Is Senator Caroline Kennedy really a good idea?
There's been a lot of talk about handing Caroline Kennedy the Senate seat from New York being vacated by Hillary Clinton. Here Wolf Blitzer gives the rundown on The Situation Room. It certainly sounds as though she will get serious consideration.
I'm mostly with Jane Hamsher on this; given the importance of that seat, and the importance of having an effective legislative fighter in that position, it doesn't make a lot sense to give it to an untested rookie who's never passed a bill in her life.
However, I think we all understand what's going on here, and it's not simply the oligarchical politics of dynasties. Kennedy brings real star power to the position. Caroline is not like the other Kennedy offspring; she's managed to maintain a certain mystique that, like it or not, will be a tremendous fundraising draw on the stump. Of course, we have no idea if she'd be any good at all with a crowd, though her appearance at the DNC this summer was impressive.
The problem is the flip side of the reclusiveness that has kept her persona as the Princess of Camelot intact -- namely, we really have no idea who she is: what her positions are, her values, her vision for Democratic leadership and effective legislative craftsmanship.
She may in fact possess all these, and previously unglimpsed leadership qualities as well. Or she may not. We just don't know.
So if Kennedy is serious about the job, the first thing she needs to do is open herself and let the public see who she is and what she is about. Until then, it doesn't make sense to even think about handing her this job.
So maybe little Caroline could be taking the first step to be our first female President? Hmmmmmmm...
As long as the Repukes hate the Kennedy's, I'm in. BTW, the video isn't working.
Comparing the Kennedy Clan to the Bush Clan is like comparing apples and oranges. The Kennedy Clan are revered for doing work to help the working middle class and working poor and race relations and the environment. The Bush Clan has ties to the CIA. Keeping secrets and helping those who are loyal to the clan and be damn with the country. The Kennedys usually have good approval ratings doing their jobs. The Bushs not so much.
Southern Yankee
just because you come from a famous political family doesn't make you a Senator. Remember all the Hillary thinks she is owed this, well, she didn't and neither does Caroline. Let the Governor select a replacement without it being shoved on him or New Yorkers.
figuratively speaking.
She'll be one of the very, very few in the senate who is not bought and sold. She's smart. She knows the game as an insider. She'll master the job quickly.
BTW, FWIW, I've never been a huge Kennedy fan, so no built-in bias toward favoring her.
Someone has to be appointed to fill Hillary's seat, so it might as well be someone who is smart (Caroline is an attorney and author), has respect for the law, is concerned about her fellow man and already works well with Obama. She can't be said to have an agenda. Plus, she is a LONGTIME NEW YORKER! That's something that could not be said of Hillary. I like the prospect. I just hope that if this appointment happens, she stays happy and safe. Her father's, uncle's and brother's untimely deaths have me worried.
"namely, we really have no idea who she is: what her positions are, her values, her vision for Democratic leadership and effective legislative craftsmanship."
Can't the same be said of Obama?
{ Deleted, No posting in all Caps or in all Bold, it's yelling. SiteMonitor}
Many of us don't read posts in all caps. It's like being yelled at.
"You don't need an I.Q. test to be in the Senate." (quote, from some whack-job GOP senator.)
Thanks for your concern, but Obama and Caroline Kennedy have my support, any day, over anyone from the bu$h crime family, elected or NOT.
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
Here's what I find strange. Mika, of Morning Joe, always came to Palin's defense when anything derogatory was said about Ms. Moose Muffin. She gloried in the fact that Palin was a mom who had kids and so on. But since there has been talk about Caroline perhaps becoming a NY senator, Mika questions if Caroline is ready for the job.
As far as I'm concerned, if she gets the job it's fine with me. I will not hold anyone's name against them. I remember Obama said jokingly that whoever gave him his middle name must have never thought he would run for president of the United States.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
what a joke, just give them a crown and a cape so they can walk the streets like royalty.
ohhhhh, she's a Kennedy...she must be able to legislate. Must be nice to pick up the phone and talk to a governor b/c of your name, then in passing, say, "hey, that senator thing, I'd like to try that out if you don't mind"
seriously, this is what democracy in our country has become. Gee, why don't the Iraqi's want what we have?
