the liberal lion died late last night at age 77. >> there's so many things to talk about when we lookinsight into the career of this great man, we want to be joined by rick klein, who is one of our soonier political reporters. rick, we know you covered kennedy while you were covering politics at the "boston globe." though this was a an anticipated death, it makes it no less sad and shocking. >> it is. politics is going to stand still for a while. if you spent enough time around washington, you developed respect for senator kennedy for what he was able to do as a legislator, a colleague, a friend. who epitomized what it meant to be a senator. in tire generations of senators look up to him and said immay not agree with him on much but this is how you're supposed to do this job. >> we know about his relationship with president barack obama. it's so fascinating to look back at the election of last year and see the role he played in that election and how the clintons perceived a role and that entire dynamic. >> it was an absolutely critical moment in the campaign. president obama, then sen

wanted, he was known as the liberal lion of the senate. we're going to take a look back at his life and contributions to america. stay tuned for abc2 news for all the latest and abc2 news.com on the death of ted kennedy. again, we're going to look back at his career and life and get reaction from people waking up this morning to the news of the senator's death and what impact his death will have on health care reform. that debate of course, a cause he was tirelessly fighting for until the end. >>> these stories and much more coming up here this morning on "good morning maryland." but first, a look at the forecast. >> justin berk. >> 6:00. good morning. you'll notice a little more humidity and heat today. i want to start off downtown with our dark view of the inner harbor. yes, we get sunrise in a half-hour, at 6:30. 73 degrees across the inner harbor. 72 glen burnie and sparrows point. 60s across the county on the north side of the beltway back towards reisterstown at 69. 67 in westminster. we're dry on maryland's most powerful doppler rad

it's a broad impact >> they've been doing it and you're hearing the term, the liberal lion. well, it can't be easy to stand alone and fight for the causes that are not always popular. >> well, it's remarkable he was the liberal lion fighting the causes that his brother's believed in and he continued throughout his career, whether or not it was democrats in the white house, controlling congress or republicans controlling congress, it was really a part of his legacy. outside of the capitol, he was a great liberal and inside congress, he was a legislature whose ability was to work with everyone. >> and that's an art that's lost today on a lot of senators and congress people in the congress. this was a tr art ideed. he had a unique gift as a legislator to be able to work with the republicans, part of it was his tremendous trust he had. democrats trusted him. there was no sense he was going to sell you out. and that meant that he was a partner. if you coud win over ted kennedy, you could bring with him more democrats. he develop close relaonships with the republicans who were sur

the so-called liberal lion of the senate has died.dward kennedy passed away shortly before midnight after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. he was the third longest serving senator in history. he was 77 years old. >> supporters of the health-care plan, are kicking off a bus store. jim moran. booed in reston last night. >> the class schedule mixup at some schools will not be fixed until at least the end of the week. about 4000 students were left out of class as yesterday because of problems with the computer system. it is down from a thousand students on monday. >> the government is considering pushing up today of a swine flu vaccine. they are considering speeding up the police to next month. >> 5:47. >>> your traffic and weather together every 10 minutes. >> arriving just in the nick of time, adam caskey. >> how did you run up here and not be out of breath? >> doug is right. i am out of breath. the weather center is not too far away. >> it is starting to get hot outside. yo u might lose your breath this afternoon if you are m out e

the man, dubbed the liberal lion died early this morning of brain cancer and we just learned that heill be buried at arlington national cemetery. he passed away with his family by his bedside in hyannis port, massachusetts. a short while ago, president obama took a break from his vacation in martha's vineyard to talk about his courage during his final days. >> since his diagnosis last year, we have seen the courage with which he battled his illness. while these months have no doubt been difficult for him, they have allowed him to hear from people in every r tierrno our nation and around the world how much he meant to all of us. >> reporter: here's part of a statement released by the senator's family shortly after his passing. -- republicans are also phrasing the career of ted kennedy. arnold schwarzenegger who's married to maria shriver called kennedy a loving husband, father, uncle and brother and the rock of the family. nancy reagan release a statement saying -- >>> reaction to senator kennedy's death is pouring in not just from the u.s. but around the world, as well. gordon brown

. >> jeff: then, remembering the liberal lion. we look at how the late senator ted kennedy shaped health care reform and what happens to those efforts now. >> paul: i'm paul kangas. >> jeff: and i'm jeff yastine. susie gharib is on assignment. this is "nightly business report" for wednesday, august 26. "nightly business report" is made possible by: this program was made possible by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> jeff: good evening, everyone. a much bigger increase than forecast. sales of new homes jumped 9.6% in july. could it be the housing market is turning? scott gurvey reports. >> reporter: it was the fourth straight month of increased new home sales and although this is a number with a wide margin of error, it did encourage those who see a bottom in housing. beth ann bovino of standard and poor's notes there has also been increased buying of distressed properties and existing homes. >> those homeowners were actually free to move and actually buy something elsewhere. so you're starting t

