Ted Kennedy’s death touched me deeply, as it did many people. He is certainly a mythic figure for Americans, and probably for those of us from Massachusetts in particular. I wish I knew more of Kennedy’s legislative legacy and particular political achievements. I don’t. I do know, however, that he emerged from a life of immense privilege to support those whose voices are underrepresented. His persistent and patient backing of healthcare reform, civil rights, and efforts at creating economic well-being is laudable. I have great respect for someone raised in an affluent environment who turns those advantages to the greater good. That Kennedy, despite a privileged upbringing, dedicated himself to the needs of those whose lives were very different, is the thing I admire most about him.
Beyond that, though, the tall man with the shock of white hair was a walking embodiment of human frailty and greatness. His entire life was circumscribed by early mistakes, by his restless streak and personal demons. Isn’t Ted Kennedy, in fact, the average person writ large? Full of great charisma and courage and also deep flaws and uncontrollable appetites. Forced to redefine his life and who he is because of events both in and out of his control.
Perhaps this is why so many Americans resonate with Ted Kennedy. We see in him, magnified, our own struggle to reconcile our weaknesses with our strengths and our own desire to make something of our lives, despite mistakes and tragedies. We identify with a person blazing with profound sadness, flaws, and faith and wrestling with unanswered (and unanswerable) questions. We desperately ache to transcend our own limitations in order to be a better version of ourselves for those we love. For me at least, this is what is the most compelling thing about Ted Kennedy. His humanity, in all of its complex beauty and pain, was somehow visible and tangible to all. His struggles with it defined his life, as most of ours will too, in their own smaller ways.
Fundamentally, Ted Kennedy’s is a great story of redemption. He found his way back, with halting steps and spectacular flubs, to a place where he contributed much and ultimately became the flag-bearer neither he nor family expected him to be. As Norman J. Ornstein was quoted as saying in the final paragraph of the New York Times obituary, “He was the survivor. He was not a shining star that burned brightly and faded away. He had a long, steady glow. When you survey the impact of the Kennedys on American life and politics and policy, he will end up by far being the most significant.”