Kennedy: It's time for a new generation

Posted: Monday, January 28, 2008 12:32 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Obama

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Sen. Ted Kennedy said he will "offer my help, my voice, my energy and my commitment to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States," according to remarks prepared for delivery today. And in not-so-subtle pushes against the claims of Obama's biggest rival, he'll says, "I know that he's ready to be president on Day One."

Kennedy acknowledges the "work and dedication" of Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, calling them his friends. "But I believe there is one candidate who has extraordinary gifts of leadership and character, matched to the extraordinary demands of this moment in history. He understands what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called the 'fierce urgency of now.'"

The Massachusetts Senator then directly responds to rivals' criticisms, calling on the crowd to "reject the counsels of doubt and calculation." While Kennedy doesn't specifically name Senator Clinton, his target seem obvious. "We know the true record of Barack Obama," Kennedy will say of Obama's war stance. There is the courage he showed when so many others were silent or simply went along. From the beginning, he opposed the war in Iraq. And let no one deny that truth." Kennedy voted against the initial war authorization.)

On who's really the "change" candidate, Kennedy will say: "Barack Obama is the one person running for President who can bring us that change. Barack Obama is the one person running for president who can be that change."

And toward the end of the speech, Kennedy connects Obama to his brother, JFK. "There was another time, when another young candidate was running for president and challenging America to cross a New Frontier." Kennedy says JFK also faced criticism from Democrats about his lack of experience.

"Harry Truman said we needed 'someone with greater experience' -- and added: 'May I urge you to be patient,'" Kennedy will say. "And John Kennedy replied: 'The world is changing. The old ways will not do... It is time for a new generation of leadership.' So it is with Barack Obama."

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Comments

WHO IS LISTENING TO TED "MURDERED THAT YOUNG LADY AND LEFT HER TO DROWN "of course he is for forgetting the past.

kenn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:36 PM)

So if hilliary does win should I support JOHN MACAIN ted or can we go back to voting for a democrat whoever it may be WELL TED I TRUST YOUR JUDGEMENT IT HASNT KILLED ANYONE YET OH IM SORRY CHAPPIQUIDUCK

kenn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:38 PM)

woo-hoo!! Go Kennedy! Go OBAMA!

evie (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:40 PM)

MAYBE RESCO AND KENNEDY CAN WORK TOGETHER if you think hilliary is tough wait till you get the puckers they will race bait you ,ala willie horton they will osama you like max cleland but then again you said the puckers are the ones with the IDEAS

kenn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:40 PM)

Again a nice full article on an endorsment for Obama, but where was this type of article for the NY Times endorsment for Hillary? Just asking? Not even one line talking about the NY Times endorsment. That's all Im saying. Nothing agaist Obama or Kennedy, but the pro Obama and Anti Hillary coverage on MSNBC has gotten way out of hand.

StopwatchingMSNBC, Rochester, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:41 PM)

It's easy to make fun of these endorsements and consider them worthless, but this is one that is very powerful and should resonate amongst Democratic voters.

To see the venerable lion of the Senate essentially pass the Kennedy baton to Obama, linking the New Frontier and Camelot with Barack's message of change is something else.

What I'd give to be at American U right now...

Paul, Annapolis, MD (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:43 PM)

right on!

nuanced (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:43 PM)

Ted Kennedy is going to the mat with this, lol. They are going to be filming that baby and cutting commercials to run across the country. That speech is going to be a huge coup for Barack Obama. They need to turn that around quickly.

Rhoda (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:45 PM)

Harry Truman and Gerald Ford were two men who didn't want to be President. Truman said it felt like a load of Hay fell on him. I'm tired of Candidates who want it so bad, their hair hurts. Somewhere in this great country, is someone who doesn't want to be President more than anyone else. That person is probably the best qualified of all of us. Please take one step back and show us who you are.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:47 PM)

Obama keeps touting he's the "new generation" then why must he keep pulling out all these old establishment endorsements (i.e. Leahy, Kerry, Kennedy) to lend him credibility? And let's not forget how Teddy's ego almost led to a brokered convention in 1976 when he tried to destroy Carter - I can still remember that pompous ass careening from one end of the stage to the other so he wouldn't have to congratulate Carter on sewing up the nomination.

