Reaction to Senator Edward M. Kennedy's malignant brain tumor

Email| Text size – +

May 20, 2008 03:10 PM

President George Bush

President George Bush

"Laura and I are concerned to learn of our friend Senator Kennedy's diagnosis. Ted Kennedy is a man of tremendous courage, remarkable strength, and powerful spirit. Our thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his family during this difficult period. We join our fellow Americans in praying for his full recovery."

Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut

Senator Christopher Dodd

"He's a strong guy and has great heart. We're confident he is going to be back. So we wish he and Vicki and the family well."

Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts

“Ted Kennedy is the greatest Senator in American history and a tireless fighter for America’s families. I know that he will take on this latest challenge with the same fighting spirit, strength and courage he has always shown. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife, Vicki, and his family. I look forward to seeing him fully recover and working with him for many, many more years to come.”

Senator Harry Reid of Nevada

"The Senate really is a family. We, as a family, are tremendously concerned about Senator Kennedy."

Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts

Senator John F. Kerry

"Every one of us knows what a big heart this fellow has," Kerry said, calling his colleague a "living legend." "This guy is one unbelievable fighter ... He's in a fighting mood."

Senator Hillary Clinton of New York

“Ted Kennedy’s courage and resolve are unmatched, and they have made him one of the greatest legislators in Senate history. Our thoughts are with him and Vicki and we are praying for a quick and full recovery.”

Senator John McCain

"Obviously, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to him. We hope and pray that they will be able to treat it and that he will experience a full recovery. I have said on numerous occasions, I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate, and I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate if you want to get results."

Senator Barack Obama of Illinois

"Ted Kennedy is a fighter. We want to make sure he's fighting this illness. ... He's not only a great senator, he's a great friend."
Obama said on CNN he would not be running for president if not for voting rights and civil rights battles won by Kennedy. "I stand on his shoulders," Obama said.

Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee chairman and former Vermont governor

"Senator Kennedy is a true American hero and a leader in the Democratic Party, having spent a lifetime standing up for the values of fairness, justice and equality. On behalf of the Democratic Party, we extend our prayers and well wishes to Senator Kennedy, his wife, Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family."

Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family. I have faith that my friend will come through this with the same courage he has demonstrated throughout his life. For decades the people of Boston, this nation, and countries around the world have benefited from the Senator’s energy, compassion, and commitment to those most in need. We have looked to our senior Senator in the most challenging times and we will continue to fight with him on issues necessary in moving this country forward. On behalf of myself, my family, and the City of Boston, our thoughts are with him and we hope people would respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

"Senator Kennedy is a champion for health care for all Americans and a great fighter for America's children, workers and seniors. This same strength and fighting spirit will serve him well in this challenge."

State Senate President Therese Murray

"The Massachusetts Senate stands with Senator Kennedy during this difficult time in his life. He is still our senator, and any talk about a successor is insensitive, outrageous and wrong. Senator Kennedy is a living political legend who for so many years has been a relentless advocate for the Commonwealth and our nation. He has been a fighter his entire life, and he will face this unfortunate development with his usual grit and determination. Our heartfelt prayers and encouragement go out to Senator Kennedy and his family."

Senator John Warner

"I am so deeply saddened I have lost the words."

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland

"Senator Kennedy is a giant in the Senate, a wonderful public servant and a great American. ... Ted Kennedy has faced many challenges during his life, and I know he will meet this one with determination and strength, and I hope to see him back in Congress soon."

Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvanian

"Senator Kennedy is a real fighter. We all know that. I'm betting on Senator Kennedy."

Representative William Delahunt of Massachusetts

Representative William Delahunt

"This is obviously a challenge. However, he's overcome more than his share of challenges. I think everyone is optimistic. It's another challenge, but he's gonna have a full life."

Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont

"I'm having a hard time remembering a day in my 34 years here I've felt this sadly."

Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia

Senator Robert Byrd

"My dear, dear friend, dear friend, Ted Kennedy. ... Keep Ted here for us and for America. ... Ted, Ted, Ted. My dear friend. I love you and miss you."

Governor Deval Patrick

"I know I speak for people all over the Commonwealth, indeed all over the country, wishing him well and sending him the very best and strongest prayers. You don’t have time and enough tape for all the different ways in which Ted Kennedy has, and continues to be, important to Massachusetts. ... He has an extraordinary record, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him.''

Mitt Romney, former governor

“I don’t think you can think of Massachusetts politics without Ted Kennedy at the top of the heap. And I hope we don’t have to for some time to come.”

Representative Barney Frank