What editorial writers are saying about Kennedy's health care legacy

Newspaper editorials across the country have been paying tribute to the lifelong accomplishments of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D, Mass.), acknowledging his failings and debating how lasting his legislative effect will be.

Health care for all would be a fine tribute to Kennedy

From helping establish the national community health system in 1966, to programs helping children, seniors and those living with HIV/AIDS, Kennedy returned again and again to the idea that health care is a right, not a luxury. The hope among those who appreciate him ... must be to push forward on legislation he had hoped would be his legacy. There is no more fitting tribute to Kennedy than passing universal health care. Kansas City Star, Aug. 26

Keeping Kennedy's dream alive

His life should inspire those in Washington right now who are tempted to give in to the incredible pressure from all sides to stifle meaningful health care reform. Kennedy's twice-invoked mantra makes it clear what we all need to do as Americans: "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die." Aurora (Colo.) Sentinel, Aug. 26

Ted Kennedy was a principled foe

Democrats are already leveraging his death to rally support for their sagging health care proposals. They should be mindful of the backlash that followed the 2002 funeral of Sen. Paul Wellstone (D, Minn.), an event Democrats turned into an angry political rally. America doesn't need a health care bill that honors Kennedy's legacy. It needs a bill that everyone can agree on. Detroit News, Aug. 27

Sen. Kennedy gave it his all

There is sadness that Sen. Kennedy died from a brain tumor, diagnosed in May 2008, and regret that he is not able to shepherd key health care reforms through the legislative maze that he could navigate better than anyone. ... The greatest tribute to him now would be for his fellow legislators to put aside bitter partisanship and work toward better provision of health care in this country. Ventura County (Calif.) Star, Aug. 27

Kennedy goodwill must not drive Senate seat decision

The stories have engendered a tremendous sense of goodwill toward Kennedy, but calls to "win one for the Gipper" are misguided and in a way do a disservice to his memory. Denying Democrats the 60 votes needed to ignore Republicans forces them to work out differences the way Kennedy would: by seeking compromise, building bridges and passing solid bipartisan laws. Patriot Ledger (Quincy, Mass.), Sept. 2

Kennedy's gift was to exceed partisanship

The "Lion of the Senate" reached across partisan and ideological divides to notch important victories. ... With Sen. Orrin Hatch (R, Utah), he moved the Senate to provide medical care for millions by enacting the State Children's Health Insurance Program. His ability to meld advocacy with bridge-building will be missed in a Congress too often mired in partisan warfare. Newsday (New York), Aug. 26