Ted Kennedy facts for kids
Edward Moore Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as a United States Senator for Massachusetts for nearly 47 years, from 1962 until he passed away in 2009. He was a member of the Democratic Party and came from the well-known Kennedy family. When he died, he was one of the longest-serving senators in U.S. history.
Ted Kennedy was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He was also the father of Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy. After studying at Harvard University and getting his law degree from the University of Virginia, he started his career as an assistant district attorney.
Kennedy became a senator at age 30, winning a special election in 1962 to fill the seat his brother John had left to become president. He was re-elected seven more times. An incident in 1969 affected his chances of becoming president. He ran for president in 1980 but lost to President Jimmy Carter.
Kennedy was known for his strong speaking skills. He was called "The Lion of the Senate" because of his many years in office and his influence. He and his team wrote more than 300 bills that became law. He was a strong supporter of government helping people and working for fairness in society. He also worked well with Republicans to find common ground. Kennedy helped pass many important laws, including those about immigration, cancer research, health insurance, and rights for people with disabilities. He also worked on education and children's health programs. Throughout his career, he worked to make universal health care available to everyone, calling it "the cause of my life."
Ted Kennedy passed away on August 25, 2009, at age 77, from a brain tumor. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery near his brothers.
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Early Life and Family
Ted Kennedy was born on February 22, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Kennedy. His family was one of the wealthiest in the country. His older siblings included Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., John F. Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Patricia Kennedy Lawford, Robert F. Kennedy, and Jean Kennedy Smith. His brother John wanted to name him George Washington Kennedy, since Ted was born on President George Washington's 200th birthday, but his parents named him Edward Moore Kennedy.
As a child, Ted's family moved often, living in places like New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and London, England. He attended many different schools, which sometimes made it hard for him to focus on his studies. He was an altar boy and received his First Communion from Pope Pius XII at the Vatican when he was seven.
Between the ages of eight and sixteen, Ted experienced the sad deaths of two of his siblings: Joseph Jr. during World War II and Kathleen in a plane crash. His grandfather, John F. Fitzgerald, who had been the Mayor of Boston and a U.S. Congressman, was an important influence on young Ted. Ted went to Milton Academy for high school, where he played football and was known for being fearless. He also played tennis and was in the drama, debate, and glee clubs.
College, Military, and Law School
Like his father and older brothers, Ted went to Harvard University. He played football there, known for his size and tough style. During his time at Harvard, he faced a challenge and was asked to leave for a time. He later returned and improved his studies.
In June 1951, Kennedy joined the United States Army. His service was shortened to two years with his father's help. He served in the Military Police Corps and was assigned to the honor guard at SHAPE headquarters in Paris, France. His family connections helped ensure he was not sent to the Korean War. While in Europe, he traveled a lot and even climbed the Matterhorn. He was discharged in March 1953 as a private first class.
Kennedy returned to Harvard in 1953 and focused more on his studies. He joined several clubs and continued to play football. He even received an offer to play professional football, but he decided to go to law school instead, saying he wanted to enter "another contact sport, politics." He graduated from Harvard in 1956 with a degree in history and government.
Because of his grades, Kennedy was not accepted into Harvard Law School. He instead went to the University of Virginia School of Law in 1956. Getting into law school was a bit tricky for him, but he worked hard there. He won a prestigious moot court competition and brought many famous speakers to the campus through his family connections. While in law school, he had some driving issues. He also helped manage his brother John's 1958 Senate re-election campaign, which helped John's plans to run for president. Ted graduated from law school in 1959.
Family and Early Career in Politics
In 1957, Ted Kennedy met Joan Bennett, and they married in November 1958. They had three children: Kara (born 1960), Ted Jr. (born 1961), and Patrick (born 1967).
Kennedy became a lawyer in Massachusetts in 1959. In 1960, his brother John ran for President, and Ted helped manage his campaign in the Western states. Ted learned to fly and traveled around, meeting people and connecting with them. His work helped his brother win important primary elections.
After John F. Kennedy won the presidency, he resigned from his U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts. Ted was not old enough to take the seat right away, so a family friend, Ben Smith, was appointed to hold the seat until Ted turned 30 in February 1962.
Meanwhile, Ted worked as an assistant district attorney in Massachusetts, where he learned about fighting crime. He also traveled overseas to learn about foreign policy. These trips helped him form his views on international relations.
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In the 1962 special election for the U.S. Senate, Kennedy faced a challenge from Edward J. McCormack Jr.. Some people thought Ted was too young and inexperienced, especially since his brother was president. But Ted was a good campaigner, connecting with everyday voters. He won the primary election and then defeated Republican George Cabot Lodge II in the general election, winning 55 percent of the vote.
United States Senator
First Years and Family Tragedies
Kennedy was sworn into the Senate on November 7, 1962. At first, he was quiet and focused on committee work and local issues. He was well-liked by other senators, including Vice President Lyndon Johnson.
