Politicians Cross Party Lines To Honor Kennedy

Aug. 26, 2009— -- The Tuesday night death of Sen. Ted Kennedy has spurred a worldwide outpouring of condolences this morning from friends and colleagues across the political world.

President Obama said in a statement that he and first lady Michelle Obama were "heartbroken" to learn of the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, whom they called "our dear friend."

"An important chapter in our history has come to an end," the president said. "Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time."

In a press conference this morning, Obama called Kennedy "one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve Congress."

Visit ABC News' special section on Ted Kennedy.

Reactions have spanned the political spectrum, with figures who have both cooperated and quarrelled with the Senate's "Liberal Lion" releasing public statements mourning Kennedy's death:

"Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn Ted Kennedy lost his valiant battle with cancer. While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service, so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service," the former president said in a written statement. "Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate, a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history."

"As President, I was thankful for his fierce advocacy for universal health care and his leadership in providing health coverage to millions of children. His tireless efforts have brought us to the threshold of real health care reform. I was also grateful for his efforts, often in partnership with Republicans as well as Democrats, to advance civil rights, promote religious freedom, make college more affordable, and give young Americans the opportunity to serve at home in Americorp. I am glad the bill President Obama signed to expand Americorp and other youth service opportunities is named the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Through it, his commitment to public service will live on in millions of young people across our nation."

"We all waited expectantly during Ted's struggle with cancer for the Senate doors to swing wide and that great Irish spirit to once again return."

"His voice roared as he battled for the poor and the victims of injustice yet he had a smile that could light a room, a laugh that would draw a crowd and a heart always ready to share your sorrow. America was blessed to have the gift of Ted Kennedy and I was blessed to count him as a friend."

Byrd also called for a renaming of the current health care bill after Kennedy. "In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American," he also said.

On Sunday's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" McCain had said he missed Kennedy on the Hill and called his absence a huge loss for health care negotiations in Congress.

"No person in that institution is indispensable, but Ted Kennedy comes as close to being indispensable as any individual I've ever known in the Senate because he had a unique way of sitting down with the parties at a table and making the right concessions, which really are the essence of successful negotiations," McCain said Sunday.