Kennedy Funeral: Obama Meets With Sen. Kennedy's Widow

BOSTON — President Barack Obama, who is to honor Edward M. Kennedy with a funeral eulogy, visited early Saturday with the late senator's widow.

The president donned an overcoat and dodged raindrops to walk across a downtown street from his hotel to the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Obama spokesman Bill Burton says Obama and Mrs. Kennedy met privately for about 10 minutes.

Obama spent 15 minutes inside a hotel with one floor lined with Kennedy family pictures. It also served as family headquarters during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

A series of limousines were parked outside several hours before Kennedy's funeral.

He died Tuesday from brain cancer at age 77.

Comments

[dissanayake]

The President should take heart from Sanator Kennedy's determination to never give up or give in. Even at hiis grave site, the Sanators letter to the Pope read, his fight for healthcare. Obama has lost his moxy,compromising for co ops, better to do it right or not at all, wait it out, try again. Just like the Brave Lion of the Senate.

[kbkw54]

Why would this be a headline. I would expect Obama to meet with TK widow. Ted Kennedy is a major reason Obama is president.

[rain33]

pres. obama gave a good speech yesterday but i think that he took it very hard coz he was good friends with him and teddy is the strongest liberal senator to fight for causes.his family prepared good prayers and speeches but i can tell that everyone was so heartbroken and depressed since they lost teddy.i cried too and i hope that everyone from kennedy clan would get alot stronger and pass on the torch that he endured for a long time.r.i.p. teddy!

[yomikey]

Rest in peace, Teddy. Let's hope the President I supported with my heart, soul and $$, will grow a pair and give you in death what you fought so hard for in life.

Elections do, indeed, have consequences, Mr. President. Get it done!

[Purcy]

Amen, and let everyone say AMEN!

[spectacularbid]

amen.

[niceradz]

amen.

[loraine]

Why is no one talking about the apparent disrespect shown to Mrs. Kennedy by John McCain when he finished speaking on Friday night at the library? She got up to embrace ALL the speakers when they finished. McCain strode right past her without acknowledgement! I thought it was blatantly disrespectful.

[1088]

Because John McCain is the Media darling! Can you imagine if President Obama would have done the same thing. God help him!

[castlerider]

Can you imagine the frustration and angst we'd be feeling if this shrimp had won the election?
He with Sarah Palin at her funeral? ...There is a God.

.

[Privatepractice]

You were surprised by McCain's actions?

[loraine]

Yes, I was surprised. He had just gone on and on about his love for Teddy and he totally disrespects his widow? Simple decorum and protocol would suggest otherwise. A 1st grader would know better. I hope video is posted of this. The look of dismay on her face was striking. He truly owes her an apology!

[Matt7]

Apology for what? He made a political speech, trying to "appear" to be something that he clearly is not. He "loves" being associated with Senator Kennedy's power. Nothing he does is "from the heart." He doesn't appear to have one. But he's got the longest nose in Capitol Hill.

[1dogs2]

I didn't hear him go on and on about his love for Teddy. I heard grudging respect. But I wasn't surprised by his conduct toward Vicky. Remember the debates when he either couldn't or wouldn't look at Obama? When he jerked him thumb at Obama and referred to him as "that one"? He is socially maladroit, emotionally frozen, and extremely uncomfortable in his own skin.

[damyanky]

To Loraine: Perhaps because he has no class in any situation. (He, unfortunately, is a senator from the state I live in.) Google his bio for enlightenment.

[Purcy]

McCain does what he does because he's really a small man.

[MyGuyO]

I will miss Sir Teddy immensly.

A sad day for America

Rest in peace, Sir.

[LooktotheLeft]

The sense of loss and the void I felt the day Ted died, and subsequent days following, disappeared today with the appearance of the President.­­..particu­l­arly after his eulogy. His poise and grace "calms the turbulant waters inside" much like he did when he paid tribute, and homage, to the fallen on the D-Day anniversary in Normandy last June. I felt quite lost when Ted died....like losing your last parent or your last vestige to something beloved. I wondered "where do we go from here with health care and the issues of our time?" President Obama has many gifts but his gift of helping to bring "closure" to my family and I is as special today as it was when he did the same on June 6th in Normandy which was special to me because of my relatives who fought on D-Day. The President has, once again, taken the proverbial "baton" and sends me the signal today via his eulogy, Ted's at peace, I'm here to carry on his legacy....we're going to be ok.....so rest easy.

[mainemomma]

I share your feeling of loss, and anxiousness about the future. And, President Obama did indeed make me feel that we will be 'ok'.. he always does. Maybe that is becuase he embodies many of the same traits that Teddy had. Obama may lack the booming voice and stature, but he is no less effective in what he tries to accomplish. I believe Teddy Kennedy's death will put wind beneath his wings.

