Thomas Daschle: “35 years ago today, the people of Massachusetts made the very wise decision to send Edward M. Kennedy to Congress. For…”

“35 years ago today, the people of Massachusetts made the very wise decision to send Edward M. Kennedy to Congress. For 35 years, Ted Kennedy has fought for their interests--and for the interests of all working people. It is said that some people seek public office to be someone; others seek it in order to do something. Ted Kennedy is a pre-eminent example of the latter. For 35 years, he has fought unwaveringly to improve the living standards of working families and to make sure that, in America, if you're sick, you can see a doctor--no matter how much money you have, or how little. He has used his great, booming voice to speak for those who have no voice, and he has never wavered in his principles. Ted Kennedy does not change his politics with the season. He is a man of principle. At the same time, he is a pragmatist who wants, more than anything, to get things done. I will never forget how he looked after the balanced budget agreement was signed and the new children's health care program was created. He came into my office. His Irish eyes were smiling. To everyone he passed he said, 'Isn't it wonderful?' He looked so much like a proud new father--I half-expected him to start handing out cigars. When he spoke about that victory, he didn't talk about how many votes his plan had gotten. He talked about how many children it would help. In 35 years, he has never forgotten the reason he is here. It's not about strategy, or abstract policy. It's about people.…”