CHILMARK, Mass., (Reuters) - US President Barack Obama said on Wednesday he was heartbroken by the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, a pillar of the Democratic Party who he praised as an enormous force behind social programmes that improved the lives of Americans. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected on millions of lives ... in all who can pursue their dreams in an America that is more equal and more just, including myself, Obama said of the senator. The senators illness had provided time to say thank you and goodbye that was denied to his assassinated brothers, President John F Kennedy, and Robert Kennedy, who was a US senator and attorney-general, Obama said in brief remarks outside the compound where is spending his vacation. Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy, Obama had said in a written statement. The Kennedy name is synonymous with the Democratic Party, and at times Ted was the target of partisan campaign attacks. But in the US Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle, Obama said.