Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Presumptuous? Caroline Is Aiming Low

Senate would be lucky to have her 'smart, cultivated' voice: Dowd

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2009 10:44 AM CST

(Newser) – When John F Kennedy Jr founded George magazine, many upbraided him for not trading more valuably on his clan’s mystique. But when sister Caroline aims for a Senate seat, Maureen Dowd writes in the New York Times, she’s “blasted by a howl of ‘How dare she?’” The Senate is already a den of patronage, Dowd notes—and the Kennedy scion is a better choice than most.

“People are suddenly awfully choosy about who gets to go to the former home of Jesse Helms and Strom Thurmond,” writes Dowd; in a post-Bush Washington, political dynasties aren’t so appealing. But Congress is in dire need of fresh faces after years of irrelevance. “It isn’t what your name is,” Dowd concludes. “It’s what you do with it. Or, in the case of W., don’t.”

Caroline Kennedy speaks during an interview, Dec. 26, 2008, in New York.
Caroline Kennedy speaks during an interview, Dec. 26, 2008, in New York.   (AP Photo)
Caroline Kennedy, center, speaks with Save the Children volunteer Virginia Snead after an interview Dec. 26, 2008, in New York.
Caroline Kennedy, center, speaks with Save the Children volunteer Virginia Snead after an interview Dec. 26, 2008, in New York.   (AP Photo)
Caroline Kennedy, center, arrives for lunch with The Rev. Al Sharpton, left, at the famed soul food restaurant Sylvia's in Harlem, New York, Thursday Dec. 18, 2008.
Caroline Kennedy, center, arrives for lunch with The Rev. Al Sharpton, left, at the famed soul food restaurant Sylvia's in Harlem, New York, Thursday Dec. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I know Caroline Kennedy. She’s smart, cultivated, serious and unpretentious. The Senate, shamefully sparse on profiles in courage during Dick Cheney’s reign of terror, would be lucky to get her. - Maureen Dowd

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
jaguarj
Jan 8, 2009 5:09 AM CST
KING...I MEAN 'QUEENIE' YOU'RE THE ONLY CLOWN AROUND...
Newser001
Jan 7, 2009 12:05 AM CST
I don't believe she's qualified, especially now - we don't need someone who is seeking on the job training, in this economic crisis. AS mentioned previously, there are plenty of qualified applicants to choose from. She hasn't any practical experience.
Guest
Jan 6, 2009 10:58 PM CST
Woah, a better choice than most? Have you been out lately, Maureen? There are dozens of people you could talk to on the street that are more articulate and politically involved than Caroline.

More Newser Stories

Gillibrand New Favorite for Clinton Seat

Cuomo's in the Running for Clinton Seat, Paterson Says

Paterson 'Certain' to Pick Kennedy: Also-Rans

Caroline's Like, Um, No Word Whiz

Plenty of Politics on Caroline's Resume


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne