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Is Caroline Entitled to the Senate?
Phil McCarten/Landov
There are many qualified candidates for Hillary Clinton's newly vacated Senate seat. JFK's daughter isn't one of them.
The chance of Caroline Kennedy being named to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton is an inverse of Mrs. Kennedy’s preparedness for the job. She is an attractive, well-turned-out fundraiser, lawyer, author, homemaker, volunteer, and art-lover who is related intimately to the most celebrated political family since the scattering of the Roosevelts. Her immediate family is forever famous in tragedy, and her larger family has been strangely damaged by accident, misstep and the mysteries of the human heart. Yet celebrity and history are not entitlements to high office. Nor is being an empty nester. (“Her children are grown, and she is ready to move onto a bigger stage,” her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., told the Associated Press last week.)
Kennedy has written books on constitutional law, reads a good speech, and most recently wrote an intuitive, if self-serving op-ed for The New York Times in which she switched her polite support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama for president. In reward, Obama placed her on his vice-presidential search committee, but it’s hard to see why he needed her to pick ubiquitous Joe Biden.
David Paterson's election chances rise like the Andes with the name of Caroline Kennedy, her exuberant posse of a family, and Kennedy's good friend President Obama on the trail and on the TV with Paterson.
Yes, she raised tens of millions of dollars (at the behest of Joel Klein) as a fundraiser for New York’s schools through her undeniable star power. Yet, “for months after she started,” the New York Times wrote when she stepped down from the fundraising role in 2004, “even some high-level education figures said they were not quite sure what she did.” The Times also noted that she was never entirely comfortable within the school bureaucracy. It is unlikely she would find the federal bureaucracy more agreeable.
Indeed, nothing in her resume beyond her last name suggests she has the professional experience and grit to represent the famous seat once occupied by Kenneth Keating, her uncle Bobby Kennedy, James Buckley of the conservative Buckley clan, the revered and time-tested political fighter Pat Moynihan, and ferociously hardworking Hillary Clinton any more than she does to present herself as a co-pilot on the Hubble rescue mission next May. She has been notably missing in action on many of the social issues others in her family have championed, including the environment, labor and civil rights.
Whatever you think of the Senate—and these days it is a struggle to have a generous opinion of terminally pompous characters like Chris Dodd—the work of responding to the worst financial peril since 1933 calls for strong voices. Close-the-museums, triple-the-class-size, bread-and-milk-lines kind of peril. Caroline Kennedy can truly boast that in her life she has never stood in line at a 99 cents store, not to mention in a Kevlar vest in Gaza.
Then again, for New York’s Gov. David Paterson, Kennedy is exactly the right person for the job. Mr. Paterson is an accidental governor who achieved his office because of the unusual conduct of Eliot Spitzer, and he must face the voters for the first time as the top of the ticket in 2010. Because whoever occupies Hillary Clinton's Senate seat must also go to the voters in two years, Paterson faces a matter-of-fact equation. How do I use this choice to help myself both raise money and hold off primary challengers? The alternatives—envelope, please—are Andrew Cuomo; Cong. Brian Higgins; Cong. Steve Israel; Cong. Kirsten Gillibrand; Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi; and Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion. This is not a difficult decision. Paterson's election chances rise like the Andes with the name of Caroline Kennedy, her exuberant posse of a family, and Kennedy's good friend President Obama on the trail and on TV.
Done deal? Paterson's teasing repartee at the Gridiron Club last weekend hints that he is comfortable with the idea and that she is "thinking about it.” Obama, who has vowed to steer clear of the process, veered close to it when he remarked on Meet the Press on Sunday, "Caroline Kennedy has become on one of my dearest friends…" Time to click on iTunes for a “Camelot” sing-along with the lusty Bob Goulet one more time.
RELATED: How Is Caroline Qualified? By Elizabeth Wurtzel
John Batchelor is radio host of the John Batchelor Show in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
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It's a rhetorical trap. Anyone who voted for Obama can't possibly use the argument that she is too inexperienced. It has to do with whether or not she musters the assertiveness and competence to hold that kind of office.
