Kennedy almost didn't make speech due to illness
By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff
DENVER – Ailing Senator Edward M. Kennedy was nearly unable to deliver his dramatic address Monday night to the Democratic National Convention because he was feeling ill, his niece Caroline Kennedy said today.
An aide to the Senator said later today that the 76-year-old lawmaker had suffered a bout of kidney stones unrelated to the brain tumor that was diagnosed in May. Kennedy was treated at a Denver hospital for the kidney condition during the day yesterday after suffering a sleepless night and pain in the morning, said the aide, speaking on condition of anonymity.
But Kennedy was determined to deliver the speech that he had practiced in Cape Cod while he was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for his brain tumor, Caroline Kennedy said in an interview.
``There was nothing that was going to keep him away,'' she said. She did not detail her uncle’s ailment.
Kennedy was better today, aides said, and he was able to host a breakfast for friends and members of the Massachusetts delegation before returning to the Bay State.
The cancer treatment, Caroline Kennedy said, is ``going better than anyone expected,'' and the 76-year-old Democratic stalwart is determined to return to the Senate chamber where he has served for nearly 46 years. ``I know he's planning on going back to work,” she said.
``He looks great. You could see it last night,'' she said, referring to the senator’s surprise appearance on behalf of Democratic nominee-to-be Barack Obama.
However, after arriving in Denver Sunday night to prepare for the event -- and making a precautionary trip to a local hospital -– Kennedy by the next day ``just wasn't feeling well,'' and ``there was a second round [of discussion] about, `is he going to be able to do it?' '' Caroline Kennedy said.
Another Kennedy associate said it was ``touch and go'' even shortly before the senator's prime-time speech as to whether he would have the strength to deliver the rousing sort of address that is so characteristic of him.
But Caroline Kennedy said her uncle was determined to follow through despite concerns of his friends and family. ``He knew it all along. There was no way he was not going to do it,'' she said.
Kennedy had long wanted to make the cross-country flight to the convention, but doctors worried about the risks from both the flight and the crowds. Kennedy had surgery in June to remove the malignant glioma, a fast-growing tumor, in his brain. He has been receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments since then, which weaken his immune system, making it risky for the lawmaker to be around large crowds.
``On many levels, it was a very difficult thing to do -- logistically, medically, emotionally,'' she said. ``It was really inspiring to all of us.''
Kennedy is continuing treatment for the cancer, but no longer needs to make the daily trips to Boston for the intense sessions that followed his surgery, Caroline Kennedy said.
At today’s breakfast, Kennedy thanked friends and colleagues for their love and support. He looked ``relaxed,'' she said, and was ``joking around, kidding around.''
Last night was the second time Kennedy took a chance on his health for a cause important to him. In July, Kennedy stunned his Senate colleagues by flying down for a critical vote to vitiate scheduled cuts in Medicare payments to doctors. To many in the audience at the convention, Monday's appearance -- which followed a video tribute to the senator -- was a welcome repeat performance.
``I think the only thing that matches [Monday's speech] was the feeling I got when he walked on the Senate floor to cast the deciding vote for Medicare,'' Kennedy's son, Rhode Island Democratic Representative Patrick Kennedy, said after the address.
``He again disregarded his own personal health to be a unifier, a healer,'' said Senator Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat.
Caroline Kennedy -- who was on the team that selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden as Obama's running-mate -- said the search was extremely emotional for her, since so many people she talked to during the effort wanted to tell stories about her uncle.
``People wanted to talk about how he was the first one to call them when they lost a family member,'' or extended another kindness, Caroline Kennedy said. ``It was really on a whole other level for me, of being able to see his effect and his reach, his impact on the Senate.''
I certainly would not have lost any sleep if he did miss it, and I know 99% of REAL AMERICANS could care a less about this loser!
I am unfortunately living in Texas now where there is definitely more than one town missing a moron. Actually, there seems to be many towns missing many morons!!!
To see Teddy and Caroline together along with the pictures of Joe, Jack, and Bobby brought tires to my eyes. Seeing the KENNEDY signs raised high in the air
brought me both happiness and sadness. Thoughts of John Jr. rushed through my mind. He would have been President in the future, but now I wonder if the Dynasty is finished!?!?!?
Please, please vote for the Obama/Biden ticket. I was a Clinton supporter, but I can't live in a state that votes for George W's grandfather --- McCain!!!!!
I think that Teddy Kennedy is an inspiration. I am so glad he could make it.
Is that really you, Yerz? You ol' rapscallion you! You go on back to sleep now...
It was a blessing to see Teddy Kennedy give such an impassioned speech under very difficult circumstances. My Dad passed away in May 2001 from a malignant glioma. After his first seizure he was never the same and would not have been able to accomplish a feat such as Kennedy did. He died six months after diagnosis. Seeing Kennedy make his speech made my heart soar.
Good luck with that, Yerz. Tell us about the reception you got at the convention, okay?
Wow - I see Jimmy Carter reads the Globe.
