Wow. That is possibly the worst constructed sentence I have ever read in a published article.
Grammatical error: talents ... is being lost
Unclear modifier: ... Kennedy said Monday, after speaking at an event supporting Democrat John Kerry's run for president. (who spoke at the event: Kennedy? Fast?)
There are so many different clauses in that sentence that it is difficult to tell what the author is trying to say.
Claudia Kennedy and she was not liked here by the troops.