Gergen on Kennedy: Democrats are a big family, the family of Obamas, Clintons, Kennedys

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN: August 25, 2008
Gergen: Kennedy changes story line
From CNN Senior Political Analyst David Gergen

Teddy Kennedy has finally brought this convention to life — and sent the first powerful message to the country.

This is conventioneering at its best — a moving tribute by the daughter of John Kennedy, an excellent film, and a courageous, inspiring speech by Senator Kennedy.

Finally, the Democrats have started to frame the message they want out of the convention — that America faces a huge choice this fall. The Republicans will have their own version of that choice, of course, but now the Democrats have a chance to put it in their own terms, and that is what Kennedy accomplished.

Moreover, he started to change the story line of this convention — that it is all about Obama versus the Clintons. Teddy reminded viewers that Democrats represent a much bigger family. At the very least, it is a party not only of the Clintons and Obama but also a party of the Kennedys. In that sense, he can be a much-needed healing force for the Democrats, bringing them out more unified.

The Republicans will vigorously contest much of what Kennedy said, as they should … but for now, a lot of Democrats can come out of tonight with a battle cry, "Let's Win This One for Teddy!"

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/25/gergen-kennedy-changes-story-line/

[Coexist]

1. "Let's Win This One for Teddy!"

[liberalmuse]

2. I adore the Kennedys...

and the Republicans are the party of family values? I've never seen more broken and dysfunctional families in my life. The Kennedy's certainly aren't perfect, but they are definitely the All-American family.