TV Schedule

Democratic dynasties clash as Obama claims JFK's mantle

  2. looey23
  3. related topics
Two branches of US political royalty clashed Monday as liberal lion Edward Kennedy snubbed the Clintons and backed Barack Obama as the inspirational heir to his slain brother, John F. Kennedy.

In a stinging rebuff to Obama's White House rival Hillary Clinton, the Massachusetts senator said it was time for new leadership, with new ideas, to "turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion."

"And in Barack Obama, I see not just the audacity, but the possibility of hope for the America that is yet to be," the 75-year-old patriarch of the tragedy-scarred clan told a raucous rally at Washington's American University.

"I know that he's ready to be president on day one. And when he raises his hand on Inauguration Day, at that very moment, we will lift the spirits of our nation and begin to restore America's standing in the world."

Clinton meanwhile invaded Kennedy's home turf in Springfield, Massachusetts, addressing a rally that focused heavily on policy promises such as universal healthcare and benefits for military veterans.
looey23

11 responses // Democratic dynasties clash as Obama claims JFK's mantle

  • The Kennedys are right.

    As a 30 year old man, and former right wing, evangelical Republican, I eventually became disenfranchised by the politics of fear, seclusion, and "us vs. them" mentality.

    To be honest, Michael Moore first rattled my cage with Fahrenheit 9/11. Then I saw Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" --and I bought a new new 2008 Prius! Replaced my light bulbs, got a low flow shower head, recycle, and use my bike when I can.

    I have never cared about politics this much in my life.

    I thought that donating money, blogging, canvassing, attending rallies, phone banking, and the like were all for 'political activists' and not for me.

    Well, Obama changed all that.

    I am now convince more than ever that our Democracy is at risk (Especially after reading Al Gore's book "The Assault on Reason") and I am convinced that Obama is the only candidate that has the idealism, morality, and can inspire and muster the political will of the people on a bipartisan level to bring us universal health care, end the war, reverse climate change, end poverty, improve education, and
    secure an economy that serves the middle and lower class.

    Caroline Kennedy knows this.
    Patrick Kennedy know this.
    And Ted Kennedy know this.

    I hope and pray that all of you realize this and urge your brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, neighbors and friends to support Barack Obama
    robertforchange
  • the only thing i like about Barak Obama is that he smokes cigarettes. rich politicians supporting other rich politicians doesn't impress me at all. Obama said " the Kennedy family, more than any other, had always stood for what is best about America." i can't believe this bullshit. Joe Kennedy was a crook who got rich working with the mob bootlegging, Jack and Bobby would pass Marylin Monroe back and forth, and Ted drove off a bridge and let the women passenger in his car drown while he figured out how to cover up his involvement. Obama is obviously full of shite.
    JasonMorgan
  • All politicians are crooks but none of them come close to the current Bush administration. They redefine the term crook. They have the same ideology that Enron had and look what happened to them. I hope that not only Obama wins but he wins big.
    boogieman
  • boogieman: Obama is a politician and by your definition that would make him a crook. so you're cool with a crook being president, as long as it's your kind of crook?
    JasonMorgan
  • I remember JFK... Obama is no JFK. Would the DLC endorse JFK? I think not, but they love Obama and Clinton.
    JanforGore
  • No one is saying Obama is JFK. But JFK's daughter and his brother say he brings the same sense of hope that our better days are ahead. You don't have to support Obama to agree with that perspective.

    I agree with people here that money is a real problem in our politics. Indeed as Obama has said, "It is the original sin of politics, and I am not without sin"

    That being said, we have to choose someone. And I'm very inspired by the fact that Obama has more individuals donating to his campaign than all the other candidates combined! That speaks volumes about his message and connection to the people. He only accepts up to the maximum amount allowed by law per individual: $2,300, and he DOES NOT take money from lobbyists or political action committees.

    Now, granted it takes millions and millions for anyone to run for President, and we need to find a better way for candidates to run for President -- but being the only candidate who has done it, in what I view is an honorable and dignified fundraising campaign. (especially when Obama's net worth was less than $1 million dollars before this campaign began -- compared to Mitt Romney's $200 million)

    Again, you don't need to support Obama or think he's the best candidate for President, in order to admire the manner in which he has operated this campaign.
    robertforchange
  • I am for obama and I think most politicians are out for themselves and that is part of the problem. One thing is for sure I have never seen greed like I have seen with current Bush Administration. I don't think there are crooks in prison that could even come close to the crooks in the white house. They have lead this country into such a disaster. The middle class is tapped out there is no more money to take from them. Now the whole system could come crashing down because of this. It is like Enron they paid off politicians so they could deregulate the energy industry and drive the price up and bankrupt California and they though they would get away with it. I don't even care if the current administration gets away with it I just hope we get some politicians in that do care about doing the right thing and can fix this mess. There should be no tax cuts for the rich when your country is at war. That is just insane that the poor fight the war and pay the taxes and the rich are given every tax break under the sun.
    boogieman
  • Obama has run a great campaign and he also has something that Bush does not and that is respect for people he seems to treat people with respect and that is another quality I admire. The lack of respect is a problem when Enron just decides to screw over the consumer in California and laugh about it is part of the problem. When Bush makes joke about if the rich don't want their tax cuts then they can send the money back or write a check that is a problem. For the past 7 years we have a had a president making bad decisions and laughing about it. If I was born with silver spoon in my mouth I probably would have a lack of respect as well but I would expect a little more maturity from our president. I just want these 8 years to be over this has been the greatest disaster ever.
    boogieman
  • Looey - How much of an effect would an endorsement by Al Gore have on the Obama campaign, do you think? Do you think it would have a big impact?
    Rachel_hh
  • http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=F07

    He is in many cases right up there with Hillary Clinton regarding accepted donations from selected special interests, including the pharmaceutical industry. John Edwards is the one candidate who lags way behind in all of those types of donations because he got public financing.No lobbyists, no pacs, and no musdlinging like Obama and Clinton have taken part in. And again, if the corporate media loves him , and the DLC endorses him like they do Clinton, I don't.
    JanforGore
  • I like Edwards the best but he is out of the race. I voted for him so I will just support Obama and hope that he chooses Edwards as the Vice President
    boogieman

Add your response

Login/Registration is required to add a response.