>> well, that is quite a statement. >> reporter: the liberal lion could certainly roar. jonathan karl, abc news, capitol hill. >>> some conservatives are lashing out at democrats in the wake of kennedy's death. talk show host, rush limbaugh, is accusing the left of exploiting kennedy and his legacy to push through health care reform. and the group conservatives for patients right, says out of respect for kennedy, it is temporarily suspending its tv ad campaign, to defeat the government-run insurance option. >>> to many fellow politicians, he was a mentor and a close and thoughtful friend. from across the country, they have been sharing what kennedy meant to them. >> the country lost a great advocate. millions of people who counted on this guy every day to stand up for them. and for decades to come, history will talk about his legislative accomplishments and the differences he made in public policy. for me, i lost my best friend in the senate. >> diane and i will miss his company. his humor and his stories. his spot-on impersonations of other people in public life. his so

we learned that the man dubbed the liberal lion succumbed to brain cancer. a great void is left with his passing. and now we are learning more about services to honor the late senator edward kennedy. flags are flying at half staff in his memory. kennedy will be buried at arlington national cemetery near his brother. today, president barack obama and other politicians reflected on kennedy's work that opened doors to millions. >> his ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives. and seniors who know dignity and families that know new opportunity, in children who know education's promise and in all who can pursue their dream in an america that is more equal and more just. >> politicians from both sides of the isle are expressing their sympathies over the loss of ted kennedy. former president george hw bush said today and this is a quote, while we didn't see eye to eye on many political issues through the years, i always respected his steadfast public service. secretary of state, hillary clinton said kennedy inspired generati

it's his liberal voice many say they will miss. known as the lion of the senate ted kennedy was recently putting efforts behind universal health care. he work the phones from his sick bed making a final push for health care reform. >> the whole kennedy family was -- people, they served people and that's what they did and that's what he did all his life. >> so many things to so many people. champion of what was right. >> reporter: kennedy was a champion for social causes. he called health care reform the cause of his life. earlier this year he was awarded the presidential medal of freedom, america's highest civilian honor. live at penn station,landsa so, abc2 news. >> "good morning america" will have more on the life and legacy of kennedy. >>> in other news -- five years' probation, plus six months of community labor, the sentence for r & b singer chris brown who pled guilty to assaulting rihanna. the sentence was handed down yesterday in an l.a. courtroom. he was also ordered to stay away from rihanna who was severely beaten by brown during a brawl

the liberal lion of the united states senate has died. senator ted kennedy was 77. his family announced his death after his battle with a brain tumor. the family says though they have lost kennedy the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in the hearts forever. >> for nearly a half century he was a sted fast champion of the working class and poor, a powerful voice on health care, civil rights, war, peace. you name it. if it was involved in politics. to the american public he was best known as the last surviving son of america's most glum -- glamorous political family shattered over and over again by tragedy. arnold schwarzenegger and his wife maria say they are saddened by the death of uncle teddy. hours after he died of brain cancer the pair said "it was a shock to our family. kennedy's death came just two weeks after that of maria shriver's mother, eunice kennedy shriver, one of the senator's siblings. >>> impressive, even inspiring to watch him return to work after his cancer diagnosis. >> his passion is what really made him a political

. >> and this morning the senate top democrat harry reed said while the roar of the mighty liberal lion has fallen his legacy and dream will endure and he promised congress will push health care reform as a final tribute to senator ted kennedy. armando trull for 9 news now and wusa9.com. >> the kennedy family issued a statement this morning. in part it reads he loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. he always believed our best days were still ahead but it is hard to imagine any of them without him. last week senator kennedy sent a letter to massachusetts lawmakers asking his seat be filled quickly. his sister, eunice kennedy shriver died two weeks ago. he was unable to attend her funeral. the only lay makers serving long are thurman and bid. we will have more coverage on his death throughout the morning here on 9 news now. >>> in other news, one of the things senator kennedy hoped to vote on is president obama's health care reform in the country. and the latest meeting on the issue took place last night in virginia. howard dean spoke on the president's plan. that's when

. >> the liberal lion as the country marks the passing of the anchor of the first family of politics. >> pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will some day come to pass for all the world. >>> good evening, everyone. i'm brian bolter. >>> i'm shawn yancy. last-minute funeral arrangements for senator kennedy are underway right now including plans to bring him back to our area. >> flags are flyingat half staff tonight at the capitol where kennedy carried out his nearly five-decade career as well as along the national mall and across the country. laura evans starts us off with more on his life and legacy. >> reporter: across the country and around the world people are remembering senator ted kennedy's nearly half century of service spent shaping key policies. he was known as the liberal lion and there is no doubt he left his mark on the history of american politics. >> the work goes on. the cause endures. the hope still lives. and the dreams shall never die. >> reporter: edward kennedy served 47 years in the senate, longer than all but two other senators in u.s. histo

