May 20, 2008
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"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."
-
President Bush.
---
"He's comforted by the fact that his dad is such a fighter, and
if anyone can get through something as challenging as this, it
would be his father. ... He's hopeful that his father is going to
beat this and be back at it. This is definitely a medical challenge
that his dad can get through."
- Robin Costello, spokeswoman for
Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.
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"I am so deeply saddened I have lost the words."
- Sen. John
Warner, R-Va.
---
"Every one of us knows what a big heart this fellow has. He's
helped millions and millions of people in so many ways at so many
different times - from the biggest of the legislation on the floor
to the most personal when he would call you and help arrange a
discussion. ... Now everybody needs to do that on behalf of Ted."
- Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.
---
"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."
-
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
---
"He knows how we feel about him, without our even telling him.
... And so we stand as a body, and as certainly a Democratic
family, with our affection, our love and our prayers with Senator
Ted Kennedy."
- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
---
"Senator Kennedy is a real fighter. We all know that. I'm
betting on Senator Kennedy."
- Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.
---
"I have confidence though because Senator Kennedy has been a
fighter all his life. He is a fighter - a fighter for our children,
for our workers, for our seniors. He is a champion fighting for
health care for all Americans. I know that that fighting spirit
will hold him in good stead in the challenge that he faces now."
-
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
---
"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."
- House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.
---
"He fights for what he thinks is right. And we want to make
sure that he's fighting this illness. And it's our job now to
support him in the way that he has supported us for so many years.
He's not just a great senator, he is a great friend. He is beloved
by me, and beloved by my colleagues. "
- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.
---
"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."
- Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.
---
"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."
- Rep.
William Delahunt, D-Mass.
---
"He's a strong guy and has great heart and we're confident
he'll be back here."
- Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.
---
"Ted Kennedy has spent his life caring for those in need. Now
it's time for those who love Ted and his family to care for them
and join in prayer to give them strength."
- Sen. Dick Durbin,
D-Ill.
---
"Senator Kennedy approaches every obstacle with tremendous
courage, poise and resolve. And I know his tremendous heart and
spirit will prevail now. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all
Americans, are with him and his family at this difficult time."
-
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
---
"I'm having a hard time remembering a day in my 34 years here
I've felt this sadly."
- Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
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"I'm really sad. He's the one politician who brings tears to my
eyes when he speaks."
- Former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb.
---
"Senator Kennedy has been a passionate advocate for the causes
he believes in for many years. ... The one thing all of us know
about Senator Kennedy is that he's a fighter, and I wish him the
best for a full and speedy recovery."
- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
---
"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."
- Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va.
