Ted Kennedy, RIP

Henry Clay.

Daniel Webster.

George Norris.

Robert LaFollette.

Robert Wagner.

Edward Kennedy.

What do these men have in common? They are probably the six greatest senators in U.S. history.

It's a terrible thing to have lost Ted Kennedy. We weren't unprepared, but his light shone brighter than anyone else in the body. His knowledge of Senate rules went a long ways toward diluting the worst of Reagan's horrors. His passion for health care, for the poor, for civil rights, and for all that is good about America was undiminished through the years. No doubt certain segments of the right are crowing around now about his demise and his scandals, but those blemishes hardly overwhelm the majesty of the Kennedy legacy.

The nation is far poorer today for the loss of this great man.