. >>> we continue our coverage of the death of ted kennedy and the legacy the liberal lion leaves behind he left his mark on thousands of pieces of legislation. courtney robinson is live with more. certainly his imprint is far and wide. the patriarch for the family. the question now, who will succeed him? he was a voice for civil rights, alth care, education. now the roar of the lion has fallen silent. >> the work goes on. the hope still lives. the dream shall never die. >> ted kennedy carried their dream forward. we saw his personal failures -- chappaquiddick, and the loss of the 1980 presidential bid. >> i believe the camelot era passes today. i do not believe the next generation could ever measured up to the first. >> but the legacy continues. victoria and joe are said to be serious contenders for the late senator's seat. then there is kathleen kennedy townsend and patrick kennedy. finally, there is caroline kennedy. she played a visible role in the obama campaign. >> senator edward kennedy! >> all up to carry the torch, but not able to fill the shoes of the senator from massachusetts

>>> we continue our coverage on the death of senator kennedy with a look at the legacy of the liberal lion leaves behind. >> he left his work on thousands of pieces of legislation. >> good morning. his imprint is far and wide. the death of senator kennedy begs the question of succession. the political dynasty informed before our eyes. ted kennedy was the one we watched grow old, the one who shaped legislation, who saw his successes and his failures. >> i do not think the next generation could ever measured up to the first. >> the dream will likely continue through nieces and nephews, possibly even his wife of 17 years. vendor is kathleen kennedy townsend and patrick kennedy, who has been a leading voice in congress on mental health. there is caroline kennedy. she played a visible role in the obama campaign. it is unclear who will take the helm of the kennedy clan. the dream will go one. >> the work will go on. the hope still lives. the dream shall never die. >> the late senator considered health care reform the cause of his life. we'll see how his death affects this debate. >> thank you. >

. >> world leaders are remembering the liberal lion of the u.s. senate, a champion of health care. his mark on american politics will not be forgotten. he lived a life of both triumph and try it -- and tragedy. he carried on dreams of a political dynasty. >> i shall dedicate all of my strength and will to serving you in the united states senate. >> teddy entered the senate in 1962, taking over jfk's seat. it all changed in the summer of 1969 when he drove his car off a narrow bridge, resulting in the death of a campaign worker, mary jo kopechne. 10 years later, he announced his run for presidency. >> i announce i am a candidate for president of the united states. >> he never overcame questions about chappaquiddick, but he made his name in the senate. he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008. he delivered an impassioned speech at the democratic convention. >> the work begins a new. the hope rises again and the dream lives on. >> here is a live look outside of the family compound in hyannis port. there is a large police presence. senator kennedy passed away at his home and he was s

. >>> the flags are flying half staff in honor of the liberal lion. this is a live look at capitol hill, a place where senator kennedy spent more than four decades. he was passionate and he didn't back down. he lost his battle with brain cancer and we'll talk more about his highs, lows and come backs. >>> well, over the course of five decades senator edward kennedy emerged from the chad lowes of john and robert kennedy. the statement from the family was issued this morning announcing his death saying, we have lost an irreplaceable center of the family and the joyous light of our lives. his joy will live on in your hearts forever. we thank everyone who cared and supported him and everyone who stood with him in his tireless march towards justice, fairness and opportunity to all. >> what a wonderful thing -- >> reporter: his life was a series of triumphs and losses. he lived his life in the public eye. >> i, john kennedy do swear. >> reporter: with his brother's election election in 1960, it seems they had a dynasty and robert was attorney general and te

because he has been a liberal lion forever.also been the punching bag and much vilified by so many on the right for these many decades now. it's interesting, some of the bridges he built. >> that's right. one of his closest personal friends, harry, was orrin hatch. you can't find someone more different than ted kennedy politically. he was masterful at the art of compromise. while he's been working the phones during this whole health care debate and apparently cheered when he heard that the house bill had been crafted in mid. july. many say his presence is sorely missed in this process because he was able to built bridges and so good at compromise, that a lot of people wish he was there, helping hammer out this legislation. >> we've been busy digging through some of the things he said, some of his speeches, and the eloquent words he used at different times. his eulogy of his brother, bobby, just down the street at st. patrick's. his speech in 1980, which we showed a clip of. what were you digging up? >> this morning i remembered

