Ted Kennedy

Edward Moore 'Ted' Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009) was an American politician and the U.S. Senator from Massachusetts for nearly five decades, becoming one of the most recognizable and influential figures in American political history. As the youngest brother of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, Ted inherited a legacy of public service but established his own formidable record as a legislator. He became known as a champion of liberal causes, including healthcare reform, civil rights, and immigration reform. Kennedy was instrumental in passing numerous landmark pieces of legislation, including the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite personal controversies, including the incident at Chappaquiddick in 1969, Kennedy remained a powerful legislative force, known for his negotiating skills and ability to build bipartisan coalitions. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1980 and remained a prominent national figure throughout his career. Kennedy's commitment to healthcare reform presaged many elements of the Affordable Care Act, legislation passed after his death. His legacy includes his advocacy for the vulnerable, his legislative accomplishments, and his perseverance through personal tragedy and public scandal.