Who will pick up the Kennedy mantle now, RFK, jr?

He is the only one that I know of who is in the public eye (he has a weekly radio program - the best that I have heard - "Ring of FIre") and holds very passionate positions. He has the charisma, the family and, most importantly, the fire and passion.

He is a lawyer and very intelligent, too, but I don't know if he has the stomach for political life -especially the way its played nowadays.

Tim Shriver with Special Olympics, Bobby and Joe with environmental work, Caroline continuing with family legacy issues, Patrick in Congress, etc.

do their share. The Original Kennedy Brothers did it in serial fashion because of events, but the younger generation of Kennedys has the option of the women being right there up-front, and participating fully, and there are so many Kennedys, that the tasks can be shared among many, instead of piled on the next surviving son..

It took Ted Kennedy forty-seven years to become Ted Kennedy. If someone starts in now, maybe he'll have some accomplishments under his belt in another forty-seven years, but the reality is, alas, there is no one................

Does Eunice Kennedy Shriver count as a great figure in American History. Her special cause was Mentally-Challenged children and adults and her work resulted in the founding of the Special Olympics. This is a now global organization that does amazing work in over a hundred countries.

What is greatness? Who is to say that this generation of Kennedys is not doing great things? You don't have to be a Senator or President to change history. Matt and Joe Kennedy, Joe's kids, are wonderful people. One served in the Peace Corp for two years after college. Matt ran his Uncle's Senate campaign two years ago and seems to be thinking about being in MA politics. They are no less worthy people than others who choose public service.

This search for an extreme accolade "the best," "the most" "the leader" etc is cheap and worthless. It belittles what people have done and can do and discourages others from public service. There will never be another Ted Kennedy. But this newer generation has greatness within it. They showed that with the election last year. Give it time and amazing, wonderful people, including some Kennedys, will emerge. Teddy believed that. It is a tribute to his memory to remember that and remember that the heroes of democracy arise all over the place and where you least expect them.

Have some faith.

not charitable good works.

The question was, Who will replace Teddy, and my answer stands.

No one said anything about "great things." Your post is very nice, but hardly to the point. There are no politicians in the next generation of Kennedys, and in the panoply of people rising up on the political landscape, there is no one who even faintly resembles a young Ted Kennedy.

You really did go off into some strange territory, and I have no idea what your point was, but my answer stays the same - a simple answer to a simple question: Ted Kennedy left no political heir.

And, let's be honest, a week ago, Ted Kennedy's political legacy meant nothing to you. So, with the big news, you're suddenly committed and touting the Kennedy family as if they had some sort of special gifts. They do, but not one of them is political.

Faith? Where politics is concerned?

You're funny................................

I thought maybe he was when he endorsed Hillary in the last primary as opposed to the rest of the family being Obama supporters. Figured his motivation was getting Hillary out of his father's seat so he could take it himself. But when Hillary DID leave the seat, he didn't show any interest. (though his cousin Caroline did)

Since that would have been an obvious opportunity to get into office and he didn't take it, I get the feeling he's not going that direction.

RFK, Jr. was never meant for the political life. He is great as an activist. His role is to pressure those in power. I don't think he wants to be a politician.

If only for his work with Hugo Chavez to bring heating oil to the people of New England. That should be enough to cause a few fatal strokes on the far right.

others do. I've long wanted him to run for Senate in NYS. He has not only a solid understanding of the current issues, as well as history, but he also has an amazing grasp of what is required for leadership. I've told him before that he's "this generation's Kennedy." And I say that, as someone who admires and respects his siblings and cousins.