Are Caroline Kennedy and ann coulter on the same diet, cigarettes and heroin?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Leave the "star power" to the Republicans. We don't know anything about her, why take a risk with a Senate seat?
It'll be all well and good until she folds on a cloture vote or loses her seat to somebody that is far more qualified and more politically savvy.
The Kennedy's have a pretty good progressive track record.
but I'm not willing to risk one broken record in the mix.
She may be an outstanding Senator. But why take the risk when the Dems hold all the aces. Let the Republicans take risks, they are the ones that need to. We can't gain much, but we can lose a lot (one Senate seat in 2010 for starters).
...in 2010....especially with the Kennedy's influence and money. This is not a risk.
It is a risk, it might be worth the risk if the Dems needed some sort of boost.
But they don't.
So, although she might make a fine Senator, I just don't see the payoff that would be worth the risk of a virtual unknown.
Sarah Palin is a failed journalism major who had to college-shop to get her degree. Her accomplishments in government were inflated and misrepresented during the campaign.
Caroline Kennedy, despite her 'famous name,' appears to have led a quiet career as a lawyer. IIRC, she has spoken only on a couple of key issues, and has been careful not to use the 'star power' of the family name.
So in avoiding the spotlight and focusing on her career without diving into politics, Caroline Kennedy has shown herself to be unqualified? Would we be better served by a showier, more egocentric Kennedy?
For that matter, let's look at what political experience can be worth:
Nancy Pelosi
Harry Reid
Dianne Feinstein
George W. Bush
Dick Cheney
John McCain
Caroline Kennedy is not the same as picking someone off a park bench, or voting a one-issue candidate like Cindy Sheehan into office.
Michael Moore summed it up pretty well back in August before Obama announced Biden as his running mate:
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/ind...
She'd be a great Senator.
The rank nepotism surrounding our political Village is beyond shameless. Nothing at all against Caroline Kennedy - smart, classy, seemingly progressive - she may be the perfect example of nepotism at it's finest. But she is hardly the only member of the "nobility" vying for appointments.
What ever happened to merit, qualifications, or experience? They are not transmitted by genetics or osmosis. Einstein's grandson might have made a poor physicist.
Corruption favors the wealthy.
I heard he was a punk rocker.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
I used to visit my aunt and uncle when they lived at the Kennedy estate in Palm Beach during the summers. Mrs. Rose hired them because my uncle was a state trooper.
Eventhough the Secret Service Service made us leave when they came down, I still had a crush on Caroline. What great times?
I can think of no one better for a Senator.
She can move down here to Florida and beat the crap out of Sen. Martinez if she wants.
Since Martinez has dropped out, do you think if she came down here and ran against Jeb for that seat, she could beat him?
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Jeb, Goerge Prescott Bush, Martinez, Yogi, Boo Boo anybody.
Barney or Miss Beasley might give her a run.
Is Senator Caroline Kennedy really a good idea?
If it is... let her run for her seat like anyone else! None of this "I'm a priveleged wuss-bag who can't risk losing in a real election; and who can't be bothered to win people over" For fuck's sake her last name is 'Kennedy.' How hard could it be?
I've lost so much respect for her for this oily way of doing things. Just as with Jesse Jackson Jr. This is the way a pussy would do it.
March the Republicrats into the sea and be rid of them!
statusquObama, change you can only pretend in
Maybe having an intelligent, CLASSY woman in a position of power would be a good thing! I grew up with Mark Pryor and I know Steve Cohen, and they are not possessed of genius. What makes them more special than Caroline Kennedy? If she wants it, I say GO FOR IT.
She's intelligent, "classy," and she's smarter than Mark Pryor and Steve Cohen. Well hey, she's senatorial material for sure! As far as I can tell, those are the qualities you'd want in a restaurant hostess. Being a senator should require a bit more.
. . . Like Saxby Chambliss? Lindsay Graham? Dianne Feinstein? James Imhofe? Norm Coleman? Ted Stevens? Joe Lieberman? Orrin Hatch? She's better than all of those without having lifted a finger. If she wants it, let her have it for the next 2 years. Think of it as payback for the 2 years that New Yorkers were deprived of by her uncle's murder. If she can't do the job, New Yorkers will replace her. End of story.
What about losing a father. I agree. Think of it as payback.