She's a lawyer and, I think, an aide to her uncle in the Senate, but the ONLY reason she would be appointed to the U.S. Senate is her last name, Kennedy. This is WRONG! This is a version of cronyism. The rich & famous are constantly trying to amend the U.S. Constitution with titles of nobility. If she wants to be a senator, then go get elected in 2010. Until then, pick somebody who would serve the country better over the next 2 years.
Correction: She was a lawyer and, I think, an aide to her uncle in the Senate...
Ms. Kennedy is just an elite poodle, who will get the job because of Uncle Teddy's power. That's how it's played in Washington - after all, how many senators are "qualified" to spend our money? The current bailout mess proves very few are not only NOT qualified, but unethical and immoral as well.
They say that like attracts like...hmmm, well, perhaps Ms. Kennedy IS qualified after all.
i don't understnd how the Kennedys, Clintons and the Bushes have the gaul and the arogance to think they have the god given right to decide whats best for my and everybody elses country.Who is behind these idiots and keeping them in the limelite I for one am getting sick and tired of these obnoxtious people
Of course Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be a U.S. Senator. She can see Washington from her Park Avenue Penthouse. You betcha !
here is where we meet a really giant snag in our political system. a governor who was not elected by the people is gong to choose a senator for the people. democracy at its, ahem, finest will place two unelected individuals into to the top echelons of power. and to just complete this tale of ridiculousness, this happens at a time when new york needs strong leaders and representatives.
on another caroline topic: all of these so called feminists who are pushing for her to get the senate seat simply because she is a woman are actually undermining everything that true feminism is about. the idea is that both men and women can do the same jobs - that they are equal. that means that gender should play no role in choosing to hire someone.
sophia - that is hysterical!!!!!!!!!!!
There's several factors that need to be taken into consideration. The first is experience, is she the most experienced person for the job. Probably not, she's never worked as a legislator. But remember Hillary Clinton had never worked as a legislator either, and by all accounts she was a capable senator. Caroline is likely intimately familar with the workings of a senator from her Uncle Ted and probably knows more about how to turn policy into legislation than most first term senators.
The second is personal qualities, you mention grit. Being loud does not equal grit. Just because Caroline does not come across as forceful doesn't mean she is not. But as I don't know her well enough to say that she is gritty, what I can say is that again she likely knows more than most what it takes to be an effective senator. Caroline is 50 years old and has never sought personal attention her entire life. If she chooses to do this, it is likely not out of any personal ambition, but out of a belief that this is where she can do the most good. I don't believe that she would peruse this if she felt she didn't have what it took.
The last factor is of course the political animal, which you mentioned. this is no small consideration. It would be nice if appointments and elections always ended up with the most qualified person in the post but that has never been the case. There are political realities that need to be dealt with. Democrats need someone who can maintain that seat, this means someone who can get reelected, to get reelected you need name recognition, and the ability to raise money. Caroline has these in spades. Further, the goodwill her appointment could generate would help David Patterson in his reelection effort. While this sounds a little crass, what's the alternative. What if Patterson elected a senior senate staffer from New York, who has been working in the weeds about the senate for years and is absolutely the most qualified legislator. It's possible that in 2010, he doesn't resonate at all with the public and despite significant achievement for a freshmen senator loses the seat to a republican who uses the perch to help obstruct Obama's agenda. Further the pick hurts Patterson's approval ratings and he ends up losing a the gubernatorial election to Rudy Guiliani. in that situation nobody wins.
Yes, Caroline. Caroline's early endorsement of Obama did more to legitimize his candidacy for my parents (my mom wanted Clinton, my dad wanted Edwards--the pre-floozy Edwards) than anything else. She's an attorney, she played a significant role in the selection of Biden as VP, she knows politics intimately even as she has kept some distance, and she is a patriot who has emersed herself in all that is best about this country. Moreover, she is a reported workaholic and has considerable charisma is a low-key sort of way. And unlike Clinton, she's actually a New Yorker. She would be an excellent choice.
It makes one wonder, John Batchelor, if you are qualified to comment.
At least Chelsea Clinton hasn't thrown her hat into the ring.
During the election, the MSM talked about her as a potential future candidate. But with all the privilege---Sidwell Friends, Stanford, Oxford, work at a hedge fund (no AmeriCorps volunteering for her)---she couldn't take questions from the press.
Look at the Bushes---dynasties don't work.
