Kennedy widow sits with first lady during speech

WASHINGTON — Sen. Edward Kennedy's widow sat with first lady Michelle Obama Wednesday night as the president delivered his health-care speech.

Vicki Kennedy was among 22 people Michelle Obama invited to sit with her when President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress.

Across the chamber were five more familiar faces: the senator's sons Teddy Jr. and Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., were seated with their sister, Kara. Her two children, Max, 12, and Grace, 14, sat toward the end of the row.

The late Massachusetts senator championed affordable and accessible health care for all Americans. He died Aug. 25 after losing a 15-month battle against brain cancer.

Obama read from a letter Kennedy wrote May 29 that was delivered after his death last month from brain cancer.

" 'While I will not see the victory, I was able to look forward and know that we will — yes, we will — fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege,' " Obama quoted him.

In the gallery overhead, Michelle Obama took the widow's hand.

Seattle Times news services