How about some actual examples of Kennedy "reaching across the aisle?" As near as I can tell, the only examples this article gives of Kennedy's achievements come in the vaguest of terms: "health care, education reform, national service," all of which are traditionally Democratic initiatives. Can the author not provide a single instance in which Kennedy deviated from the Democratic party line to support Republican legislation?

It seems like there's a different definition of bipartisanship, depending on your party. For Democrats, being friendly and funny is enough; only Republicans are called upon to compromise their principles.

Considering that both the legislative and the executive have spent the last 9 years log rolling and spending the country into financial oblivion, I'm not sure more "getting things done" is what we need.

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.

The Real RML:

.....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.

Hillary, Kerry, Pelosi, Reid et al all supported the invasion of Iraq (I list Hillary first because her name should be synonymous with war-mongering)

When Bush LIED a lot of people believed him. That is why he lied-so people like Kerry would support the war. This is why Bush is a war criminal and should stand trial in the Hauge.

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.