Caroline Kennedy would be a poor choice for a number of reasons, the main one being that far better, more qualified candidates for the job are available.
But also, appointing an inexperienced person because -- and only because -- she has a famous name sends all the wrong messages. Anyone who seriously believe Uncle Ted when he says he didn't make any phone calls advocating for Caroline might be interested purchasing this nice bridge that spans the East River. After this Blagojevich business, Paterson need to be especially careful lest any appointment he makes appears to be part of a deal.
Last thing: Caroline Kennedy isn't really a lawyer. She has her JD and has been admitted to the bar, but she has spared herself the rough and tumble -- once again -- of actually practicing law.
AgathaX: well, if she's a "reported workaholic" who convinced your family to vote for Obama, then it's settled, huh? A patriot and a quiet New Yorker too? Gee.
After Clinton parachuted herself into the seat in 2000 (with an assist from Lazio), why should New Yorkers have to accept yet another legacy for Senator? The person chosen could be representing them for a long time.
Speaking as a MN resident, I'm proud that relative unknowns like Amy Klobuchar and Paul Wellstone became Senators. They offer much more interesting backgrounds and opinions than, say, someone from the Humphrey or Mondale families would.
Voters need to stop supporting people based on how much of a celebrity they are. If that celebrity has a great resume, fine. But they can't hear the name "Kennedy" and assume, "Oh, she'd be good." Time to democratize the Senate a little.
The best choice for Hillary's senate seat is Tom Golisano.
He is from Rochester, owns the Buffalo Sabres has run for governor and is worth billions. He recently hosted President Clinton at a Sabres game.
I don't think Caroline Kennedy has ever been to Western New York, let alone upstate New York.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Isn't this appointment short-term, like jus tless than two years? And wouldn't the appointee then have to decide whether to run at that time? Of course, Ms. Kennedy's credentials are a little slim, but the question is; is she capable of representing the best interests of the country during a time of economic crisis? Has she the ability the think about issues, weigh all the considerations, seek out information and vote according to her conscience and her understanding of what is in the best interest of the country? Will she be vulnerable to the underhanded games of 'you wash my back, I'll wash yours' that typifies politics, particularly the Washonton brand?
Certainly all indications are that she is unlikely to be influenced by political gamesmanship, that she is intelligent, and that, agree with her or no, she is both stalwart and honest in her convistions. Judging by the current crop of political scandal and corruption, New York could do far worse than Caroline Kennedy.
Yeah, you're right. It would be 2 years.
But you know how it goes...whoever is appointed will think, "Hmm. Why not a full term?" Six years later...
I don't argue that she seems conscientious, intelligent, and somewhat less likely to be corrupted as a Kennedy. But why not let someone without a famous last name have it?
If a Kennedy wanted a Senate seat, they can easily get the publicity, endorsements, cash, etc. Another politician, equally capable, will have a much harder time breaking in.
And don't we want to change that?? Maybe not, I don't know.
Where it comes to politics, there are no dumb or incompetent Kennedys. It is in the genes!
Caroline is more qualified to be Senator than George Bush was to be President, so what's your point?
It is amazing how people dismiss a candidate based on their personal like or dislike rather than taking the time to get to know their background. If you Kennedy haters had taken the time to learn about George Bush before voting him into office twice, we might not be in the situation we are in.
I agree. First we have Barack Obama as the least experienced president ever, now Kennedy for Senate? I'm tired of these popularity contests already. Isn't Carolyn Maloney also a contender? There's got to be someone more qualified for this seat.
What previous experiences qualifies someone to be a Senator? Does being the first-term governor of a relatively unpopulated state mean you're more qualified than a veteran manager at a GM factory? Joe Biden's former chief of staff is the Senator from Delaware. Spouses of deceased congressmen are often appointed. It's not like there's a historic compass on who to appoint to these seats.
Also, appointed senators are not frequently elected: Nate Silver has actual statistics.
It would really be amazing if these people that are whining about another Kennedy would actually spell words correctly...which does give rise to the inevitable question about their intelligence. Hmmm dislike Kennedys...can't spell...
Of couse she's perfect.She has been in politics for years. She is a historian and a Constitutional scholar, a lawyer and a respected woman who has been in the headlights without flinching forever.
Get over it whiners!
Thank you.
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