Did Teddy happen to mention that his OTHER brother's family, Robert, has endorsed and is working for the Clinton campaign?

Please give us voters some credit - there are actually some of us who vote based on merit, not the number of endorsements - and that applies to ALL the candidates.

Paul, NY, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:48 PM)

The battle is joined. I really hope the Kennedy's endorsements will have an impact on Super Tuesday and beyond. Yes, it is time to turn the page and I hope America hears that message loud and clear, Yes we can!

E. Brunson (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:49 PM)

God willing Barack WILL become President and we can begin to put ourselves on a path toward a brighter future for ALL Americans, not just the privelaged few. Thank You Ted, Thank You Caroline.
GO BARACK!!

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:54 PM)

Whoa! Thank you Senator! You have spoken the truth!

Shannon, Nashville, TN (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:56 PM)

Obama is what America needs now. Finally Some democrats are showing back bone to stand up to the sleezy Clintons.

Joe Rossman (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:56 PM)

You know, it struck me this morning. Lots of Clinton supporters ask, what is this "change" that so many are talking about.

And the answer, while it takes many forms, is in the final analysis quite simple. Over the last 3 weeks as the Clintons thought that they might not win (in New Hampshire, in Nevada, and in South Carolina), they had 2 choices: 1) they could inspire the country to a higher standard and a higher calling or 2) they could use FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) to try to drag their opponent down to their level.

I think it's clear what they chose. I think it's clear that FUD is precisely what we've had for 8 years. I think it's clear that people's true character comes out when the pressure is on.

I think it's clear that we no longer need that type of politics. Folks, there's a lot that goes into change, but rejecting FUD politics would be a nice start.

Scott (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:57 PM)

Obama = 15 million without health coverage and Rezko.

Hillary = health coverage for every single American!

Hillary 08!!

Martin (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:57 PM)

BARACK is the one man running for president that can vote to continue a war and oppose it at the same time and ted thinks thats fine look at john kerry he is opposed to the war but keeps on funding,hilliary gave Bush the ability to fight and just like a man he misused his power but she still thinks with the information at hand she would make the same choice not kerry now with the same info at the time he would say no sounds fishy

kenn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:58 PM)

Kennedy is an out of touch moron and I can't wait to be able to slam this waste of an endorsement back in his ugly fat face.

Travis, Jacksonville, Fl. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 12:59 PM)

5 guys die in IRAQ the death rate more than last month IRAQ is more dangerous than last month spread the news spread the news havent had a post on IRAQ for a while it was the craze a few months ago on MSNBC,WHAT ARE OBAMAS PLANS FOR SURRENDER

kenn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:00 PM)

Outstanding. Not a Ted Kennedy fan. But as a Democrat, I am thoroughly disgusted by the Clintons' attempt to marginalize Obama because he is black. What a barbaric, uncivilized and yes, evil tactic. This crosses the line of what Americans will tolerate. Super Tuesday is the end of the old guard. It is time for a new generation.

Mordecai Boone, San Anselmo CA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:02 PM)

Kennedy acknowledges the "work and dedication" of Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, calling them his friends.

=========

Not any more Teddy. Batten down the hatches and be prepared for the Clinton smear machine to come after you hard.

Kyle Ellington, Ft. Worth Tx (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:05 PM)

Paul, NY, NY,
Credit is granted. But I wonder what merit you're talking about when you talk about Senator Clinton. Nobody can ever give a clear answer on what she's actually accomplished. What we hear a lot of is "she's worked HARD on this and worked HARD on that." That's great. I love a hard worker like the next person. But if you're going to claim all your EXPERIENCE, you've got to also show results. The results aren't there, unless you're talking about what Bill accomplished. And, if that's what you're talking about, you will agree that this will be a 3rd Clinton administration. That's no accomplishment for women and that fact will be a huge issue for Americans in the fall.

