Rod Dreher has taken note of the surprising way in which Kennedy’s political career survived Chappequiddick (and a number of other follies) — and suggests that such survival today would be impossible. I agree. The media (on the air and online) and the insatiable public appetite for scandal would never allow it.

He then concludes:

But given how accomplished Kennedy was as a legislator, I do wonder how much we have lost because a Ted Kennedy is not really possible today — meaning how many talented but deeply flawed men never go into public life because they couldn’t survive the moral judgment of the public regarding their personal sins and failings, and no longer have the protective veil of social hypocrisy to shield themselves.

Good point.

Rod also posts this fascinating glimpse inside the Kennedy time capsule, c. 1971 — when the senator was ardently pro-life:

While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized — the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.

On the question of the individual’s freedom of choice there are easily available birth control methods and information which women may employ to prevent or postpone pregnancy. But once life has begun, no matter at what stage of growth, it is my belief that termination should not be decided merely by desire.

Could you imagine what might happen if there were a legislator alive today with Kennedy’s power and influence and legislative history who was also pro-life?