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Caroline Kennedy, Meet John Houseman

By Quin Hillyer on 12.15.08 @ 5:58PM

John Houseman was the wonderful actor who became a cultural touchstone by doing commercials for Smith Barney saying that they make money the old fashioned way: "They EARN it."

In essence, that's what we at the Examiner say Caroline Kennedy should be forced to do if she wants to be a senator. Read it here.

Comments

WendyG| 12.15.08 @ 7:50PM

Give me a break! A Kennedy - earn it??

JFK earned it (his father's buying votes in Chicago aside) - but since then it's been Free Ride City for the Kennedys. To quote Papa Joe when JFK blanched at one brother being AG and then Teddy wanting to run in Mass - "it's Teddy's turn now!"

I read an interesting story over the weekend to the effect that JFK Jr. was going to run for the seat, but then Hillary elbowed him out, so now Caroline wants to reclaim what her brother lost.

So I guess it's the Clintons vs. the Kennedys. Hard to pick a side. :)

Bob| 12.16.08 @ 9:32AM

Politics, whether it should be or not, is entertainment. Was Bush really qualified to be governor of Texas? Did Obama have the experience to be President? Did Palin have the experience and knowledge to be VP? Running for high office in this country is popularity and entertainment. It has little to do with qualifications. He who puts on the best show wins. Sure, you have people who are attracted to ideology on the right and left, but put an attractive, entertaining candidate out there and they will be elected if they are not too divisive.

But then again, the founders of our country wanted a citizen legislature -- not permanent Washington residents. So perhaps not having experience is more important that having it? That was certainly Obama's and Palin's argument. McCain lost because of his experience and so did Romney.

It's a crazy world out there....

WendyG| 12.16.08 @ 9:54AM

Bob, there is a certain circus/entertainment element to politics, no doubt. But the Kennedys have a sense of political entitlement that is unique.

That Ted has been in the Senate all these years, considering his ugly history, is confounding. But the people of Mass. clearly still yearn for Camelot.

Some politicians actually do work their way up. Do their due dilegence. They serve on school boards, then become Mayors, then Governors. Politicians like Sarah Palin.

And even Romney, though he hails from a political family, has real world chops. As did GW Bush, who was a very successful and popular Governor. As was his brother Jeb. And GWB was a successful businessman as well.

Caroline has zero experience other than raising money and being on boards. And ALL of her success in that arena stems from her pedigree, none of it was earned per se. She is a lawyer, I'll give her that.

Rep. Weiner actually got it right, when he said she has name recognition - but so does JLo. That said, I will enjoy the spectacle. Caroline will get the first rough treatment of her life. We'll see how she withstands it. And I actually think if she wins she'll run for POTUS someday. To finish her father's work. That's how these people roll. :)

Bob| 12.16.08 @ 1:00PM

Wendy, I can't disagree with you (except for Palin, of course). I certainly could not support her. That said, the entertainment aspect will reign supreme -- watch and see. I prefer meritocracies.