I don't think 'She isn't as bad as Ted Stevens' is a smart recommendation for a U.S. senator. And I'm happy to give the Repugs some payback, but I think the payback would be better if we got a senator who was truly progressive, would truly fight for the people, and do everything to undo the Bush crimes, as opposed to going for "bipartisanship" and business as usual among the rich who control our government.
Since we know so little about who Kennedy really is and what she would do, there are obviously better candidates.
do you know her stances on things? do you know what she feels on the issues? how she would vote? you don't. because we haven't been given the chance to see.
how do you know she's better?!
and uh, saying "she is better than Joe Lieberman because she does nothing," is not a ringing endorsement in my eyes.
The only reason Kennedy is being considered is because of her name, which says it all about American democracy's devolution into a hereditary aristocracy. Hillary got the seat because of her name, too; she'd never even been a resident of the state, much less run for office! There are thousands in NYS who are just as qualified, or more, to become the state's new senator.
This pending coronation reeks of DLC maneuvering, as did Hillary's nomination, both aided by NYS's corrupt Dem machine. She's a name brand, very rich, an unknown quantity, and possibly manipulable due to her family's long history of sketchy activities and their wealth. What about this woman resembles the rank and file voters of New York State? What about her resembles anything except the privileged elites who already own and operate our government?
If she wants to run, let her campaign for the job and prove her worth. In the meantime, let's see if Paterson can't find someone who might have the interests of New Yorkers in mind.
NO MORE NEPOTISM!!!!
regardless of party!
... shoulda voted for Sarah & Johnny. Mavericks from a team of mavericks. Full of maverickyness. Youbetcha.
No.
I like Caroline but I don't think she has ANY experience. I know that may sound odd because of Obama's experience but she has NO experience. I think she would be a better ambassador or somebody to advocate for something she really believes in. If she wanted to get into politics she should have popped up a few years ago. I think she may be able to do some good work for President Obama (I like the sound of that, don't you?) if she wanted to. To step into the New York Senate seat is a little over the top.
I think every one is forgetting what a teacher she would have - "The Lion of the Senate" (Uncle Teddy)
He's been like a father and teacher to her all her life.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Correctamundo
I just heard that Gov. Blagojevich of Ill. has been taken into federal custody. There was no reason given yet.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Say What?
It was announced on MSNBC.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
He was taken in custody as result of a 3 year investigation into federal corruption allegations.
His cheif of staff has also been taken into custody
Cable news is gonna be wild. Hell, we're getting wild here.
The timing on this is kind of funky. Just yesterday he sided with the workers at that door and window factory and then the comments he made about the bank.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
I don't this has anything to do with the sit in, but your right the timing is pretty suspect. Could this be the start of something much bigger?
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested Tuesday morning in Chicago on two counts each of federal corruption charges stemming from allegations Blagojevich was trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder."
That's some pretty good foresight for the DoJ, considering that the initial reports said that the investigation has been on-going for three years, and yet Blagojevich was taken into custody due to him being the one to pick Obama's replacement.
KKKarl has a little black book on everyone. Gestapo.
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
Market watch has a little more
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-...
The claim is that he's involved in pay-to-play politics in Illinois.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested Tuesday morning in Chicago on two counts each of federal corruption charges stemming from allegations Blagojevich was trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder..
Dang. If I had known it was for sale, I would've put in a bid.
I knew those fliers announcing the date of the auction was a bad idea.
I'm gonna stick with innocent until proven guilty for now.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
Good riddance to Blago who is widely disliked even by his own party here in IL and has an approval rating in the teens.
More here:
www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl
As for Caroline Kennedy, I think she would be an excellent choice. That she intentionally kept a low profile has no bearing on her competence. Being out of the public limelight was probably a relief given her 24/7 exposure as a child and adult. Sorry some posters here think she is part of some American royalty, but the fact is that she is competent and qualified, which is the most important litmus test here. We need people like her to rebuild what selfish Neocons tore down.
"We will find fulfillment not in the goods that we have, but in the good we can do for each other."
Robert F. Kennedy
Caroline Kennedy is as qualified to be Senator now as Hillary Clinton was, and maybe even more qualified in that she is not embedded in Washington politics except peripherally through her family ties. It appears to me that her interests grow out of compassion and she would serve the people of New York responsibly and with a great deal of caring about them.
