MEDIA RECTION: KENNEDY'S DEATH

UNCLAS HONG KONG 001629 DEPT FOR INR/R/MR, INR/IC/CD, I/FW DEPT FOR EAP/PD, EAP/CM, EAP/P DEPT FOR VOA/BRF, TV-WPA WHITE HOUSE FOR NSC PRC POSTS FOR PA AIT USPACOM FOR FOR CIS PD ADVISER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO SUBJECT: MEDIA RECTION: KENNEDY'S DEATH TOPIC: Kennedy's death HEADLINES AND EXCERPTS: "Kennedy leaves unfinished legacy" The independent English-language South China Morning Post remarked in an editorial (8/27): "An avalanche of tributes from international statesmen is customary on the passing of a former world leader. When it is for an old political warrior fated never to achieve the highest office, it is extraordinary.... Despite a life dogged by more family tragedies, Senator Kennedy established a reputation beyond America's shores as one of his country's most effective lawmakers, crafting deals with presidents and politicians of both major parties. The man who might have been president became known as the lion of the senate and a great patriot. His abiding cause was reform of health care. In one of his last speeches he cited his own illness, acknowledging he had benefited from a quality of medical care denied to millions. He did not live to see his dream of health reform prevail over political opposition. But his endorsement was important to the White House candidacy of President Barack Obama, who has taken up the cause." "Democratic Party's senior statesman dies, Obama loses his backing" The mass-circulation Chinese-language The Sun wrote in its column 'Sun's View' (8/27): "...Many commentaries said that following the passing away of Edward Kennedy, the Kennedy family, which has been commanding the wind and the clouds in the political arena for several decades, is declining. It can be said that Kennedy's death symbolizes the end of an era. Currently, medical reform has triggered heated debates in the U.S. Edward [Kennedy] has not only struggled for that for several decades, but his dexterous political skill has helped to narrow the differences between the Democratic and Republican parties. The passing away of Edward at this time will leave Obama, who has been rebuffed for promoting medical reform, without an important supporter." MARUT