The Real RML:

Who passed welfare reform? Bill Clinton with Ted Kennedy working the senate for him. That was clearly a republican initiative.

Remember though friend that dems have principals too. Neither side would consider changing principals and Kennedy was fiercely partisan. He looked for ways to get republicans on board with his projects and was willing to listen to republicans respectfully and did in fact sign on to some of their bills.

It is true that Kennedy and many members of both parties were once more respectful of others.....things have been getting worse especially since the Bush white house bulldozed congress and rubber stamped two wars with their congressional majorities. When combined with an aggressive and demonizing propaganda network of right wing media figures who are almost lock-step in demanding outrage from their fans it is hard to imagine things improving.

Kennedy voted against the 1996 welfare reform.

And really, bitter partisanship is now Bush's fault, too? Come on.