On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was in the Senate when he learned that his brother, President John F. Kennedy, had been shot and killed. This was a very difficult time for him and his family.
On June 19, 1964, Kennedy was in a small plane that crashed in Massachusetts during bad weather. The pilot and one of Kennedy's aides died. Kennedy was seriously injured, suffering a severe back injury, a punctured lung, and broken ribs. He spent months recovering in the hospital and had chronic back pain for the rest of his life. This experience sparked his deep interest in healthcare. While he recovered, his wife Joan campaigned for him, and he easily won re-election to the Senate in 1964.
When he returned to the Senate in 1965, Kennedy had a stronger legislative team. He helped pass the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which changed how immigrants were allowed into the U.S. He also played a role in creating the National Teachers Corps.
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Initially, Kennedy supported the U.S. role in the Vietnam War. However, after visiting Vietnam in 1968, he became concerned about the lack of progress and suggested the U.S. should pressure South Vietnam to improve.
Ted advised his brother Robert not to run for president in 1968 against President Lyndon B. Johnson. But after another candidate did well, Robert decided to run. Ted helped Robert's campaign in the western states. On June 4, 1968, after Robert won a key primary, he was shot in Los Angeles and died the next day. Ted Kennedy was heartbroken by Robert's death, as they were very close.
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After his brothers' deaths, Ted became a father figure to his 13 nieces and nephews. He was seen as the natural leader for the Kennedy family. In January 1969, Kennedy became the Senate Majority Whip, a leadership position, making him the youngest person to hold that role.
1970s: Focus on Healthcare and Civil Rights
In the early 1970s, Kennedy became a key leader in the effort to create national health insurance. He introduced a bill in 1970 for a system that would provide healthcare for everyone, paid for by taxes. He also played a big part in passing the National Cancer Act of 1971.
Kennedy was easily re-elected to the Senate in November 1970. In January 1971, he lost his position as Senate Majority Whip, but he later said this was a good thing because it allowed him to focus more on important issues and committee work. He became chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and Scientific Research.
Kennedy also spoke out about the conflict in Northern Ireland, calling for British troops to leave and for a united Ireland. He was criticized for this but formed a lasting relationship with Social Democratic and Labour Party founder John Hume. He also strongly opposed President Richard Nixon's policies in Vietnam and criticized the U.S. government's actions regarding refugees in Bangladesh.
Kennedy decided not to run for president in 1972, saying he needed more experience and time for his family. However, polls still showed him as a popular choice.
In 1973, Kennedy's 12-year-old son, Edward Kennedy Jr., was diagnosed with bone cancer and had his leg amputated. This brought international attention and highlighted Kennedy's personal connection to healthcare issues.
Kennedy continued to push for healthcare reform throughout the 1970s, working on various bills, though none became law at that time. He also championed campaign finance reform after the Watergate scandal. In 1974, he visited the Soviet Union and met with leader Leonid Brezhnev, advocating for nuclear disarmament and helping some Soviet citizens leave the country.
Kennedy initially did not support busing schoolchildren to achieve racial integration, but he later came to support it as a civil rights effort. In 1974, after a judge ordered busing in Boston, Kennedy tried to speak at an anti-busing rally but was met with strong anger from the crowd.
Kennedy was again considered a strong candidate for president in 1976, but he announced he would not run for family reasons. He was re-elected to the Senate with 69 percent of the vote.
The years with President Jimmy Carter were challenging for Kennedy. They had different priorities, and Kennedy sometimes felt frustrated by Carter's focus on balancing the budget over healthcare reform. Kennedy believed healthcare was a basic right for everyone.
Ted and Joan Kennedy separated in 1977 and divorced in 1982. Kennedy continued his work in the Senate, becoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1978. He visited China and the Soviet Union again, advocating for human rights and nuclear disarmament.
1980 Presidential Campaign
Kennedy decided to run for president in 1980, challenging the sitting President Jimmy Carter. Polls showed him with a strong lead. He officially announced his campaign on November 7, 1979. However, he faced challenges, including questions about the 1969 incident and the ongoing Iran hostage crisis, which made people rally around President Carter.
Kennedy's campaign struggled at first, and he lost the early primary elections. He then worked to create a clearer message about his goals for the country. Concerns about his past and character continued to affect his support. He did win some key primaries, including New York and Pennsylvania.
Even though Carter had enough delegates to win the nomination, Kennedy continued his campaign to the 1980 Democratic National Convention in August. He hoped to change the rules to free delegates to vote for whomever they wanted, but this effort failed. Kennedy then withdrew from the race. On the second night of the convention, he gave one of the most famous speeches of his career, inspiring the audience.
1980s: The Lion of the Senate
After the 1980 election, Republicans gained control of the Senate, and Kennedy found himself in the minority party. He did not let his presidential loss stop him. He became a strong voice for liberal ideas and worked hard to protect and improve laws like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also worked with some Republican senators to block parts of President Ronald Reagan's agenda.
In 1981, Ted and Joan Kennedy divorced. Later that year, Kennedy helped create the Friends of Ireland organization to support peace in Northern Ireland.
Kennedy was easily re-elected to the Senate in 1982. He became a member of the Armed Services Committee and was a leading opponent of many of Reagan's foreign policies, including U.S. involvement in Central America and certain weapons systems. Kennedy also strongly advocated for a nuclear freeze and criticized Reagan's approach to the Soviet Union.
In 1985, Kennedy made a high-profile trip to South Africa to protest apartheid. He met with anti-apartheid leaders and became a leader in pushing for economic sanctions against South Africa. He worked with Senator Lowell Weicker to pass the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, even overriding Reagan's veto. Despite their political differences, Kennedy and Reagan had a good personal relationship. Kennedy also traveled to the Soviet Union in 1986 to help with arms control talks and secure the release of some Soviet Jewish citizens.
After considering running for president again in 1988, Kennedy decided not to, saying that public service in the Senate was his true calling. He helped pass the COBRA Act, which allowed people to keep their employer-based health benefits after leaving a job. When Democrats regained control of the Senate in 1986, Kennedy became chairman of the Labor and Public Welfare Committee. He was known as a skilled strategist in the Senate, knowing when to push for new laws. He continued to work closely with Republican Senator Orrin Hatch on many health-related issues.
One of Kennedy's biggest battles was against President Reagan's nomination of Judge Robert Bork to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987. Kennedy strongly opposed Bork, fearing he would undo civil rights laws. Kennedy's powerful speech against Bork helped rally opposition, and the nomination was defeated.
In 1988, Kennedy helped pass an amendment to the Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination in housing and protect people with disabilities and families with children. He also played a key role in passing the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which he considered one of his most important achievements. In the late 1980s, Kennedy worked to secure funding to combat the AIDS epidemic, leading to the passage of the Ryan White Care Act. In 1989, he visited the newly fallen Berlin Wall, expressing his wish that his brother John could have seen it.
1990s: Personal Stability and Legislative Successes
Kennedy's personal life became more stable in the 1990s. In 1991, he met Victoria Anne Reggie, a lawyer and divorced mother of two. They began dating and married in July 1992. She was credited with helping him find stability and continue his productive career in the Senate.
Kennedy no longer had presidential ambitions. He worked well with President Bill Clinton, who took office in 1993. Kennedy helped pass Clinton's National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, which created the AmeriCorps program. He also supported the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While he supported Clinton's healthcare plan, he was not deeply involved in its creation, and it ultimately failed. In 1994, Kennedy's recommendation helped Stephen Breyer get appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Kennedy also became the first senator to have a home page on the World Wide Web, helping to update his image.
In the 1994 Senate election, Kennedy faced a tough challenge from Mitt Romney. Romney was a successful businessman and presented himself as an outsider. Kennedy's campaign faced financial challenges, but he fought back with strong advertisements. His new wife, Vicki, was a great help in campaigning. Kennedy won re-election by a significant margin, despite a difficult year for Democrats nationally.
Kennedy's mother, Rose Kennedy, passed away in January 1995 at the age of 104. After this, Kennedy became even more dedicated to his Catholic faith.
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In 1995, with Republicans controlling Congress, Kennedy became a key leader for Democrats, helping to fight against some of the Republican agenda. By 1996, Democrats were able to move forward with their own laws, many of which came from Kennedy's staff.
In 1996, Kennedy helped secure an increase in the minimum wage, a cause he strongly supported. After the failure of Clinton's healthcare plan, Kennedy shifted to working on smaller, step-by-step healthcare improvements. He worked with Republican Senator Nancy Kassebaum to pass the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996, which improved how health insurance could be transferred and protected patient privacy. His Mental Health Parity Act also required insurance companies to treat mental health benefits fairly. In 1997, Kennedy was a main force behind the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), which greatly expanded health insurance for children.
Kennedy strongly supported President Clinton during the 1998 Lewinsky scandal and voted to acquit him during the impeachment trial.
On July 16, 1999, Kennedy's nephew, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Ted, as the family patriarch, comforted his family and spoke movingly at the memorial service. He became a role model for his many nieces and nephews.
2000s: Later Career and Illness
Kennedy was easily re-elected to the Senate in 2000. After the close 2000 presidential election, many Democrats did not want to work with President George W. Bush. However, Kennedy saw that Bush was interested in education reform, and they worked together on the No Child Left Behind Act. Kennedy accepted some parts of the bill that other Democrats disliked in exchange for more funding for education. The bill became law in 2002, but Kennedy later became disappointed, saying it was not funded enough.
