P 270830Z AUG 09
FM AMCONSUL HONG KONG
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8416
INFO WHITE HOUSE WASHDC
USDOC WASHDC
AMEMBASSY BEIJING
AMCONSUL SHANGHAI
AMCONSUL GUANGZHOU
AIT TAIPEI 0397
CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS HONG KONG 001629
DEPT FOR INR/R/MR, INR/IC/CD, I/FW
DEPT FOR EAP/PD, EAP/CM, EAP/P
DEPT FOR VOA/BRF, TV-WPA
WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC
PRC POSTS FOR PA
AIT
USPACOM FOR FOR CIS PD ADVISER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO
SUBJECT: MEDIA RECTION: KENNEDY'S DEATH
TOPIC: Kennedy's death
HEADLINES AND EXCERPTS:
"Kennedy leaves unfinished legacy"
The independent English-language South China Morning Post remarked
in an editorial (8/27): "An avalanche of tributes from
international statesmen is customary on the passing of a former
world leader. When it is for an old political warrior fated never
to achieve the highest office, it is extraordinary.... Despite a
life dogged by more family tragedies, Senator Kennedy established a
reputation beyond America's shores as one of his country's most
effective lawmakers, crafting deals with presidents and politicians
of both major parties. The man who might have been president became
known as the lion of the senate and a great patriot. His abiding
cause was reform of health care. In one of his last speeches he
cited his own illness, acknowledging he had benefited from a quality
of medical care denied to millions. He did not live to see his
dream of health reform prevail over political opposition. But his
endorsement was important to the White House candidacy of President
Barack Obama, who has taken up the cause."
"Democratic Party's senior statesman dies, Obama loses his backing"
The mass-circulation Chinese-language The Sun wrote in its column
'Sun's View' (8/27): "...Many commentaries said that following the
passing away of Edward Kennedy, the Kennedy family, which has been
commanding the wind and the clouds in the political arena for
several decades, is declining. It can be said that Kennedy's death
symbolizes the end of an era. Currently, medical reform has
triggered heated debates in the U.S. Edward [Kennedy] has not only
struggled for that for several decades, but his dexterous political
skill has helped to narrow the differences between the Democratic
and Republican parties. The passing away of Edward at this time
will leave Obama, who has been rebuffed for promoting medical
reform, without an important supporter."
MARUT