In this advertisement from his first Senate campaign in the 1960s, late Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy advocates for universal health care for senior citizens, also known as Medicare. Kennedy was known for his promotion of liberal causes like universal health care, the minimum wage and temporary worker programs for immigrants. The Medicare program was eventually passed by Congress and signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. Warm Up Questions 1. Who were the Kennedys? Why were they important? 2. What is Medicare? Discussion Questions 1. Read the story of Edward Kennedy's life and legacy here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/features/us/july-dec09/kennedy_08-26.html Why was Kennedy important? What does it mean that he is no longer in the Senate? 2. What do you know about the Kennedy family? Is there a famous family similar to them today? Do you think its fair that one family was so involved in American politics? How would America be different if the Kennedys never went into politics? 3. What did you think of this political ad? How have political campaigns changed over the years? Additional Resources American Experience Video: The Kennedys