that is the area where ted kennedy earned his reputation as the liberal lion. is particular discussion on lion he was a partisan fighter. there has been so much admiration poured out in massachusetts and from staffers. it's to note that he was a polarizing figure and often the source of great consternation and partisan ire on the right. we'll have the camera man on the right, despite the heat, we thought was going to rain. they are beginning to turn out here and block upon block from here a couple dozens making they're way. there will be staffers and there has been much made how in 47 years in the senate his reach and sort of reciprocal work with staffers. no less than steven breyer was an aide. over 47 years he has had thousands of staffers that have gone on to hold offices all across the country at various levels of government. there is something quite special about their talents. ted kennedy's office among congressional offices was known as a shop for the most ambitious most talented and most prolific. that fitting. there are very few on the landscape of cong

. >> reporter: ted kennedy was known the the liberal lion of the senate. the third longest serving senator in american history and during that tenure he compiled a legislative record that touched the live of millions of americans. when ted kennedy took over the senate seat left vacant by his brother's election to the presidency in ' 62 he never suspected he would be among the longest-lasting senators in american history. the legislative record of 47 years which influenced education, civil rights, immigration and health care and earned him the respect of presidents. >> life of senator edward m. kennedy has made a difference for us all. >> reporter: he called himself the liberal senator from massachusetts and even the political opponents he faced down couldn't help but give him their respect. >> he is a fabulous united states senator. when he is against ya, it's tough. when he's with ya it's a great experience. >> reporter: americans never elected him president but the legislative record he enacted during his distinguished career has left a legacy that few p

. >> for this liberal lion of the senate, a three gun sal ut.he flag handed to his widow and he joined his brothers in the ground. president barak obama delivered the eulogy. >> kennedy's life work was not the champion, the cause of those with wealth or power or special connections but to give a voice to those who were not heard. >> a tearful moment from kennedy junior. he said, i know you can do it. there is nothing that you can't do. we're going to climb that hill together, even if it takes us all day. >> a final goodbye for another kennedy. >> not too long ago, the president hand delivered a letter for ted kennedy to the pope. the contents of the letter weren't known until tonight. there was a letter back from the vat can to senator kennedy. he had written that he had tried live the life of a good catholic and would like to have the wonderful good graces before he passed away. the pope wrote back that was something he would gladly grant and he hoped his final days would be peacel ones. as the motor kayed made their way through the streets of

the man known as the liberal lion of the u.s.enate and one of thelu ialennf ti influential lawmakers of our time. >> today theennedy family will tor's .dyom hisnnyartpo to wheililie l inie repose today motoow at the kennedy --nmo joh . kennedy presidential libry an umdmuse.ody willmuedy's bynl flown to virgini foris his buril at arlington national cemetery saturday afternoon. michelle franzen has more. >> reporter: this morning, the inn eftsable farewell begins. the body of senator ted kennedy leaves the family compound in hyannisport, bound for boston where he will be honored in a ceremony fitting for the iconic senator. along the route, the motorcade will mark significant ments in kennedy's life. his body will lie in repose at the jfk library and museum over the next two days, offering the public a chance to say good-bye to the influential senator. on saturday, funeral services will be held at our lady of perpetual help, a grand catholic cathedral in a blue collar section of boston. dignitaries, past presidents and president ob

he is a liberal lion in the senate. he will be missed greatly. may he rest in peace. >> keep emailing those responses. we will read more the next hour and post all of them on the front page of our website. >> here is a look ahead to the next hour of the 11 news today. >the state fair begins. >> and party is being held. we will explain coming up. >> we are dealing with tropical storm danny which may play into our weather forecast. i will let you know it's the impact will be big or minimal. stay tuned. diabetes and cancer. and they've heard that biomedical research offers hope, that it could control, maybe even cure, their disease. senator barbara mikulski understands the importance of innovative biomedical research, for patients, their families, and our economy here in maryland. call senator mikulski today. tell her, thanks for protecting the promise of biomedical research and the maryland jobs it provides. it's not just the future, it's life.

come to our house. >> everybody knows him. >> and by those who knew of his achievements of the liberal lion of the senate. >> he led the way for civil rights, american disabilities act and a lot of people that didn't have the opportunity to speak. he spoke for them. >> reporter: some people were harsh over the one event that may have cost him the presidency and a young woman her life. the 1969 accident where a woman died inside the car he was driving for ever marred his legacy in the eyes of some while others were more forgiving. >> that might have been a shock that brought him around to being the person he became, i think. >> reporter: in washington, armando trull, 9news now and wusa9.com. >> and some say kennedy's greatest achievements were to redeem himself. >>> senator edward kennedy's second home was here in washington. grace lived next door to him. she says they attended kennedy's big 75th birthday bash in his backyard. she also told us senator kennedy was a devoted pet owner. >> he loves the dogs and then one day, my little terrier went running into his front door when the door was o

