Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama draw tears and cheers

DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- Sen. Edward Kennedy declared there was "new hope" for the nation in his surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention, while Michelle Obama addressed critics of her patriotism and stressed her love for the country.

"Nothing is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight," Kennedy told an arena of teary-eyed delegates as he pledged to see Barack Obama to the White House and his own return to the Senate floor.

Before the convention, the ailing liberal icon had made only one public appearance since undergoing surgery for a brain tumor on June 2.

Before his remarks, his niece, Caroline Kennedy, introduced a video that paid tribute to his life and the causes he has fought for throughout his more than 45-year tenure in the Senate.

The reception Kennedy got was reminiscent of the reception that his brother, Robert, got in 1964 when he addressed the convention after their brother John was assassinated, said Bill Schneider, a CNN senior political analyst.

The crowd was perhaps a little sentimental, Schneider said because "they're very aware that it may be the last major speech he ever gives. They're hopeful it's not -- but fearful it might be."

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