Ted Kennedy Americans are so proud of you!
We wish you a speedy recovery and a long life.
You and your family have done so much for
the American people. God Bless You!

I wish you the best of health and luck Senator Kennedy.

But your endorsement of Obama over the more qualified / more experienced Hillary Clinton was unforgivable. I had spent years defending you to republican friends and family members but will never feel obligated to do so again.

Guess the people of MA spoke loudly and clearly when they handed Hillary a LANSLIDE victory there.

thank you for today's sacrifice.i commend you,sir,for your patriotism and loyalty to this country.republicans take note of real patriotism!

I think Senator Kennedy certainly deserves the standing ovation he received . He's done alot for this country even if people like "Bob" don't agree with this. By the way Bob maybe we should send you to Iran, if we're lucky they will take you hostage.

Hope you're feeling better Senator Kennedy and thanks for so many years of your selfless dedication.

A Democrat, and proud of it!

Wish you the best!

I wish Kennedy a full recovery, however, when people call him a American Hero, have to draw the line. He would be pulling time if he didn't have the last name Kennedy. The man has done some real good things during his time in the senate, however, his personal behavior and actions should be part of his legacy when judged by history scholars in the future.

I wonder of Obama voted "present" again???? That seems to be his style.

I know why kennedy is supporting obama, Its his brain tumor, he can't think straight. May be after chemo he will support hillary.
Hey moderater are you on obama payroll.??

Although I'm not a Kennedy lover………………..it is nice to see Senator Kennedy back where he belongs and hopefully have a full recovery from this unexpected tradegy in his life.

Ted Kennedy is gangsta. Ain't no Brain tumor going to keep me down, says Kennedy.

If you believe some of these comments by Democrats, everything is the Republicans' fault including this Medicare mess! Like the Republicans don't have families with disabilities or parents receiving Medicare and Social Security! Why don't some of you wake up and put the blame on everyone that sits up on that hill–representing all parties?

Glad Ted Kennedy could make it and wish him well. He isn't one of my favorites, but I still respect him and his long service!

Ted Kennedy needs to retire!

Love you Kennedy you are a true American… we appreciate your vote but we want you healthy!

Get well soon and come back to the Senate with Obama as President!

Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush Mccain=Bush You Go! 61 year old lady thank you too , you got arested for carring a sign saying Mccain=Bush outside a Mccain town hall meeting WHY ! (yes Obama can ) oh yeah 95% of the time Mccain voted with BUSH

Ted is one of the few kennedy's to survive this long, although I would love to see him in back in the senate, I think he deserves to and should enjoy his end years

i.wise.him.well,and,take,care,of,him.self

i.dont.think.ted,kennedy,should,not,go,back.to,the,senate

Ted rest stay home get better , thanks for the vote today but take care of yourself first and thanks for all your years of service all the best to you sir !!!

With everything the current republican office holders have done to crush the standard of living the U.S.A. and now they want to continue to make it hard on the old folk is just heart breaking. Come on back Ted we need you.

Obama is on the hill voting today. McCain is the presidential candidate who is absent.

Time waits for know one and it won't for Ted.

Super. I'm giddy. Obama won't show to vote. He hasn't done anything since his election why start now.

Champion to the little man and underpriviledged godspeed Mr Kennedy. Hope you continue to make a difference.

I'm not real fond of Ted Kennedy, his policies or his lack of judgement on just about everything he does.

I do wish him good luck and Godspeed on a fast and complete recovery.

I can't believe how despicable Harry Reid is for pressuring Mr. Kennedy to come back to vote on one bill.

If you are only one vote short, you don't have enough support!

Re-do the bill to get the support!

Another article says he did make it back- WOW!

Congerss is better without this joke. He and his family has spounged enough off america already.

With the technology available to day, why can't all representatives vote via secure email? There should be virtually for Ted or Barrack either to miss a vote.

I understand he made it, and made it on foot. He is a fighter! I pray because he put his self to the side that God will restore his heath double – We need him in the senate!

God Bless him!

I suppose he'll cross that bridge when he comes to it.

Why can't he vote via web cam from some Federal office nearby or something?

Respect this man and hope he will be doing well.

Hope he can retire and have a rest at home.

Wish u all the best and speedy recovery.

get well TK…we will prey for you

LOST respect for kennedy after he became a judas and did not endorse clinton during the primary.

Dems like kennedy created this worthless financial disaster program ($70 million paid out in FRAUD claims in today's newspaper story!). Let Medicare sink under its own weight.

