Kennedy in Denver to attend Democratic convention

DENVER -- Sen. Edward Kennedy, the liberal lion who is battling a brain tumor, will attend the Democratic convention Monday night as he has for 40 years, but is not expected to speak, said Bill Burton, spokesman for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

"I'm getting chills just thinking about it now talking to you," said Gus Bickford, a member of the Massachusetts delegation which heard the news at a breaking meeting. "This morning every delegate in the room was just so excited about getting to see him tonight in person. Everybody will be on their feet when he comes out on the stage."

"We're thrilled, just thrilled. This will really set the right tone for the convention," said MarDee Xifaras, a longtime Kennedy supporter and member of the Massachusetts delegation.

Kennedy, 76, whose immune system has been weakened by treatment for brain cancer, had been scheduled to be honored in absentia Monday night with a videotape and a speech by his niece, Caroline Kennedy.

Kennedy arrived in Denver Sunday night and was taken to a hospital for a precautionary medical examination.

His appearance, even in a non-speaking role, will provide a touching and exciting moment for delegates and party members who have viewed the Massachusetts senator as an essential fixture at these gatherings for four decades. His vigorous speeches have done more to rouse, amuse, tease and just plain fascinate these conventions than any living politician.

Xifaras said she spoke with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Kennedy's niece and the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, and "We agreed it was really important for (Kennedy) to pace himself while he's here."

"He's been a vital part of every convention since 1972," says Phil Johnston, a convention delegate and former Massachusetts Democratic Party chairman. "It's very poignant now to think where we've come after so many years."

If Kennedy does take the stage, it would be one more great moment for a politician that Gus Bickford, a Massachusetts delegate, calls "the Michael Phelps of conventions."