Ted Kennedy

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Ted Kennedy

Name	Ted Kennedy
Birth name
Birth date	February 22, 1932
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death date	August 25, 2009
Death place	Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alma mater	Harvard University, University of Virginia School of Law
Occupation	Politician
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Joan Bennett Kennedy (m. 1958; div. 1982)\nVictoria Reggie Kennedy (m. 1992)
Website

Edward Moore Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009) was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts for almost 47 years, from 1962 until his death in 2009. He was a member of the Democratic Party and a prominent figure in American politics, known for his advocacy on issues such as health care, education, and civil rights.

Early Life and Education

Ted Kennedy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of nine children in the prominent Kennedy family. His parents were Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. He attended several private schools before enrolling at Harvard University, where he was a member of the varsity football team. After a brief suspension for cheating, he returned to Harvard and graduated in 1956. He then attended the University of Virginia School of Law, earning his law degree in 1959.

Political Career

Early Career

Kennedy's political career began in earnest in 1962 when he was elected to the United States Senate in a special election to fill the seat vacated by his brother, John F. Kennedy, who had been elected President. Despite his youth and relative inexperience, Kennedy quickly established himself as a capable legislator.

Legislative Achievements

Throughout his career, Kennedy was known for his ability to work across party lines and his dedication to progressive causes. He played a key role in the passage of major legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. He was also a strong advocate for health care reform, championing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act.

Chappaquiddick Incident

In 1969, Kennedy was involved in a car accident on Chappaquiddick Island that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. The incident severely damaged his reputation and was a significant factor in his decision not to run for President in 1972 and 1976.

Later Years

Despite the setbacks, Kennedy remained a powerful force in the Senate. He was known as the "Lion of the Senate" for his long tenure and influence. In his later years, he focused on health care reform and was a key supporter of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in 2010, shortly after his death.

Personal Life

Kennedy was married twice, first to Joan Bennett Kennedy, with whom he had three children: Kara, Edward Jr., and Patrick. The couple divorced in 1982. In 1992, he married Victoria Reggie Kennedy.

Death and Legacy

Ted Kennedy died on August 25, 2009, from brain cancer. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery near his brothers, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. His legacy includes his contributions to civil rights, health care, and education, as well as his reputation as a skilled legislator and advocate for the underprivileged.

Also see

• John F. Kennedy
• Robert F. Kennedy
• Kennedy family
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act