Schieffer: Kennedy "Made a Difference"

(CBS)  As I watched Ted Kennedy's funeral yesterday, I thought of a book I read last week called "The Art of Racing in the Rain," in which the protagonist observes that no race has ever been won on the first turn, but many have ended there.

Ted Kennedy crashed and crashed again during the early turns of his life, but somehow he kept on going through the sorrows and tragedies over which he had no control - and the self-destructiveness over which he did.

And in the final laps, he won.

His children loved him, his contemporaries - even those who often opposed him - admired him, and those whose causes he championed, thanked him.

To what else can a man aspire?

His personal friend and sometime political foe, the longtime Republican leader Bob Dole, told me the day Kennedy died that what impressed him was "the Kennedy boys could have gone through life and never worked a day," but all of them did.

The thousands of laws that he authored changed the lives of millions who were less fortunate, a legacy few could match.

In a sense he was the classic American hero - the imperfect man who was sorely tested and yet in that testing found a way to overcome personal flaws and go on to accomplish great things.

You didn't have to agree with his politics to appreciate what he achieved.

Ted Kennedy made a difference.

[KristenT]

Dear Mr. Schieffer,
Thank you for your remarks--"Ted Kennedy was the imperfect man who was sorely tested and yet in that testing found a way to overcome personal flaws and go on to accomplish great things." These attributes are what inspired so many of us Baby Boomers to keep going despite tragic setbacks.

We were really disappointed that CBS did not air Face the Nation this past Sunday morning...So thank you for presenting your Column on line. I've recently learned that the ability to state ones own truths, despite opposing opinions, is something I aspire to. Your comments make a difference! Thanks for the inspiration.

[dngrwill]

How was a guy who murdered a young lady an American Hero? Remember, she died of asphyxiation not drowning.

[papaal99]

I agree with you, a family of crooks thieves and who knows what else, but, america as it is, thieves, murderers,can buy their freedom.

[HGOODGUY]

You are either stoned-stupid or just get off seeing your name in print!!!

[markrichard2]

Bob, it is understandable that grace requires kind words at the death of prominent human being. But 'classic American hero'? Sen. Kennedy's 'imperfections' far exceeded in scale those of most classic American heroes, while his 'virtues' of left-wing political work have produced outcomes that are ambiguous in impact - whatever the stereotypical 'good intentions' professed, as the decline in population and economic importance of Kennedy's home state in the years of his Senatorial service suggest to the unsentimental.

It is praiseworthy to be civil and remember the good (the Senatorial collegiality, the ability to admire and praise political opponents) at a time like this, but excessive praise is just as jarring as expressions of loathing. Did you or any working journalist use such fulsome language to describe the far more popular Ronald Reagan - more clearly a Gatsby-esque self-created American in line with the classic 'American hero' - at his death? If not, why not?

[longtree-2009]

what did ted kennedy do in the way of authoring key legislation that was passed during his senate years that benefited all americans? going to do search to see if there is a list of his bills with details of who benefited. hard to believe ted was not influenced by lobbyists or contributions from special interest groups.

[specialty8]

Sky, pull your head. Clinton deregulated,Sent our jobs to Mexico, Canada and China. Back door barney was warned about fannie also, have you forgot or just don't want to remember?

[sculptjen]

Thanks Bob,

I always enjoy your insights. You really know a lot about Senator Kennedy having been a journalist on the Washington beat for many years. You've been there to report on all aspects of the Kennedy family. I appreciate your knowledge and experience. Few others can offer us what you can. Keep up the good work!