Ailing Kennedy Returns For Senate Vote

Battling Brain Tumor, Mass. Senator Cheered During Medicare Vote

(CBS/ AP)  Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, battling a brain tumor, walked through a wall of applause into the Senate on Wednesday and cast a stunningly unexpected vote on long-stalled health care legislation.

"Aye," the 76-year-old Kennedy said in a loud voice, and he made a thumbs-up gesture as he registered his vote.

Spectators in the galleries that overhang the chamber burst into cheers - a violation of decorum that drew no complaints.

"It's great to be back. I love this place," he said after his brief visit.

Kennedy made his way into the Senate on his own power, appearing little the worse for his illness. A patch of scalp was clearly visible amid his familiar white hair, although it was not clear whether that was a result of surgery he underwent or the effects of chemotherapy that is part of his treatment.

He walked into chamber accompanied by Sen. Barack Obama, his party's presidential nominee-in-waiting, as well as fellow Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and his own son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island.

Democratic senators, who had been tipped to his presence, burst into applause when he entered. Some Republicans looked around quizzically, then joined in the applause when they saw Kennedy.

Kennedy's wife Victoria and niece Caroline Kennedy watched from the Senate gallery, reports CBS News correspondent Chip Reid. Victoria wiped away tears during the standing ovation, and Sen. Kennedy looked up and waved to her from the floor.

So did many of Kennedy's colleagues and several Senate clerks.

---

Read the Couric & Co. blogpost on Sen. Ted Kennedy's return to the Senate floor

---

I return to the Senate today to keep a promise to our senior citizens and that's to protect Medicare," Kennedy's office said in a statement it released as the vote on the health care bill was unfolding.

"Win, lose or draw, I wanted to be here. I wasn't going to take the chance that my vote could make the difference."

Officials said Kennedy left Boston immediately after his daily cancer treatment for a flight to Washington. He was expected to return home immediately, in time for Thursday's treatment.

Kennedy's dramatic return gave Democrats the impetus they needed to free Medicare legislation from gridlock. It had received 59 votes on an earlier test, one short of the 60 needed to advance. Kennedy made 60, and when Republicans saw the outcome was sealed, several of them joined Democrats to pad the margin. The House already has overwhelmingly approved the measure.

Lawmakers are under pressure from doctors and the elderly patients they serve to void a 10.6 percent pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients. It kicked in July 1 because of a funding formula that establishes lower reimbursement rates when Medicare spending levels exceed established targets. Some doctors say they'll quit taking new patients if the cuts stand.

Officials said Kennedy left Boston immediately after his daily cancer treatment for a flight to Washington. He was returning home immediately, in time for Thursday's treatment.

"It was a very important day. This whole issue of Medicare is something that's been enormously important to me since I've been in the United States Senate," a smiling Kennedy told reporters on returning home Wednesday evening. "This was a key vote on this issue, so I was glad to be able to participate.

He said he was touched by the reception from colleagues.

"It's nice to be able to get a good round of applause from even those that you differ with from time to time," he said.

Asked what his doctors thought about the trip, he said, "Well, that's another story for another time."

One official said Kennedy has been in regular contact with Majority Leader Harry Reid, and had asked his doctors earlier this week whether he could make a quick trip to Washington. He told Reid on Tuesday he would be there.

Kennedy was last in the Senate in mid-May. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor this spring after suffering unexplained symptoms that resulted in his being taken to a hospital on Cape Cod, Mass., and then flown to Boston.

He later underwent surgery at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.,

[ariel133]

Commend the man for doing his honorable job- and this is a true Patriot- whether we agree with him or not.
Something to be said for "LOYALTY" to your country.

[smurfcrusher]

Good to see Senator Kennedy back! Wishes for a speedy recovery.

[forthepeopl1]

no one in congress is loyal to all americans.

they are loyal to the hightest bidders.

even the lion

[ramos937]

With all of his faults and good traits, he is still the Lion of the Senate. God Bless.

