Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Nancy Reagan speaks about Ted Kennedy's death

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.

Listen 1:06
Nancy Reagan speaks about Ted Kennedy's death
Nancy Reagan speaks about Ted Kennedy's death

Former first lady Nancy Reagan has spoken out on the death of Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, who died last night of brain cancer at his home on Cape Cod. KPCC’s Steve Julian has more.

Ted Kennedy was a Democrat’s Democrat, one whom Republicans often derided. Yet given their political differences, Mrs. Reagan said she and her late husband, Ron, were very close to the Kennedy family.

She said that Ron and Ted could always find common ground and had great respect for each other. She called him an ally and a dear friend, noting their united support for stem cell research – a position that put her at odds with many in the GOP.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who’s married to Kennedy’s niece, Maria Shriver, gave Kennedy credit for helping him become a politician, saying, “Teddy taught us all that public service isn’t a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life.” Kennedy’s death comes two weeks after that of Shriver’s mother, Eunice, one of the senator’s siblings.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right