A very brief bio:
She may not have the aggressive bluster that a lot of people are saying is needed for the job, but in my book, compassion, grit, determination, and a clear head are much better. And she wouldn't have to move to New York to be eligible as Hillary did -- she already lives there.
But at least she ran.
Being a senator is not something she or the Kennedy clan is owed.
So the individual can run along with everybody else in the next election cycle. This kind of thing is done quite often, though it's usually when a man dies and his wife is appointed to serve out his term.
Who said the position is something she or the Kennedy clan is owed? It's my understanding that hers is one of numerous names that have been considered for the position, and nobody knows who will be appointed. Nobody even knows when Hillary will resign so the seat can be filled.
I think it's a terrible idea. Aside from the whole dynasty/aristocracy issue, it's the triumph of the celebrity culture. The entire question of whether she should get the office is a media creation, while more qualified candidates who actually have paid their dues and worked their way up the ladder, but aren't celebrities, are ignored. This is government by People magazine. It's the ultimate triumph of the media obsession with celebrities.
She's no stranger to politics.
Go Caroline.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
She's never run for office before, and according to the bio above, she created and presents nice awards, she sits on boards or is "a director" (which means what, exactly?), she's involved with organizations related to her family, and she's represented the Kennedys at various events. She's also published or edited some books, which may or may not have been ghostwritten.
I see no experience with politics. I see no concern with working people or awareness of their lives and problems. No experience with economics, the military, foreign affairs, energy policy -- none of it. I see a nice, rich lady who's led a very comfortable life paid for and build on her family name.
Seriously, why is she even being considered?
But to say she knows nothing about politics is ludicrous.
Swing and a Miss.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
No joke, Fran Dresher is also throwing in her hat to replace Hillary as NY Senator.
Actually, if she's serious about it, that's the last thing she wants to do. This is all about old-fashioned, "smoke-filled" politics and the "wants" of the people are irrelevant.
I think it might be good to consider the alternatives that the Governor has in mind. Some of the names I've heard also are "legacies" (Cuomo comes to mind).
On the face, I think Ms. Kennedy would be an excellent choice; she is as well qualified to be a representative of her state as many if not most of the people who serve in the Congress.
Certainly, her education and accomplishments as an attorney and author, and director of foundations, far surpass the qaulifications of Miss Sarah, whom half the country was ready to put a heartbeat away from the Presidency.
The legacy of the Kennedys may be one of privilege; but it is also one of service and sacrifice for our country. Perhaps it would be nice to have a Senator who is not a politician first.
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of Stupidity" - Frank Leahy
What's the Kennedy family motto? "To whom much is given, much is expected." Sorry if I butchered that.
I know nepotism has been a blight in some cases in the past, but for me, it really depends on the family. Most of the Kennedys seem to be politically service-oriented and often their service is beneficial to others. I don't have negative feelings about the Kennedys at all but neither do I particularly want them in politics. But if they're good people and are interested, I'd say Go Do It!
I have OTHER things to say about the Bush dynasty, quite different....
I think Ms. Kennedy would be a fine choice. I read the original Jane Hamsher post, and nearly everyone in the comments disagreed with her. Seems like it's only the bloggers who think that Caroline Kennedy should not be a senator. The rest of us voters think that she should. The points that Hamsher makes against her are unfounded and purely her opinion. There is no basis in fact. Actually, she's even wrong in some of her opinions.
I don't know why this piece is gaining traction in the left-leaning blogs, but it shouldn't be. Kennedy would make a great senator, and should be allowed to serve her country.
"The rest of us voters think that she should. The points that Hamsher makes against her are unfounded and purely her opinion." Care to submit your claim to some empirical proof, say a vote?
oops my caps lock was on. Not screaming at the list but didn't see the lock. If she has an interest in public office, then how about running for something?
My deleted posting said that it is saddening to see the blogosphere, which has empowered we commoners, not rejecting this move towards dynastic power. Dynasties are inherently destructive to democracy.
The reasoning here in her favor... Sheesh. She can't be worse than... Wow. A ringing endorsement. The Kennedy clan is progressive. Huh? So being a progressive or a senator is something one is born to?
This is sickening, peeps. Enough with aristocratic clans running our government! We have choices beyond Kennedy, Bush, Clinton, Cuomo brand names.