There should be some rules about this–no show for votes equals loss of seat. We need these Senators and Congressmen there for ALL the votes, or some system should be worked out so they can vote on things where ever they are at the time. Surely in this age of electronic communication, the present system could be revised.

According to Senate rules (I believe), you must be present to vote. There are no votes in proxy and no votes by machine.

Personally, I think he should just stay home in his home state…..maybe forever.

Maybe now–he'll come to his senses and be a Conservative–

Bush will probably veto anyway, don't you think?

I wonder on how many of these 'they needed one more vote' was Obama absent… His track record shows that he skipped a full third of all votes during the campaign season because apparently taking people's donations is more important to him than doing the tax-paid work he was elected to do.

Please stay home. Are you so power-hungry that you feel you must return?

Here is a thread about health care and the possibility of breaking a republican filabuster…and yet some idiots are talking about "Obama's big Iran plan". Is there any doubt these people are not who they claim to be? Pathetic.

I hope Senator Kennedy recovers. I hope everyone else will take a course on economics 101. When you cut fees to doctors for medicaid, they charge "global fees" to make-up the difference. Doctors are not going to lose money. This bill means the consumer will pay more money to the doctors through "global fees" and Uncle Sam will pay less money to the doctors. The democrats are playing with smoke and mirrors and their supporters are too uneducated to understand.

There is a difference between "idealism" and "wishful thinking for political gain". Just like those that beleive Obama can tax the few rich and pay for all those promises just like every democrat since Johnson with the exception of Bill Clinton, an economist.

Ted, we do not need you. It is better for you to resign from the Senate.
We do not need such extreme liberals in our congress.

To Brian in Pittsburgh you wrote: "Ted Kennedy is a true American hero." Are you kidding me?? This is the same guy who crashed his car into a lake, left his mistress in the car while he walked away and went home to bed while she drowned to death. That's what you call an American hero? I'm sure the soldiers in Iraq wouldn't like to be compared to that!

DEAR SIR,
I DO NOT LIKE IT AT ALL WHAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE TRYING TO DO ABOUT ENDING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE. IT IS A TERRIBLE SHAME. THE INSURANCE THAT IS NOW THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT PAYS SO GOOD AND IS SO REASONABLE. THERE IS NO WAY THE ELDERLY COULD AFFORD MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS. MY PARENTS ARE ELDERLY AND THEY PAID VERY HIGH PRICES FOR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS. THERE SEEMS LIKE THAT THERE IS NO HOPE FOR THE ELDERLY. I AM NOT VOTING FOR A DEMOCRAT IN NOVEMBER. ALL THEY ARE TRYING TO DO IS TAKE AWAY ELDERLY MEDICARE AND THEY WILL RAISE TAXES. I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL RAISE TAXES.

Isn't there one honorable member of the opposition who will cast an abstaining vote so that Kennedy can stay home?

OOPS

You must not be living on this PLANET. Do you honestly believe that BARACK WOULD STAND IDLY BY IF HE COULD HELP TED KENNEDY IN ANY WAY? You have GOT to be some kind of IMPERSONATOR! Get a life please.

This is a decision Sen. Kennedy will have to grapple with himself. However I honestly wish that he did not have to. This is an issue that is so NEAR AND DEAR TO HIS HEART, only he can make the decision.

Sen. Kennedy, you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. God willing you WILL BE BETTER SOON.

Mr. Senator, I admit I agree with you on very, very little in this world. However, I want to wish you as speedy a recovery as possible. You've been through a lot these past few months. Rest, take care of yourself, and being the "stubborn old bird" you likely are (much like my own dear grandfather) I ask that you let those around you (your family who cares dearly) take care of you. Get well, sir.

OOPs, maybe you missed it, but Obama was there, and was one of the votes for breaking the filibuster. He will be there for this vote again. Nice try, though, but you might want to ask Senator John "Has Missed More Votes this Session than Any Other Senator" McCain for another talking point

OOPs, Obama is in Washington to vote! McCain is some where hiding out hoping he can dodge blame for one more Republican crime against Americans.
As for Senator Kennedy, Godspeed!

Come back Senator Kennedy!!! Healthcare in this country needs you!

Senator Obama would/could be that one vote. Why doesn't he go to Washington.

He has no scheduled appearances (except on Television shows)!

To the reader who posted "They need one more vote. Where is Obama?" — they need one more vote in addition to Mr. Obama.

Ted should rest.

Why can't they take his vote by proxy?

