Charlotte Front and Center

Clinton: Has Grudge Against Kennedys and Richardson?

According to CNN's headline,Bill Clinton maintains resentment against Ted and Caroline Kennedy, as well as Gov.Bill Richardson in Clinton's upcoming interview with New York Times' Magazine.

Though other news stories pointing to this interview emphasize Bill Clinton's discussion on his views of Hillary As Secretary of State, CNN's headline leads us back to what bothered Bill Clinton and many other hard-nosed Democrats when it came to the Kennedy endorsements and Richardson's notorious betrayal.

It will always bother many democrats the reasons for Ted Kennedy's endorsement of Obama. It was as if Kennedy could no longer stand Clinton's racist comments and would have to throw his support to Obama. What a joke. Clinton was doomed to fall into the racist trap along with anyone else who didn't support Obama. Richardson? Typical politician waiting to see which way the wind blew. My, how Karma immediately kicked this Jack-Ass in his lumbar region.

The NYT article will possibly debut online at anytime before it hits Sunday's news stands.

It should also be noted the statements in the up-coming article concerning Clinton's feelings in regard to the Kennedys and Richardson, come from unnamed sources. The recent dearth of news about the Clintons personal take on events will be welcomed reading for those who can bear the thought of re-visiting the 2008 primaries.

 

Finding Caroline Kennedy A Good Job

Michael Wolff at "Off the Grid" has managed to get my mind back to Caroline Kennedy. After-all, once you pass the midlife mark (fifty) there's this nagging feeling that someone might need our help if they are searching for their niche in life.  Nasty events this past winter knocked Caroline out of receiving Hillary's old senate seat...but there was no closure-not for Caroline Kennedy or for those who followed that soap opera... Caroline just seemed to disappear. But Wolff says there is a mini-movement to make her the ambassador to the Vatican.

Caroline Kennedy gave Obama a good endorsement and it was certainly a blow for Hillary Clinton.  So all in all,Obama does owe her a lot.  

At first thought it might seem appropriate with all the Kennedy association with the Catholic Church.  Yet things have changed since the days John F. Kennedy was celebrated among Catholics as being one of their own to make it to the top. John Kennedy didn't need to deal with abortion issues, and it wasn't on the radar screen for Catholics.  Catholics in America were just beginning to deal openly with the subject of "The Pill".

Yet, things have not evolved enough for Catholics to find it acceptable for Caroline Kennedy to be the ambassador to the Vatican either. There is already an uproar over Obama's recent affront to Catholic voters with his abortion policies, and that Caroline Kennedy endorsed his candidacy. Add to this the increasing conservative make-up immigrant Catholics,and we once again have a nasty controversy in the news-making. Finally, a complication to all of this is Obama's comment on the Pope needing to update his views with the ever changing currents in American culture.  Obama doesn't get it. The Pope will not change Church law to suit American politics and the current values of some members. Caroline Kennedy probably has something good to offer, but she keeps applying in all the wrong places.

Paterson and Kennedy: a Messy Process for Both

New Yorkers seem very happy with the choice of Kirsten Gilllibrand, but the kick back from the messy process will end up on the shoulders of David Paterson come 2010.  

Since Christmas,the leaks from Paterson's own aides didn't help matters concerning the Caroline candidacy, as they served to only embarrass and enrage the Kennedys. At the same time, according to the Buffalo News,Chuck Schumer was promoting the lesser known Killibrand to the Governor. According to a Schumer surrogate, Senator Schumer was tired of sharing the stage with Hillary. 

Paterson showed some self-interest of his own in that continuing leaks from his office revealed he didn't want Cuomo to vacate the atty. general's seat. The prospect of a  Cuomo replacement wasn't someone Paterson wanted to see replace Cuomo. That's unfortunate for Paterson, because now he stands a good chance of facing Cuomo in a race for Governor.

When all is said and done,Caroline Kennedy has to take responsibility for her own campaigning, but the press didn't help her out on that after she "popped off" to the New York Times.  Then things really went down hill for Kennedy.  Add to that Paterson not coming to a decision when things were getting out of hand with gossiping surrogates.  Finally, Paterson continued to interview and lead most of those candidates into thinking they had a good chance of being appointed. That in turn caused surrogates of each campaign to bring down Kennedy's prospects of selection.

There is a good possibility things will soon look-up for Kennedy as Obama finds a way for Caroline to serve the administration. After-all, Obama owes her a good deal for her surprise endorsement.