[ann3332]

besh wishes for Ted kennedy

[benighse]

MAYBE....OR RATHER, HOPEFULLY....HE MUST BE TRAINING CAROLINE TO BE ABLE TO STEP IN FOR HIM WHEN THE TIME COMES....

[demwatcher]

Get Well Soon, Sen Kennedy, and God be with you and your family.

Even if I think you are an "UNPRINTABLE, CENSORED, EXPLETIVE."

[greatdrivew]

Keep fighting the good fight, Ted!!

Oh and by the way, unfortunately for Obama, Pelosi and the neo-cons, we progressives intend to do the same.

[emelder]

Blessings to you, Ted ... you''ve worked hard for Americans and stood in the gap more than once when common folks weren''t getting a fair shake. Hang in there, friend.

Wonder what Mary Jo could have done with her life had she not been abandoned to die a slow and horrific death. It is fortuitous that Senator Kennedy was able to return to the Senate Chambers in order to cast his vote to continue the funding for his medical treatment, but let''s not wax nostalgic for the good old boy who, in a drunken stupor behind the wheel of a car, ran off a bridge, submerged the vehicle, left his drowning companion trapped in the vehicle and, after sleeping off the effects of the alcohol, reported the incident to the authorities. He probably knew then what we have come to learn; abusing interns is frowned upon, but a vehicular manslaughter DWI can be a real career ender.

[tmn]

Kennedy has spent his career fighting for working and middle-class Americans. We can never thank him enough for what he has accomplished.

[ciitzenusa]

Why does Mr. Boozer still have a full head of hair? You''d think they would have gotten rid of most of that from the treatments. Oh well, he''s doomed in any case. Doomed doomed doomed.

[ciitzenusa]

menmotoscutr , nobody here could have written it better. Great post.
I''ll never figure out why liberals are so selective regarding which deaths or murders they choose to remember. They have no problem remembering blacks lynched 50 years ago, and harp on and on about them.
But a woman who was killed by a drunk driver by Teddy 30 years ago? Gee, now THAT wasn''t important. "Move on" they say. Wow, I never knew there was a statute of limitations for murder or manslaughter. I guess Mary Jo must have risen from the dead and walks the earth again, because I sure as hec*k can''t think of anything else that would cause people to forget what happened.

[sgtrds10-4]

Good for you Ted! As much as I''d like to see you in the Senate for years to come, your seat is safely in the Democratic column, so please consider retiring to spend time with your family. You''ve fought a long hard fight for us and you deserve some time for you now.

[jtyler271]

Posted by menmotoscutr at 06:12 PM : Jul 09, 2008

I believe he was cleared of charges.

[barbaraf4]

"But a woman who was killed by a drunk driver by Teddy 30 years ago? Gee, now THAT wasn''''t important. "Move on" they say. Wow, I never knew there was a statute of limitations for murder or manslaughter. I guess Mary Jo must have risen from the dead and walks the earth again, because I sure as hec*k can''''t think of anything else that would cause people to forget what happened." Posted by CiitzenUSA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let''s see, one woman killed by a Democratic drunk driver nearly 40 years ago versus 5,000+ military and uncounted numbers of civilians killed by a Republican during the past 7 years.

Yes, I think I can get over Mary Jo''s death although it was tragic that she died so young.

[juliemd]

How irrelevant all of you who bring up the bones of Mary Jo...when a story appears about Laura Bush do we hear about her tragic auto accident years ago which killed someone, too???
Freaks. Haters. Get some Love, somewhere...

[bagdadshere2]

Good for you Ted! As much as I''''d like to see you in the Senate for years to come, your seat is safely in the Democratic column, so please consider retiring to spend time with your family. You''''ve fought a long hard fight for us and you deserve some time for you now.

Posted by SgtRDS10-4 at 07:04 PM : Jul 09, 2008
-----------------------------

Kennedy is responsible for the deaths of thousands of US troops since he emboldened terrorists with his antiwar speech. Every time Sen. Kennedy bashes Bush terrorists step up their attacks to force us to withdraw. Soon that cancer will kill that jihadist and terrorists supporter.

