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The Brookline Democrat gave his speech from the automotive shop of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River. Without mentioning Trump by name, Kennedy slammed the first year of his administration.
“Many have spent the past year anxious, angry, afraid,’’ Kennedy said. “We all feel the fault lines of a fractured country.’’
The response from Kennedy’s colleagues in the Democratic Party, in which he is seen as a rising star, were enthusiastic. Former vice president Joe Biden, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, and former congressman John Dingell all tweeted out praise.
Proud to call you a friend, @RepJoeKennedy. You captured the idealism and optimism of our party — and this nation. Because you understand that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity. And that in this country, no one gets left behind. Well done.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 31, 2018
So thankful to @RepJoeKennedy and VA Delegate Elizabeth Guzman. Truly inspiring & messages for ALL Americans! #SOTUResponse #SOTU
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 31, 2018
Grateful to hear @RepJoeKennedy’s encouraging words tonight. Thank you for making clear that the will of the American people is stronger than anything this President can or will do to divide us. Reminded me of the hope I felt hearing your grandfather and great-uncles speak. #SOTU
— John Dingell (@JohnDingell) January 31, 2018
The choice of Kennedy to deliver the Democrats’ main response drew criticism from some progressives and commentators, who were disappointed a white man with deep establishment ties was picked.
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This is a good speech, delivered well. But I am totally befuddled by a party that looks around at this country, right now, and decides its best rebuttal to Donald Trump comes from the white male scion of America's oldest dynasty.
— Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) January 31, 2018
Black Lives Matter.#MeToo
— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) January 31, 2018
Joe Kennedy III?https://t.co/tquIXALTQY
But MSNBC commentator Chris Matthews found something praiseworthy in Kennedy’s family ties, comparing Kennedy favorably to his grandfather, Robert F. Kennedy.
.@RepJoeKennedy's response was very Bobby. It was a breath of fresh air filled with hopes and dreams. #SOTU
— Chris Matthews (@HardballChris) January 31, 2018
"It was a breath of fresh - It was idealism, and I think that's what it is." @HardballChris on @RepJoeKennedy's speech. pic.twitter.com/qag38ipP1a
— Hardball (@hardball) January 31, 2018
The speech also drew praise from Kennedy’s fellow Massachusetts politicians
.@RepJoeKennedy is one of the most compassionate, strongest voices fighting for an America that works for everybody. He did a great job last night – watch his Democratic response to the State of the Union: https://t.co/PNh7jWALv5
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 31, 2018
.@RepJoeKennedy is one of the most compassionate, strongest voices fighting for an America that works for everybody. He did a great job last night – watch his Democratic response to the State of the Union: https://t.co/PNh7jWALv5
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 31, 2018
Proud of my good friend @RepJoeKennedy for delivering such an inclusive, unifying message! We need leaders who will guide us toward a successful future, not drag us to the past.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) January 31, 2018
Congratulations to my friend @RepJoeKennedy and to a great crowd in Fall River on a forward looking speech with a positive vision for our country's future. #SOTUResponse
— Bill Keating (@USRepKeating) January 31, 2018
Powerful speech from my friend @RepJoeKennedy.
— Maura Healey (@maura_healey) January 31, 2018
Kennedy himself spent the morning talking about his speech, including an appearance on MSNBC on CNN, in which he elaborated on his remarks about bullies in politics.
Rep. Joe Kennedy elaborates on his "bullies" remark in his State of the Union response: "The President and his administration have to own not just his words, but his actions, and his words can be divisive enough" #SOTU https://t.co/mCmeQhijMV
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 31, 2018