NY1 reporter: Senator Caroline Kennedy is 'a done deal'
Chris Matthews hosted Joe Conason of the New York Observer and Dominic Carter of NewYork1 on Hardball today to talk about Caroline Kennedy filling Hillary Clinton's seat as the U.S. Senator from New York, and Carter reported this:
In terms of Governor Patterson, what I am hearing, Chris, is that this is -- the bottom line here -- a done deal. That it's hers if she wants it. She's going through, if you will, this tour of the state. As far as that poll you mentioned, Andrew Cuomo, the attorney general of this state, he may be up at this point because he has the advantage because he has actually been out there before New Yorkers as the state attorney general for almost two years. And I would venture to say that her numbers might be higher if New Yorkers knew more about her. But from what I am hearing, this is a done deal, in terms of if she wants it.
Conason then notes that if Carter "says it's a done deal, then I think maybe it is."
We'll see in the coming weeks and months whether she deserves it.
Why not Chelsea Clinton? Her last name is just about right too!!
She's too young, by 14 months.
Thanks for clarifying that. I did not know that.
Chelsea Clinton won't be 30 until Feb 2010.
US Constitution, Article I, Section 3 ... the only requirements for being a US Senator (excerpt)
No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
Point taken. Was just thinking that being from a lifelong political family, she would be a good choice. Has the name. Check. Has the political associations. Check. Has the money. Check.
Checks are okay, but cash is preferred--this is NYS, and the pols are a little smarter than Blago.
Just how qualified do you have to be when Congress has an approval rating of 8?
What is your conceptual, continuity?
Just like the done deal with the senate seat in Illinois.
who's governor pattison?
Paterson's name is misspelled. Secondly, it's pointless to speculate on whether or not Caroline Kennedy will fill Hillary's seat before Obama's even the president and before she passes muster before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.
Unless everyone else here no longer feels constrained to stand on tradition. But we seem so eager to transform as much of our government as quickly as possible that we and the press are jumping the gun and forgetting that we have a process in place to keep us from jumping the gun and making hasty choices.
And making Kennedy a peer of her Uncle Ted is most definitely a hasty choice.
And didn't Paterson say that he preferred someone who could come up with $50,000,000?
JP
http://giveusthisdayourdailtydread.blogspot.com
I'm sure Caroline Kennedy would have no problems with that.
Caroline Kennedy would NEVER EVER speak to 99% of the people that contribute to this blog (unless you were her waiter or cabbie or stylist). EVER. This woman, just like her late brother, is so far above the little people. So far.
And really when you ARE American Aristocracy, who do you have to answer to, your social secretary?
If her name was Caroline Wiezerbowski from Poughkepsie, would she be in the running? FUCK NO.
Who do you think she socializes with. The same people that have brought us to the brink economically.
It is absolutely absurd, and of course natural, to have her as Senator.
If her name were Caroline Wiezerbowski from Poughkepsie, she'd probably be a shoe-in. The only reason that Caroline Kennedy is getting so much negative press is because she's a Kennedy.
Seatech1's been writing all over the internets in favor of Caroline. I'm beginning to think Seatech1 is some kind of paid operative...
... to see if she deserves it? There are many who are far more deserving of it right now.
Any of New York's congressional representatives is far and away more qualified. My particular favorite is Louise Slaughter (D) NY-28. She chairs the House Rules Committee and was just elected to her twelfth term. Very experienced; very progressive.
Ms. Kennedy claimed today that "this is a time when nobody can afford to sit out." Well, where has she been for the last eight years? We just had elections at every level of government last month. Where was she? Running for Congress? State rep? Mayor? Dog catcher?
Ms. Kennedy also admitted today that she has "a lot to learn." Perhaps if she had served a few terms in Congress, before seeking appointment to the Senate, she wouldn't be such a neophyte.
The only possible reason Gov. Paterson would appoint her is because of Kennedy favors/threats. Hmmmm. Does Gov. Blago need a cell mate?
Corruption favors the wealthy.
i secong the mention of Louise Slaughter, she is the rep to my old homestead and i happen to think she did a lot of positive for the community there. that being said, i am so far removed from there now that i am not up to date on her recent performance
I'm also from Rochester, and Louise's been fighting the good fight all during the Bush years--doing a far better job than other NYS congresspeople, including Jerry "Don't mind me" Nadler. She'd be a far better choice than Kennedy. But then again, Louise won't end up on the cover of Vanity Fair, and that matters a lot to our political leaders.
