Ted Kennedy & the Future of American Liberalism

by Leigh Graham · 2009-08-27 14:31:00 UTC
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In Boston, local news channels have been running live coverage of Senator Ted Kennedy's death since it was announced.  A motorcade from Hyannisport through Boston has just wrapped up; Kennedy's body will lie in repose until tomorrow evening.  President Obama will speak at the Senator's funeral on Saturday; all former Presidents will attend.  This ceremony, in its pomp and public draw, is Reaganesque. And like Reagan's passing for conservatives, Senator Kennedy's death signals, I fear, the end of an era.  As I watch, I wonder if we're also witnessing American liberalism's funeral.

The Reagan Revolution lived on under George W. Bush, but conservatism's "best days" were behind it.  Senator Kennedy was a strident legislative opponent to Reagan, Gingrich's Contract for America, and Bush's Iraq War - even as he was credited with demonstrating great bipartisanship.  In part by reaching across the aisle, Senator Kennedy in his 47 Senate years authored or co-authored almost 1,000 pieces of legislation - bills that emphasized humane immigration policies; equal protection and opportunity for women, racial/ethnic minorities and the disabled; greater access to health care and health coverage, including for kids; greater protections for workers; and better public education.

It is this championing of social equality and enactment of government working on behalf of its constituents towards the betterment of our lives - towards our emancipation - that defines American liberalism and is embodied in Sen. Kennedy's professional career.  Even Kennedy's bi-partisan skill is part and parcel of American liberalism in its emphasis on pragmatism to achieving the ends of equality and opportunity for all.

As we mourn Kennedy - without dismissing his human frailties - I question if we're also mourning the end of American liberalism as we knew it.  Do we still have stalwarts in Congress championing government as a tool of progress?  Do we still believe in legislating equality and equal protection?  Or have these values and ideologies died with Kennedy, or long before him?  Obama is not a progressive; but does he embody liberal ideals and principles?  Does he keep alive Kennedy's belief in public service and social progress for all Americans?  What do you think?

(Photo of a DC vigil for Ted Kennedy by el.pilo)

Leigh Graham
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