This requires personal passion and commitment, and also the ability to assemble and manage a top-notch staff. I’m waiting for any of the candidates to say word one about this important dimension to the office of Senator.

I, too, had thought about the prospects of Coakley developing into a Kennedy, Lodge, Saltonstall, Churchill if given the opportunity.

We know, too, that Churchill’s popularity wavered and that Roosevelt and Lincoln – along with many others were far from unanimous approval.

But in observing personality and characteristics without going into a lot of detail, Coakley just doesn’t seem to be in that league nor offer that depth.

There’s a lot through the years not to admire about Ted Kennedy, and there’s a lot to like about him too.

Just to compare a little more, Coakley, too, is no Joe Moakley, no Tip O’Neill, and no Calvin Coolidge.

To me, every name on this list with the exception of one is someone who was truly devoted to serving the public first and foremost – their passion, without compromising integrity. The recent way the Boston Globe – Mayor Menino email situation alone, was handled, is the tip of the iceberg.

And, I just can’t imagine her ever holding a candle to Barney Frank – - – perhaps imperfect but someone who puts our country far ahead of wasting time with his hair or appearance – - – our modern day hero integrity and substance first, in spite of possible oversights or differences in important directions this country should take.

“A third candidate, independent Joseph L. Kennedy, opposes a military buildup in Afghanistan.”

I think he earned more than that.

It just seems ironic that with this day known to be coming for a while that there is not an extraordinary person willing to serve.

Candidate Coakley, while the nominee of the dominant party, is no Jack Kennedy, and is the inverse of Barney Frank who is not self-serving, very bright, loyal, honest, and dedicated with a passion to hard work in the interest of our society.

Mr. Brown, too, kind of shallow when we think back to people like Lodge and Leverett Saltonstall.

It isn’t that Joe Kennedy is not well prepared to be a U. S. Senator from Massachusetts, it is that his opponents are not either, but this is what we are left with. Again, hard to predict the future but I think most agree it is safe to bet on this one.

Thanks for the (excuse the shades of Fox) fair and balanced coverage. This Libertarian certainly appreciates it. And I’m not in the least surprised by the lack of same from The Globe.

http://wbztv.com/local/senate.debate.wbz.2.1386826.html