UW-Madison experts on Sen. Edward Kennedy’s life and legacy

The death of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, marks the passing of an era in national politics.

The following political science experts are available to comment on the career, life and influence of the Massachusetts Democrat. If you are unable to reach them by phone, e-mail will be the best method of contacting them.

Barry Burden, professor of political science, 608-263-6351, bcburden@wisc.edu

Burden described Ted Kennedy as a central figure in American politics during the last half-century and a leading stalwart of liberalism at the national level. Burden notes that Kennedy also was a master legislator who crafted laws with fellow senators of all political stripes, which gave him credibility. Even the most conservative of his colleagues trusted him and took him at his word. It also elevated him from being merely a hero of the left to a statesman.

“During his 46 years in the Senate, Americans have watched him both fail and succeed, personally and politically,” says Burden. “His ability to rebound from a serious plane crash, a scandalous car accident and a failed presidential campaign was remarkable. This is part of what creates the Kennedy mystique: a combination of great tragedy and triumph.”

Charles Franklin, professor of political science, 608-263-2022, franklin@polisci.wisc.edu

Franklin says that while Ted Kennedy’s image as the liberal lion of the Senate dominated his public image, his legislative achievements often rested on working with Republicans.

“For example, he and Dan Quayle co-authored a jobs retraining act in the 1980s before Quayle became vice president,” says Franklin. “Those legislative successes received far less public attention, but were the basis of his reputation within Washington as an extremely effective senator.”

Ken Goldstein, professor of political science, 608-347-3510, kmgoldstein@wisc.edu

Goldstein is from the state of Massachusetts and is also available to comment on Kennedy’s life and passing.