SW, California (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:05 PM)

"Sen. Ted Kennedy said he will "offer my help, my voice, my energy and my commitment to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States," -

This is the important point, folks. He's raising funds for him, he's going on the stump with him, etc. For those older people and union types who never really too Obama seriously until now, this gives them a reason to give him another look. And his damning comments about the Clinton campaign won't help them any, either. This is bigger than your average endorsement.

Steve, Sioux City, IA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:07 PM)

History in the making. This is wonderful! Independent, 57 yr old, white, female.

Linda, New Orleans, LA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:09 PM)

talk about the politics of the past. who cares what this guy has to say? voters have told us many times that don't care about endorsements, whether from celebrities or other pols. i realize the media is making a big deal out of this one b/c he's endorsing the candidate they're blatantly biased towards, but voters don't care. hillary is going to trounce obama on Feb. 5 and finally put an end to this thing.

boynLA, LA, CA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:11 PM)

I can sense another Hillary Clinton hate mongering...it is time to turn the page

Bee (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:14 PM)

Hillary's health care plan = 15 million extra criminals who don't buy her MANDATED plan

What is the point of offering a healthcare plan that doesn't even deal with the biggest problem: THE COSTS!!

Jesse, Burnsville, MN (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:14 PM)

I could care less who Caroline Kennedy supports. Her view means nothing. She is someone who comes off as being a cold, cold individual. Her words were so lifeless. Ted Kennedy the same. The dynasty will soon end. The charm and glow it once had is no more and will never be again. Caroline where have you been all these years? Regardless of who gets in "its the money stupid" from day one.

Gallup NM (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:15 PM)

PLEASE TED. SINCE WHEN DO YOU ENDORSE A CANDIDATE BECAUSE YOU ARE ANGRY WITH THE SPOUSE. WOW! YOU ARE LOSING IT. BE THE SENATOR FROM MASSACHUSETTS. THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT. NOBODY WILL EVER COMPARE WITH JFK. SHAME ON YOU.

SHIRLEY LACHANCE, PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:15 PM)

We had Bush for 4 years then Clinton for 8 years then Bush for 8 years...... Please do not add another Clinton to that equation It is time for a change. The campagin of Hillary Clinton speaks volumes about character. It is time for the Bushes and the Clinton's to step off stage or slide off in the slime they have all left in their quest for absolute power.

Jan McClatchy, Houston, Texas (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:17 PM)

You Hillary backers have me baffled. Did you guys miss that whole impeachment thing and the deathblow it dealt our party in the 2000 election? You remember, the election that brought us George Jr., the Iraq war, the Katrina debacle, etc. etc. Are you out for revenge, is that it? You want to blame the Republicans for using against us what Bill Clinton handed to them on a plate? I find it incredible that any Democrat would even consider blindly following the Clintons into another political buzz saw. Talk about rolling the dice! Kindly sit down and shut up, Bubba, you've damaged my party and my country enough already.

jaycee, Ventura, California (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:17 PM)

Martin:

So you think that your "experienced" candidate Clinton's health care plan is a good idea simply because you erroneously conclude that 15 million Americans will be without health care under Barack's plan. Shame on you for your lack of knowledge about political policy. Under Hillary's (and Edwards') plan, Americans will be MANDADATED to have health coverage. Under Barack's plan, health care will be AFFORDABLE for ALL AMERICANS. Thus, if one chooses to purchase health care, it will not cost them a fortune.

WHO CARES ABOUT REZKO.
Tony Rezko is a friend of Barack for 20 years. Rezko has donated to Barack's Senate and Presidential campaign. The funds that have been traced to Rezko have been either returned or donated to charity. Rezko has given money to other democrats AND republicans. Barack purchased a piece of land at an exceptional price from Rezko. Barack admitted that he made a mistake when he purchased the land from Rezko. In the pubilc sector, people want to throw stones for that deal, in the private sector, its considered a sweet business deal. The Chicago papers have been exploring their relationship for years and have not found one shred of evidence that Barack is a crooked politican simply because his friend has legal problems. None of the Clinton supporters are offering commentary about Whitewater, Clinton lies under oath during the Lewinsky scandal, why the Clintons took a photo with Rezko in the 90's or the other crooks that have donated money to other politicans campaigns.