I support Caroline Kennedy for the U.S. Senate seat in New York. She is highky educated and has written fine books on civil liberties and has been very active in giving the public education system in NYC a much needed helping hand. I mean after the recent showing of some Democrats, regarding issues on civil rights, perhaps, she would be someone who would listen and advocate better legislation than has been the caae lately among the Democratic Party.
Give the woman a chance!!! This negative criticism of the Kennedy's most likely one of the reasons that she and her late brother John F. Kennedy, Jr., shied away at their mother's urging, from the political scene. I hedge to say it, but, I have heard loads of anti-Caroline Kennedy hatred out there lately and have heard little discussion on her fine educational background and the fact that she has c-authored two books on civil liberties:
1. "In Our Defense" by Ellen Alderman and Caroline Kennedy
2. "The Right to Privacy" by Ellen Alderman and Caroline Kennedy
She certainly, if nothing else, has the educational qualifications and the political connections to be a senator.
Political hacks amok, Caroline Kennedy is a welcome addition to the political insider game of Washington, D.C.
In short, I remember those who said that LeBron James should have went to college before going to the NBA out of high school.
The first, In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action was published two years after she and Ms. Alderman graduated law school.
Like the second book, this is not a legal or scholarly text by any stretch. It relates "human interest" stories about some people who have had involvement with constitutional issues. They are the rough equivalent of a People Magazine article on "the law." Interesting? Yes. Serious legal scholarship? Not so much.
Here's an interview with Ms. Kennedy and Ms. Alderman discussing their book.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
She's been a fundraiser for the NYC Education Dept., she's (co- or had ghost-) written some books, and she went to Ivy League schools. And she's connected. That's it? Basically, your argument comes down to: She's a Kennedy.
That's not enough for me.
seriously
so caroline chose not to enter public life until after she was 50
but she has been a force behind the scenes for years
im so sick of this elitest attitude that one has to already be a part of the system
we will contine to carry the mantle of uncle eddie...what is wrong with that
plus she is hott...
we need more milfs in the senate
hott!! I'll give you that one Uncle Joe.
This story is not even mentioned on CNNs website. Still Presnit Bush today told a conservative think tank that an "orderly bankruptcy " might be a good thing for the Big 3.So long seniority rights, wages,benefits and at least 25% of pensions (if gov takes them over ala Delta and United )
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081218/ap_on_bi_...
On Caroline, what age defines a MILF ? She may already be in GILF range or would she actually have to be a granny?
It's more the dislike of the rank nepotism this appointment represents.
The U.S. Senate is the culmination of decades long careers of public service for most politicians (I know, not all). Ms. Kennedy wants it as an entry-level position. It will be her first paying job ever.
If she were running for Congress, she'd have my full support. Also, if she had a few successful congressional terms under her belt before seeking this appointment, that would be much different.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
>> It's more the dislike of the rank nepotism this appointment represents.
She's not related to Governor Pattison, no nepotism is involved, rank or otherwise.
I thought Caroline Kennedy was related to a very wealthy and powerful family who could use their influence to get her the seat.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
Just because she is related to a very wealthy and powerful family who could use their influence to get her the seat, that still isn't nepotism. Political dynasty, yeah, nepotism, no.
Nepotism would require the person doing the appointing be a relative of hers. Like when Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was appointed to the position by her father Governor Frank Murkowski (R-AK).
Fiver, I feel exactly the same. If she were running it would be a different story but to get appointed to the senate as her first bit of public service (actually I didn't realize it was actually her first job, even more so) based primarily on her family tree (ok its not strictly speaking nepotism) doesn't seem right. There have to be other people who have paid some dues and deserve it more.
It's not her first job. She worked as chief executive of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the the New York City Department of Education for about 2 years. Now, granted, it wasn't a full time job, but she did bring in some $65 million for the school district.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?re...
She's also a published author (and/or editor) of numerous books, I belive most people consider that a job. Don't know how many other jobs she had.
... is not a job - it's a party - even if you have to call your friends and ask them to bring their checkbooks.
Five of "her" seven books were anthologies of other people's poetry.
The remaining two were "human interest" books written by/with Ellen Alderman.
I suppose you could call any of these "jobs" though some people with actual paying jobs might rightly consider them "hobbies."
