"And The Dream Lives On"
DENVER -- Though ailing, Ted Kennedy, the fighter that he is, traveled across the nation to address his Democratic Party. Through somewhat stilted speech this evening, the lion of the Senate wove his story and values with Barack Obama's, and in so doing, pushed a divided party toward unity and reminded Democratic leaders of the enormity of what's at stake in the presidential contest.
Kennedy had the Pepsi Center on its feet. Veep nom Joe Biden turned out for his old friend. So did an openly-moved Maria Shriver, the first lady of CA.
The MA senator called for an end to the gridlock that has plagued Washington, and pledged to return to the Senate in January to work on those issues that have fueled his devotion to public service, health care in particular.
Highlights:
"My fellow Democrats, my fellow Americans, it is so wonderful to be here. And nothing is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight."
"Barack Obama will close the book on the old politics against race and gender, and group against group, and straight against gay."
"The work begins anews. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on."
(JENNIFER SKALKA)