A Tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy (1932-2009)

Face-Off with Senators Alan K. Simpson and Edward M. Kennedy

Five days a week on over nearly 290 stations, Senators Alan Simpson of Wyoming and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts engaged in a brief, comical and caustic dialogue, Face Off, that ranged from national topics to private ambition. For 50 seconds each, Mr. Simpson, the Republican whip, and Mr. Kennedy, a Democrat who was a dominant liberal force in the Senate, cheerfully insulted each other about their careers, ideologies, and legislative records.

Senator Alan K. Simpson (left) and Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Simpson and Kennedy, who were actually good friends, began sparring over the radio in 1988. For both politicians, the broadcast was a device to draw national attention to their views. Senator Simpson took over the Republican reins from Senator Robert Dole of Kansas when Dole formally announced his Presidential candidacy in 1987.

The Senators actually taped the program separately in their offices once a week, with each taking turns opening the segments. Whoever went first picked the topic. Once the first Senator completed his segment, he sent it to his sparring partner, who used it for ammunition. Senators Simpson and Kennedy continued to scuffle on Face Off until the mid-1990s.

The program was distributed by the Mutual Broadcasting System, which is now part of the Westwood One radio network. Face-Off audio and the accompanying photograph of Senators Kennedy and Simpson are exhibited courtesy of Westwood One.

Please note: Face-Off episodes were made available online until September 14, 2009, courtesy of Westwood One, and are now no longer available. The below listed episodes (and many others) can still be accessed by visiting the American Heritage Center.

Face-Off Audio Episodes:

• Health Care Reform, 1992
• Latin American policy, 1988
• New Year’s Resolutions for 1992