I often don't think much of the Guardian, but it has a good article on the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident here (click). As is pointed out in the article, it's clear that Kennedy didn't just run away and do nothing. He and two friends went back to the scene of the accident, but were unable to free Kopechne. He didn't notify authorities until the next morning - but remember that this incident took place on an island, after the last ferry had left. But it's also clear that Kennedy's conduct was suspicious and certainly not heroic.

How guilty was he? Nobody really knows.

His conduct in that incident and in much of his personal life, was not admirable. Still, he was a great senator.

-Joe Offer-