Should Caroline Kennedy Be The Next Senator From New York?
Just what does it take to be a senator? Fundraising ability? An understanding of the issues? Electability A marquee name? Maybe we’re so depressed as a country that anything that can bring us a whiff of Camelot is acceptable. Now that Caroline Kennedy has made it known that she would like to be the next senator from New York, replacing the soon-to-be secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, it is fair to ask these questions.
Jane Hamsher at Firedoglake says, “Thanks But No Thanks.”
It’s a truly terrible idea.
Her leadership could have been really helpful when the rest of us were trying to keep the progressive lights on and getting the stuffing beaten out of us by a very well-financed right wing for the past eight years. But when things were tough, she was nowhere to be found.
Now that the Democrats are in power, she’d like to come in at the top. We have absolutely no idea if she’s qualified, or whether she can take the heat of being a Kennedy in public life. She’s certainly shown no appetite for it in the past. She’ll have a target on her back and if she can’t take it, if she crumbles, she will become a rallying point that the right will easily organize around.
Politico reports that she has hired “major Democratic fixer” Josh Isay, who Hamsher reminds us worked for Joe Lieberman and put out an ad saying he wanted to bring the troops home when he was in a tight race with Ned Lamont. Of course, that ’s not what Lieberman stood for, and he called for an increase in troops after he was re-elected.
It’s telling that Caroline Kennedy has never wanted to run for office, and never thought to put her case before the public when she decided she wanted this job. Her first move was to pick up the phone and start working the elites, then hire a political fixer whose specialty is deceiving voters:
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I think many people who aren’t emotionally leaping into the cult of personality would like to know that too, because at this point in time, nobody knows what she stands for.
I’d like to think there are others as qualified; keep lookng/
December 16th, 2008 at 11:53 am
As qualified budda? How about qualified period? Other than her name, what does she bring to the table?
what was this argument liberals had about Governor Palin?
December 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I think the argument against Palin was that she sounded out right stupid. Caroline can at least speak in a complete sentence. But you are correct in that her name alone seems to be her biggest asset in ‘qualifying’ for this position. She is an attorney and belongs to the bar in NY and DC, which might be considered a step above Moose-shooter.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Amen to that, Budda.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I read a very thoughtful collection of poetry and prose dedicated to her mom around 2001, it was exceptional.
I like this trend of politicians who talk in complete sentences.
December 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
“…the argument against Palin…”
Palin is best compared to Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY). Neither have much in the way of qualifications. McCarthy graduated a suburban nursing school. She’s dyslexic. But when she opens her mouth she doesn’t sound like a hillbilly. She sounds like she’s got a brain. And she’s not going to try to tell you that she can see Russia from Long Island, or that living 40 miles away from the UN building grants her some special psychic experience with foreign leaders.
December 16th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I didn’t realize that having any accent other than a “northern” snot nose accent meant you were uneducated. I am proud of my southern accent. It defines my heritage not my IQ.
How very egotistical,egocentric, and stereotypical of you.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Robert F Kennedy Jr would be 100 times better choice.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
No! She didn’t earn it, doesn’t deserve it! Let her work for it. Let her get out and meet the people. Maybe she’ll rethink it if she has to get her hands dirty.
December 16th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Hmmmmmm, I’m originally from Massachusetts, grew up in New Orleans and now live in Houston since 2003. I guess that doesn’t qualify me for anything then.
It is all fine and well that Caroline Kennedy is a well educated professional, who also happens to be well connected to a political dynasty. And she may also be a fine lawyer. She made a decent speech in introducing her uncle at last year’s convention.
There are people that have been in public life for a number of years who would literally kill to be a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Does Ms. Kennedy-Schlossberg have a prior track record of service? I’m not being sarcastic but she’s lived a very quiet life for a number of years and I’m certain she’s been working behind the scenes on a number of projects that I haven’t heard about.
My questions regarding Ms. Kennedy-Schlossberg’s capability as a potential U.S. Senator are as follows:
1. What leadership qualifications does she have and presented in the past?
2. What in her past accomplishments have prepared her for the office of U.S. Senator of New York?
3. What has she produced in the area of legislation, either on the local level or on the state level?
4. Besides living in New York and being the daughter of JFK and the niece of RFK and Teddy Kennedy, what qualifies her for consideration?
5. What preparations has she undergone to get her ready for the rough and tumble of New York politics, which I’ll grant (without even researching) is possibly a lot cleaner than Chicago politics.
