As far as politics, my impression is that Kennedy has helped him quite a bit w/his political career in MA. He is just not used to running a race where Repubs are really competitive. CBSABCNBCNYTIMESWASHPOST have done their best to help, but to no avail.
What I don't understand is how the demokrats keep coming up with these unstable candidates anymore. It seems to be downhill too -- Clinton/Gore/Kerry.