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Authors, sign in!It's the seat her uncle held, and the one her brother was planning to seek. The idea of Caroline Kennedy being appointed to the seat currently held by Hillary Clinton was originally greeted with a chilly reception among New Yorkers, but more and more of them seem to be warming to the idea.
Personally, I don't care that much that she doesn't have prior electoral experience. Funny. People complain about "professional politicians," but then slam Caroline for not being one. She's clearly well-qualified to be a senator. She's a graduate of Columbia Law School, a strong supporter of public schools, a patron of the arts, and the author of two well-received and scholarly books: In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action
In addition, Kennedy serves as a member of the national board of directors for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the vice-chair for the Fund for Public Schools in New York City, and chief executive for the New York City Department of Education Office of Strategic Partnerships. Of the names currently being considered for New York Senator, Caroline Kennedy's credentials stack up pretty well.
Some people object to dynasties, as evidenced by one of the arguments directed against Hillary Clinton. They'd had enough of "Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton," they said, as if the Clintons were a continuation of Bush and not in opposition to Bush.
While I agree that Mrs. Kennedy shouldn't get the office just because she's a Kennedy, she shouldn't be rejected for it because she's a Kennedy either. Besides, she's been seen riding the subway wearing a baseball cap, which is hardly the picture of plutocrat entitlement.
Yet others say that she should do what Hillary Clinton did, which is go out and campaign for the office. That, however, is an unfair comparison. In 2000, the seat was open and Hillary went for it and won. In 2008, the seat is not open, and will be filled by appointment. Whomever gets appointed, they won't have run for it either.
Could Mrs. Kennedy win in 2010? Who knows? Watching her at the Democratic Convention, I was rather surprised at how nervous she seemed when she gave her speech introducing her uncle, Sen. Ted Kennedy. Unlike her gregarious Uncle Ted, Caroline comes across as shy and reserved. On the other hand, she could obviously raise the requisite money, and, if I were a Republican, I would be given pause at the thought of running against her.
Her detractors say that nobody knows her views on the issues, which is only partly true. She seems pretty stalwart on civil rights, education, and the Constitution of the United States. I'd be willing to bet that most of us would be more pleased with her work as a Senator than we are with about 70% of the Democratic Senators right now.
Published December 17, 2008 by John Petty |
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| Tags:
Constitution
Democratic Party
Hillary Clinton
New York
Senate
Comments (2)
I'm thrilled with the choice! I know that the baby boom generation has so much more to offer our country than just somebody like George Bush. I'm ready for the good baby boomers to step up to the plate - those like Barack Obama and Caroline Kennedy. While I don't know what issues she will champion - I'm ready to be pleasantly surprised. No matter what direction she goes in.
And, one point about her shyness. Some of the greatest leaders in history have had her type of shyness. I "get" her shyness as I too sometimes have it. It is not a weakness of character, a nervousness (per se) or even a lack of confidence. In fact, "shyness" can be mistaken for a magnanimous humility - a trait found in very strong and confident people. It may be a result of respect for certain others, that is, an admirable graciousness or humility that surfaces when she finds herself in the company of other strong people or those she respects, like in the case of the Democratic Convention, and introducing her uncle who she deeply loves and respects.
Caroline Kennedy is a perfect choice.
Posted by Simone Davis
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December 17, 2008 10:24 PM
Posted on December 17, 2008 22:24
I wish I lived in New York so I could vote for her in four years!
Posted by Nora Thomason
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December 17, 2008 11:14 PM
Posted on December 17, 2008 23:14