He's much more than just a politician.

[cali]

I guess everyone wants to say something about Ted Kennedy today.

Kennedy is an institution in Washington and a link to an almost mythic past. He's fought for liberal causes for over a generation. He's been as eloquent as anyone in defense of liberalism over the last miserable years of bushco. It always lifted my spirits just to know he was there.

I had the great fortune of meeting and speaking with Senator Kennedy on several occasions (non-political) many years ago. He was delightful; easy to engage with and funny.

I hope he has quality time left to him. I know that his diagnosis isn't one in which recovery is really an option, but god, I hope the progress of his illness can be slowed and that he does well for several years to come.