Ted Kennedy is pretty important to most of us here on DU, but what about for the rest of the US

[Tektonik]

I don't believe this endorsement (much like Kerry's) is very important at all. I believe endorsements from local leaders/union rep.s, and local politicians who have not been tarred and feathered (rightfully or wrongfully so) carry more weight.

[featherman]

1. Clearly it gives more legitimacy to Obama's insurgent

campaign against the establishment candidacy of Clinton. It's significant enough to prod some constituencies to take a second look at the Obama candidacy rather than just march lockstep to a Clinton coronation. So in that way it is a help. The big negatives against Kennedy are mostly just conservative talking points at this point and not relevant to a Democratic primary season.

[calico1]

2. I love and admire Teddy and he has done

so much for the country. His own nephew RFK Jr. once said that he had accomplished way more in his years in Congress than either one of his brothers.

However, the reality is that Ted Kennedy is a divisive figure. Because he is so Liberal the right wing hates him. There are also people who hate him because of Chappaquidik and will never see beyond that. My dad is one. He loved JFK and RFK but he thinks Teddy is a piece of shit.

For Democrats who love the Kennedys and need guidance as to who to vote for, he might be helpful. For Independents and Moderate Republicans that Obama may be trying to attract and even older Democrats who remember Chappaquiddick, it could be tricky. We will just have to wait and see what, if anything pans out from this.

[Beaverhausen]

6. Well said, and I agree with your assessment

[NYCGirl]

3. Kennedy is still a very magic name to many, many people. NT

[Tektonik]

5. It is, but most of that magic was taken from us in '68 and in '99

I somehow doubt Ted Kennedy is major benefit to any campaign. Go ask 5 co-workers what they think of Ted Kennedy tomorrow. Sadly if you ask anyone younger than 40, I'm sure lots of people will not even know who he is.

[NJSecularist]

9. But that is exactly the type of help Obama needs

He needs help from the over 40 crowd.

I'm not sure he's worried at all about the below 40 crowd, he's got that demographic locked up.

[calico1]

10. Yes,

JFK, RFK, JFK Jr., Jackie, Caroline.

Teddy is the most flawed Kennedy. He doesn't have that same magic touch.

[NYCGirl]

12. Of the 5 you mentioned, only one is still with us. And she stood with Obama

today.

[BenDavid]

4. Ted is a tragic figure.....lets see kerry who lost his bid to be

president...ted lost his bid to be president.....if this is any indication barack hussein obama is gonna lose too but his ass will not have to wait cause he will get beat by HRC.....and then watch all those that tried to convince themselves that bill and hillary were bigots and racists, and if those folks like ted and kerry came to apologize and hope there are no hard feelings, I would tell them both.....I won this campaign without your help and I and all my supporters that stayed with me helped and I can win this election without your damn help. Thank you...good bye....

and if I were in the camp i would be thinking this:We're gonna win this thing. We're gonna get the votes we need and we're gonna win this thing. And you know what I'm gonna do after that, I mean that very night, I'm gonna go to Sam & Harry's, I'm gonna order a big steak, and I'm gonna make a list of everybody who tried to fuck us and when they come up to the white house and ask for some project they need help on.....I will tell them to check the list.....

[Clarkansas]

7. Congrats! You even used "Hussein" in there!

What is your screen name at Free Republic?

[UALRBSofL]

8. This thread makes some good points

I was talking earlier to someone about Kennedy's endorsement and we decided it's not going to help that much because he isn't that well liked. Then just now on Lou Dobbs the round table pretty much said the same thing except one went on to say just his name recognition may help just a little.

[UALRBSofL]

11. Lou Dobbs Kennedy Poll

It looked like pollsters either it wouldn't change there mind or was a negative. 19% said it was a plus.

[rox63]

13. Many of the people who vote in Dem primaries are politically active Dems

Everybody and his brother votes in the GE. But primaries and caucuses mostly attract people who are politically informed and active. Ted Kennedy is a major name among Dem activists. His endorsement will make a difference among likely primary voters and caucus-goers.

[UALRBSofL]

14. rox63

You make a good point.

[Quixote1818]

15. I think it will move many people on the fence over to Obama. nt

[polichick]

16. It will make a difference to older voters who aren't into the internet...

Obama's speeches have left them wanting more meat on issues (which we look up online) ~ they'll give him a closer look now.

(Just had a conversation with my dad about why his age group hasn't been taking him too seriously ~ they want to hear more specifics.)