[undrmyboot3]

If our political establishment can honor and sing the praises of the unrepentant bigot and hatred monger Jesse Helms, then no matter what your politics you should agree with giving Kennedy a medal for his service to the country. No comparison.

[ringading3]

I hope Kennedy''s mind never forgets Mary Jo and her frightfull and agonizing drowning all alone.

[ringading3]

Kennedy and his fellow Democrats will one day meet the screaming infants that their legislation have encouraged and allowed. Kill an infant in the womb is the lowest type of scum.

[nearl4511]

It is rare that anyone, let alone a polotician, gets to be a hero.

Today was that day for Ted Kennedy.

[adfolder]

I am on the exact opposite side of Ted Kennedy politically (Jesse Helms supporter), but I do wish him well and the best of health.

[dnsallday]

CiitzenUSA .............no we didn''t forget about Mary Jo''s death, but it was an accident and Senator Kennedy was cleared of all charges.
We are just less likely to bring up the garbarge that you paid Repub bloggers do.
otherwise we would make sure everybody remembers the ex-boyfriend that Laura Bush killed, when she ran a stop sign and creamed him with her car, the day after he jilted her.

[dnsallday]

Senator Kennedy you are a true Champion. Unfortunately it has slipped McCains mind that he is a Senator and he hasn''t been seen for 3 months.
But that''s okay, I don''t mind my hard earned dollars going to pay for his salary, his 100% health insurance coverage, as well as his social security, while he tours the country and the world trying to remember why he is there.

[ringading3]

Mary Jo, Marylin Monroe, Mary Moxley all died a gruesome death at the hands of a Kennedy. Those are the ones we know of.

[sgtrds10-4]

Ringding and Baghdad; Shallow and disgusting comments, full of hate, and that is why America is pushing you away from the dinner table.

Posted by BajaJohn1 at 08:31 PM : Jul 09, 2008

I agree completely. Their type of sick hatred and bigotry is nearing extinction. Real Americans are sick of them.

[ringading3]

Real Americans are tired of the Democrats, Leftists and Liberals and their destruction of America. Thanks to Rush and Fox News, we now know the truth about the traitors: Kennedys, Kerry, Gore, Edwards and Hussein Obama.

[kmccliment]

Senator Kennedy you are a true Champion. Unfortunately it has slipped McCains mind that he is a Senator and he hasn''''t been seen for 3 months.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by truthmatterz


Sure he has been seen he has been in Iraq and South America recently. Obama is afraid to leave the states except to vacation in the Bahamas during the holidays. I heard by the way the they had to tape the "present" voting button over so Obama would have to register a yea or ney vote. What a chicken ***.

[ringading3]

Again the Demoncraps have comitted political suicide by asking us to vote for da OMamma

[hbevis]

I hope he makes it a long time. But the Cancer will get him sooner or later.

He has done some good for our Country. But, don''t like of kind of Politics.

[kmccliment]

It is rare that anyone, let alone a polotician, gets to be a hero.

Today was that day for Ted Kennedy.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Nearl4511

Hero no. I say he is a Zero. He let that girl drown to save himself from getting popped for DUI.

[ringading3]

And again the DemonCraps commit political suicide by selecting da Omamma. You would think they had learned something after picking Gore and Kerry. American does not like Liberal Leftist Radicals.

[sgtrds10-4]

Senator Kennedy you are a true Champion. Unfortunately it has slipped McCains mind that he is a Senator and he hasn''''t been seen for 3 months.
But that''''s okay, I don''''t mind my hard earned dollars going to pay for his salary, his 100% health insurance coverage, as well as his social security, while he tours the country and the world trying to remember why he is there.

Posted by truthmatterz at 09:53 PM : Jul 09, 2008

Many, many, many things are slipping McCain''s mind these days. His senility grows more obvious everyday.

[demwatcher]

"It is rare that anyone, let alone a polotician, gets to be a hero.

Today was that day for Ted Kennedy.




----------------------
----------------------------------------
------------------

Posted by Nearl4511"

He''s sick and you think THAT is reason enough for us to fall to our knees and praise him as a hero?