On September 11, 2001, Kennedy was in his Senate office when the terrorist attacks happened. He called each of the Massachusetts families who had lost loved ones and helped pass laws to provide them with healthcare and counseling.
Kennedy supported the U.S. overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. However, he strongly opposed the Iraq War from the beginning, calling it "Bush's Vietnam." He also worked to improve the safety of military vehicles for soldiers.
Kennedy and Bush tried to work together again on extending Medicare to cover prescription drugs. Kennedy initially supported the idea but opposed the final bill because it encouraged private plans.
In the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries, Kennedy strongly supported fellow Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, helping him win key early contests and secure the nomination.
After Bush won re-election in 2004, Kennedy continued to oppose him on many issues. However, he tried to work with Republicans on immigration reform. He teamed up with Republican Senator John McCain on a bill in 2005, and again in 2007, but these efforts faced strong opposition and did not pass.
In 2006, Kennedy released a children's book called My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington, D.C, told from the perspective of his dog, Splash. He also released a political history book. Kennedy was easily re-elected to the Senate in 2006.
Obama and Final Years
In January 2008, Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama for president, calling for "a new generation of leadership." This endorsement was very important for Obama's campaign, helping him gain support across the country. Kennedy also secured a promise from Obama to make universal healthcare a top priority if he became president.
On May 17, 2008, Kennedy suffered a seizure and was later diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. This news brought sadness and prayers from many people. He underwent brain surgery in June 2008, which was considered successful in removing part of the tumor.
Despite his illness, Kennedy made a surprise appearance in the Senate in July 2008 to cast a key vote. He also insisted on appearing at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in August. In a powerful speech, he said, "Nothing – nothing – is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight." He spoke about passing the torch to a new generation and keeping the dream alive. His appearance energized the convention.
In January 2009, Kennedy attended Barack Obama's presidential inauguration but suffered another seizure afterward. He recovered and returned home.
As the 111th Congress began, Kennedy focused all his energy on national healthcare, calling it "the cause of my life." He saw the Obama administration as the best chance for universal healthcare. In March 2009, he was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his work in the Northern Ireland peace process. A bill expanding the AmeriCorps program was renamed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in his honor. He even threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox season opener.
By spring 2009, Kennedy's tumor had spread, and treatments were no longer effective. He retreated to Massachusetts for more chemotherapy. His friend Chris Dodd took over his role on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. In July, a documentary about Kennedy's life, Teddy: In His Own Words, was shown. At the end of July 2009, Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. In his final days, he often said, "I've had a wonderful life."
Death and Legacy
Fifteen months after his brain cancer diagnosis, Ted Kennedy passed away on August 25, 2009, at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, at age 77. His family thanked everyone who had supported him throughout his illness and his career.
President Obama called Kennedy's death the "passing of an extraordinary leader." Many other politicians and public figures shared their sadness and praised his work. Flags were flown at half-staff, and moments of silence were held in his honor.
Kennedy's funeral procession traveled from his home to the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, where over 50,000 people came to pay their respects. A funeral Mass was held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston, attended by President Obama, former presidents, and many other important figures. President Obama delivered the eulogy.
Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, near the graves of his brothers, John and Robert.
True Compass, the memoir Kennedy worked on during his illness, was published shortly after his death and became a bestseller.
A special election was held in January 2010 to fill Kennedy's Senate seat. Republican Scott Brown won, ending a long period of Democratic control of that seat. However, Democrats later rallied and passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a healthcare reform bill that fulfilled Kennedy's lifelong goal. His widow, Vicki, attended the signing, and his son, Patrick J. Kennedy, placed a note on his father's grave saying, "Dad, the unfinished business is done."
Ted Kennedy was the last surviving son of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. His death marked the end of an era for the Kennedy family in national politics, though his great-nephew, Joe Kennedy III, later became a member of the House of Representatives.
Political Beliefs
Ted Kennedy was known for his liberal political beliefs. He consistently supported policies that aimed to help people and promote fairness in society. He often received high scores from groups that rated politicians based on their support for liberal causes, and low scores from conservative groups.
Kennedy was known for working with politicians from both parties. He believed in finding common ground to pass laws, even if they weren't perfect. He was often called "The Lion of the Senate" because of his powerful influence and his ability to get things done. He authored or co-sponsored hundreds of bills that became law, affecting many aspects of American life.
Despite being a strong liberal, Kennedy was respected by many Republicans. He was known for his dedication to public service and his ability to build relationships across political divides. His death marked the end of an important chapter in American politics.
Awards and Honors
Senator Kennedy received many awards and honors throughout his life. These included an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, the Order of the Aztec Eagle from Mexico, and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also received honorary degrees from many universities, including Harvard University.
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Ted Kennedy's signature
