My Thoughts On Caroline.........

[global1]

I think that Teddy talked with her and told her that he's not long for this world and that when he goes that he would want her to take over his seat in the senate vs HRC's seat now.

I don't know if it is possible that this could happen - but I did check and Mass has a Dem Gov - Deval Patrick.

I think the people of Mass would be more amenable to this appointment then the people of NY would be of her taking the NY senate seat. Let NY pick one of its own and let Mass continue the Kennedy legacy.

Just my thoughts on this whole thing. Does anybody think this makes sense?

[liberal N proud]

1. If she is waiting for uncle Ted's seat, she need to move now

She needs to move to Massachusetts now so as to avoid controversy later.

[cali]

2. No, I don't think it makes sense.

First of all, Caroline has known for months that Teddy is dying. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but after all, he has Terminal brain cancer and he's in his late seventies. She knows. Secondly, it's been widely reported that Teddy was actively lobbying for her to get the appointment in NY. Thirdly, she's not a resident of MA. And why would Teddy prefer her to take his seat than his own son, who's in the House?

Oh, and Caroline is a New Yorker. She's lived most of her life there.

[eilen]

3. She could easily carpetbag to Mass

Hillary did in NY. William Weld ran for governor in NY.. sort of.

[whistler162]

5. Correct on Hillary = carpetbagger, not really correct on Weld

he was born in New York, well Long Island but that counts(sort of), and after working/living in Mass. returned to new York after being Governor.. So I wouldn't count him as a carpetbagger in the Senator Clinton mold.

[eilen]

9. So, then wasn't he a carpetbagger to Mass? nt

[rvablue]

10. The difference: Hillary might have "carpetbagged" as you say to NY, but she ran a campaign

and democratically won the seat.

This would be an appointment. And I don't know how familiar you are with the people of Massachusetts, but I suspect if this happened (which it never will) there would be a huge outcry.

[eilen]

11. Mass and NY people, not much different. nt

[dynasaw]

4. She Needs to do Something More Relevant

Caroline needs to garner more experience in public office starting in local politics. She needs to become more visible and the public has to know her views on key issues. Some of her Kenenedy cousins are already doing this. Right now all she's doing is riding on the Kennedy coat tails.

Obama and his team are people who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. I think we are all tired of the GWB's types who come from dynasties and are born with silver spoons in their mouths. For them, everything is handed out on the proverbial platter. Enough of these types, Republican or Democrat. Grow up Caroline.

[KharmaTrain]

6. Other Kennedys Lined Up For That Seat

There's Patrick, Teddy's son, who is a Congressman from Rhode Island...a state with two strong Democratic Senators. I'd see Patrick as succeding his father. Or there are several other Kennedys in waiting. Most popular would be Robert Kennedy Jr. who was passed over by the Obama administration, but I think would be a great Senator.

Sadly, Teddy's days are numbered. I'm just grateful he has stayed strong enough to make it through the elections and to see President Obama inaugurated. He has seen the cycle of "conservatism" go full circle and surely he knows we're on the verge of a new progressive era...and where some of his long term dreams and work will be realized.

I have no feelings one way or another about Caroline. It's not as though if she's selected, she earns the seat for life. She will have two years to prove to the people in New York that her selection was worthy and then earn the seat in her own right. This is Governor Patterson's choice and also a liability....should she prove to be a let down, it will affect his own re-election chances.

Yesterday I had to snicker watching my new Junior Senator, Roland Burris, on one of his first votes. He didn't stray more than a few feet from Senator Durbin...showing just how structured and byzantine the Senate is. Few can do much in two years...but to learn and make connections. If Caroline can do those things, she'll be re-elected and effective...but not for a few years.

Ovearll, the Democrats in Massetchusetts have a deep "bullpen". I could easily see a Barney Frank or Ed Markey moving up to the Senate...both deserve the shot on their merit, not their name.

[monmouth]

7. I think they gave her a "heads up" she was not the chosen one, gave her

a chance to save face if she wanted to. She used the lame "my ill uncle" meme. I think towards the end of this she started to really hate the process. This is not her bag, she's more Bouvier than Kennedy when it comes to the politics...IMO..

[robcon]

8. Kennedy is a New Yorker.

The statement in the OP that "the people of Mass would be more amenable to this appointment then the people of NY would be of her taking the NY senate seat" is false. Caroline Kennedy has lived in NY for a long time, has raised her kids in New York, and she is a NYer.

I didn't like her potential appointment to the Senate because of her lack of experience and credentials. She a New Yorker, but not Senate material.