The fact remains: her first paycheck ever will be from the United States Senate (assuming this appointment goes through).
Corruption favors the wealthy.
The New York City Department of Education is hardly a "charity ball". You might want to minimalize any of the work she has done but to say
>> The fact remains: her first paycheck ever will be from the United States Senate (assuming this appointment goes through).
Is wrong. She was paid by the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the the New York City Department of Education. She took a token $1/year for the job, rather than being paid something more substantial.
>> Five of "her" seven books were anthologies of other people's poetry.
That's called being an editor. I'm sure most who do that would consider it a job as well. I'm assuming the publishing firms have sent her paychecks also.
$1 a year.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
Dude, she's a Kennedy--she was born at the head of the system. She is the elite. Seriously, why not just name her Duchess of Albany and make it official?
Talking about another Senate race but the flash out is the Minnesota Senate race is now down to two votes. That's right I said TWO!!!!! Franken is behind by two but I think he's taking this seat.
is intended to be a factual statement
And the pukes will say he "stole it", even though all he wanted for Xmas was that all the votes were actually counted. Why do Republicans hate democracy so much?
Stole what, it's Coleman trying to prevent votes from being counted. Remind you of 2000 and 2004 much? This time they're not getting away with it.
How Un-American is it when someone wants to stop votes. This is what makes this country great, voting...that and and we can import beer.
is intended to be a factual statement
Try some of the micro-brews from the Left Coast. Yummm.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
I hate all Microbrews. They all taste skunky to me. Other than the one beer I had from Elloctville NY. Only problem is you could only drink a couple. It was 12.1% alcohol.
is intended to be a factual statement
When I first came out here, I was drinking them like Budwiser - bad mistake.
Try Red Tail Ale (out of Mendocino County, CA), or anything by Deschutes Brewery in Bend, OR. My particular favorite is their organic ale, Green Lakes.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
Just go listen to Morning Joe "Dead Intern" Scarborough, he keeps talking about how Democrat Al Franken "only needs to steal xxx more votes to win". MMfA has been documenting his occurances of it for the last couple of weeks.
Joe who? Aaahhh... You mean that early morning show on MSNBC. I'm to busy staring at the MILF Minka to hear him speak.
is intended to be a factual statement
I thought we wanted new faces and new ideas in the government. She is one that doesn't have to cater to lobbyists and could bring fresh ideas on the way our senate is run.
Rich people are just so inherently better for political office. She's new face? Maybe in so far as she's avoided public life. And that was certainly her choice. But to enter politics at the top smacks me as nepotistic and worship of American aristocracy. New ideas? Ok, let's actually hear her positions.
All I see is vapid cowtowing to the right to rule of political dynasties, especially wealthy ones.
or people with tremendous ability to raise money that can even gain office in the first place. If she had been elected to a state office, it wouldn't necessarily make her more qualified. Until we have public financing for elections, we don't have too many we can choose from.
Hell, she's 51 years old, she should've been done by now.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Caroline Palin Kennedy.
I read that comparison online somewhere. The big difference is, Caroline's family is politics for life, and she can buy the position.
Is just fucking stupid.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
Many don't remember and many try to forget the US assassinated John F. Kennedy. All the lies and fake stories of the famous Magic Bullet that travel to more places one person can think of can't change the truth. Our country was changing an many Americans didn't like the change. Hate was in the air all over this country. Children and woman were being beat or killed. Our Law Makers still lie about that day in November as if we're still stupid. Some have said we could never kill our President or be like other countries that do. A lack of educatiion keeps some from knowing the truth. The Republican Party and some rich friends plotted to kill FDR, that information wasn't released until all parties involved were dead. Caroline has given more to the United States of America then any living American. She has continued to give without the headlines that others use. She's better educated then George W. Bush and many Law Makers today. She can bring back pride and respect that our country once had. We've been brain washing with corruption for 8 years it's time to wake up and get our country back.
As a black child I lived in a time I chose to forget. Men hanging from trees and hate everywhere. But a really nice looking young President said this was my country and I had responsiblities. " Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country". He backed those words up with actiion and his life. So I've followed like millions of Americans the lives of John John and Caroline who's Father changed a generation of kids of all colors forever.
I just wanted to say that your comment gave me goose bumps.
A lot of people say she hasn't done anything. I disagree.
I think she has done enough. Being a Constitutional lawyer is a very good start. Better than most of our elected officials, that's for sure.