Polls conducted by CNN on New Yorkers, show Kennedy as being responsible for her own poor performance...TRedwine 

For more on these polls:

Poll: Caroline Kennedy to blame for Clinton replacement process

From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

(CNN) — More than three times as many New Yorkers in a new poll blame Caroline Kennedy and her team for the messy process surrounding the search for Hillary Clinton’s Senate replacement than fault the state’s governor, David Paterson — although, on balance, his final selection meets with their approval.

continue

Caroline Gets Closer To Senate Seat

Just when we were thinking that Kennedy's try for the NY senate seat was all but over after a devastating two weeks of no win situations with the media, Caroline has managed to win the support of New York's second most powerful Democrat: Sheldon Silver. Its a confusing mire of backroom politics where party lines are anything but clear...TRedwine

Read About It:

SILVER NOW TAKES SHINE TO CAROLINE

New York Post, By FREDRIC U. DICKER and DAVID SEIFMAN

Update: Wheels Coming Off Kennedy Bandwagon

from Ap

Caroline Kennedy draws criticism after latest tour

Dec 29 07:02 PM US/Eastern By MICHAEL GORMLEY Associated Press Writer ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Caroline Kennedy's latest trip under the spotlight as a Senate hopeful didn't get much better reviews than her first. A New York Daily News columnist said "the wheels of the bandwagon are coming off." New York Post state editor Fred Dicker already put her on his list of 2008 losers. And The New York Times said "she seemed less like a candidate than an idea of one: eloquent but vague, largely undefined and seemingly determined to remain that way." On Friday after weeks of silence, Kennedy agreed to sit down for interviews with The Associated Press and New York City cable TV's NY1. Over the weekend, she scheduled another round of interviews with other news organizations from the Times to the Buffalo News. The New York Daily News noted she frequently used the phrases "you know" and "um" during the interview, which was skewered in political blogs Monday. "There has been some very rough comments," said Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College poll. "I have been surprised," he said. "The welcome mat has not been out from everybody." Kennedy spokesman Stefan Friedman didn't respond to requests for comment Monday. continued

Kennedy Evasiveness Leading to Backlash

With so many reports estimating the wealth of Caroline Kennedy (some as high as $400 million) and her reluctance to answer questions, has begun a build-up of backlash among many New Yorkers.

AP -

Political Backlash Builds in New York Against Caroline Kennedy

Some New York politicians have complained that Kennedy is jumping in line of political figures with far more experience and has 'won' Hillary's Senate seat by virtue of her name alone.

More At Fox

Cuomo "Happy" with AG, and Kennedy "Palin-ized"

Elizabeth Benjamin writes in  "The Daily Politics" from The New York Daily News, that Andrew Cuomo says he is quite happy being attorney general.  In addition, he says that he is not actively campaigning, and will not discuss any conversation he has had with Gov.Paterson concerning Hillary Clinton's senate seat. Coumo went on to say he admired Caroline Kennedy, but stayed away from saying anything negative about Kennedy's qualifications. Cuomo did remark he thought alot of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand because he had worked with her at HUD, and also Rep.Carolyn Maloney who supported him in his run for Atty. General. Cuomo would not comment on Rep. Ackerman's description of Caroline Kennedy being "palin-ized" by her detractors.

Two unfortunate things come to my mind about Cuomo: 1) Andrew Cuomo has had it hard in not knowing if Paterson wants any active campaigning, and 2) His ex-wife,Kerry Kennedy, openly campaigns for Caroline.

It is a shame that Caroline Kennedy's candidacy for the appointment is being described as "Palin-ized." The fact that we understand what "palin-ized"even means shows how bad Gov.Palin was treated during her run for Vice-President.  Kennedy has been criticized from the "lack of experience" issue, but in no way has she received the degrading treatment Sarah Palin was subjected to and continues to receive...TRedwine

source: Elizabeth Benjamin, "The Daily Politics"

"So Unfair!" says CBS Chen about Caroline Kennedy

from Newsbusters

CBS’s Chen: Leave Caroline Kennedy Alone, Criticism ‘Unfair’

By Kyle Drennen (Bio | Archive)
December 18, 2008 - 11:45 ET

• 
• 

On Thursday’s CBS Early Show, co-host Julie Chen came to the defense of would-be New York Senator Caroline Kennedy, who has faced criticism for her lack of experience: "This is so unfair. I mean, look, the system is set up the way it's set up and Governor Paterson decides and that's it. Leave her alone, everyone."That comment followed a report by correspondent Meg Oliver, in which Kennedy avoided tough questions from the press: "She quickly got a taste of the pressure that comes with seeking a high-profile political office...questions mostly went unanswered."