Chemo is tough. I was only 45 and felt 20 years older during it. He is 76 and going though both chemo and radiation therapy. Take it easy.

Laura, Boston

Bob:
How could you be so hateful toward your fellow Americans? I don’t agree with most conservative values but my no means would I EVER suggest that they should be taken hostage. Closed-minded idiots like you are a disgrace to this country. You think you can do a better job?

It is obvious from the falling short by one that his return would allow the filibuster to be broken. Shame on the Republicans if they actually force a sick colleague to put his health at risk to travel there to force the issue.

Well, its been a Democratic Congress for two years and in case you all missed high school government, that is where the power lies. You forgot the President PROPOSES the budget, the Congress APPROVES it. Do not whine, just wait and see how good it gets when it's all run by the Democrats.

Yeah..!

God's Speed brother Ted…:)

Perhaps, becuase of his tenous health condition, he should retire from his post? Maybe someone can take over for him and he can concentrate on his health?

Hey Ted, we appreciate your dedication and hard work. But we'd much rather have you in good health. Take care of yourself and let our fellow dems handle it. We love ya!

I'm sure the Democrats would love to have his vote, but he should not do anything to put his health in jeopardy.

We wish Kennedy all the best. Any decision he'll make about his position will be understood.

Do it Senator Kennedy. You can be there and back home in only a few hours. You can fly on a private jet. And, Yes, where is Obama? Why isn't he voting?

Isn't Bush going to veto this bill anyway?

The almighty God will help him recover fully.

You look GREAT, Senator , GOD bless you and your family, AMERICA Land of the free, home of the brave……

Kennedy needs to drop out of the Senate as he obviously cannot continue to represent his district. A Republican is needed to fill this spot.

OOPs,

Obama is in D.C. today, but they still need Kennedy's vote to break the filibuster – check your facts first.

OBAMA '08

Wish him a fast recovery, I always have admire all he has done and for him to come and make a very important vote.

I work for Special Olympics and I admire and respect him very much and his family.

All the best to you.

This man is here in this planet to help people and do good deeds. I admire this guy may God bless and heal his illness and give him a healthy and long life.

Give me a break……we're supposed to feel sorry for the doctors?

What about all the people who have jobs cut out from under them?

What about the doctors operating on the wrong side of someone's body, cutting off the wrong leg?

I myself had an unnecessary hysterectomy, and have had doctors not fully disclose test results that came back to haunt me.

I don't think the doctors are going to get much sympathy!

Rick …….I hope he recovers from his illness but he needs to stay away from the senate…..permanently. He's done enough damage to this country………RICK WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!

OOPs …..They need one more vote. Where is Obama -with Hillary

Thank God FOR Senator Kennedy ! A true democrat and a great American

My disabled daughter's health depends to some extent on the outcome of this vote. Kennedy has great healthcare as a Senator. He needs to get there for the vote if his vote would make a difference.

If it turned out that with Kennedy the Democrats would just have the votes to overcome the filibuster, I think it would be truly be a sign that the Republican haven't lost all sense of decency, for Mitch McConnell to vote in Kennedy's place, the way he would have voted.

I'm not sure how I could sleep at night knowing I was able to cut Medicare payments to doctors serving the poor, even though the majority of the Senate was against it, because one of my colleagues (there but for the grace of God could have been me) was battling for his life — with the best doctors money can buy.

P.S. ON MY HEALTHCARE PLAN, I WOULD STILL BE WAITING FOR MY REFERAL TO A SPECIALIST.

I don't believe in God, but if he exists, may he bless Senator Kennedy with a full, and a speedy recovery.

Kennedy is a fighter for the people of this country and we need more senators like him.

Doctors are getting screwed because most of the money is going to the insurance companies–not the doctors. And the insurance companies are in turn screwing patients out of necessary medical treatment all so they can save a few dollars here and there to line their own fat pockets.

Wake up people, the Republican party and its ideals are obsolete. It's time for a new form of government. It's time the government got back to working for the people.

Bob,
We should ship you and your kind to Iran instead. Doesn't that put you a lot closer to the Promised Land?

at work we have "backups" – they don't have this in the Senate? What about vote from home using the "Internet"? some states allow people to "vote by mail" =)

Sorry your sick Mr. Kennedy hope you get well soon, however lately some of your decisions baffle me? I know your health care along with the other Senators is top notch! Good for you, bad for us. Get someone in there to replace you and make some decisions. NOW>

OOPs, maybe you missed it, but Obama was there, and was one of the votes for breaking the filibuster. He will be there for this vote again. Nice try, though, but you might want to ask Senator John "Has Missed More Votes this Session than Any Other Senator" McCain for another talking point.