but the liberal lion spent much of his time at his second home here in washington.d kennedy's years in the senate along with his two years in the army qualify him for burial at arlington national m cemetery much his grave expected to be 95 feet south wrf the eternal flame burns in memory of john f. kennedy. also buried at the site, brother robert. >> the hope rises again. >> reporter: while ted kennedy spent much of his life in the public eye, his burial service will be private with only family and friends in attendance. visitors wishing to see other parts of the cemetery will be able to do so but will be kept site. and robert e. lee house on the hill also known as the arlington house will be closed saturday starting at noon. kennedy's grave will be off-limits to the public until sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. as far as other funeral arrangements including possible mo motorcades or honors, those details are still being worked out. >> thank you. >>> the hope still lives and the dream shall never die. >> mourners paid a spontaneous tribute to senator kennedy in dupont ci

tom fitzgerald has a look at the man known as the liberal lion of the senate. >> reporter: man people are waking up to this news and it was expected but still the final news comes as a shock. it was about 1:30 this more thanking when the news was first released from the kennedy family that the senator had passed away. as you might imagine, statements have been coming into the newsroom from all over the country. we have one here from the kennedy family itself. we'll put that up on the screen. they say we have lost the he irreplaceable center of our family and the joyous light of our lives but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. of course, proams currently vacationing in martha's vineyard not far from the kennedy compound. that statement goes on to say we thank everyone who gave him care and support over his last year and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress towards justice, farrness and opportunity for all. the white house also released a statement this morning from president barack obam

. >> the liberal lion of the count who never backed down and never apologiesed for the beliefs that he had passed away overnight. >> he saw both the high and lows that came with an entire lifetime in the spotlight of one of america's most famous families. tom fitzgerald is joining us in the studio with more on the life and time of senator kennedy. >> reporter: senator kennedy's triumphs and tragedies were large but he drew on the rich history of his iconic family as he pushed forward for the causes he held dear. his life was a series of triumphs and losses seen by many as an american version of a greek tragedy belonging to a family that would become political royalty. he lived his entire life in the public spotlight. it seemed the kennedys had the making of a political dynasty. teddy was elected to the senate in 1962. when asass sanes bull eats stole his brothers away leaving him alone to share the grieving of his family. >> those of us who loved him and would take him to his rest today pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will some day come to pass for all the wor

senator ted kennedy, the last liberal lion, spent almost half a century on the sceneena floor. the kid brother of jack and bobby, he emerged in 1962 at 30 years old. >> i dedicate my strength to serve you in the united states senator. >>today i formally announce thai am a candidate for president of the united states. >> in 1980 he lost the race to jakarta in part to what happened 10 years old --ar 1yes0 earlier when hdrove his car off a bridge in massachusetts. in the 1980's, he focused on the senate. he then found his wife, victoria. now the same is true for his colleagues and family. it is hard to imagine life without the man who fought for so many without a voice. >> the hope rises again, and the dream lives on. >> senator kennedy is survived by his wife, three children, and twa zero stepchildren. he loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. he's always believed that our best days were still ahead. it is hard to imagine any of them without him. >> thank you for that. his work reached so many americans and affected his colleagues, even opponents, including former

known as the liberal lion of the senate, senator kennedy died last night at his home in hyannisport, massachusetts, after battling a brain tumor. senator kennedy was 77. >>> for the second day in a row, nasa called off the launch of the space shuttle "discovery" this time due to a faulty fuel valve. the next attempt will be made friday. >>> and ben bernanke to a second term. his out of the box thinking helped put the brakes on the economic prefall. >>> and english authorities are investigating mass violence that broke out between westham united and millhall. one man was stand in the chest during vicious clashes. several others were also arrested >> and now here's a look at how wall street will kick off the day. the s&p was up 2. nasdaq added 6 points. taking a look at overseas trading this morning, in tokyo, the nikkei jumped 142 points, while in hong kong, the hang seng gained 21 points. >>> the market managed modest gains tuesday thanks to upbeat reports on the state of the economy. an industry report said home values are up nearly 3%, the first quarterly increase in three years. t

coming days will see thousands of people, including president obama, say good-bye to the senate's liberal lion. nbc's michelle franzen begins our live coverage from hyannisport, massachusetts. good morning, michelle. >> reporter: well, good morning, christina. certainly before it goes public it has been a very private for the family here. a spot illuminated by a ship in hyannisport. a beacon of hope off the kennedy compound. inside family and friends, including senator john kerry, reflecting on the life lost. >> there is a very beautiful and personal, private vigil taking place. it's very spiritual and about as beautiful as it could be. i think it's everything that senator kennedy would have wanted. >> reporter: private and public tributes kennedy would have loved. ♪ at fenway park, taps played in his honor at the red sox game. and flags flown half-staff all the way to capitol hill. >> mighty roar. i'll always remember. his dream shall never die. >> reporter: president obama september said his contributions can be felt every day. >> his ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflec

we often hear senator ted kennedy described as the liberal lion of the

marking the end of camelot, the liberal lion of the senate, ted kennedy dies from brain cancer, may he rest in peace. does this end the government's takeover of health care? >>> a decade of debt is creating big doubts about the dollar. the president's budget doesn't even tell half of the sorry debt story according to former u.s. comptroller general david walker. >>> why is new york's labor leader now chairman of the new york federal reserve? is this going to be trouble? >>> strong economic stats today for new home sales and business investment? is it a v-shaped recovery with rising interest rates coming soon? what will that mean for stocks? should money market mutual funds be regulated like banks. >> think fidelity, vanguard, you may own one of them? we'll debate it. fasten your seat belts, the "kudlow report" starts right now. . >>> good evening. i'm larry kudlow. welcome back to t"the kudlow report" where we believe free market capitalism is the best path to prosperity. today's top story is the passing of senator ted kennedy, the liberal lion of the senate who died last evening at th

last year, the tried needo hear hootie liberal lion with taed to become president heas gravely ill at the presidential inaugurion. he collapse. --e collapsed. for 47 years, tedennedy ruled on theill, and one of his greatestassions was reforng the american health-carsystem. heill not bround to help theresident pushed throughis increasingly difficult rerms, but democrats ho athe lions lasroar will that go beyond the grave. today i kw at the tap has been going -- "he the brother who mattered the mo." he wll be buried between h brothersthe last of the dynasty. bbc news, washington. >> what lastingimpact will ted kennedy had on politics? with me, h biographer. thankou for coming in how much of an impact do you think head outside washinon? >> i think this is whe he became a great senator. you voted 18 instead of 21, you d ted kennedy to thank for it. if he were elderly and you get the medicare benefits or a mls on wheels,you have te kennedy thank. college student-- you will find it chear than it would have be otherwise. an enorus range of activities -- civil rights, healthcare, education. t

. >> jeff: then,emembering the liberal lion weook at how the late senator ted kennedy shaped hlth care form and what happens to tho forts now. >> pau i'm paul kangas. >> jeff: and i'm jf yastine. susie gharib is onssignment. thiss "nightly business report" for wednesday,ugust 26. "nightly business repo" is made poible by: this pgram was made possible by contributions to ur pbs station from viewe like you. thank you. >> jeff: good evening, eryone. a much bigger increase tha forecast. sas of new homes jumped 9.6% in july. could be the housing market is turning? scott gurvey repts. >> reporter: it was the foth straight month of increased new homeales and although this is a number with a wide marn of error, it did encouragthose who see a bottom in housg. beth ann bovino of standd and poor'sotes there has also been increased bung of distressed properties and existg homes. >> those homeowners were actually free to move and actuly buy something elwhere. you're starting to see it ickle through. will it coinue through next year? we, we do expect that is something that igoing to see some... sica

from civil-rights to voting rights to health care reform, he was the liberal lion of the senate.out as long as i have a vote and as long as i have a voice in the u.s. senate, it will be for the democratic platform that provides health care! >> he forged deep, lasting, and lasting friendships with political conservatives. and he gave his word and kept his word. we became very good friends. >> his life was not without tragedy and disappointment, including his failed presidential bid 30 years ago and the dark day in 1969 when he drove his car into a pond on chappaquiddick island, killing a female passenger. his was a life of battles that forever changed a family and the nation. longtime friend joe biden today spoke with kennedy's widow. >> i was talking to 50 this morning and he said, she said, -- i was talki to vicki this morning and she said, he was ready to go, joe, but we're not ready to let him go. >> his colleagues said they will commit themselves even more health care reform. he is survived by his wife, vicki, and five children. >> tomorrow and friday, he will lie in repose a

the liberal lion of the senate lost his bat toll brain cancer at his home. the youngest brother in an american political dynasty has unleased a flood of admiration. >> the outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we have all bourn witness, is a testament to the way this man touched so many lives. >> the unique thing about teddy was it was never about him. it was always about you. >> reporter: prom the other side of the aisle, the first president bush and former first lady nancy regan said their praise. mrs. . regan said her husband and kennedy could always find common ground and they had great respect for one another. the flag at the u.s. capitol was lowered to half staff in honor of the country's third longest serving senator who put his stamp on causes he held dear, health care, education and civil rights. con coul lens -- condolence calls are flooding into his washington office. >> reporter: two vans left the compound before dawn this morning. there is no word yet on funeral arrangements. kennedy represented the people of massachusetts for