By the way, you're an ass who obviously doesn't know squat about how much he has done for us! By comparison, what have YOU ever done for your community, fellow men? I'm guessing it isn't 1% of what he has done.
Typical right wing comment there, Yerz. Only YOU are the real Americans. The REST of us (anyone who doesn't agree with your rightwing nazi views have no patriotism, and are worthless, as you see it.
F*#CK YOU, douchebag.
Ted Kennedy represents REAL AMERICANS. He supports those who have nothing, and gets things done. Disagree with his politics all you want, and I do on a lot of issues., but calling him a loser, Yerz, is just plain stupid. It's like calling Bush a loser. Not true, even if you don't like either of them.
Yerz (comment 1), I hate to break the news to you, but "99% of REAL AMERICANS" adds up to just about one pathetic human being. It would be a good idea to use some of the Medicare and Social Security benefits that Ted has fought for and rescued to get your head examined. Ted is fighting a brain tumor these days and he's a lot more clear-headed than you are!
Never voted for the man, but I must be the other 1% of fakies..His appearance and speech were great acts of courage and example..politics aside: It reminded me of Reagan's cranky but gutsy performance in '92. Knowing that he was ill (then, we didn't), he went out swinging...Giants don't wuss out with a whimper..God bless Teddy K..
Yerz: we know you're voting for Obama..weak bait on your part!
It's COULDN'T care less! Shows the intelligence of someone who would make a comment about a guy who's given his life to public service, lost two brothers while they were serving the US, and now has cancer. Shows who the real loser is! Get some class and while you're at it, see if you can find a clue.
Real Americans?? So if you care about Ted Kennedy or his legacy you're not a real American? That's the problem with today's politics of division and negativism. Red states, blue states like it or not we.re all Americans.
Let's see, Mr. Yerz...Your (yer) background is po-po, but you want to think of your (yer) blood as blue. Compared to many you are a "Have", but to the "Haves" you are distinctly a "Have Not". Your definition of a "Real American" is Country Music and NASCAR, and the programs created by Sen. Kennedy help you more than they hinder you. You are on the dole somewhere, but you're deep in the closet. If you're a "Real American", and Real Americans are guided by Jesus as Lord...That wern't mighty Christian of you (yer)...were it?
Weil the people of Massachusetts have elected him for 46 years, I think most of us REAL AMERICANS see him as a great fighter for working people. Even if you don't agree with his politics seeing someone with advanced cancer to exhibit courage and a positive attitude is a life lesson everyone can learn from.
Did Stumpy and Yerz go to the same sensitivity class?
It was a great appearance by a true Giant among mice..never voted for the guy but last night was an awesome act of courage..Reminded me of Reagan in '92 (he knew he was sick, we didn't): a bit cranky but still swinging for the fences and struggling to hold it together..Wussies don't go out with a whimper..or complain about the price of arugula at Whole Foods..The Giants stand up and fight, particularly when they don't have to any more..God Bless Teddy K!
Thank you Senator Kennedy - you are truly a lion of the senate!
Senator Edward Kenney = Profile In Courage.
He made his brothers proud.
I think his life's work easily stands up to any irrelevant comments made by a Philistine like Yerz......As the Senator writes his own powerful and passionate ending whether it be 5 months or 15 years, I cannot help but being reminded of Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night" I would like to live a life of such courage.
THANK YOU, MR. KENNEDY. NANETTE WEISSINGER
Teddy - THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
Teddy - THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
Teddy is a tough old bastard. We're all going to go someday, and when it happens to me, I'd like to go out like him.
Ted Kennedy isn't someone to admire. His behavior toward his first wife and to Mary Jo speak for itself. Wake up Democrats. Forget the Kennedys and the Clintons and be thankful you have Obama. He's someone to admire. His rise in American politics is remarkable. He made it without a rich family paving the way!
When I was just out of college I met a woman at work who confided in me about her ailing WWII father's injuries which had left him in a wheel chair since the war. Three mortgages later to pay for his care they were in jeopardy of losing their home. He had been awarded the Purple Heart, and I believe the Silver and Bronze Star. He needed daily care. I was moved. I didn't tell her, but, I called Sen. Kennedy's office and wrote him a letter, to which I got a response immediately. He was equally as disatisfied with the poor treatment this great man had and hadn't received. Within a week he was in the Bedford VA getting the best treatment he could and sharing his final days with other vets from the war. This was some 18 years ago. I will never forget that. Good stuff Ted. Thank you
Sorry Kay, but Barack (known as "Barry" in his college days) didn't need any rich family to pave the way. He had all those guilty white liberals to make sure he got into Ivy League schools and got a free ride through "affirmative action" every step of the way. I guarantee that his SAT and LSAT scores were lower than scores of poor white applicants who were rejected by those very same schools!!!
To xxxboston: I am a Republican, white female age 56 and will not vote for Obama because I don't agree with his platform. I realize affirmative action helped him; however, he has risen to the top even though he had a father that abandoned him and a mother that I view as neglectful. To me he represents the "American dream" and I really respect him for what he has accomplished.
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