'Stunned silence' in the Capitol
(CNN) - Senate Democrats and Republicans were in their weekly closed policy lunches in the Capitol when the news broke about Sen. Ted Kennedy. Majority Leader Reid announced the news to his Democratic colleagues. The wind was taken out of the room, said one senator. There was “stunned silence,” said another.
Capitol police officers and Senate staffers gathered around TVs just off the Senate floor and watched the breaking news on CNN.
Kennedy friend Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, arrived late and entered a back door to the lunch. He looked drained. He declined to comment about the news except to nod yes when asked if he had spoken to Kennedy’s family.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Iillinois another close friend, spoke quietly on his cell phone just outside the lunch. He looked emotional when he hung up and told a reporter, "I can’t say anything,” as he returned to the lunch.
Sen. Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, predicted if anyone could overcome the illness Kennedy would. “Look what he’s been through in his life,“ Conrad said.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg D-New Jersey, said “Ted Kennedy makes the Senate the place that it is and has for so many years.”
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We love you Senator and all you do for our country. My heart goes out to you and your lovely family.
May God Bless and Comfort you; in Jesus name I Pray, AMEN.
May God hear all of our prayers for strength for Senator Kennedy and his family during this struggle. May God cure him and reward him with many more years.
God Bless you, Senator Kennedy and your family as well.
he is a fighter and a survivor...he will do both.
Ted Kennedy has faced challenges in life that would have crushed many, and through it all he has displayed the greatest face of what makes us human: to learn from our mistakes, rise above our personal tragedies, and place the welfare of others above our own. A true leader who throughout his years of public service, has remained the conscience of U.S. Government – oft stating the truth that no one else wants to hear and challenging many to find the courage to listen. Although he has already written an amazing legacy and lived a truly enlightened life, his presence remains necessary as the country moves toward what may well be a golden age. He remains in our prayers.
hang on senator!
We need you!
I am sadden by this news. I wish him well.
Today is a very sad day for many Americans. Senator Kennedy has been on the battle field for the homeless, children, and all of those that could not /cannot battle the system. Get well soon the people of this country needs you.
Very few people born to privelege have cared so much for the many who were not. Mr. Senator, I wish you the best – as you have given to your country.
Senator Kennedy has been in the senate for as long as I and my mother have been alive, and we are all wishing him a complete recovery from this tumor. You can make it, Senator! We believe in you!
God be with you and your family Mr. Kennedy. Whether you like his politics or not, he has been a faithful servant of our nation. Get well soon.
Let's pray for him and his family. He has had a great life. He was blessed out of his brothers to live a full and long life. Even from some of his nephews. So we should be rejoicing. Everyone will have a homegoing and he has had a wonderful life. I pray for his family to have strength.
Ted Kennedy is the very definition of what a "public servant" should be. Thank you Senator Kennedy for your years of service to this country and may God be with you.
You have done alot of great things for alot of people in this country. stay strong.
America is holding you close in her thoughts and prayers.
My best wishes are with Sen. Kennedy and his family in this difficult hour...May he get better soon!
I am sorry that Mr. Kennedy is facing yet another tough time in his life. Our thoughts are with you, sir.
Few people in the history of our government have done as much to help the less fortunate in our nation as Sen. Kennedy. God speed to a full recovery.
who cares, next.
PRAY AND HAVE FAITH!!!!!
AND BY GOD I WISH THE MEDIA WOULD STOP ACTING LIKE HE IS ALREADY DEAD OR DYING!! YOU ALL GO TOO FAR IN YOUR REPORTING OF THIS, IT'S AS IF YOUR TALKING ABOUT HIM IN PAST TENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
PRAY AND BELIEVE!!!!
SENATOR KENNEDY & FAMILY WE LOVE YOU!!!
GOOD FOR HIM!!
Whether you agree or disagree with his politics and stands, Senator Kennedy has shown integrity and strength over the years. He is truly a lion of the senate. May God be with him and his family.
My heart is broken...
I hope Kenneday will come back!
Your the best senator.
S. Kennedy wis a great leader and a great person who's done more for this county than many politicians. My prayers go out to him and his family.