Tue, 12/09/2008 - 07:18 — lilybelle:
"This is sickening, peeps. Enough with aristocratic clans running our government! We have choices beyond Kennedy, Bush, Clinton, Cuomo brand names."
Who are the choices? Anybody you would care to suggest as an alternative? Ideally, someone who actually has expressed an interest in the job.
It's not my job to take applications for the U.S. senate.
Will you take a bribe? J.K.
are no strangers to corruption and incredible self-destructiveness. That's part of the family legacy too.
It strikes me that the consensus here is that the mere fact Caroline happens to be a Kennedy serves to disqualify her fro an appointment to complete the 2 years of Senator Clinton's term. How is this fair?
Spare me and point to one posting that says that her being a Kennedy serves to disqualify her. If she's interested in public office, there's a clear path for her: Run for a position.
The point here is that Kennedy is a competent person who happens to come from a well known political family. If you think that there is some entitlement mentality here, that's your problem. The opportunity presented itself here and with luck, she may accept. If you want to intrepret it otherwise, that's your privilege.
"We will find fulfillment not in the goods that we have, but in the good we can do for each other."
Robert F. Kennedy
Being competent (as far as we know) and from a well-known family isn't a recommendation for one of the most powerful jobs in America.
"The opportunity presented itself"? Like she just happened to come across the open senatorial job down at the laundromat bulletin board?
NoOneYouKnow: "Being competent (as far as we know) and from a well-known family isn't a recommendation for one of the most powerful jobs in America."
Neither is it a disqualification.
Again, can you find a single example of anyone here who's said that those things disqualify her?
From lilybelle: "If she's interested in public office, there's a clear path for her: Run for a position."
Perhaps she will in 2010 when Sen. Clinton's term expires - but who gets the job in the meantime? That's going to be left up to Gov. Paterson. There is no election for her to run in just now.
This is a false dichotomy...Caroline Kennedy or nobody. If she wants to enter politics, good. If she's as good as she appears she COULD be, then she'll win offices. And her name won't hurt. And after years of service, she could move up to being Senator. But having a senate seat awarded to her? I don't think New Yorkers or the country owe it to her or even to Ted Kennedy. They work for us.
Velasquez could be a good choice but then who fills her position - or Nadler's (who, as far as I know, hasn't expressed any interest in the job. As for Paterson, he'd face a clear conflict of interest since the State constitution leaves the appointment of Clinton's successor in his hands.
There are a number of names "that have been suggested," which clearly is passive construction for people putting their names out there. Let us New Yorkers look at the pool and get on the phone to Albany/email/twitter...the like. I'm interested in things like experience and track record.
If having appointees to fill vacant seats isn't your thing, then call your state legislators to change the system so there would be a runoff election instead of appointments.
I wish you good luck on this quest because you will need it.
"We will find fulfillment not in the goods that we have, but in the good we can do for each other."
Robert F. Kennedy
Again, false dichotomy. Either accept a celebrity / dynastically driven choice, or...I want to storm the Bastille. Yes, the public can express its preferences, and governors might just take such things into account. You see, that's called democracy.
False dichotomy? Only to you, apparently. Please spare us your subjective intrepretation and projection.
Your prejudice shows clearly when you state "dynastically driven choice." The way I look at the Kennedy family's contribution is through their collective efforts to raise the bar of political discourse and make public service as JFK suggested, the highest calling of service oriented people.
In a democracy, I trust you will agree that all viewpoints are welcome and you are free to disagree if you wish. To that end, feel free to do respectfully, please.
"We will find fulfillment not in the goods that we have, but in the good we can do for each other."
Robert F. Kennedy
Who has said it must be Caroline Kennedy or nobody? Patterson has to appoint someone, and it's up to him.
If Nadler (who is that?) or Velasquez (and who is that?) are interested, they can approach Patterson about their interest in the position. No need to attack Caroline Kennedy if they don't. Or even if they do.
Can Patterson take the position himself? That would be a pretty sleazy move to me.
What people are saying is that she has to go for this seat right now because there's nothing else to run for right now. Guess she can't pick something to run for that opens up in 2010. That's saying Caroline Kennedy or nobody. In fact, there is a long list of potential people. Let's weigh her against the others. Obviously, Patterson makes the decision. But I'm just not that into clapping my hands at anointing a legacy pick.
