Ted Kennedy did ALL Democrats a favor today...

[CoffeeCat]

Ted Kennedy's speech today, was as much a rebuke of the Clinton attack
machine--as it was an endorsement of Obama.

Kennedy put the Clinton attack machine on the table and smashed it
with a hammer. He spotlighted Obama's hard work and integrity in
the Senate, and used his experience with Obama to destroy Hillary's
baseless suggestions that "Obama doesn't have the experience" and "I am
the only candidate who is ready on day one".

In addition to calling out anyone running on race or gender, Kennedy positioned
dirty politics as oh-so yesterday--a negative relic that should be left in
the past.

There is no way the Clintons can continue their negative, unfair attacks
on Obama--or anyone else--after today.

They are forced to run a clean campaign.

If the Clintons go on to attack Obama--by suggesting that he's not experienced
enough--they'll be attacking Teddy Kennedy. If they twist one of Obama's
sentence into a lie--they'll be engaging in politicking that "the lion
of the Senate" just completely rejected as brazen, unfair politics.

Kennedy's speech was equivalent to a wise, revered grandfather--showing
up at a family picnic--calling out the troublemakers and telling them that
that they will behave for the good of the family.

I'm resting a bit easier tonight. It's not because Kennedy gave the
Clintons a smack down, it's because Kennedy make it impossible for the
rest of this campaign to be about winning by deceit and trickery.

From now on, all of our candidates--are forced to stay on message and
discuss their policies, plans, experience, ideas and vision for America.
That is the best thing for all of the candidates, the voters and this
country.

The twisting and the trickery--and this inane "gotcha" game--is now gone.

Finally, this campaign will go back to what it was when it started in Iowa.
The attacks had not yet begun when the candidates campaigned in Iowa. My
entire state was treated to a vigorous discussion of the issues and candidates
who showcased their policies, plans and ideas in town-hall meetings and in
speeches where questions were taken. Yes, differences were discussed. Comparisons
were made. Sure, a few barbs were thrown. However, it was a clean campaign, up until
that point--and it was always about the issues and each candidate's unique message.

Thank you, Senator Ted Kennedy--for making America a better place and taking this
campaign--and all of us--to the next level.