Chen was not so quick to defend Sarah Palin from critics during the campaign. When Tina Fey began impersonating Palin on Saturday Night Live in September, Chen remarked: "Tina Fey has just so much material to work with, this is like, probably a dream come true for her." Earlier in September, Chen wondered about Palin’s foreign policy experience: "The education of Sarah Palin. The Alaska governor has her first meetings with world leaders as they gather at the U.N. How will she do?"

...........................Earlier in Sept:  Chen's remarks on Palin and her experience:

CBS: Palin Needs Foreign 'Education'; 
Chen Put Hawaii in Atlantic

     At the top of Tuesday's CBS Early Show, co-host Julie Chen teased an upcoming segment on Sarah Palin meeting with world leaders at the United Nations by declaring: "The education of Sarah Palin. The Alaska Governor has her first meetings with world leaders as they gather at the U.N. How will she do?" While Chen wondered about Palin's understanding of foreign policy, on May 22, she thought Hawaii was located in the Atlantic Ocean: www.mrc.org

     [This item, by the MRC's Kyle Drennen, was posted Tuesday afternoon on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]

     In a later report correspondent Bill Plante proclaimed: "Palin, who got her first passport just last year, is here and will get a crash course in international affairs. The Alaska governor will be meeting with the leaders of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Georgia and Ukraine, as well as with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and U2's Bono."

     The September 23 segment:

     JULIE CHEN: The education of Sarah Palin. The Alaska governor has her first meetings with world leaders as they gather at the U.N. How will she do?

Hillary Supporters Told To 'Keep Quiet' on Caroline Kennedy

Guess Clinton supporters are being told their remarks about Caroline Kennedy are not appreciated and in no way helps the selection process, so says "they" from the "replacement talkscommittee". 

It also seems like the Clinton chastisement is being directed at fund-raiser Robert Zimmerman, Rep. Anthony Weiner,and union leader Stuart Applebaum.  These people are very well-known, high-profile Clinton supporters.  I suppose word was late getting to them from the Obama staff via Clinton.

These objections to the probable Kennedy appointment are coming from middle America as they see the Senate quickly turning into the House of Lords.

read more:

Source: Clinton chides supporters on Kennedy, Ben Smith at Politico

Taking Sides: Kennedy Camp Vs. Hillary Camp

Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, who represents Queens and Brooklyn, said Hillary backers were unlikely to forget Kennedy's endorsement of 

Barack Obama in the primaries. And Democratic officials and Clinton fund-raiser Robert Zimmerman questioned Kennedy's lack of campaign experience...

Ginger 

Adam Otis

CAROLINE 'HORNS' IN

HARD LOBBYING IN PUSH FOR HILL'S SEAT

read more

Baby Boomers Fascination With Caroline Kennedy

Just finished reading Philip Kleins article:  The Kennedy Thing" . We both agree that Caroline should not be appointed to the seat, but Klein speaks about the situation as being "sickening". I can't agree that's the best word to describe this, but I do know that it is wrong for Caroline to be appointed.

  

Klein makes an interesting point: Baby Boomers have this "adulation" thing about the Kennedys.  He says it has always bothered him, and since he wasn't old enough to be involved with any Kennedy politics, he finds it simply "nauseating".  That's direct enough. 

I was a little girl and not much older than Caroline when JFK was elected. I remember how my parents and the world felt when JFK was assassinated. We all kept in touch with the news and magazines about the Kennedys. We couldn't get enough.  Many of us will always take that extra time to look at a photo of the Kennedys, or watch any documentary and commentary. Baby Boomers were all star-struck to some degree.

This fascination does have its place. There is nothing wrong with it. But Caroline's selection has too many issues to even consider now.  As Klein said: 'Let her jump though a few hoops first'. We have to agree with him. There is no room for entitlement by birthright.  Remember "the myth" can overpower historical fact. That should never be part of the American experience...TRedwine

For more information and thought on this subject: "The Kennedy Thing" by Phillip Kelin   

source: The American Spectator

The Inevitability of Senator Caroline Kennedy

Philosophers of the Enlightenment, like John Locke, believed that the American experience embodied the ideas of the Enlightenment. The European barriers of birth and wealth did not apply in the New World.  People of all classes could succeed if they worked hard.  That was the popular political theory floating about at the the time of the American Revolution.  

