The Hiller Instinct: Ted Kennedy On The Convention

Senator Ted Kennedy (D) Massachusetts
"The whole delegation here said, absolutely, we're gonna put John Kennedy over and they did this is the moment in 1960 and this is a young guy with a big smile.That was a good moment."

Ted Kennedy has had many good convention moments, starting at his first, in 1960, when his brother was nominated. He's given major speeches at many conventions since then, including his most memorable in 1980, when he ran for president and lost.

Senator Ted Kennedy (D) Massachusetts, 1980
"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."

Now heading towards his tenth convention, Kennedy is confident Boston's will be a success

Senator Ted Kennedy (D) Massachusetts
"It'll be a good convention. The delegates are extraordinarily excited about coming to Boston--the first time ever in Boston -- and Boston's where it's at."

The message he wants democrats to broadcast from Boston.It's time to take the country back!

Senator Ted Kennedy (D) Massachusetts
"This country has basically been hijacked by an ideological right wing with the Bush Administration, and Americans have to reclaim it. And the Democrats are the instrument to be able to do that."

Kennedy is well aware the city has been strained...planning for the party...

Senator Ted Kennedy (D) Massachusetts
"This has been a great burden on the people here in Boston, but they have to understand this is really a security call. This really hasn't been left up to the local authorities."

It is up to local authorities to solve the contract dispute with the city's police and if the police set up picket lines during the convention, they'll have an impact far beyond Boston.

Senator Ted Kennedy (D) Massachusetts
"I've never crossed a picket line in the past,I never would cross an economic picket line."

Like everyone, Kennedy hopes the contract dispute with the city's police ends.Before the convention begins. It could but, I wouldn't bet on it. So prepare for this possibility, a convention where Boston and America see more of what's happening outside the fleet than inside.