Carter, Young, Lowery recall Kennedy’s triumphs, tragedies

By RHONDA COOK and BOB KEEFE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sen. Ted Kennedy’s political friends and sometimes-foes in Georgia said the death of the man described as a “liberal lion” will be felt especially by those often overlooked — the poor and the sick.

“Senator Kennedy was a champion for equal justice for every American, but especially for those who have been left out and left behind,” said Georgia Congressman John Lewis, a Democrat from Atlanta. “I am especially gratified by his contributions to the cause of civil rights and voting rights. At some of the most tragic and difficult moments in this nation’s history, Ted Kennedy gathered his strength and led us toward a more hopeful future.”

Kennedy — the last surviving brother in a political dynasty — died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod, a year after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

He was 77.

Kennedy was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1962, taking the seat his brother John Fitzgerald Kennedy had held until he was elected president.

In the decades since coming to the Senate, Kennedy’s issues have been education and civil rights, but his real love was health care.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery, a key player in the civil rights movement, said the country had “lost one of the tallest trees in the American forest. He was champion of justice and he loved to come to the support of the excluded and the oppressed. I admired him greatly.”

Lowery and Kennedy were both honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s greatest civilian award for service, the Medal of Honor. Kennedy’s daughter accepted the award for the ill senator, and Lowery said he sat beside her during the ceremony.

“I was honored to be in the same class with him,” Lowery said.

Kind words also came from the other side of the political spectrum.

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, of Georgia, described the Massachusetts Democrat as “a formidable legislative foe” but also “a respected working partner.

“He was also my friend,” said Chambliss, a Republican.

The state’s other Republican senator, Johnny Isakson, said Kennedy’s death “marks the passing of an era.”

“The Kennedy family is an historic name in American politics,” he said.

Though members of the same political party, Kennedy and former President Jimmy Carter were once political enemies. Kennedy unsuccessfully challenged Carter, the incumbent, for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1980. It was Kennedy’s only run for president.

“Those political skirmishes were soon forgotten and the friendship prevailed,” Carter said during an interview with CNN.

Former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia said Kennedy “sought the White House, but destiny kept him in the Senate, where I believe his cumulative impact was substantially more than he would have likely achieved as president.

“As a champion of the underdog, his national and international following gave him the power and influence to shape domestic policy in health, education and civil rights more than any single senator over the past 50 years,” Nunn said. Ted’s ability, energy, and dedication -- as well as his willingness to compromise and work across party lines -- enabled him to make an indelible imprint on our nation.”

More thoughts from Georgians include:

● “Senator Kennedy was a passionate voice for the citizens of Massachusetts and an unwavering advocate for the millions of less fortunate in our country,” Carter also said in a written statement. “The courage and dignity he exhibited in his fight with cancer was surpassed only by his lifelong commitment and service to his country.”

● “As a nation and as a people, he encouraged us to build upon the inspirational leadership of his two brothers and use it to leave a legacy of social transformation that has left its mark on history,” Lewis said. “But more than history can convey, Sen. Edward Kennedy held an enduring place in all of our hearts. He was one of the warmest, most considerate and understanding individuals you might ever meet. He was a wonderful, devoted friend -- so caring, so sharing, so giving. I loved him like a brother.”

● “The most powerful people in this country are not necessarily the presidents. They are the people who stay in the Senate and work almost anonymously to make things happen in this world,” said former U.N. Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who met Kennedy after Young was elected to Congress in 1972.

● “He was blessed in his own right in terms of wealth,” said Lowery. “But he never let that affect his love of the least of these.”