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`Please excuse me for a few moments while I get onto my soapbox about an issue that has me a little irked.
Since when did being a celebrity make a leading candidate for a political position?
You know, that career that usually requires some sort of prior knowledge or experience in another position of leadership.
It strikes me as sort of odd that someone like Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President Kennedy, was the leading candidate to take over Hillary Clinton’s senate seat in New York.
The Kennedy’s have always been involved in politics with the exception of Mrs. Kennedy.
In fact, she has avoided not only the political arena, but also the public spotlight for all of her adult life.
Never have we heard nor seen her show any interest towards holding a political office or speaking her mind on an important issue.
Despite all of this, the useless mainstream media essentially put her on a pedestal and made her out to be the leading candidate.
This all occurred despite her apparent lack of preparedness when responding to reporters’ questions regarding questions on key issues.
She never seemed to provide a clear reason for her entrance into the race.
It’s hard to believe that such a person could even be mentioned, much less considered for an important position like a senate seat.
And just as quietly and secretly as she appeared on the scene for the nomination, she hastily and stealthily retreated back out of the spotlight when she dropped out of the race for “personal reasons.”
The whole episode was rather odd, considering Mrs. Kennedy’s sudden appearance from anonymity, quick rise to prominence and sudden exit back into the shadows.
Some political pundits have speculated that very recent allegations of marriage problems derailed any hope of her chance at the nomination, while others reason that her commitment to the nomination fizzled out.
Regardless of the reason(s) she dropped out, Kennedy had told reporters that she had entered the race due to her friendship with President Obama and assistance from her uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy.
It seems as if she reasonably expected to get the seat, because she simply knew the right people and the opportunity was present to make her first foray into politics.
In any event, the senate seat ended up being filled by Rep. Kirsten Gilliband and this strange episode is now over.
Let it be a lesson, however, that people should not be considered just because the opportunity to run is there.
There has to be credibility and commitment in a person’s desire to seek public office. Just ask Caroline Kennedy.
Celebrity has always been helpful to politicians. Always.
This opinion of yours seems not only snide, but a very late hit.
Kennedy had every right to inquire about an opening job. She was told by the governor not to campaign, so she followed his instruction, and he fed her to the wolves.
You confuse qualities useful in a CANDIDATE for public office with those qualities useful in someone who holds it.
Let us take your example of Ms. Kennedy. As was widely perceived, a life’s habit of pulling back from the crowd, and a lack of polish in impromptu public speaking made for a poor showing on the stump. But any analysis of the Senate will show that campaign skills do not translate into leadership in governance. (Nor, necessarily, does experience in other elective office.)
Ethically challenged Governors like Blago and Paterson regard Senate appointments as patronage plums to be dispensed. Blago wanted a job for his wife, Paterson, help with his own election effort. Neither regarded the Senate as a public service job that should be bestowed based on what the applicant can do for the state and its citizens.
Seen in this (moral, ethical, Constitutional, legal) light, Kennedy had a strong case to make. No, she didn’t know who you go to to turn out the votes in Flatbush or Herkimer, but she did have close relationships with the Senate Majority Leader, the chair of the Public Works Committee, the chair of the Banking Committee, the chair of the Labor committee, the chair and the senior member of the Appropriations committee – all of whom lobbied for her appointment.
She is also, perhaps THE ONLY PERSON in New York politics who is in the inner circle of the new President. Everyone else backed Hillary and, in politics, there is always a distinction between the people who were with you when you needed them early, and the ones who only came to your side later.
Politics is relationships and the Senate even more so. When your representative is going to be #99 in seniority, it is even more important that they have influence with those senior members making the decisions. In a crisis where every state has its hand out, it is an advantage to have a representative the President owes.
Blessed or cursed with inherited wealth and celebrity, Kennedy offered to leverage them, and the extensive universe of personal relationships she has acquired, for the benefit of her state and its residents. That may not have made her the best of the available candidates, but it made for strong qualification indeed.
CC,
A very late hit!? A hit at what? This woman should have never been considered for a very important position like a senate seat. Regardless of what she was told, she as an adult, has to take responsibility for her actions and weigh all the pro’s and con’s of a nomination race before putting her hat in the ring. She had to at least have some idea of what to expect and what would be asked of her. Come on CC, use some common sense.
I find if funny in your commentary about celebrities wanting public office you fail to mention (and the list is not complete):
Arnold Scwarzenegger (Gov. of CA)
Ronald Regan (Frmr. Pres.)
Al Franken (almost Senator from Minn.)
Jake “The Body” Ventura (Frmr. Gov. of Minn.)
The Rev. Al Sharpton (repeated canidate for Pres.)
Fred Thompson (Rep. candidate for Pres.)
Fran Tarkington (Frmr. Senator from Wash.)
Robert Kennedy (brother of Frmr President)
etc.
etc.
etc.
I don’t totally agree with celebrities holding public office but I don’t think you should disqualify someone who is constitutionally allowed to hold an office just because they spent two seasons on the Facts of Life.
If Sean Penn were to run for President, should we disqualify him because of the fact Spicolli ordered pizza in class in Fast Times at Ridgemont High? No.
I understand that backroom deals and secret handshakes come into play with appointments. As a public we should be dilligent in watching our government as that is our job as outlined in the Constitution, former celebrity or not.