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Book Tour Puts Ted Jr. in Spotlight

Kennedy son, advocate for the disabled, may yet enter politics

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2009 5:09 PM CDT
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(Newser) – When Ted Kennedy Jr. starts publicizing his late father’s memoir on 60 Minutes tonight, he will emerge into a political spotlight he has shunned since losing a leg to cancer more than 30 years ago, the Boston Globe reports. Friends have tried to prod him into office, but for now he “wants the world to see" that his father "was an incredibly spiritual person,” a family friend says.

Kennedy said last week he had no plans to run for office, but left the possibility open. “I’m told one day my children will not want to hang out with me,’’ he said. “Maybe at that time I’ll consider that.’’ More grounded than other, more reckless Kennedys of years past, Ted Jr. has focused on fighting for the disabled. “He doesn’t seek the spotlight,’’ a colleague says. “He seeks to do the work.’’

Edward Kennedy Jr., kisses the casket of his father at the Roman Catholic Funeral Mass for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009.
Edward Kennedy Jr., kisses the casket of his father at the Roman Catholic Funeral Mass for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Boston, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Ted Jr. speaks at the fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Realizing the Dream Awards event on January 18, 2009 in Washington, DC.
Ted Jr. speaks at the fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Realizing the Dream Awards event on January 18, 2009 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
Ted Kennedy Jr. attends the Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House August 12, 2009 in Washington, DC.
Ted Kennedy Jr. attends the Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House August 12, 2009 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
Ted Kennedy Jr. says he's thought about following in his late father's footsteps and running for political office, but says he has no immediate plans to do so.
Ted Kennedy Jr. says he's thought about following in his late father's footsteps and running for political office, but says he has no immediate plans to do so.   (AP Photo/Douglas Healey)
Ted Kennedy Jr. talks to the media after addressing The Connecticut AFL-CIO eighth biennial convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 in New Haven, Conn., during a tribute to to his father.
Ted Kennedy Jr. talks to the media after addressing The Connecticut AFL-CIO eighth biennial convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 in New Haven, Conn., during a tribute to to his father.   (AP Photo/Douglas Healey)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
timeandagain
Sep 14, 2009 12:01 PM CDT
Probably a drunk too..
Snarfeh
Sep 14, 2009 7:48 AM CDT
I hope he never goes into politics. He is a good man and politics would corrupt him like it corrupts everyone else. One cannot be an honest politician in our system. It simply is not possible.
Ucantusethatname
Sep 14, 2009 1:09 AM CDT
Uncle Teddy "was an incredibly spiritual person"? I'm sure he said, "Oh, god," while he watch his car sink at Chapaqujiddack.
Politics • US

 
politics • Ted Kennedy • disability • 60 Minutes • Ted Kennedy Jr

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