Obama '08.

Nik, Oralndo (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:18 PM)

Change is cool, Barack is cool. But I aint no fool.

Go Hilary! We need you on day one to lead this country back to it's greatness.

CSF, MD. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:19 PM)

It is hard for the old guard to accept change. Teddy must have seen that Barack has the vision and judgement to lead.

I was too young to remember JFK or RFK. But, Obama is for real. He has the what it takes to lead. That is what we need in the Presidency.

Hillary and Bill are the past. Their comments the last few days are gross.

Biden, Dodd, Richardson, Gore and Edwards join the movement. The party is changing. Politics of division and hatred are not acceptable.

Tom, Burke, VA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:20 PM)

The last 2 weeks made my mind up. I'm an Obama man now. If Clinton is nominated, welcome 4 more years of Rethug "leadership".

Ol' Lefty (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:20 PM)

While Obama keeps on saying he will fix Washington and tried to distance himself from Washington politician and portray himself as an outsider, he readily admitted he sought the endorsement of old Washington like Kennedy, Kerry, Leahy and others. What's the meaning of this, saying something and doing another?

Bert, Martinez,CA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:21 PM)

KEEN===========CHECK OUT THE MURDERS IN CLINTONS CHRONICLES.COM AND GO THROW UP THE CLINTONS ARE SO SCARCY, SEE CLINTON PARDONS HE HAD TO PARDON THE DRUG DEALERS, THEY WORKED FOR HIM, AND THEY WANT TO PARDON SOME MORE

K (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:22 PM)

Splendid, timely and a deserved endorsement by a veteran Senator from a revered first family of American politics. The Kennedys have show commitment to principle in endorsing Obama. Back when JFK was a candidate, he endured discrimination because of his Catholic faith. WASPs said he is unelectable. The Kennedys remember that. And they are once again revisting history in endorising an "unelectable" candiate. Excellent choice. A winning choice. This one will help Obama a great deal by strengthening his appeal to important Democratic constituents, who are loyal to the Kennedys. This is not an endorsement by the Culinary Workers union, which Bill ridiculed and lampooned in the gambling strips of Vegas. This is an endorsment from a stalwart family whose opinion count big. Bill no clout to ridicule the Kennedys. He is just going to eat this one and muzzle his attack dog bark. This one came at the most opportune of times, which will make Feb 5, 2008 Obama's Super Tueseday. Road to White House has been neatly paved for Obama for a smooth ride to the oval office. Deservedly.

Jamaal Adam (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:22 PM)

http://www.nysun.com/article/70253

Eli, New York, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:23 PM)

YOU FOOLS, Ted Kennedy = Status quo. He's the one who calls the shots in the DEM party. He's NOT saying to Barack "Atta boy", he's saying "I CAN get you the nomination QUICKLY, I.E the SUPERDELEGATES" in exchange for your administration, IT'S ALL BUSSINESS AS USUAL, IT'S THE OLD QUID PRO QUO. You just SOLD your (POLITICAL) soul to the devil. Now, the party OWNS you, Barack, and you OWE them. YOU could've change, once and for all, the (WASHINGTON'S) rules but I guess you were better than that. What a shame, what a shame....INDEED.

Brando, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:23 PM)

The Kennedy endorsement for Barack Obama shows a reflection in a changing country and changing Democratic Party. It is time for the torch to change for a new generation of America. We have to move on and not reflect on the decade of the 1990's. Change must happen now!

Angela Whitehead (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:23 PM)

Interesting all the negative comments concerning Obama and Kennedy. However, if Clintons would have received the endorsement, which they wanted, would you be negative? i.e. same politics negative and inside the beltway.

David Missouri (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:24 PM)

I find it ABSOLUTELY amazing how quickly some of you "democrats" in favor of Clinton can switch from Democrat to Republican talking points and tactics over the course of a single sentence.