It’s intereting to me that she would want a very high profile office right off the bat rather than running for a seat in Congress as her father did in 1946. Family connections and education go a long way, even if it’s a wish for some to bring a whiff of Camelot back into the national picture.
I’d be interested in hearing more about this.
December 16th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Caroline is consistent with the entitlement mentality that flows through her family. No, she shouldn’t have to deign herself to get her hands dirty by holding a state office in Albany first, or even the House! How dare she be forced to take a stand on issues important to New Yorkers!
Those plebes beneath me are just to be ruled upon! I am Camelot!
This behavior is consistent with Teddy’s seeking medical care at Duke, founded with tobacco money instead of using the torrid medical centers in his hometown of Boston.
The seat sought by Caroline was held by Hillary and before her, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. A statesman if there ever was one, whose record looks prophetic with the passage of time. With Congressional Kennedys in Mass, RI, and now NY… this is just too much. If New Yorkers have any shred of integrity left, they will award the seat on merit to a scrappy fighter like Alphonse D’Amato, regardless of party.
December 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Yes and a good breath of fresh air. She also help raised 70,000,000 for the NEW YORK school system. That alone proves she can get something done. While watching C-SPAN today,alot of folks from the south loved the pick and blasted GOP senators from the south. They harp againist this lady,but represent states that have the lowest wages,last in schooling and health. These senators are the very 1,s that want to see the big 3 go down,ship jobs overseas and bust unions. This lady is a darn good choice.
December 16th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Oh, I did forget two other salient questions on this matter:
1. Has she ever risked her reputation or her future by championing, let alone supporting, a cause based on principles that she articulated?
2. Has she ever campaigned for a candidate for public office and thereby, establishing her bonafides as a party supporter?
3. Where was she during the past several Congressional and Senatorial campaigns?
4. What did she do to help the party recover after the Republicans captured the White House and the Congress from 2000 to 2006?
From where I sit, she’s just riding on the name of Kennedy, as well as the memory of her late father and mother as well as her uncle. I hope that Gov. Patterson picks someone that has more of a resume.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Yes and before Moynihan had that seat, it was held by William Buckley’s brother, James, from 1971 to 1977, and before that by Robert Goodell from 1968 to 1971 and before Goodell, by Robert Kennedy from 1965-1968
December 16th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I don’t dig it.
We need fresh blood in the Senate really bad.
I’m going right now.
I’ll be a Senator.
You’ll be my lobby, Alan.com.
We take the hill on one simple platform: Alan Rules!
I pass bills into law that prove this and somehow everything works out with all that war & money stuff.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Excellent questions, Chris. I would ask many of the same ?s of Palin to bring up an old issue.
If anyone is steaming mad about this it is time to get off butt and try to get a job as a civil servant rather than complaining all day.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Surely there are people with last names other than Bush, Kennedy, or Clinton who are qualified for public office.
Not the first time I have whined about this, but it is hard to believe she is the most qualified person out there for the job. I guess if my last name were Clinton or Kennedy I would be up for contention for the job?
I think most long time readers of this blog would agree that would be a terrible mistake!
December 16th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Thanks for the compliment Eric. Palin is an old issue, in fact, she became an old issue the day after the election. I’ve been a conservative all of my life and yet the thing that amazes me still is that many people didn’t even WANT to realize just how unprepared she was. Like I said, she’s yesterday’s news du jour. So, let’s look at RIGHT NOW and to the future. The only the past does is give us a guide so the same mistakes are not repeated. I’m not chastising anyone, just pointing out a simple fact.
Oh, just to make things clear, Eric. I am a civil servant. The pay’s good but it’s still an over-rated experience, lol.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
What about the 70,000,000 she raised for the school system? She has proven she has some clout.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Steve:
It’s good that she raised $70 million for the school system. And, yes, it shows she has the ability to raise funds for something that nobody would ever say no to.
But, still, the questions that I have in my mind still persist. The next year is going to be a very vexing time for ALL of us. Does she have the temperment, the ability to propose legislation that will benefit all of us? We have too many in Congress right now that have absolutely no clue as to what’s going on outside of Washington or New York.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Yes,unlike alot of southern GOP senators who represent some of the poorest states perhaps she may have some input on how to make money. I really mean that about the GOP senators. Those states in the south and i lived in 1,low on wages,help sit measures to ship jobs away. Worst health and schooling as well. Some of the biggest prok hogs as well. Like foreign auto makers.
