Candidate Statements on Kennedy

Clinton:

“Ted Kennedy's courage and resolve are unmatched, and they have made him one of the greatest legislators in Senate history. Our thoughts are with him and Vicki and we are praying for a quick and full recovery.”

McCain:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Kennedy and his family. We hope and pray his doctors will be able to effectively treat his condition and that he will experience a full recovery. I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate, and I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate."

McCain also told MSNBC, "I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate...And I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate."

Obama:

“Michelle and I were saddened to hear the news about Senator Kennedy's condition today, and we plan on doing whatever we can to support him, Vicki, and the entire Kennedy family during this time. Senator Kennedy has been a fighter for his entire life, and I have no doubt that he will fight as hard as he can to get through this. He has been there for the American people during some of our country's most trying moments, and now that he's facing his own, I ask all Americans to keep him in our thoughts and prayers,” said Barack Obama.

No one seems to have wasted much time in wondering how Kennedy's illness will effect the race. (EVERYTHING HAS TO RELATE TO THE ELECTIONS, YOU HEAR ME? EVERYTHING!) There had been some murmuring that Kennedy could be the figure that brings the party back together. I would think that now, if he wants that role, he could be even more effective in making the argument that history demands the two candidates make peace.