By Robert Borosage

We have lost a giant. The Senate is a smaller place today — a special measure of joy, political passion, irrepressible energy has been lost.

Edward Kennedy’s words, delivered as his 1980 presidential campaign came to an end at the Democratic Convention in Madison Square Garden, should be played repeatedly in his memorials, for they provide the charge that he has left for us:

For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. 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.
He will be missed. And the great cause of his career — health care for all — will pass the Congress as his final triumph.