US: Kennedy life, legacy dominates US newspapers
Fri Aug 28 01:37:41 EST 2009
Thu Aug 27 15:37:41 UTC 2009
WASHINGTON, Aug 27 AFP - The death of Senator Ted Kennedy has dominated front pages across the United States with newspapers proclaiming it the end of an era and a huge loss for the Democratic Party.
"Final Curtain Falls on 'Camelot' Era," read the headline on the lead article in The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday.
"End of an American Epoch," declared The Washington Post, which devoted another four pages inside its front section to the life and legacy of the Senate legend who died of brain cancer on Tuesday at the age of 77.
"Throughout his career he stood by some of the country's most neglected and abused people: minorities, immigrants, the poor and those lacking access to good health care," the Post said in an editorial.
"His record shows the work of a committed, diligent legislator, and it earned him the respect of those who disagreed with him as much as the loyalty of those who worked for and with him," it added.
"Passing of an Era," read the headline on the front page of The Arizona Republic. "Kennedy Reflected Ambition, Foibles of Camelot."
"The Lion Sleeps," said The Commercial Appeal of Memphis, Tennessee. "Last Kennedy Brother Tasted Tragedy, Left Lasting Legislative Legacy."
The Los Angeles Times focused on the loss of a powerful and influential legislator at a time when President Barack Obama is seeking to pass a health care bill.
"A Changed Landscape," it said. "Kennedy's Deal-Making Skills Are Missed as His Party Struggles to Reach Its Goals."
"A Lasting Imprint, a Legacy Unfinished," said The Seattle Times.
The Boston Globe, the largest newspaper in Kennedy's home state of Massachusetts, published a 12-page special section on his life featuring stories, reflections, photos and commentary.
"Kennedy Mourned Near and Far," The Globe said.
The New York Times also highlighted the fulsome tributes to the last surviving Kennedy brother from across the country and the world.
"Senator Kennedy, Battle Lost, Is Hailed as a Leader," read the front page headline in The New York Times.
In an editorial, the Times eulogised Kennedy as a "master legislator and great reformer" who led "an extraordinary life that careened from success to misfortune and scandal and back to success again."
The New York Post contrasted Kennedy's life and legacy with that of his brothers, president John F Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, and Bobby Kennedy, who was assassinated five years later while running for president.
"Ted was the most important Kennedy," it said.
