Sen. Edward Kennedy, ailing from a brain tumor, brought the crowd at the Democratic National Convention to its feet tonight with a surprise visit to the stage. Delegates waved “Kennedy” posters and burst into applause when the Massachusetts senator walked to the mike.
“It’s so wonderful to be here,” he said. “And nothing, nothing, is going to keep me from this special gathering.”
He vowed to be in Washington in January on the Senate floor, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers and begin chanting his name. Kennedy said Obama can bring better health care for all Americans.
“The hope begins anew … and the dream lives on,” he said.
“When John Kennedy talked of going to the moon, people didn’t say, ‘It’s too far to get there. We shouldn’t even try.’ Our people answered his call and rose to the challenge.”
“Still the One” blared from the Pepsi Center speakers after Kennedy spoke in his typical energetic, booming voice.
Caroline Kennedy said her uncle and Barack Obama share “a commitment to the timeless ideals of justice and fairness, service and sacrifice.”
“Leaders like them come along rarely. But once or twice in a lifetime, they come along just when we need them the most,” she said. “This is one of those moments.”
The crowd was on its feet cheering as she walked on stage, “Sweet Caroline” playing in the background.
“I have never had someone inspire me the way people tell me my father inspired them – but I do now,” she said, rousing cheers “And I know someone else who’s been inspired all over again by Senator Obama. In our family, he’s known as Uncle Teddy. ”
She said her uncle has been “a Senator for all who believe in a dream that’s never died.”
A video tribute to the ailing Massachusetts senator quieted the crowd of delegates, who turned to face giant video screens. They erputed in raucous cheers at the sight of the senator pounding a podium and laughter at seeing him conduct an orchestra.
