Nation: Inquest on Chappaquiddick

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If the inquest does finally end the matter as far as the law is concerned, it may not completely clear up public uncertainty about the morality and maturity of Kennedy's actions on that long July night. What did Chappaquiddick reveal about his judgment? His reaction under stress? His fitness for higher office? The full inquest transcript could conceivably help resolve some of these doubts when it is released. But Mary Jo Kopechne will still be dead, and many will still wonder whether Kennedy did all he possibly could have done to prevent her death.

When the inquest was over, Kennedy chose to look ahead, not backward. He returned to Washington with his wife Joan and said that he would accompany her to New York this week, where she will have her tonsils removed. He is eager to resume his senatorial duties, and plans a trip to Dublin for a speech at Trinity College. He expects to kick off his campaign for re-election to the Senate at a dinner on Feb. 22, his 38th birthday.