Regardless…

… of one’s political affiliation, the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy last night is sad news.

Now, my opinions on Ted Kennedy as a public official have always been somewhat split, as I admire the important legislation he helped pass for the Civil Rights movement but can’t let him off the hook for his role in the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident (and the consequent death of Mary Jo Kopechne).

However, my abiding memory of Kennedy won’t be either of those things (or of any of his other political triumphs or failures). Instead, it will be the memory of his courageous appearance at the 2008 Democratic Convention a mere two weeks after undergoing both a stroke and surgery to remove a brain tumor.

As I watched Kennedy in that moment— as he stood in front of the country weak and quivering and vulnerable— all my biases and politics were temporarily thrown aside.

Because what was suddenly on display was not a man campaigning for the Democtratic party but rather, was a man showcasing the vulnerability of the human condition and the ever-enduring strength of the human spirit. Kennedy’s showing up that day took an enormous amount of bravery, will, and spiritual fortitude.

And so while I, when thinking of Ted Kennedy, will never forget Chappaquiddick, it is this triumphant moment in 2008 that I will choose to remember first.

May you rest in peace, Senator.