The experiment has gone awry many times especially on the local level of politics, but it becomes more and more common place.  The more it happens, the less powerful We The People feel.  The enormous possibility of Caroline Kennedy being appointed by Gov. Paterson to fill Hillary Clinton's senate seat seems almost inevitable for two reasons: 1) Caroline Kennedy would have the money to run in 2010; 2) Paterson would almost be assured re-election...TRedwine

Refer to:

Please, Not Caroline

by John Batchelor

There are many qualified candidates for Hillary Clinton's newly vacated Senate seat. JFK's daughter isn't one of them.

The chance of Caroline Kennedy being named to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton is an inverse of Mrs. Kennedy’s preparedness for the job. She is an attractive, well-turned-out fundraiser, lawyer, author, homemaker, volunteer, and art-lover who is related intimately to the most celebrated political family since the scattering of the Roosevelts. Her immediate family is forever famous in tragedy, and her larger family has been strangely damaged by accident, misstep and the mysteries of the human heart. Yet celebrity and history are not entitlements to high office. Nor is being an empty nester. (“Her children are grown, and she is ready to move onto a bigger stage,” her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,told the Associated Press last week.)...CONTINUE

Source: "The Daily Beast"

 

Kennedy Move Aimed at Cuomo?

UPI is reporting from an un-named source that Caroline Kennedy's interest in the opening senate seat is an attempt to prevent the selection of Andrew Cuomo. 

 When we posted this possibility in our blog a few days ago, we noted a comment from WoW being made word for word on several blogs defending Caroline's qualifications for the job: The comment read:

Caroline Kennedy's resume (from wikipedia):
B.A. from Harvard University
J.D. from Columbia Law School
Wrote two books with Ellen Alderman:
* In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action (1990)
* The Right to Privacy (1995)
Edited several books, wrote one on the Kennedy family.
Currently President of the Kennedy Library Foundation, a director of both the Commission on Presidential Debates and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and Honorary Chairman of the American Ballet Theatre. She is also an adviser to the Harvard Institute of Politics, a living memorial to her father...etc. end quote

Perhaps the media will focus as much attention on Caroline's resume as they did on the experience and qualifications of Gov. Sarah Palin...TRedwine

Here is the UPI wire: 

NEW YORK, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Caroline Kennedy's reported interest in an open U.S. Senate seat could be a ploy meant to keep New York's attorney general from being appointed, a source says.

Gov. David Paterson, a Democrat, will need to appoint someone to serve out the term of the New York Senate seat now held by Hillary Clinton, nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to become secretary of state, should she be confirmed. Kennedy, the daughter of assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has reportedly spoken to Paterson by phone about the seat.

Kennedy's cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has also reportedly expressed interest. They perhaps want to prevent New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo from winning the appointment, an unnamed source told The Washington Post Sunday.

"In their mind (this) freezes the selection process," the source said. "They also thought that by doing this, it enhances Caroline's stature in case she ultimately decides to join Obama administration."

Kennedy  not spoken publicly about her interest in the job, CNN said.

"She wants to be part of this new regime in America, clearly playing a key role in the Senate if she gets that appointment," political analyst Bill Schneider told the broadcaster.

Good Bet that Caroline Kennedy is next New York Senator

It looks like the Kennedys will have their way.  They seem to be rallying around Carolines expressed interest in the job.  In fact, Robert Kennedy said if she was selected, all the Kennedy's would come out in droves to help her in 2010 when she would have to run for the seat.

There seem to be many other qualified people that should be seriously considered to replace Hillary Clinton, but the heat will now be on Paterson to select her.  Many had hoped that Andrew Cuomo would be appointed. Once the rumor began to leak early in the week, it was a mild warning for others to begin to express lack of interest.
Caroline Kennedy is a staunch Obama supporter, yet the Obama camp claims no pressure is coming from that end. Believe me, if Caroline wants it, she will get it.

Caroline Kennedy interested in NY Senate seat

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

9:00 PM EST, December 5, 2008

WASHINGTON - Caroline Kennedy is interested in the Senate seat that would open once Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes secretary of state, according to a close relative who says the powerful Kennedy clan is fully behind her rising to the office previously held by her uncle.

"I know she's interested," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Friday. "She spent a lot of her life balancing public service with obligations to her family. Now her children are grown, and she is ready to move onto a bigger stage."

If Clinton is confirmed to President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet, New York Gov. David Paterson will appoint someone to fill the seat for two years.

The Kennedy family's connections and history cannot force Paterson to choose Caroline, but the family's strong support could make it difficult for him not to.
continued at NewsDays