Independent Voter, Ted went sailing BEFORE the surgery. Having your brain opened is no joke.

to Bob: you are just a ball of hate, you old repug. take your med, please..

Hey Bob, apparently you don't know a thing about the Cuban Missle Crisis and how liberal foreign policy averted a nuclear war. If conservatives had their way, you wouldn't even be here to trash talk liberals. I suppose it was too much for Bob to post anything closely related to the article at hand too. Conservatives: The voluntarily mentally retarded.

Kennedy's vote would help and the country would be better off if he could make it. Of course, a single-payer plan would solve all of this stupidity in health care, but god forbid we have anything remotely close to rational health policy

Maybe this is the time for all that is away from the senate to return to the Senate. I can understand why the travel would be too strenuous on Sen. Kennedy. Can they not set up a monitor from the congress to Senator Kennedy's home? This way the Senator can be comfortable and if he needs to rest he can. I also suggest that no media be allowed to take pictures of the monitor during this meeting.

God's speed to Senator Kennedy

Senator Kennedy has been a great advocate for those who are unable to help themselves.

Wow! Shades of Herbert Humphrey.

kennedy is a patriot and I am sure he would not feel good on an important vote if not there. We will have to wait and see

Keep getting well!! Our family went through this with my Dad.

Get stronger everyday!!

Great strength of character and a true commitment to every citizen. Whether he travels today or not, he is an extrodinary man and we wish him only the best as he continues to battle his cancer. Gods Speed Senator Kennedy.

To care about other people’s health as much as you so, Senator, is incredible.
May God grant you a full recovery.

So Kennedy can get out of his hospital bed and make it to a Senate vote, but Senator McCain has not been able to make a single vote since April 8. McCain now ranks as the #1 most absent senator of the 110th Congress, having missed 61.8 percent of the votes. He even beats Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD), who took several months off while recovering from a brain hemorrhage. Important votes missed include the economic stimulus package and “at least seven votes of prominence on Iraq.”

Let him come back. At least until a suitable Democratic replacement can be found

It would be America's loss, but I hope the Senator does what is best for him and takes care of himself. I wish him all the best.

Deirda, CA

A "hero"? Ted Kennedy? You people are all crazy. He's a murderer.

Why TEd?

Why did you help select and install the demagogue, Obama.

Still, I wish you good health.

Good for Ted. It is nice to see him recover so quickly! Thanks Bob for ranting about something of topic. Your RockTed!

I admire your dedication and service.

But you did the party and the country a DISservice by backing the wrong nominee.

Best to stay neutral and let the people exercise their RIGHT to vote in a fair campaign.

Obama needs you to prop him up.

The people reject him.

I wish you well…. I am not a hater….

But I will never forgive you for pushing Obama and knocking down Hillary.

Ted, I wish you good health… but you lost my respect when you gave us the CURSE OF OBAMA.

Please trust and allow the voters to make up their own minds and then vote. Your job: COUNT all the votes fairly.

The democratic party is now a house divided.

I hope he is able to make it because if doctors continue to have their compensation cut for the work they perform, medicare patients are going to find it more difficult to find physicians who will treat them. That is a fact that people who don't have the Congress' and government employees insurance will find out the hard way. That will only serve to decrease health care to even more Americans.

Good luck Senator Kennedy.

Get well Kennedy, don't let the Repubs harm your health. But since it's something you truely beleive in, it's worth it.

My buddy just saw Kennedy and his family sailing in Cape Cod, so i guess he won't be voting today.

Prayers for Senator Kennedy's recovery and for his family.

Ted… you meant well but you destroyed the party by introducing into it the deceitful, professional, politician, Obama.

Time to retire… and take your created hype, Obama with you.

Welcome back….

Now get rid of your puppet, Obama.

If Obama is SO desired by ALL Americans… why is he even with the least electable republican of them all, in a shoo in year for the democrats?

No track record, no experience, no resume, no qualifications… that's why.

You sacrificed your BEST candidate to advance your WORST one.

Black is not THAT beautiful… neither is delivering a speech.

ACTIONS AND CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES AND INTEGRITY AND CONVICTION….. that is what matters most.

Why no ticker about the 60 year old lady who was harrased and given a ticket for standing outside of a McCain Town Hall in Denver holding a sign that merely said McCain=Bush? You ran the headscarf Obama story for days and haven't even said a peep about this.