Sorry, but MY heroes do something for others, not themselves.

What the heck have you been drinking/smoking?

[nssherlock1]

Before Kennedy checks out, could someone setup a few dates with Pelosi, Coulter, and Nancy Grace before he goes?

[sistatee-2009]

With only half a brain he can still blither and totter. Impressive.

[bobbyduck1]

Geez you neocons, give it a fre&king rest! Regardless of politics, this was a memorable act. And why do you continue to insist that the last holdout modern country on Earth should continue to shun health care for all of it''s citizens? What, we need useless, trumped up wars so badly but can''t afford to take care of our own citizens? Tax breaks for the ultra-rich? This current crop of neo-dweebocons is far worse than the McCarthy-ites of the 50''s - what used to be the worst blight in our political history until you weenies showed up! Can''t wait ''til Barack hands you your &sses in a sling! With a filibuster-proof majority we will have a chance to fix this awful mess you have made! And it will sure be a job ''cuz it sure is a mess!

[bobbyduck1]

am on the exact opposite side of Ted Kennedy politically (Jesse Helms supporter), but I do wish him well and the best of health.

Posted by adfolder at 09:25 PM : Jul 09, 2008

Now this is what America used to be all about - opposing views but tolerant and respectful. Cheers!

[mgpm-2009]

THIS is the reason Ted Kennedy is a great American.
Because he gives a *** about the little guy. God Bless You, Ted. ...and Thanks.

[irliberal]

Thanks for your strength and fortitude Ted! Hang in there!

[egresor]

no matter what your politics are. edward kennedy has work hard and been consistant in his labors for the lesser americans. for those who dont have the money to hire lobbyists snd expensive lawyers to plead for them.

it''s sad to see his decline.

[moleman--2008]

America is competing in the new global economy with both hands tied behind her back. As long as businesses are forced to offer their workers health care insurance (a shrinking minority these days) when businesses in other countries do not have to because their government sees to the insurance of their citizens, well we are at a competitive disadvantage from the get go. It is time for America to "get it" and stop what amounts to lunacy when it comes to universal (affordable) health care coverage. Kudos to Teddy K. for getting back in the game. Shame on anyone who can''t drop their politics long enough to recognize courage and conviction--no, he is NOT perfect, but this is simply a report about him not putting himself first (not easy for a Kennedy) and instead putting the welfare of millions of Americans first.

[tonic1661]

S_Temper your course language and hurtful manner are signals enough of your ignorance. What meaningful legislation or useful contribution have you made to society?

Thank you Edward Kennedy for years of devoted service to the people!

[liebchen21]

THIS is the reason Ted Kennedy is a great American.
Because he gives a *** about the little guy. God Bless You, Ted. ...and Thanks.


I''m sure Mary Ann, were she still alive, would definitely agree...

What a waste of good air.

[dante805]

What is it with these politicians that cant give up control and work past their prime. do they think the world needs them to save us from ourselves. watch this guy walk and you cringe. he''s worse than the hunchback of Notre dame. and with his cancer he should have immediately retired and live out his last days in peace. Note to Kennedy: we dont need you stubmling around the senate, just like we dont need Robert Senile Byrd and Tim Strokeman Johnson. Give it up. You are not irreplaceable.

[fstop100]

this is why our politicians should be FORCED to retire at 65.

old croanies shouldn''t be allowed to run our country!

[antoniof123]

Posted by scorp79 at 09:04 AM : Jul 10, 2008

So you hate him you are moron you don''t even know him. You are like the right wing fanatics and spread hate and lies. Of course you bible thumpers should remember how God dealth with arrogant Egypt. When the king said to kill the first born they were given the punishment.

I wonder what yours will be Jesus said love your enemy. Of course you wing nuts have your own bible that has nothing to do with God only hate and iles.

As I recall Satan is the father of a lie.

Have a good day.

[wardoglrs]

That S O B Neo Con loser Pro Amnesty anti constitution WarHawk is still alive?

[sandy19731]

I don''t which is more stunning his returning to vote or the hate in this thread.