But I'd like to get to her reluctance to get in the limelight.
After going thru what happened to her father, then MLK, then RFK.
I think it's understandable for anyone to be reluctant to stick their head up and get in the limelight.
Then her mother, then her brother. This person needed time to grieve and sort things out. In the meantime, she has raised a family of her own. And the children(15 and 18) are also nowhere to be seen. That's the way she has done this. With the intent of protecting her family.
This woman has brains. Of that, I have no doubt.
I'm sure she knows more about politics than most of our elected officials.
You have a wonderful evening Jackie.
And Merry Christmas.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
I don't really understand the hate on for Caroline Kennedy. Is this coming from disgruntled Hillary supporters because she sided with Obama. What the hell was Hillary's experience other than being the wife of a president. And she wasn't even from NY.
And then some talking head or another the other day mentions something about Obama promising new faces. Aren't they harping on just the opposite saying Obama had to much involvemet with the Illinois senate seat. I guess it's not just Repukes talking out of both sides of their mouth anymore.
Caroline should go hang out with Uncle Ted for the holidays. Absorb some more of his wisdom .
Particularly a "representative".
David Neiwert:
We will have no idea whether she deserved it, because Caroline was never subjected to proper competition among multiple candidates, in a Democratic process. She never ran for anything or proved herself against other potentials at any time in her life.
An "appointed representative". That's an oxymoron. It would be like me being appointed chief lawyer, when I never practiced (or even studied) law.
I will be doing my best to help Harry Reid retire next election. I'll give much money to his competition. This only cements my decision.
I used to live in Nevada, I'm glad I don't any more. Reid is an embarassment. When we were in the minority, he couldn't stop anything. When we're in the majority, he can't get anything passed. Would someone loan him a spine?
Yes, but we'll really find out in 2010, I think, when she will have to run a campaign. And in between, we'll get a view of her policy views and approach to leadership. If she does well on those counts, then I expect we can say it was a good choice. If not, well ...
It is very difficult to dislodge an incumbent senator once they are in place, unless by the opposition party.
It might take a Republican to dislodge Caroline before the Dems could select a different Dem senator.
In other words, it could take a very long time to get the Dem senator that the New York citizenry want most and deserve most.
I never had a negative thought towards Caroline Kennedy before. But this sickens me. No, I never wanted HRC carpetbagging into the senate seat either, but she did run for the position. And no I don't want to hear that she'll run in 2010. Let's just be done with it and agree that the qualifications for the senate are last name and wealth.
Please don't tell me about her resume--thin and not impressive for entering public office at this high level. Please don't tell me about how much you like her. Who cares?
Why doesn't she run for NY State Assembly or Senate? That would be impressive.
This reeks!
You have never had a negative feeling towards Caroline Kennedy before? What is it that she has done personally for you to be so sickened? Not what the pundits are saying, what has she done specifically?
She's used her family name, wealth and connections to put herself into a position of vast power and influence, despite her lack of experience or any evidence of previous interest. How's that?
obviously, Slaughter isnt running for it.
Without her last name, Ms. Kennedy would barely qualify to work on Ms. Slaughter's senior staff. Yet what else can a coal minor's daughter do when confronted with Kennedy clout?
Corruption favors the wealthy.
As long as she is a strong supporter of progressive policies, I don't give a *blank* what her last name is. She has shown every indication of following in her father's and late uncle's footsteps, which can only be a good thing. Progressives in the Senate is extremely rare, so its good to have another one when Ted Kennedy is gone. I don't know why anyone would be opposed to her in the seat, unless they're a Republican or a blue dog Dem. She certainly can't do any worse than Hillary or Schumer, neither of whom are progressive in any sense.
Sir or Madam,
You know not what you speak. While Rep. Slaughter has done well and her successes are not degraded, Ms. Kennedy has had an exceptional life experience, not to mention a law degree, that qualifies her more so than a number of the elected officals who now serve.
As far as I know, the Kennedy family have always (well, since Joe) stood for 'noblesse oblige.' There are not enough priviledged people out there who are like them in any way.
Screw "noblesse oblige." We're a republic, remember? No aristocracy. No hereditary government.
Exceptional life experience? Only because of her name and position among the nobility.
I've got mine, screw you then?!
This is SOOOO parochial, it is SOOO not an issue for anyone outside NY.
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