fundamental right and not a privilege. >> his rhetoric was impassioned, but those who worked with the liberal lionactivity. >> a lot of people got hung up on the liberal philosophy and i don't think they understood how practical he was. >> gordon binder worked with kennedy on fda issues in the 90s, a time when kennedy cosponsored major health bills with republicans, establishing the children's health insurance program in the wake of the failed clinton health plan. >> without his involvement, i'm not sure that we would have had a drug benefit at this point. >> the former chef of merck says kennedy would provide key support by being open to the industry's free market approach even though he would question parts of the 2003 bill. >> he raised the fact that we did have the larger public interest at the center of what we were doing, that that was very common ground with him. >> kennedy called working across the aisle the hallmark of his career. gordon binder calls it his gift. >> he always told the truth. he always kept his word and that's not that common in washington, unfortunately, for people trying

. >>> tonight on the "kudlow report," remembering the liberal lion of the senate. the private celebration for life motorcyc memorial service for senator ted kennedy has begun and they should stop exploiting his death by calling it kennedy care and instead work on a good health care plan for america. >>> ethical absences or absentminded. either pay your taxes, mr. charlie rangel or leave your post as head of the means and ways committee. time to fish or cut bay. >>> are deficits saving the world? deficits? that's what paul drug man says. we will debate why he's totally wrong. fasten your seatbelts, "the kudlow report" begins right now. good evening, everyone. i'm larry cud low. welcome back to "the kudlow report" where we believe free market capitalism is the best path to prosperity. you're looking at live pictures from inside the kennedy library in boston, massachusetts tonight, where a private memorial service for senator ted kennedy is just getting under way, may he rest in peace. those set to share their memories are former presidential nominee, john mccain, vic

last year, the tried we need to hear hootie liberal lion with tapped to become president. he was gravely ill at the presidential inauguration. he collapse. -- he collapsed. for 47 years, ted kennedy ruled on the hill, and one of his greatest passions was reforming the american health-care system. he will not be around to help the president pushed through his increasingly difficult reforms, but democrats hope that the lions last roar will that go beyond the grave. today i knew at the tap has been going -- "he is the brother who mattered the most." he will be buried between his brothers, the last of the dynasty. bbc news, washington. >> what lasting impact will ted kennedy had on politics? with me, his biographer. thank you for coming in. how much of an impact do you think he had outside washington? >> i think this is where he became a great senator. if you voted 18 instead of 21, you had ted kennedy to thank for it. if he were elderly and you get the medicare benefits or a meals on wheels, you have ted kennedy to thank. college students -- you will find it is cheaper than i

during that time, kennedy went from jfk's little brother to the senate's last liberal lion. proof of how big an impact he made. he was behind more than 2500 bills during his time in washington, 300 enacted into law. tom fit gerald has more on his legacy. >> reporter: it's hard to imagine when he first entered in 1962 as a 30-year-old, words like inexperience and neofight were used to describe him. -- neophyte describe him. his death is at the center of a fiery debate. >> this is the cause of my life. >> reporter: for senator kennedy, healthcare reform was more than an issue. >> we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every american north, south, east, west, young, old, will have -- [ indiscernible ] and quality healthcare as a fundamental right and not a privilege. >> reporter: it was a battle he waged for more than 40 years. >> i said it in 1980, i say it in 1982 and i will continue to say it until it comes true. >> his interest in healthcare p predated his career. >> he got sensitized to healthcare early. >> reporter: kennedy's mentally disabled sister rosemary a

. >> the liberal lion is credited with his ability to stir debate and at the same time earn the respect of rivals. linda proudly wears her kennedy campaign button. she was not always a kennedy fan. >> i watched him over the years. i said, it's unbelievable. he has done so much. for the entire country. >> many wonder now who will inspire the next generation, following the loss of nearly 50 years of experience in the senate as well as replacing in their hearts and minds. >> i am saddened. i don't know if it will ever be complete closure because i'm still waiting for him to give us another wonderful speech. >> if the public viewing will come to a close. tonight a private memorial will celebrate the senator's life. michele fraand >> what nbc covef senator ted kennedy's funeral tomorrow beginning at 10:00 on wbal tv 1. michael vick returned to professional football last night with the philadelphia eagles. it was against the jacksonville jaguars. he will serve as backup quarterback to donovan mcnabb and you'll remember michael vick was behind rural dogfighting ring that landed in prison 18 mo

