Obama's Congressional Friends (and Foes)
In endorsing Obama, Kennedy reminded people that his brother John had been dismissed as inexperienced but had challenged America to cross a "new frontier." For Obama, he said, "I see not just the audacity but the possibility of hope for the America that is yet to be."
Within months, Kennedy, 77, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Despite surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and kidney stones, he made it to the podium to deliver a rousing address for Obama in Denver. He witnessed the inauguration, too, though he was so frail he collapsed at a post-inaugural lunch in the Capitol. Fast-forward to April, when Obama heralded him as a friend, colleague, and "one of the finest leaders we've ever had." The president was speaking at the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act to expand AmeriCorps.
Obama has his fair share of both friends and foes in Congress. Do you agree with our list of Obama's key allies and reliable opponents?