December 16th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
There are others in the Senate whom are far less qualified than Caroline Kennedy. I think that it’s tantamount to “reverse discrimination”(I borrow the term loosely) simply because she’s a Kennedy. If she were someone else, Alan and Jane would be much less critical of her.
In truth , she has experience in leading and has raised money for the party and for liberal causes. She understands the law (and constitutional law) and is a person of high ethical standards.
There’s no question that she should be given a chance. Since she has to run in 2 years, she’ll have to prove herself soon enough.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
[...] Schlossberg is not winning over every leftard, Alan Colmes: Just what does it take to be a senator? Fundraising ability? An understanding of the issues? [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
First off, just because her last name is Kennedy doesn’t make her qualified to be a senator. What does she stand for?
Further more, she’s a Kennedy, can’t she afford some dental work and a hair stylist??? I know that’s catty but I couldn’t resist. Sorry.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Just because her last name is Kennedy doesn’t make her qualified to be a senator. Further more, she’s needs to take some of her money and spend it on dental work and a hair stylist. I know that was catty but I couldn’t resist. Sorry.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Sorry for being redundant, I didn’t realize my first comment posted.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
You should be sorry. Zero posts about her teeth and hair would have been more appropriate. I’d be curious to see what you look like.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Um~ I’m sure you never posted any thing disparaging about anyone……right?
December 16th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Yeah Gayle post a pic. I’m curious also.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Gayle:
You sound like one classy Skank.
Sincerely,
Neil Diamond
December 17th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I think the N.Y. senate should be saved for Royalty! Caroline is the closest person we have to a real life Princess. A Princess with a brain and a Democrat to top it off. I loved Camelot!! I saved all the Life and People Magazines, with Jackie O. and Princess Di, over the years. Once, I bought a yellow dress and coat at a Vintage store. When I put it on, my daughter said, “Mother..You look like a Canary!” I said, “It’s like a dress that Jackie O. would of worn” She responded,”On Jackie O., I’m sure it looked great. On you, Canary all the way!” Bummer. I saved tea cup memorabilia from the wedding of Princess Di to Prince Charles. Oh what great things Caroline could do for the world, like Princess Di. I think the world needs her now. Thankfully, Caroline is becoming more public. No matter the outcome, I respect her efforts to do more for us!
December 17th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Gayle,
While I find your comment catty I do find it interesting that some were offended by it…given some of the liberal women here say FARRRR worse things and noone on the left has ever chastised them for it.
Double standard I guess.
We don’t need royalty. That is one reason we left England in the first place. The darn king. Too many in Washington have already forgotten that they are there to serve the people, not themselves. There is an attitude in Washington that having a last name/friend/relative gives you the credentials and yes even the Right to have a seat.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:50 am
T Mason:
Can’t believe you’re trying to find common ground with Gayle. I thought you would condemn that kind of posting. Must be lonely as a conservative.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Mark,
I’m not trying to find common ground with her. I said it was catty, and it was. I do find it interesting that you and others will condemn HER post simply because she is a conservative, BUT you don’t condemn posts by the liberal women here who have posted MUCh worse than that.
It is a double standard.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:50 am
T. Mason
While I find your comment catty I do find it interesting that some were offended by it…given some of the liberal women here say FARRRR worse things and noone on the left has ever chastised them for it.
That is simply untrue. I have called liberals to task on a number of occasions for this kind of thing, and I am on the left.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Gayle,
Um~ I’m sure you never posted any thing disparaging about anyone……right?
About appearance? I don’t remember doing so. I must have forgotten, please point it out to me.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Um,
You are the exception
December 17th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Dear T. Mason,
Not sure why you come here and post, either you are lonely or a sadist, cause you are never going to change anyone’s mind here who love Alan. And I don’t know who Gayle is, but how can you assume she’s conservative? She only commented on Caroline’s looks. I’m liberal, but I could have said the same thing.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Southern Girl:
It is perplexing, isn’t it? Not sure how the likes of T Mason, Willy, etc. stumble across a site called “liberaland” in the first place.
I think in T Mason’s case, she likes a good debate and I have to give her credit, for the most part she keeps it civil. Then you’ve got the born agains that see it as their missionary duty to try to save all the non god fearing liberals from going to hell.
