The Hiller Instinct: Tribute to Ted

Ted Kennedy has been at eleven conventions...and he's made major speeches at many...but his words this year may be his most memorable.

Ted Kennedy has always excelled at creating drama, but--even by his standards--last night was over the top.

No one knew if he'd even be in Denver... Or if he could speak there...but he was and he surely could:

"Nothing, nothing was going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight," Kennedy said.

And then it was time for one more loud roar from the liberal lion.

First, recall the 1980 Convention, nearly thirty years ago, when Kennedy spoke the words that became his legacy:

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, the dream shall never die."

Last night, he used the same phrases, as he passed Camelot's torch to a new bearer:

"So, with Barack Obama, and for you and for me, our country will be committed to his cause. The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on."

Kennedy's speech to the DNC last night may well be his last. But my guess is it will live as long as political parties hold conventions, and as long as there's a Massachusetts.

I'm Andy Hiller and that's my instinct.

(Copyright (c) 2008 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)