The operation and follow-up treatments left Kennedy thinner , prone to additional seizures , weak and short on energy , and hurt his balance . Kennedy made his first post-illness public appearance on July 9 , when he surprised the Senate by showing up to supply the added vote to break a Republican filibuster against a bill to preserve Medicare fees for doctors . In addition , Kennedy was ill from an attack of kidney stones . Against the advice of some associates , he insisted on appearing during the first night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention on August 25 , 2008 , where a video tribute to him was played . Introduced by his niece Caroline Kennedy , the senator said , " It is so wonderful to be here . Nothing – nothing – is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight . " He then delivered a speech to the delegates ( which he had to memorize , as his impaired vision left him unable to read a teleprompter ) in which , reminiscent of his speech at the 1980 Democratic National Convention , he said , " this November , the torch will be passed again to a new generation of Americans . So , with Barack Obama and for you and for me , our country will be committed to his cause . The work begins anew . The hope rises again . And the dream lives on . " The dramatic appearance and speech electrified the convention audience , as Kennedy vowed that he would be present to see Obama inaugurated
2008 Democratic National Convention
2008 Democratic National Convention
Ted Kennedy