. >> the liberal lion's mighty roar. i'll always remember. may now fall silent. his dreams shall never die. >> those who knew kennedy personally or from his dogged leadership in the senate said he fought until the end, battling brain cancer, and at the same time helping shape health care legislation. today president obama who received kennedy's backing during his run for the white house, sent his contributions can be felt each day. >> his ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives. sailboat maya and the rock who steered the family through waves of tragedy and triumph. and over the coming days the tributes will build. tomorrow, senator kennedy's body will be taken to boston. where he will lie in rose at the john f. kennedy presidential library on saturday a funeral service in boston. in hyannis port, nbc news. >>> the hope still lives and the dream shall never die. >> a group of about 75 people attended a candlelight vigil in kennedy's honor. in dupont circle several told us they wanted to recognize the man who made his life'

reed said, the liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent but his dream shall never die. senator ted kennedy was 77. his successor will be chosen in five months through a special election. live in washington this morning. michelle back to you. >> thank you. >>> for more now on ted kennedy's life and legacy, here's hari. >> reporter: born into the kennedy political dynasty in 1932, he was known as teddy. he was the youngest son of joseph and rose kennedy. he followed in his father's and brothers' footsteps. along the way he earned the respect of democrats and even republicans who fought much of what he stood for. >> he is a fabulous united states senator. when he's against you, it's tough. when he's with you, it is a great experience. >> reporter: the brother of president john kennedy came on the political scene in 1962, when he finished out jfk's senate term. ted's quick ascent would soon be marred by tragedy. >> president kennedy died at 1:00 p.m. central standard time. >> reporter: the nation lost a president and todd kennedy lost his bluffed brother, jack. five years b

, as you look at the larger picture, with senator kennedy gone from the senate floor, the last liberal lion in the truest sense of that, he believed -- he was a great federalist, believed in the role of the federal govement from the top down. now, as you go across the country, you hear so many democratic senators and governors, and mayors saying, really, we ought to have the distribution of federal money, but let the cities and states decide how best to use it. do you think we'll have any kind of seismic shift in how washington has an impact across the country once we get out of this recession where there has been a lot of federal intervention? >> absolutely. with the absence of kennedy, you'll see kennedy was, perhaps, the last great leader in the senate who came o of a period in which big government and liberalism was pretty much unquestion in certain orders of the democratic party. even now, liberals on the senate floor grew up in the time of ronald reagan, '70s and '80s, if you were a progressive democrat and got elected, you better explain yourself very well to voters who are a lot mor

respects and honor give light and political career appeared close colleagues and rivals say the liberal lion of the senate had a big roar. >> once the debate was over, we would embrace. we would go on to the next battle and find ways in which we could work together for the good of the country. >> but also the gift of compromise. >> whenever we found common ground, he would stand up, even against the amendments of colleagues, and live up to the deal. when he gave his word, he kept his word. >> on saturday, a funeral services will be held at our lady of perpetual help, one of the basilica's that can accommodate hundreds. they will include world leaders, past president, along with president obama, all who will honor his life as a senator and the youngest of the kennedy is now a string out camelot. following saturday's funeral kennedy will be buried at arlington national cemetery, not far from his brothers, jack and robert. in hyannis port, nbc news. >> much more on the life and legacy of senator ted kennedy on our website. you can hear more reaction from around the world and you his life and pi

suffering with brain cancer as democrats scramble for the votes the liberal lion wants to make sure they don't fall one vote short if he's not there to cast it. >>health care has been the central point of his careerment he doesn't want to let this opportunity go. >>reporter: there's just one problem. it's democrats who changed the law to make sure mitt romney could not replace governor gary in 2004. >>it looks like a pretty political thing to do and a power grab. >>when we stop mucking around with election laws and start changing the laws to benefit different individuals and different political parties there is a lot of unintended consequences that end up happening as a result. reporter: kennedy was too ill to attend his sister eunice's funeral. long time friend and frequent political rival says don't count kennedy out when it comes time to vote on health care reform. abc news, washington. >>>the university of maryland and baltimore county is getting some national recognition. unbc top it is list of up and coming national universities according to u.s. news and roll report magazine. to d

he remained a liberal lion. >> what he saw was that change would not come in a day.statement, liberals are afraid of the subject of death, because death cancels out the idea of the perfect utopian future. and kennedy knew about death. death he witnessed, and one he probably caused. >> why did you write the book? >> it seemed to me our political discussion had gotten badly off track, partly because the right was not examining itself. you could hear some of the leading pundits and the journals talking about how they had to go after barack obama and all the dangers that he promised without once staking stock of the mistakes they made. if they turned back the clock, the book is about the rise. later, too, the fall of conservatism. and i focus on the moment when they spoke on the most eloquent and important ways to the american people, and restored some of the key values that are so important to us, and made our politics a matter of discussion. >> let's talk about bill buckley. he is obviously a man that you are writing a back on right now, and a guy who was a type of con