Kennedy's Letter to Obama
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy expressed confidence that a health-care overhaul would pass this year, in a letter that was delivered posthumously to President Obama.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy expressed confidence
that a health-care
overhaul would pass this year, in a letter that was delivered posthumously to President Obama.
The Massachusetts Democrat wrote the letter in May, to be delivered upon his death. He died of brain cancer Aug. 25.
Obama said Kennedy wrote that health care was decisive "for our future prosperity" and above all was "a moral issue."
"While I will not see the victory," Kennedy wrote,
"I was able to look forward and know that we will - yes, we will - fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege."
The senator's widow, Vicki, listened to the speech in the visitors' gallery of the House alongside Michelle Obama. Kennedy's three adult children also attended last night.
- Associated Press
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