Thaindian News

By Rohit Dave

Aug 27 (IBNS) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has mourned Edward Kennedy as a “friend and mentor “whose work lifted millions of Americans.

She put aside friction over her presidential campaign.

Clinton called the senator, whose death at age 77 drew a curtain on half a century of leadership by the iconic liberal family, “one of our nation’s finest statesmen and a dear friend.”

She said in a statement: His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of millions of Americans who are freer, healthier and more prosperous because of his efforts,” she said in a statement. As he said, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die,” she said, quoting from Kennedy’s celebrated concession speech when he lost his 1980 presidential bid.

The Kennedy family was close to Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton when he was president. Bill Clinton famously cited an early meeting with President John F Kennedy, the senator’s late brother, as an inspiration to enter politics.

Bill Clinton too paid tribute to Kennedy calling him “one of the most influential leaders of our time” and praising his efforts to promote healthcare reform.

“His big heart, sharp mind, and boundless energy were gifts he gave to make our democracy a more perfect union,” the former president said in a statement.