Bad news/Good news in the U.S. Senate today

It's been a wild day in the U.S. Senate.

First, the bad news: The Senate passed the FISA bill -- with telecom immunity -- by a vote of 69 - 28. Roll call here. That abominable affront to the U.S. Constitution is heading to Bush's desk -- and the ACLU is preparing to sue.

Now, the good news -- both legislative and personal: To a rousing ovation from his colleagues, Senator Ted Kennedy arrived back in the Capitol to vote on the Medicare bill, which passed by a veto-proof 69 - 30 margin. Kennedy's vote could have been critical. By one vote, a couple weeks ago, Senate Republicans had blocked movement on this legislation. That resulted in a huge backlash against the GOP. Doctors were irate and the AMA has been ran ads against Republican Senators. Obviously, Republican Senators got the message.

Bush was gleeful about the FISA bill, but has threatened a veto of this Medicare bill. John McCain was the one Senator who didn't vote today on Medicare. According to The Hill and CQ Politics, the so-called "Straight Talker" wouldn't even say how he'd vote. Very weak leadership.

Here's a link to a clip of Kennedy's return. You can't miss that thick white hair.

It was truly a triumphant return.