[LooktotheLeft]

"I believe Teddy Kennedy's death will put wind beneath his wings"....actually, I believe it already has. Thanks my friend

[yvonne61]

DID ANYONE READS TWITTER AT THE TOP OF THE PAPER. PEOPLE CAN BE SO CRUEL AND EVIL ABOUT LITTLE OF NOTHING. MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THE UNITED STATE WE GOING TO NEED IT REAL BAD.

[rain33]

i don't know why people can be so cruel about president obama wants every american having good affordable healthcare while our congress can have the best in the house meaning taxpayers are paying it and they don't have to wait for it.god will get the evil folks sooner or later too for preaching racism when it comes to healthcare.

[noahark]

His wiife could hold the seat for 5 months--it would be the most appropriate

[nodakjob]

Or, perhaps Joseph Kennedy III should take the interim seat, allowing Vicki Kenndy to run for the seat in 2010. She would be every bit as awesome a senator as TEddy was.

[Bozwellian]

Am of the very same mind...where would be GREAT if she helped to get the HC reorm bill as a signator to it...would like to see her take the seat PERMANENTLY and presently, IF they get the request to appoint an interim, it must be someone who SWEARS they will not seek in the future . Let Joe or even Ted Jr. be appointed and folks...look for Ted III in FUTURE YEARS to fulfill continuity of Kennedy in public service ...he has that quality already showing of possessing that K-IT factor --he will carry on in the future !!
Let Ted II take the interim appointment ---yeah, he does NOT have legislative experience but Ted Sr's staff will guide him and they are EXPERTS and have great expertisement they would share !!!

[Matt7]

Thanks for the info. Is this really a story? It sounds more like a post or a tweet.

[sanang]

I agree.

[morefromLA]

The President of the United States pays his private respects to the widow of the most effective Senator of our time. I call that a story, not a huge story but one of interest.

[Matt7]

It's the civilized and courteous thing to do. Would you expect him to do otherwise?

If she shed tears, or the children wept -- IN PRIVATE -- would those be a story as well?

All I'm saying is -- even public people deserve some personal, private space. To invade that privacy just to "report" a "story" (that's not really a story) just gets on my nerves.

[Bozwellian]

(frankly, would not be surprise to in the future find that in the cover of night, O paid respects at the Library as well. These days, the security issue is if GRAVE concern. Would say is why O did not attend the Wake or Graveside service as well....The imposition of security needs that would have been neccessary would have impacted ALL and constrained --there already was high security provisions , but O's presence would have made it even more imposing ! Obama does have class, he is far more astute than many realize--far more than those that oppose him which frustrates those sorts immensely !!!

[pearlone]

this may seem trivial but was that the only picture you could find of Mrs. Kennedy? She has been dignified and graceful and that picture does nothing to illustrate that.

[Owlygirl]

I could not be in greater admiration for this person. I hate to sound like a dumb cliche, but she appears to be a true angel - so warm, caring, loving and full of light. By looking at her you just know that Teddy's time with her was full and complete. He so deserved such a wonderful partner. I wish her peace.

[J-Rome]

I agree.

[Bozwellian]

Seems quite true that they each found their "soul mates"...but one who here, felt tragically sad for as well was the first Mrs. K who too was present ...brushed quite aside but need to remember, she too bore K-burdons and was with him early on. Yes she has had problems, yes she has had failings but she deserves some respectfull respect as well. She shouldered much, and is not intentionally evil and has indeed remained loyal to the family . She is a tragic figure , she could use some support as well..recognition that she was there , endured much and did try . ALL are but human and ALL have frailities.

[Cory111]

It's time to just let the dust settle and allow our President to move forward on his task. The problem we have is "We want it all and we want it all now."

This fellow walked into the biggest mess our country has seen in years and we expect him to clean up the mess in one fell swoop, shame on us.

This whole Healthcare battle is isn't about what is best for the nation from the Republicans stance, it's about "We lost, we are mad and our answer to everything the Democratics want is NO."

It's about job security politically and also within our fractured healthcare system. "Death List" how childish, how political.

Obama is going to get us back on track and will become a President well remembered for doing what is best for our country, not personal gain.

[sugarfree]

Well said, how sad for our country.

[lvginclp]

Change worth having takes a long time. As it should.

Nice post Cory.

[ToniaB]

Fanned and Favorited!

[ToniaB]

Fanned and Favorited!

[Matt7]

I agree. I just pray that he'll be given the opportunity to do what hewent there to do.

[wanttruth]

Well stated.

[grata2ude]

To quote Ted's brother Jack

What is objectionable, what is dangerous, about extremists is not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents.

Today's Republicans are intolerant and what they say about President Obama is evil. And they are dangerous.

