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Ezra Klein:

The Kennedy tribute was touching, but it was Kennedy who was powerful. Walking out to chants of "Teddy, Teddy," Kennedy sounded strong and sharp. He's old now, and sick. He walks slowly and the mane has thinned. But he's still got that voice, that rumbling bass — as Harold said to me this morning, "the last voice in American politics." The words, as they've always been, were clear, and the message was simple. Broadly, it was this: Health care. Before he even mentioned Obama's name. Health care. After he spoke of the hope Obama brings. Health care.

In the last few weeks, I've spoken to a couple Kennedy aides who all told me the same thing: Health care. Kennedy has told them that this is his final crusade. Aides who work in other legislative areas have been told that their issue areas are going to almost dissolve, and they'll become something like support staff for the health team. Kennedy means to pass a bill. He means to muster the full force of his legislative talents, his sprawling staff, his longstanding relationships, and even the poignancy of his condition. It will be his legacy. It is his dream. Health care.