President Obama Interrupts Vacation for Kennedy Press Conference

President Barack Obama interrupted his vacation for a press conference to personally address the death of Senator Ted Kennedy.

"Over the past several years, I've had the honor to call Teddy a colleague, a counselor, and a friend," Obama said.

"The outpouring of love, gratitude, and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives," the presided added. "His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education's promise, and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just -- including myself."