[Oldtt]

That cuts both ways. Consider the volume of ad hominem attacks heaped on political opponents like Palin and McCain by Democratic liberals. Mean-spirited doesn't even begin to describe the many personal slurs piled on both people as a means of rejecting their ideas and positions. Advocates on both sides of issues should supress personal animus and argue against the other's beliefs instead of demonizing the opponent. Ted Kennedy understood this, and HuffPosters should take their cue from him.

[ToniaB]

The reason why Palin and McCain get ad hominem attacks by Democratic Liberals as you put it is beause they incite hatred and violence among the far right in their party! McCain at least tries to squash it a little but Palin encourages and condones hatred with her her illiterate rhetorics! This is what Ted Kennedy understood and spoke out against! Maybe Republicans should take a cue from him!!!

[Bozwellian]

Frankly, found outrageous the insinuation promoted during the Mac & P campaign --such as terrorista and more nothing but an intentional incite to HATE--found them dangerous then , and evidence--the present nonsense going on where outrageous sorts attend HC town hall with firearms openly displayed --just becasue they have the RIGHT to "carry" ....blatant BS ...and meant as a form intimadation of the worse kind !! Have YET to hear GOP party headliners DENOUNCE such tactics or some of the other ridiculous­nessings..­.instead they actually encourage such nonsense to continue --it remains DISGUSTING !! and it is a danger to this nation...WE THE REAL MAJORITY WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK..the country where we could have differing opinions , differing beliefs, differing appearnces but we allowed others to be and held respect for one another !!! THE GOP HAS DESTROYED SO MUCH , we want our values and principles of inter-relations back on RESPECTFUL groundings !!! WE ARE TIRED OF THE HATE , weare tired of the abberational NASTINESS and the OUTRIGHT LIES !!!

[MrSanFran]

Only one man is holding up single payer or the public option at this time and his name is Barack Obama. He has appeared dispassionate since the election and appears to have gone back on all the promises he made during the election. A few arms need to be twisted, a few minds changed.
Does Barack Obama truly want health reform?

[lalapoja]

Do you remember when he said " I am the president for all of America, not just those who voted for me"... or something like that? Personally, I really want a single payer public option, but I trust he knows more than us, and more than the media, what is going on behind the scenes, and no one better than him knows how to get it done when it can be done. Twisted arms and short term changed minds can't be counted on in the future. What is the point of pushing through a law that will cost dem seats and be overturned in a couple years?

[Oldtt]

Major legislation once approved is rarely overturned. Civil rights legislation was far more contentious than healthcare will ever be, and it remains the law of the land. The object is to pass healthcare, whether or not a few arms get twisted along the way.

[grata2ude]

In case you've forgotten, there are two branches of government that are also part of the health care debate.

If President Obama had all the power you seem to assign to him then you'd be yelling and calling him a dictator.

Its how our government works.

[konybvg]

here!here! I second that.

[Lettheblindsee]

here! here! I third that.

[lvginclp]

Thank god that is how our government works - otherwise we'd be living in much more of a fas.cist state than now, thanks to The Decider.

[MyGuyO]

Well, then you Repubs better had get on board and help pass healthcare reform instead of being the party of no.

[Oldtt]

In other words, if meaningful healthcare legislation is not passed, it's not Obama's fault. That is a real roadmap for failure. Obama was not elected to be an innocent bystander while other branches of government fail to achieve his campaign promises.

[sugarfree]

I think President Obama mother's struggle with the Insurance Company while dying with Cancer is driving him to fight for Healthcare Reform. But there is a old saying you can't fight CITY HALL, and this
is what the President is up-against now.
On one side he'd got the Repub's saying NO, on the other side he'd got the DEM'S saying wait a minute, President Obama is between a ROCK & A HARD-PLACE, i saw something on his face today which made me feel sorry for him.
I hope it was the death of Sen. Kennedy, that i saw on his face, but we will see when he get back, he just looked so tried today, it was as if he was carring the world on his shoulder.
God watch over President Obama and Family, in jesus name i prey.

[kasinca]

He is working with the other branch of government. You talk as if he is a dictator who should be able make declarations and put forth policy. That is not the way it works thank goodness. Can you imagine what it would be like if the repugs had that power?

[1dogs2]

Funny, I thought that WAS the way the last administration behaved.

[Henry DA 08]

The talks were most likely giving comfort to Vicky. However I can't help but think who will take the interim Senator’s position until the election... to cast vote for the health care bill. Vicky said she is not interested, but what about Edward Kennedy II?

[MANK]

Lives in Connecticut

[KathyinCT]

Has deliberately chosen NOT to be a politician. (But wasn't his eulogy compelling? he's a great speaker)

[ClaraKCMO]

I was impressed, Patrick was fine; but Teddy Jr stole the event. So heartwarming.

[MyGuyO]

Teddy Jr. was wonderful today. I also listened intently to other son Patrick. Both sons have done well by their father as you could tell.