Senator Ted Kennedy, 1923-2009

This summer just keeps getting sadder.

Just two weeks after the death of his sister and the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Lion of the Senate, Senator Ted Kennedy has passed away. (Senate website here)

I don't even have words to describe the full impact that Senator Kennedy's life has had and will continue to have for generations to come. Millions of people live better lives today because Senator Kennedy gave selflessly for decades. Voting rights; Civil rights; Education; Pell Grants; SCHIP; Medicare; and so much more.

Here are what I consider to be Senator Kennedy's two greatest speeches:

First, "The Dream Will Never Die" speech delivered to the 1980 Democratic Convention where Senator Kennedy lost to President Jimmy Carter.






Second, Senator Kennedy's speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver nominating Barack Obama for President.



Read President Obama's statement here.

Click here for the Time Magazine Photo Essay.