‘A big moment’ for rising star Joe Kennedy III
— chris.villani@bostonherald.com
PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III introduced his former law professor — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren — last night in a prime-time address at the Democratic National Convention that has Bay State delegates looking optimistically to the rising star’s bright future.
“It’s a big deal obviously. Congressman Kennedy’s shown a lot of courage and leadership in the early part of his career here and he’s building his own name and record,” said state Rep. Nick Collins (D-South Boston), a Massachusetts delegate. “I think it’s a big moment for him. … He’s still a millennial. He’s speaking to a generation of folks who are coming of age in the party.”
The 35-year-old congressman was tapped by Democratic insiders as the top name to replace Warren if she was picked to be Hillary Clinton’s vice president. Even though Clinton went with Virginia U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Kennedy is still seen as someone to watch in election cycles to come.
“This is the beginning of a bright future,” said Suffolk Sheriff Steve Tompkins, another Bay State delegate.
“When you come out on a large stage and really present your thoughts and your ideas and the whole concept of unity and how that works to bring a whole party together,” Tompkins said.
“When you talk about ‘Young Joe,’ as we call him up in Massachusetts, it’s a natural progression,” Tompkins added. “Not just from what his family’s lineage is all about, but all the work he’s done, through school, working with law enforcement, moving on and being a congressman.”