Caroline Kennedy for Senator

*Originally published on 1/8/09



It's pretty common knowledge that Caroline Kennedy is gunning for the senate seat left open by Hillary's departure. The media has been less than enthusiastic about it. It's surprising really. You would think that she would be a good successor to Hillary, she's an intelligent, confident female. She even has the Kennedy legacy backing her up. Yet her reception has been lukewarm at best.

Many say that she doesn't have the experience to be a Senator. I'm not sure any experience is required. If Al Franken can somehow be perceived as a legitimate candidate, I don't see why she can't get a fair shot. I'd much rather have her in a governing body than Franken. Also given the fact that many of the Senators in office now have experience aplenty and still can't get anything done I would venture to say that maybe some new blood is what they need.

The other major criticism is that she would be getting in via her name. Two words, Hillary Clinton, before she took her seat in the New York senate, her much talked about "experience" came from living in the White House as the First Lady. It was experience by proxy. First lady's usually find a cause and than champion it so there is work involved, but this is very similar to philanthropic work, which is what Caroline has spent many years doing. Now I don't agree with Hillary from a political standpoint, and I haven't been keeping close tabs on her career, but the general consensus is that she's done a pretty good job in the seat. When Obama selected her to be Secretary of State, many cited it as a fine choice. The point is that she had an in due to the fact that she was related to a politician.

Issue three, fame; people say that her fame shouldn't automatically get her a senate seat. This is not something new. Celebrities have often gotten involved in politics, whether it be by speaking out at rallies or actually taking office. Again, I point to Al Franken. Besides him we've had Schwarzeneggar and Jesse Ventura taking governorship as well as actor Ronald Reagan winning the presidential election. Whether we like it or not, famous people are capable of taking office if they are so inclined.

I heard that sound byte where she says "you know" a dozen times within the span of a minute. I don't think it's really fair to dismiss a person for one screw up. Having all those cameras on you puts you under a lot of pressure. It's easy for your brain to go blank under those circumstances. Worst case scenario, she's not a very good public speaker. That's something that can be worked on. If that's her biggest problem than she's a heck of a lot better off than some of the people who are currently holding seats.

If you don't like the idea of her taking office, that's fine. I'm not even saying you should dismiss the issues I've discussed above. There are, however, two sides to each coin and she deserves a fair chance from both people and the media.