After remaining out of the public eye for nearly her entire adult life, exactly why did Caroline Kennedy decide that now was the time to jump into the political spotlight? Well that's precisely the question the New York press has been struggling to have answered from what appears to be one very reluctant Ms. Kennedy.
Two weeks ago, she took a quick upstate New York tour to talk to mayors and to "listen and learn" but throughout the tour she avoided the media like the plague. She has been compared by some Democrats, both upstate and downstate, to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as lacking in governmental experience. Her critics apparently discount the fact that serving as Governor of a State was experience enough for Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter to serve in an even higher office. Granted, Caroline Kennedy has never held any public office so it is more than fair and fitting for the press to ask not only why, but why now? Why dodge the response?
According to the Associated Press:
Her real problem has been the criticism from news organizations that she ducked basic questions about issues and she hasn't been specific about why she wants to be, or should be, New York's next junior senator.
In interviews over the weekend, she offered explanations for running that included the 9/11 attacks on Manhattan, where she has lived since the 1960s, Barack Obama's encouragement, and the commitment to public service by her father, President John F. Kennedy, and others in her family.
Let's ask a simple question in light of the madness that has become American politics. Is name recognition alone grounds for electing or appointing a Senator? If she were not a Kennedy would she have any chance of being appointed?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Arch Conservative
Well at least she has one thing going for her.........
She doesn't drive around in a 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88............
2 - Jet
Arch, you're like some old bitter ex-wife who hates her husband's success so you just keep bringing up the past no matter how old (decades) it is.
After over forty years you need to move on with your life and stop living in the past, he was exonerated of that years ago and you know it.
Even if he were guilty, (which he isn't) the statute of limitations ran out years ago.
If we sat around throwing every mistake, intentional missinformation, or inconsistancy you've ever written bacl in your face, no one would have any time to do anything for the next 45 years.
Stop being so old and bitter and move on.
3 - Jet
Here's your problem Arch; it's like you gleefully went out and bought that very 1967 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 and parked it out on your front lawn to show everyone how much of a murdering collegeboy Kennedy is.
You've deluded yourself into thinking everyone who sees that car will automattically and completely think the way you do, because, after all, there's the evidence on your front lawn.
In reality everyone under a certain age just sees a rusting old car, which is probably bringing down property values on your street because you can't tell the difference between an old junker argument and the fact that most don't remember, care, or have acknowledged that the justice system works in the U.S. and Kennedy is a free man because of it-and the fact that it works.
You have so much fun beating up people that critisize the American Justice system, until it does something you disagree with like finding Kennedy completely innocent of the charges, or declaring that he's paid his debt to society... FORTY FUCKING YEARS AGO
... that's called being a hypocrite Arch and living in the past. Wake up and smell the coffee.
4 - Jet
As for saying Caroline isn't qualified to be a senator, is like saying Prince Charles is not qualified to eventually be King.
Sometimes it's just in the genes and a whole country (like the U.K.) just takes that on faith.
Me using "faith" as an argument point-who would've thought?
5 - tommy jonq
caro-k's at least as qualified as al franken. or fred thompson. and this way, she won't have to get down in billary's gutter, lobbing slimeballs at cuomo in a primary election. besides, think about HER donor list. besides, think about HER upcoming children's "book." besides, think about senator caroline handing a kennedy center for the performing arts lifetime achievement award to senator oprah. lieberman uber alles!
6 - Hope and Change?
I think Caroline answered the question "why did Caroline Kennedy decide that now was the time to jump into the political spotlight?" very eloquently when she stated...
"Um...er...you know....dah...um...er you know...er...da...you know"
Truly one of the most articulate Democrats on the national scene today!
7 - Jet
Apparently Hope and Change hasn't ever seen David Letterman's "Great moments in Presidential Speeches"?
8 - Dave Nalle
To be fair to Fred Thompson, he really was quite well qualified for the Senate when he ran for election. People remember he was an actor and forget that before his relatively brief acting career he had a long career as a lawyer on capitol hill and for the justice department and as a federal prosecutor. Hell, he was one of the lead lawyers in the Watergate investigation.
Dave
9 - Hope and Change?
No Jet thats not where I get my news...isn't funny how the left cant let go of Bush? No matter what happens....from Israel, Obamas growing ethical and moral issues to the weather..there are those that blame him for everything...
Or as Caroline Kennedy the great future Democrat Senator from NY would say.." Um....er....you know...um...er...you know"
10 - Jet
A not totally unexpected, yet assinine answer. You're response is a near direct quote of Bush in nearly every gibberish-filled speach that Bush makes, when he isn't quoting god.
Isn't it typical and telling how the self-righteous always seem to use the words (moral) and (ethic) or (liberal) without actually knowing what they mean?
11 - Hope and Change?
Jet...Not sure whats up with the personnal attack. All I did was quote Caroline...
12 - Jet
I'm saying the right's hero Bush is just as bad, disputing your claim that only the left are babbling idiots.
I also find it amusing you're using the two "Catch phrase" words of the left, while maligning them.
At least I listen to both sides of the political aisle before making up my mind.
13 - Hope and Change?
Sort of like President Barry...
"I am pro-gay, pro-abortion and support public eduation" So he will have Rick Warren -the anti-gay pro-life zealot say the prayer at his innaguration while he enrolls his children in private school...
Oh it is all so clear now...
14 - Jet
Can you be any more biased or ignorant?
15 - Jet
Fortunately the polls, election results and common sense prove you to be in the minority... I can only hope you eventually watch something other than Fox News, or listent to something other than Rush Limbaugh.
16 - Hope and Change?
Again with the personal attacks...dont watch fox or listen to Limbaugh -- gee sounds like moew left wing attacks..but read 4 newspapers a day...maybe you should rely on BC for your news...
Not sure why you attack me..Barry is wrong the gay issue and wrong on the school issue...dont you think people should be treated as equals ie marry who they want and to allow freedom of choice for a childs education?
Sounds like you are the one watching Fox and righ wing talk radio...
17 - Baronius
Jet, if you really think that the Senate should be the House of Lords, then I assume you'll be donating to Jeb Bush's candidacy.
18 - Hope and Change?
Hey imagine...Princess Caroline being crowned Senator at St Patricks in New York!!!
19 - Baronius
H&C - I like it. The Holy Irish-American Empire.
20 - Hope and Change?
I here President Barry is going to dress up like a jockey and hold the reighns of her carraige as she enters St Pats!
21 - Jet
I repeat "Can you be any more biased or ignorant?" are you Arch Conservative in drag; or just his mother?
22 - Hope and Change?
Again with the personal attacks...why are you bent out of shape. Just because Barry flip-flopped and it now looks like we have a third term of the Bush policies and doctrine. Did people really beleive that this guy was going to support all of the hard lefts agenda?
It seems that Barry is more conservative than McCain. In addition by embracing the anti gay pro life agenda he could lock up his reelection assuming he gets the economy turned around...
23 - Jet
As long as you keep irrationally attacking Obama, you are inviting the same shit right back atcha.
Apparently in your reality it's only a personal attack if you dissagree with it.
What do you call the personal attacks you're aiming at him "The truth?"
typical
24 - Hope and Change?
Who is attacking Obama???? I am just stating that fact that he believes that all sides have the right to be at the table...pro and anti gay...pro and anti abortion...In addition he believes that the religioud right, just as Bush, have a place in his administration....ala Rick Warren.
Where is the attack???
25 - Jet
I rest my case, I'm off to the heart doctor, feel free to post all the half-truths you want now.