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CHILMARK, Mass. — A grieving President Barack Obama paid tribute to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy on Wednesday, calling him a colleague, counselor and friend who etched his place in history as a "singular figure" on the American political landscape.
"Even though we knew this day was coming, we awaited it with no small amount of dread," Obama said. "For his family, he was a guardian. For America, he was a defender of a dream."
Obama had been awakened at his vacation home on this island off Massachusetts by a top aide just after 2 a.m. EDT and told of Kennedy's death. He spoke with the senator's widow, Victoria, around 2:25 a.m. and ordered flags flown at half-staff on all federal buildings.
The Massachusetts senator died late Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod, Mass., after a yearlong struggle with brain cancer. He was 77.
Vice President Joe Biden diverged from planned remarks at an Energy Department event to talk at length - fighting tears the whole time - about his friend and colleague of many decades in the Senate.
"I truly, truly am distressed by his passing," Biden said haltingly. "You know, Teddy spent a lifetime working for a fair and more just America. And for 36 years, I had the privilege of going to work every day and literally - not figuratively - sitting next to him and being a witness to history. ... I don't think we shall ever see his like again."
Arkansas politicians also grieved for the senator.
Former President Bill Clinton is called Kennedy one of the greatest senators in U.S. history.
In a statement released by his foundation, Clinton said Wednesday that he appreciated Kennedy's "fierce advocacy" for health care for all Americans. Clinton noted Kennedy's talent for reaching out to Republicans and his work to promote civil rights, religious freedom and to make a college education more affordable.
Clinton also recalled Kennedy's personal kindness.
Former Sen. Dale Bumpers says he remembers Kennedy as consistently refusing to back down when he believed in an issue but also for Kennedy's frequent demonstrations of thoughtfulness.
Bumpers, 84, said Wednesday that Kennedy sat two seats away from him in the Senate and that they had many opportunities to converse. Bumpers said they didn't socialize, but that they agreed on most issues and eagerly worked together on health-care issues.
Bumpers said fellow Democrat Kennedy pushed through legislation by working with his colleagues, not by using publicity stunts. Bumpers says such stunts are for those with "shortcomings in their personalities and their eloquence."
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
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