Sen. Edward M. Kennedy: “We will close the book on the old politics of race against race, and gender against gender, and group against group, and straight against gay.”

DENVER — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy kicked off the Democratic National Convention on an emotional high note last night, battling grave illness to rally the faithful behind presidential candidate Barack Obama and declaring, "This November the torch will be passed again to a new generation of Americans."

For Democratic delegates concerned about the closeness of Obama's contest with Republican candidate John McCain, that echo of President John F. Kennedy's words was a rousing reminder of how a coolly articulate senator in his 40s confounded the critics 48 years ago to defeat an older and more experienced foe.

"Yes we can," Kennedy boomed, using Obama's signature line, "and finally, yes we will." But for many in the crowd, there was sadness and irony in the Massachusetts Democrat's use of another Obama theme. "For me this is a season of hope," said Kennedy, who was diagnosed last spring with malignant cancer of the brain.

Though he showed some hesitation in his gait, some puffiness in his face and, at a few points, some weakness in his voice, Kennedy was more than able for the task of calling on fellow Democrats to help send Obama to the White House to accomplish one of the enduring missions of Kennedy's career –– a new national health care system.

"This is the cause of my life, new hope that we will break the old gridlock. That every American –– north, south, east, west, young, old — will have decent heath care," Kennedy said. ... He said that when Obama is elected, "We will close the book on the old politics of race against race, and gender against gender, and group against group, and straight against gay," he said.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, known as "the liberal lion," roars in Denver
Providence Journal, RI