Whoever gets the position isn't up to Caroline Kennedy. As I said, it's Patterson's choice, not Caroline's.
And for the others who may be interested, there's nothing else for them to run for right now either, so your conclusion is faulty. That is certainly not saying it's Caroline Kennedy or nobody. It's one of them or nobody.
Who says she would be getting it just because she is a Kennedy? Maybe she's pretty sharp and just happens to be a Kennedy. We shouldn't hold that against her, or assume it's nepotism. Don't you think many will be considered, and maybe she's good?
Besides which, what has experience and track record gotten America anyway?? Look at the place now!!!!! A shambles.
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
She's a virtual unknown to the people in this state. Why should she be given all this power? Because of her family name? Because she's more competent than Sarah Palin? These reasons are pathetic. She may be to JFK what George W. has been to GHW Bush.
Snore. Did you see Sarah Palin?
Has anyone said those are the reasons: because she is more competent than Sarah Palin? Think it through a little.
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
Did you read any of them lily, dear? How about this one: NO MORE NEPOTISM!!!!
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
Give it to Caroline if she will take it! I can't believe people who act as though every senator must first be a professional politician. That is exactly WHAT IS WRONG with this country. We have professional politicians who are corrupt, in the pocket of business, and still can't get legislation passed because the minority party blocks them. We have people like Reed and Pilosi who are inept AND corrupt (impeachment is off the table) in office, and that is precisely why business always has the upper hand and why WE THE PEOPLE are screwed. We never let one OF THE PEOPLE be in a position to change things, and then we wring our hands over the state of the economy and the state of the country.
If you want things to go your way, change is precisely what is required. Keep the professional politicians out of consideration, and let's start making some smart moves for a change!
I'm out of here and frankly I think there are folks gaming this list. I have never seen crooksandliars be so pathetically nonprogressive.
Please Caroline, please take it. We'd be so lucky.
lilybelle: "I'm out of here and frankly I think there are folks gaming this list."
Disagreeing with you constitutes "gaming" the list? Who knew?
Sorry to hear that the only opinion that is relevant and important is yours. Guess you never heard of the idea to disagree without being disagreeable.
In reality, there is no "right" opinion here. Your viewpoint is one among many. If your ego needs to be right at other's expense, move on, please.
"We will find fulfillment not in the goods that we have, but in the good we can do for each other."
Robert F. Kennedy
See ya.
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
... to those of you saying no to her appointment, I wonder... who *do* you advocate to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton as Senator of New York?
I know HRC was a "junior senator" but that was in title only. she commanded a *LOT* of respect from the moment she took the seat - with very little political experience - and manifested a lot of good work. she manifested enough good work to lay the framework for an incredibly competitive presidential run.
the DNC needs someone to replace HRC. we don't need a real-deal "junior senator" with lackluster respect and reputation. we need someone whose name carries a lot of weight and whose firm, educated rhetoric commands a lot of respect.
also... take a moment to re-review her resume.
she is very experienced in running and/or administering some very important organizations. her work with both the ballet theater and the NAACP legal fund shows experience in economics and accounting... something we *REALLY* need work on, starting in 2009.
her work with the NAACP legal fund also shows experience in complicated legal issues... again, something we *REALLY* need to work on, starting in 2009.
her published works and her position of Director of Presidential Debates showcase a strong understanding and passion for the constitution... something we *REALLY REALLY* need to work on, starting in 2009.
and finally... ya... ya, there's that great Kennedy name. in a nation of spoon-fed dum-dums, there's that great marketing going for her. she has great name brand recognition that Senators (and FOX news pundits) would be very hesitant to trash-talk or repudiate. indeed, the typical fallback of GOP mud-slinging is very difficult indeed, because not only is Caroline Kennedy the baby girl of the assassinated president that so many Americans admire... what negative things has she done? what rumors have you heard about her?
no ugly divorces. no ugly affairs. no ugly drug or booze habits. just a clean-cut, sophisticated woman with a history showcasing a passion for our country and an incredible legacy.
so I'll ask again... to those of you who think she is the wrong woman to replace the female "junior senator" who really wasn't much of a "junior senator"...