Also, what about McCain's killing Iranians "joke"? If something like this came out of Obama's mouth you would be runnning it for weeks. This whole "this campaign is a reformandum on Obama" is just an excuse to hammer Obama every day and let McCain do whatever he pleases.

Why doesnt he just leave the senate. The job you are getting paid almost $200,000 requires you to go to work. Boy wouldnt it be nice if the average hard working person could just say I dont feel like going to work today. And these politicans wonder why the American people dont trust them and hate them. Keep running the show the way it is, pretty soon we will be a third world one.

Re elect none of these clowns, vote them all out.

I hope he does return. He is the voice of reason in the Senate, and a voice that will be missed should he not

The Senate will start playing the theme song from Rocky and Kennedy will come out in a Celtics jersey and cast the deciding vote – gotta luv the guy

Senator Kennedy must do what is best for his health.

he should go and vote. he'll be alright.

I hope Senator Kennedy can do the vote. Medicare and Social Security have been targets for elimination by the Republicans since Democrats started the programs in the 1930s to help a starving nation left by Republican President Herbert Hoover.

Hoover drove us into the Great Depression. HW Bush left us with an officially defined recession and his son W Bush is leaving us with foreclosures and oil price surges.

From the economy to healthcare and retirement–Republicans watch out for only the rich. When will America learn they do not look after anyone but their rich friends?

Many prayers for a full recovery for Senator Kennedy.

Disagree with him on almost everything, but wish him the best in his recovery and hope he doesnt risk his health by coming back to soon.

This amazing statesman reflects the work ethic and the devotion to our country that more of our politicians would be wise to adopt. Our prayers will continue to be with him as he fights a courageous battle against this dreaded disease.

Meanwhile…they ones getting screwed are the doctors.
Patients will benefit from the cuts because their coinsurance will also go down.
The Fed is very happy–because all medicare payments are halted until the issue it resolved.
Doctors–who've lost money every years since 2005–will be the only losers. Though they are already getting less than 60% of their usual and customary charges from medicare–they're facing even harsher reductions.

Thanks Uncle Sam.
And we really want these guys to manage a unversal healthplan for us?

Somebody shake me awake!!!!

How fitting that the lion of the Senate may return for this vote. I hope he does return for this vote, despite the family concern. What a scene on the Senate floor that would be with TK there to break the Republican filibuster of this medicare bill. No other modern day politician has done more for those in need. He is a hero. Go get em Ted!

Thank God we have Senator Kennedy ! A true democrat and a great American. We need him !!

Ted Kennedy is a true American Hero. He's done enough to retire and leave a wonderful legacy. But the fact that he wants to keep fighting hard for the American people says a lot about his character. Go Ted!

Obama '08!

CNN) — Sen. Ted Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor nearly two months ago, is weighing whether to return to the Capitol Wednesday afternoon, for the first time since he got sick, to help break a Republican filibuster of an important Medicare bill, a senior Democrat on Capitol Hill told CNN.
I don't know Senator ………Tough CALL!!!1

I hope he recovers from his illness but he needs to stay away from the senate…..permanently. He's done enough damage to this country.

This is a disgrace what the Republicans are doing to medicare recipients which include all groups of people; elderly, children, military dependents, mentally and physically disabled. They don't care because it doesn't affect them.

Wow. I understand that it is an important vote, but your health is more important! Stay home and take care, Sen. Kennedy.

I like Ted Kennedy, but i strongly believe he should take it easy, and stay home resting for a longer time. He is going to need all the physical strengh and energy in order to recover from the toll that chemo and radiation therapy leave in your body.

I wish him well!

Not a fan of Teddy's, but Godspeed in your recovery Mr. Kennedy.

This is how we would like to think of all our elected officials; selfless public servants working to represent their constituents and fellow Americans.

A true testament of what a great man Senator Kennedy really is. We pray for his health and admire his courage.

Obamas "Big Iran Plan"

Aggressive Diplomacy huh. What does that mean? Sending Jimmy Carter to Iran to unconditionally surrender? That worked so well in N. Korea in the mid 90’s.

If so, I hope that Iran takes Jimmy Hostage this time. Liberals = usefull idiots to the USA’s enemies, and useless idiots for the rest of us. Let’s just ship all the Liberals to Iran to negotiate and hope that they are taken hostage.

Why not? He can go sailing.

est wishes to you Kennedy !!
We hope you can come back and work, we need you !!!

Obama Country !!! 2008 and beyond

They need one more vote. Where is Obama?

Ted should just retire and relax.