The same democrats saying Kennedy was involved with whatever scandal are the same exact ones that would have praised him had he been for Hillary. This type of politics MUST stop if the government ever wants to accomplish something. Hypocrisy abound, these same scandal-pushers favor -Clinton-?! Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

The government desperately needs arguments with merit, not arguments with mudslinging. THAT is what Obama can bring to America that the Clintons simply cannot or will not.

Ron, TX (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:24 PM)

Martin - unfortunately, under Hillary's health care plan, you get fined if you don't but into it - even if you can't afford it. Under Obama's plan, health care becomes affordable. I think it's clear that most people want health care and would obtain it if they could afford it - but in no way should people be fined just because they're poor and can't afford the premiums.

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:26 PM)

Obama states that Washington needs a change, but it's he who is asking for the "old" Washington movers and shakers like Kennedy to support him. You can't have your cake and eat it too Obama. Either you want to distance yourself from people like Kennedy in Washington or you don't. You have lost my vote.

Robert in New Mexico (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:27 PM)

Forget about Ted's nomination. It's Carolyn's that resonates with me. Her endorsement in the Times entitled "A President Like My Father" sent chills up my spine. As a person who lived through the Kennedy era and his assination, I can tell you that since that day, there hasn't been a politician who hasn't sought to draw a comparison between him/herself and JFK. (remember Berentson telling Quayle "you're no Jack Kennedy") To get that coveted endorssement with so direct an allusion to her dead father is more than an honor. It is a major achievement, accomplished by someone nobody knew a few short years ago. And with that endorsement will come a flood of others. Toni Morrison just got on board that train. I guess she got new glasses since referring to Bill Clinton ad the first black president. Around the corner, I predict Al Gore and other powerful luminaries who could just push Obama to a win in November. Obama has a unique skill set that sets him apart from the pack. What he lacks in experience, he more than makes up for in "wisdom" as Ms. Morrison so eloquently stated, and wisdom, that rare combination of exceptional intelligence, creativity and drive doesn't come along that often. We have been so numbed by the Bush presidency; leadership from the bottom (the very bottom) up. We are desperately in need of wisdom and top-down leadership.

Bob Hobard, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:27 PM)

It is time for a change , we do not need Hilary and Bill running the White House again the times are past them already. America is in need of hope for the future not in the past. It seems with Mr.Obama the country can unite across racial barriers and become one, but the Clinton,s it seems that they will do and say anything to win. My question is how can you you trust them in running the White House? Who are we supposed to listen to? I am not fully for Obama as of yet I vote for anyone that can do the job. President Bill Clinton crossed the line for me when he spoke about Rec. Jesse Jackson also won and ran a good campaign.

Bruce (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:27 PM)

The Kennedy's are freaken hypocrites...neither Ted nor Caroline can compare to JFK. They just want some of the attention; they want to remain the political dynasty. It has nothing to do with supporting Obama; their endorsement came at a very controversial time, after the SC primary and the day of Bush's Union address...JERKS

California (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:27 PM)

Martin, get a life. People don't have health care because they can't afford it. The price is so high that people can't AFFORD it and would rather pay the penalty at the end of the year.

If Bill and Hillary knew this was a problem last time they ruled, why are we back at square one with this?
It wasn't important through all the scandals, so i'll take my chances on someone who understands it is NOT affordable.

Catch up on the times! That post is old school, just like your candidate.

Sue (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:28 PM)

The clintons have not tried to marginalize Obama because he is black. The media has played the race card here big time. As a democrat, Im disgusted at the way the way the media has raised Obama up to the status of a diety based on what merit i have no clue. No one is saying he cant talk the talk he is a great speech maker. I dont see how he can walk the walk. He is playing into peoples ideals, which is great in theory, but how in the world does he plan to implement all of these radical ideas of his? We have a congress and a senate folks they have to pass everything. And by the way what exactly are these ideas? what are his plans? Yes we all know he has a vision, a dream for change. But what exactly are his plans? What is he changing. I believe his promises to the people of this country are too grand and simply cannot be kept, even if he really tried. I do not think he is capable of it,I dont think anyone is. Also there seems to me to be quite a degree of smugness in a person who thinks that they have the power to change everything. To me there is something very frightening about it.

Lynette, NYC (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:28 PM)

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