Senator Edward M. Kennedy shocked and disappointed many fellow Democrats with his willingness to compromise with the Bush administration on ESEA. Refusing to take a back seat to "new" Democrats in negotiations with the administration, Kennedy eventually accepted a version of the "Straight A's" program which would allow some states a measure of flexibility in how they spend their federal dollars. Some say this move was pure politics, some say pride, some say an attempt to salvage moderation in the education bill. Decide for yourself after reading "Teddy Bear," by Michael Crowley, The New Republic, August 13, 2001 at http://www.thenewrepublic.com/081301/crowley081301.html .
