BOSTON - President Barack Obama hailed Senator Edward Kennedy as the "greatest legislator of our time" at the funeral yesterday of the patriarch of the preeminent American political dynasty.
"Ted Kennedy's life's work was not to champion those with wealth or power or special connections. It was to give a voice to those who were not heard," Obama said in a eulogy at a Catholic church packed with members of the political elite.
The president cited Kennedy's work on civil rights, disabilities laws, children's health and immigration reform, but made scant reference to healthcare reform efforts.
Since Kennedy died on Tuesday of brain cancer at age 77, Americans have held a series of memorials for the last of the Kennedy brothers, showing the fascination many have for a family that is the closest thing to U.S. royalty.
Police said 50,000 people came to a two-day public viewing of his casket at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
Mourners from Hollywood star Jack Nicholson to Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer crowded the church where cellist Yo-Yo Ma played and tenor Placido Domingo sang. Readings came from several generations of Kennedys. Obama and former presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton sat at the front with their wives.
Kennedy became a champion of liberal Democrats and was both respected and reviled by conservative Republicans, many of whom never forgave him for the Chappaquiddick car accident in 1969 when he drove off a bridge, escaping while a female companion died.
He did not call police for nine hours, and the incident may have ended any chance he had of becoming president.
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