoned up the strength to speak and gave an inspiring speech.

"I come here tonight to stand with you to change America, to restore its future, to rise to our best ideals, and to elect Barack Obama president of the United States," Kennedy declared.

He went on to talk about health care for every American (a cause Kennedy has long championed) and the need for a commander-in-chief who understands that American soldiers must only battle missions worthy of their bravery.

Kennedy also spoke of unity. "Barack Obama will close the book on the old politics of race and gender and group against group and straight against gay," Kennedy said.

I actually got choked up when Kennedy mentioned gay people. Even among the Democrats, it is rare for them to champion us, especially in such a public forum.

By the way, nearly 6 percent of the delegates in attendance at the Democratic National Convention are gay and lesbian, according to CNN.

Kennedy concluded his rousing speech by talking about the torch being passed to a new generation of Americans come November "with Barack Obama and for you and for me, our country will be committed to his cause. The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on."

Indeed it does.

Did you watch the Democratic National Convention last night, and if so, what did you think of Kennedy's speech?

Comments

[OS2Guy]

Ted Kennedy is an embarrassment just as Caroline and Maria are. They should slink from the public spotlight. Younger people don't realize that it was Ted Kennedy driving drunk into a canal and swimming away while a young lady riding as his passenger drowned. He did nothing to assist and walked away with just a slap on the wrist. And Caroline and Maria are the two ugliest Kennedy women - only their money keeps people from acknowledging that. Now Rose Kennedy, she was an amazing women who never lost faith.