Oh my, since when did experience become such a indispensable accessory in liberal Democratic politics in 2008? Lacking any mud (real or otherwise) to throw at this Kennedy, all Kennedy-haters bash Caroline Kennedy mercilessly for lack of a fat political resume.
Funny thing, much of this bashing is taking place on the very same blog that enthusiastically supported Barack Obama all of 2008 in spite of his rather thin political resume. And it is directed against none other than the person whose gutsy support of Obama most likely changed the tide in the presidential race in his favor.
When Hillary Clinton attacked Obama on the issue of experience, everyone scoffed, “Who cares? We need someone who can inspire and uplift us, not another Washington insider with 20 years of experience.”
And that argument carried the day for a candidate running for the highest office in the land. Yet now we’re to believe that long experience in elected office is more important for a Senator who’s just one of 100 than for the leader of the free world?
Granted, Obama had run for office before and Caroline Kennedy did not. But I see no place in the U.S. Constitution where previous elected office is a requirement for the job of U.S. Senator. In fact, many widows of Senators who died in office have been appointed to their husbands’ former seats, and in most cases their constituents embraced them warmly.
True, appointments aren’t the most democratic means of vetting candidates for office. But because openings happen at inconvenient times, the Constitution and the law provide for that eventuality and forces candidates to run in the next election. Should the people of New York not wish to be represented by Caroline Kennedy, they would soon have an opportunity to elect someone with a less famous name.
Which brings up the subject of her last name … what if it were Schlossberg, not Kennedy Schlossberg? Granted, no one should be appointed exclusively because of their name, but neither should someone be excluded from serving for being the daughter of a president. Obviously being the wife of a president didn’t keep Hillary from being elected and reelected to the same Senate seat, and her resume was no longer than Caroline’s.
A mother of three and a lawyer, Caroline Kennedy has earned the right to be considered for this seat through her commitment to public service and successful work on behalf of the people of New York (such as raising millions of dollars for New York City public schools). She has also co-authored two outstanding books in defense of our Constitutional rights.
Caroline Kennedy has always held herself to the highest ethical standards and inspires Americans of all generations with her commitment, grace, courage, and intelligence. And yes, also through her legacy as the only surviving child of President Kennedy. Exactly why should it be a disqualifier for public office to be the daughter of one of the most popular presidents in history?