... who *SHOULD* replace Hillary Rodham Clinton?
nb4 "Fran Drescher from television's The Nanny"
She could knock the opposition dead with her voice alone. In fact, Bush should have used her to drive Al Qaeda out of their Afghani caves...
...Drescher sounds just like Palin...no thanks.
Fran Drescher would burst Sarah Palin's brain as well as her eardrums!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_jTEpwGkgg
Having them give a go at a catfight is a hilarious fantasy!
Caroline has class, not a requirement for politics but Oh, So Welcome after the felonies of the Bush administration and the wimpiness of the opposition and their tortured explanations. Class, in the political sense, creates a huge reservoir of respect and admiration, something we need badly in Congress.
Caroline Kennedy has written and co authored several books which tell exactly who she is.
and she is just the kind of person who would be an asset as senator.
Check out "In Our Defense, The Bill Of Rights In Action" or "The Right To Privacy" to name a couple.
Did anybody really know Obama when he ran for president? No. So why worry about that now. It doesn't matter anymore so you all are wasting your breath.
True. I gots a blister.;)
caroline will learn as she goes along. the most important aspect is her character. i've seen and heard enough to know that she will be a very good one. Teddy unfortunately is on his way out. Heck, we've all gotta go sometime. caroline will pick up the gauntlet and carry on the passionate kennedy line and their liberal voting record. good for her. wish she could represent us here in california. both she and hillary are great female additions and that's not evenfocusing on what michelle obama has to offer. we're in so much better shape now as a country. I'm feeling good.
"The problem is the flip side of the reclusiveness that has kept her persona as the Princess of Camelot intact -- namely, we really have no idea who she is: what her positions are, her values, her vision for Democratic leadership and effective legislative craftsmanship."
You sound like Sara Palin. The argument from ignorance: "We don't know anything about her; therefore, she must be incompetent". Really stupid.
Comparing to sarah palin is fighting words. Technically what you're describing is Argumentum ad Ignorantiam.
It's kind of like the pro-choice person arguing what if you're getting rid of the next Hitler, and an anti-choice one saying what if you're getting rid of the next Einstein, both are equally speculative.
Of course palin tried to do that with Obama, but less was even known about her.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Americans have voted in wing nuts, perverts, those who hire prostitutes and worse while now Caroline Kennedy is questioned. No concern about Vitters, Craig and Foley and all those who still hold a seat who have committed so many crimes. Pelosi accepted kick backs, Feinstein got her husband a contract from Bush. We have Jerry Lewis and Ken Calvert who are still stealing and committing crimes while voted back in office. Caroline is educated and realates to people and would be a perfect choice to replace Hillary. Now on a side note watch out for Ms. Kennedy to maybe run for President in time.
Now that would be something if she ran for President. The right would go crazy.
Southern Yankee
[Deleted. This site isn't a spot for you to air your sexual fantasies-Sitemonitor]
a little lovin will bring both sides together
seriously...what is wrong with you people? its not like kennedy comes to the table with nothing...plus she wants to take teddy's place in the fight for health care
What the hell did Hillary do to earn her Senate seat, other than allowing her husband to cheat on her, and not divorce him? She not only lied about her Bosnia experiences, but she enabled Bush every step of the way. At least Caroline doesn't come from a family of back-stabbers, which is enough for me.
She has been around politics all her life. I think she has an idea. She will do a great job for the people of NY. I say give her a chance. She knows the issues.
Southern Yankee
Better her than many others. And if you are mystified by her views, she's actually a published author, two of her books are on civil rights. How did Mrs Clinton being first lady qualify her to be a senator? Her shitty medical plan that got shot down? How does Senator Clinton rate the Secy state job? She's not a diplomat.
If Ms Kennedy goes for it and gets it, I'm sure she'll do fine. She doesn't strike me as a person who makes decisions haphazardly, nor do I think she'd be interested if she thought she was not up to it.
And she's got a hell of a consultancy and vetting team to go to for that advice.
me-oww!
Caroline may have spent much of her life avoiding the focus of media attention, but she has shared her words and thoughts for years. She is an accomplished author, legal scholar, administrator, and of late the designated Kennedy clan
cat herderfamily spokesman during Uncle Ted's illness. The only reason to not know who she is, is if you don't read.New York could do much worse than Senator Caroline Kennedy. And probably will.
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