Call me sentimental.

I cried tonight, watching the tribute to Ted Kennedy and his speech.

As a teen, he represented something special about America to me -- until I came to understand what he stood for and realized I disagreed with his approach to America.

As an adult, I viewed him as a worthy adversary -- though one I have not always treated with respect.

And as a student of history, I recognize his significance over the last half century of American life.

And so I made a point of watching Ken Burns' tribute to the ailing Senator, and his speech to the convention.

And as I said, I wept.

Because I know that this is likely the end of an era -- and that in 2012, one face and voice that will likely be missing from the rough and tumble of the election season will be that of the man who has served as Senator from Massachusetts since before I was born. I recognize that one of our links to the past will have been severed by mortality. And that does sadden me as an American.

God bless you, Senator Kennedy -- and thank you for your service to our nation.