What I do find amusing is that they seem just totally shocked when one of their idols (Bush, Cheney, Palin, McCain) is treated with liberal bias.
In any case, they keep it interesting.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
This site would be boring without the likes of T. Mason, Willy, Pino, etc… Too many of the conservative posters left starting a few days before the election.
What do we want, a million posts of:
Liberalism is good, Um Cara
I agree! Mark
Thanks Mark! Um Cara
I totally agree with both of you! Liberalism Rulez! Craig
Well, I REALLY think Liberalism is good! Um Cara
etc…
Posters like The Conservative, and Crazy Conservative, are NOT missed by me, however. Denny has today managed to add himself to the list of irrelevant posters as well.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I love to debate, I love to get the other side, and I do try to keep it civil. Believe it or not, unlike many of my counterparts I like Alan Colmes. Don’t agree with his views but he is entertaining.
Now why can’t you offer the same respect to Hannity? Come on.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
And to answer your question southern lib girl..I am neither lonely NOR a sadist. Maybe you might be a tad bit sheltered or closed-minded? Just curious, since you don’t want the other side to visit this site.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
T. Mason, I think most of the ancestor came here for religious freedom and better economic opportunity. I believe most tribes here in America (whose land we took) still have a Princess or two. My Scottish ancestors fought against Queens Rule for a very long time. In fact it became illegal for anymore than four McGregors to gather at any one time because of the English. Today, I feel it is important to understand, respect, and celebrate our cultural roots and differences including those of the English. Of course Caroline is not a real Princess but I think she would Receive the same respect as one, around the world.
December 17th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
DEBORAH,MN,HELL! don,t even know who my ancestor where. They where brought here in chains for forced labor. However,she is a great choice for senator.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Why should she receive respect as a princess? We don’t have a monarchy here the last time I checked. It is rediculous to assume that you give someone respect based on their last name.
My ancestors were either already here OR, they came during the great potato famine, etc.
To assume that she is qualified because her daddy was President and her uncles are all career politicians is silly.
I am personally sick and tired of the career politicians who think they “deserve” soemthing or they are owed something, or they are somehow special.
Our forefathers are rolling over in their graves.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
T. Mason….reading your posts it sounds as IF there is very little you do respect! I thinks it silly to assume Caroline feels she is qualified because her father was President or other family members have served or that she feels she is “owed something” or thinks she is “special.” I would of never have drawn that conclusion about her. It is I who feels she is smart,qualified, humble, graceful,special, and a democrat!!!! What more could I want! Do you make it a habit of discounting other peoples feelings?
December 17th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
MARK,i forgot to pal around with my i-pod. I ended up watching a movie called THE WAR ON POT.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Hi Steve. I have always felt sad for those who lost connection with their ancestral roots became of horrible acts committed by others, like slavery, war, and oppression. Before my parents died, they went to the mother countries to see relatives. When they visited the grave sites of my mother’s Norwegian relatives, they found inscribed on the stones in Norwegian, “THANKS FOR THE DAY. IT WAS GOOD.” When they got to Scotland, to my father’s ancestral gravestones, they found the inscription “IN SPITE OF THEM!” Their motto was “WE SURVIVED INSPITE OF THEM.” Their coat of arms says “MY RACE IS ROYAL” Hell who knows, I could be a Princess!
December 18th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Deborah,
Did you think Governor Palin was qualified, or were you one of the liberals who said she didn’t have enough experience?
Your answer says a lot about just how slanted you MIGHT be.
The idea that someone is more special than the average Joe because of a few swimmers is silly to me.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am
T. Mason. My problem with Palin was her limited education and that she was too far right. If she was going to take a senate seat it would be much less alarming that one heart beat away from President. If you don’t see the difference, it says a lot about you!
December 18th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I don’t have any issue with Caroline, and her family history is what it is. However, I have a serious problem with nepotism, entitlement, and what some call “relational altruism.” The mere fact that a person can become a U.S. Senator by virtue of birth name is, IMHO, grossly un-American and smacks of royalty and hereditary peerage. We might just as well have a House of Lords. Again – nothing against Caroline, but I am flatly opposed to it.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
[...] displaying a lack of political acumen and feeding the perception of arrogance, Caroline Kennedy is refusing to make her finances [...]
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
[...] to the Post’s sources. But the move comes after many fellow Democrats questioned whether she was qualified for the job. Posted in Liberaland by Joel leave a comment • [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm