The progressive movement lost a hero today, and the Center for American Progress lost a dear friend. Senator Ted Kennedy served tirelessly in the Senate for the state of Massachusetts and the nation for over four decades, putting his efforts toward critical progressive issues such as education and immigration reform, fighting poverty, expanding civil rights, and working to ensure health care for every American. When it came to reaching across the aisle, forging compromise, and getting something done, Senator Kennedy was simply in a league of his own.
This great man bridged the idealism and purpose of an earlier generation and helped usher its revival today. His memory will live on in the generation of progressives that he has inspired through the change he has brought to America. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss the Senator, as will our nation.