Posted on 01/19/2010 7:53:40 PM PST by goldstategop
Thank you very much. I’ll bet they can hear all this cheering down in Washington, D.C.
And I hope they’re paying close attention, because tonight the independent voice of Massachusetts has spoken.
From the Berkshires to Boston, from Springfield to Cape Cod, the voters of this Commonwealth defied the odds and the experts. And tonight, the independent majority has delivered a great victory.
I thank the people of Massachusetts for electing me as your next United States senator.
Every day I hold this office, I will give all that is in me to serve you well and make you proud.
Most of all, I will remember that while the honor is mine, this Senate seat belongs to no one person and no political party - and as I have said before, and you said loud and clear today, it is the people’s seat.
Interim Senator Paul Kirk has completed his work as a senator by appointment of the governor, and for the work he has done, I thank him. The people, by their votes, have now filled the office themselves, and I am ready to go to Washington without delay.
I also want to thank Martha Coakley for her call of congratulations. A hard contest is now behind us, and now we must come together as a Commonwealth.
This special election came about because we lost someone very dear to Massachusetts, and to America. Senator Ted Kennedy was a tireless and big-hearted public servant, and for most of my lifetime was a force like no other in this state. His name will always command the affection and respect by the people of Massachusetts, and the same goes for his wife Vicki. There’s no replacing a man like that, but tonight I honor his memory, and I pledge my very best to be a worthy successor.
I said at the very beginning, when I sat down at the dinner table with my family, that win or lose we would run a race which would make us all proud. I kept my word and we ran a clean, issues oriented, upbeat campaign - and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
When I first started running, I asked for a lot of help, because I knew it was going to be me against the machine. I was wrong, it was all of us against the machine. And after tonight we have shown everyone that - now - you are the machine.
I'm glad my mom and dad, brothers, sisters, and so many family members are here tonight.
Once again, before I go any further, I want to introduce somebody very special... That is my wife, Gail.
And as you know, my wife Gail couldn't join me on the campaign trail because of her work as a Boston TV journalist. But I will let you in on a little secret. She didn't stay neutral today, and she voted for the winner. I rely as always, on Gail's love and support and that of our beautiful daughters.
Arianna will be returning a day or two late to her pre-med studies at Syracuse, because she’s been giving her all to this campaign. As always, Arianna and her sister Ayla have been a joy to Gail and me, and we're so grateful to them both. Even before her campaign performances, millions of Americans had already heard Ayla’s amazing voice on “American Idol.” As Boston College basketball fans know, she’s also pretty good on the court.
If the President thinks they’ve got basketball talent at the White House, I ask him to pick his best teammate and find some time to play two-on-two with Ayla and me.
I’m grateful to all those from across Massachusetts who came through for me even when I was a long shot. I especially thank a friend who was there with encouragement from the very beginning, and helped show us the way to victory - former Governor Mitt Romney.
I’ll never forget the help of another man who took the time to meet with me months ago - who told me I could win, and gave me confidence for the fight. It was all so characteristic of a truly great and heroic American, and tonight I thank my new colleague, Senator John McCain.
On a night like this, when so many people mark your name on a statewide ballot, you think back to the first people who gave you a chance and believed. For the trust they placed in me, and for all they have taught me, I thank my neighbors and friends in my Senate district and especially my hometown of Wrentham. The cause and victory that all America has seen tonight started right there with all of you.
Let me tell you when I first got the feeling something big was happening in this campaign. It was when I was driving along and spotted a handmade, Scott Brown yard sign that I hadn’t actually put there myself.
This little campaign of ours was destined for greater things than any of us knew, and the message went far beyond the name on the sign.
It all started with me, my truck, and a few dedicated volunteers. It ended with Air Force One making an emergency run to Logan. I didn't mind when President Obama came here and criticized me - that happens in campaigns. But when he criticized my truck, that's where I draw the line.
We had the machine scared and scrambling, and for them it is just the beginning of an election year filled with surprises. They will be challenged again and again across this country. When there’s trouble in Massachusetts, there’s trouble everywhere - and now they know it.
