Thaindian News

By Madhu Roy

Aug 27 (IBNS) If it were not for a high-profile incident that left his character in doubt, Edward Kennedy, a president’s brother who had his own eye on the White House, might have had his own presidential legacy.

Aside from a politically ambitious and wealthy father, Kennedy hailed from a rich family political legacy linked to an era of civil rights gains — as brother of John F Kennedy and attorney general Robert F Kennedy.

And the Massachusetts Senator’s legislative achievements may well make him remembered as one of the most accomplished legislators in US history.

But he still was dogged throughout his adult life by lingering questions surrounding the tragic death of Mary Jo Kopechne, a campaign worker killed in July 1969, when Kennedy’s car plunged off a bridge at Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts, off the posh holiday spot Martha’s Vineyard.

Kennedy had offered the 28-year-old campaign worker a ride home. After his car plunged off a bridge and into the water, he swam to safety but did not alert authorities.

Kopechne’s body was found inside the car the next day.

Edward Kennedy later received a suspended two-month jail sentence for leaving the scene of the accident.

Kennedy appeared on television saying: I regard as indefensible the fact that I did not report the accident to the police immediately.