In every corner of our state, I met with people, looked them in the eye, shook their hand, and asked them for their vote. I didn’t worry about their party affiliation, and they didn’t worry about mine. It was simply shared conviction that brought us all together.
One thing is clear, voters do not want the trillion-dollar health care bill that is being forced on the American people.
This bill is not being debated openly and fairly. It will raise taxes, hurt Medicare, destroy jobs, and run our nation deeper into debt. It is not in the interest of our state or country - we can do better.
When in Washington, I will work in the Senate with Democrats and Republicans to reform health care in an open and honest way. No more closed-door meetings or back room deals by an out of touch party leadership. No more hiding costs, concealing taxes, collaborating with special interests, and leaving more trillions in debt for our children to pay.
In health care, we need to start fresh, work together, and do the job right. Once again, we can do better.
I will work in the Senate to put government back on the side of people who create jobs, and the millions of people who need jobs - and as President John F. Kennedy taught us, that starts with an across the board tax cut for individuals and businesses that will create jobs and stimulate the economy. It's that simple!
I will work in the Senate to defend our nation’s interests and to keep our military second to none. As a lieutenant colonel and 30-year member of the Army National Guard, I will keep faith with all who serve, and get our veterans all the benefits they deserve.
And let me say this, with respect to those who wish to harm us, I believe that our Constitution and laws exist to protect this nation - they do not grant rights and privileges to enemies in wartime. In dealing with terrorists, our tax dollars should pay for weapons to stop them, not lawyers to defend them.
Raising taxes, taking over our health care, and giving new rights to terrorists is the wrong agenda for our country. What I've heard again and again on the campaign trail, is that our political leaders have grown aloof from the people, impatient with dissent, and comfortable in the back room making deals. And we can do better.
They thought you were on board with all of their ambitions. They thought they owned your vote. They thought they couldn’t lose. But tonight, you and you and you have set them straight.
Across this country, we are united by basic convictions that need only to be clearly stated to win a majority. If anyone still doubts that, in the election season just beginning, let them look to Massachusetts.
Fellow citizens, what happened in this election can happen all over America. We are witnesses, you and I, to the truth that ideals, hard work, and strength of heart can overcome any political machine. We ran a campaign never to be forgotten, and led a cause that deserved and received all that we could give it.
And now, because of your independence, and your trust, I will hold for a time the seat once filled by patriots from John Quincy Adams to John F. Kennedy and his brother Ted. As I proudly take up the duty you have given me, I promise to do my best for Massachusetts and America every time the roll is called.
I go to Washington as the representative of no faction or interest, answering only to my conscience and to the people. I’ve got a lot to learn in the Senate, but I know who I am and I know who I serve.
I’m Scott Brown,
I'm from Wrentham,
I drive a truck, and I am nobody’s senator but yours.
I totally agree. Let’s hope he does so!
What happened to the (ugh) part about his daughters being available? Anyone else want to die when he said that? I’m sure he was nervous and it sounded worse than he meant it, but Jeez.
Ted Kennedy deserves as much class as he showed Mary Jo over 40 years ago.
This was my money line of the speech:
“And let me say this, with respect to those who wish to harm us, I believe that our Constitution and laws exist to protect this nation - they do not grant rights and privileges to enemies in wartime. In dealing with terrorists, our tax dollars should pay for weapons to stop them, not lawyers to defend them.”
That says it all!
He is at LEAST anti-partial birth abortion!!!
I think he can be swayed to total opposition to abortion because of this.
Unlike Coakley, unlike Obama, unlike almost ALL the Dems in the Senate and Congress - he is anti-partial birth Abortion!!!
Thank GOD for that!
And I think you are quite wrong.
I am very pro-life.
But that is NOT the only issue to care about.
They are all related....and I believe this new Senator is going to be a very very good breath of fresh air, fresh insights, fresh inspiration, and fresh leadership in that corrupt body, the US Senate.
I also will pray that his eyes are opened to the horrors that are ALL abortions.....
But he is AGAINST Obamacare! He is PRO-TAXES CUTS!!!! for businesses and individuals - ACROSS THE BOARD!
tHAT IS THE one thing THAT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE WOULD HELP THIS ECONOMY START TURNING AROUND FOR REAL.
Without that turn, millions more are going to suffer...
America is READY for the turnaround...and I believe Scott Brown can lead us in that direction!
You don’t understand what being about class is all about when you make a speech after you won. It is not a campaign speech and you reach out to ALL your constituents from MA.
I’d take that as being politically available... perhaps an oblique reference to the wildly liberal Megan McCain. Or marriageable.
Not to be contrary - but Senator Brown gave an excellent speech in all regards....despite the praising of the Kennedy’s....which I think is obligatory in that state....
I think he sees it as a practical impossibility to back off Roe any time soon, so wants to minimize damage in that context.
Brown's election has saved us from 1/6 OF OUR ECONOMY GOING SOCIALIST which is a HUGE DEAL!!!
For that alone I would have crawled across broken glass to vote had I been a MA resident.
We will see how much of a RINO he is over time but his anti- gay marriage, anti- partial birth abortion, and lower tax stances in the flaming blue state of MA are fabulous PLUSES in my view.
How does he have less experience. He has been in the MA since 2004 and unlike Obama, he didn’t vote present.
If it had been me I would have “recognized” the Kennedys and their influence — and left it at that.
Ah! So his daughter Ayla plays Division I basketball as well as American Idol. Thank explains her toned arms I was wondering about.
Have you noticed that EVERY speech Obama does for the teleprompter has the same cadence, timbre and rhythm? Perpetual campaign mode. Because Obama has no heart he cannot speak from it......
Have you noticed that EVERY speech Obama does for the teleprompter has the same cadence, timbre and rhythm? Perpetual campaign mode. Because Obama has no heart he cannot speak from it......
I meant condescending to actors, not you. And I agree with you about the Kennedy praise. Just a tad overboard, but when in Rome.....
You go “party” tonight. Sorry, I see another RINO-lite in the Senate. Nevertheless, I thank God he will vote against Obamacare and stand up for our 2nd Amendment rights. I hope he stands tall against the terrorism threat abroad.
Beyond that, we “don’t know much.” But that’s enough I guess.
Sorry, I won’t let my hatred for Obama big government principles sell out my pro-life principles. I have a reason to reflect and pray, not a reason to “party.”
Have fun though for me.
No, I guess I don’t understand about class. Guess need some sell-out like you to teach me about it!
From a previous post from me tonight:
I learned as a 4-year-old boy in 1980, growing up in western Massachusetts, that my Senator was going to lose his presidential bid because of Chappaquidick. On being told of this scandal by my mother, I quickly put together that being a brother to both a deceased former president and a deceased, but noble senator from NY, could free someone from criminal guilt and negligence for abandoning a friend to die the drink.
Mary Jo was how I learned about death, about fair-weather friends, and about shyster politicians. The lesson also taught me that truly great people need to stand for what is right, regardless of the consequences. “Uncle Ted,” his turncoat ways with both Mary Jo and on the Pro-Life cause (before him, the Kennedy family were the bulwark to the national pro-life movement), cost any candidate the Democratic Party puts forth my vote forever.
I am so happy tonight for Mary Jo’s spirit and soul, her family that remains with us, for my home state of Massachusetts for finally refuting “Uncle Ted” politics, and for America! Most of all, I am happy that “Teddy’s” legacy finally got what it deserves!
Patriots, I am sorry if this is a yarn. However, never underestimate the transcendental power of spite and revenge! They are the fodder for the fortitude of the human spirit and the vindication of what is truly and forever right.
He just was elected to the Senate. He just stepped on the national stage. It remains to be seen how effective he will be in DC. Please don’t misunderstand. I think he is great, and I am overwhelmingly happy he was elected. I feel like a great weight is lifting. But I am like the people from Missouri, I like to be shown.
Sure - same here - but he lives in Massachusetts where the Kennedy’s are seen as their most honored, famous family....(I know, I know, despite their real evil)...
Anyway - The only subject he didn’t touch on in his speech was full steam ahead on America’s energy resources - being developed and used NOW for OUR country.....so want to hear what direction he is going to on that since I believe, as Sarah Palin does, that energy policies are going to bring economic revival (or our demise if the Dems / Greenies policies are allowed to hold sway).....
But everything else - was right on!
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