Caroline Kennedy qualifications for Senate?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Caroline Kennedy says she wants Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. Her resume is long on politics and short on public office. She hasn't had a full time job in years and has never held an elected office.
Last week New York Representative Gary Ackerman, a Democrat, said Kennedy's only qualification was name recognition. In a radio interview he said she is no more qualified than Jennifer Lopez to be a Senator.
According to the New York Times, Kennedy worked 3 days a week as director of strategic partnerships for the New York City schools for just under two years.
Other than that, most of her time has been spent on boards for various non-profits, which has included raising millions of dollars for some causes.
But the usually private 51-year-old daughter of the late President Kennedy feels this has prepared her for the job and she has asked New York's Governor David Paterson to appoint her.
Critics have been quick to note her lack of experience but friends and family are coming out too saying her behind the scenes work over the years is exactly what has prepared her for this job.
Here’s my question to you: What qualifies Caroline Kennedy to suddenly become a member of the U.S. Senate?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Anne from Vero Beach, Florida writes:
I'm all for Caroline becoming a senator. She's smart. She grew up around politics and politicians. This is a good woman who knows what's going on and who has devoted herself to both mothering and public service. Really, what qualifications are more important? She should not be given the seat because of her name but neither should she be rejected because of it.
Bill from New York, New York writes:
Caroline Kennedy is as politically qualified as I am to get Hillary's Senate seat. In other words, not at all. What she does have going for her is that she has a famous name, her dad is one of the most beloved Presidents, she is a big fund raiser, and she is a big Obama supporter. So, guess who's getting the seat?
Ray from Nashville, Tennessee writes:
Actually, there is no training required to be a politician, so she is as qualified as anyone else. That being said, she is too inexperienced to be appointed to that seat. If she wants to run in 2010 and the voters of New York want her there, they can elect her.
Hugh from Tracy, California writes:
Caroline Kennedy obviously has the name, but more than that she has the kind of personality which is too often lacking in Washington. She does not seek the limelight, nor the power. She has come to a crossroads in her life and feels compelled to serve like so many in her family have before her.
Mickey from Bronx, New York writes:
The best qualification for anyone running for office. She seems to care. She has always been interested in making things better.
Ryan from Indiana writes:
What qualifies Fran Drescher? What qualified Arnold to run for Governor of the biggest state in the union? How about Jesse Ventura? t least Caroline comes from a family of politicians and has a history of working around government. I'd say she's as qualified as any of the aforementioned names.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack, Number one she is an American Citizen! What ever happenned to anyone can and should be able to run for office even myself or yes You Jack.
Let's see: She's a carpetbagger, an oppurtunist, and a liberal with no idea about the real world. So for New York, she's perfectly qualified.
She is a lawyer, has written a book on the Bill of Rights and has worked for the public schools in New York. Plus a lot more but she is more than qualified!!!
Gee who cares. She has the experience from being around the Kennedy Dynasty and hearing how they do things. She will be better than the Nanny. Can you imagine listening to the Nanny's voice? I am glad I am not a New Yorker.
Jack,
Caroline Kennedy has the same qualifications as Hillary Clinton had when she first became a senator in New Yok. Both are related to Presidents,both have lived in the White House, both have traveled extensively, both have spoken to heads of states all over the world. Both of them are female, both of them are not native to New York. Both of them have worked on behalf of other people, and causes that benefit others. Both are extremely good at fund raising, both are well educated and both have name recognition. So I guess according to the past qualifications that the now sitting senator from New York had Caroline is qualified to take over Hillarys seat. Could Caroline be the future first woman president of the United States? If she wins the senate seat that may be next.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
I thought after George W. Bush Jr. Americans might have had enough of the "lucky birth club." But apparently a last name is still more important than experience, credentials, and the voice of the people. I respect Caroline Kennedy immensely, but not if she gets a senate seat simply by pointing to it and saying "I want it."
Apparently the Kennedy name.
she is such a nice person why on earth would she want to get involved in politics?.....and to answer your question Jack, Yes she is qualified...more than I can say for some people running for office or who are in office...
Based upon the results of the "world's greatest deliberative body" over the last few years, maybe it's time for a different perspective: the public interest over private interests.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
She's a Kennedy, seems to be a nice person and has done volunteer work. That's a thin resume to be one of 100 Senators regardless who you are.
I've asked myself and friends that same question. Yes she's known and yes the family name is iconic however I have no idea of her qualifications and what she's accomplished as far as public service. Has she ever spoken interest of becoming a Senator in past years?
If you look up “Kennedy” in a thesaurus, the first synonym will be “politics.”
Jack
Outside of the family name, I cant see where she is qualified for the senate, there are many other canidates that have better experience for this position. Andrew Coumo for one.
Qualifications Jack ? Are you serious ? I didn't know anyone had to be qualified to become a congressman.
But that's only based on what I've seen for the last decade or so.
She basically has the same qualifications as the rest of them, she's an American, a lawyer, and can raise a lot of money. Add in the fact that her father was a President and Uncles both Senators and mix it all together and pour it into a big glass of corruption and out comes a US Senator in today's world.
what are the qualifications of a US Senator? With so many elected officials being tained by scandals why it is necessary to find someone with Political Experience? The name Kennedy carries a great deal of weight to open doors. As a NY State Resident who supported Senator Clinton I will withold my judgement on Ms Kennedy until I get to read about her many years of public service and working for people and not organizations.
First of all you would have to do some heavy convincing to prove the Senate is the world's greatest deliberative body. To most people it seems more like a holding pen for perspective convicts.
With the latter in mind anyone would appear to be qualified to become a member so Caroline Kennedy wouldn't be the least bit out of place.
Jack: The same qualification that allowed Sarah Palin to run for Vice President.
Yes, I believe Caroline Kennedy is just as qualified to hold a seat in the senate as any of the spouses that get it when their spouse dies while in the senate or congress. There have been a few....
She has been in the political scene all her life and should know who to trust and who not. I would vote for her
The Kennedy name of course! Would she be a serious contender if her name were Caroline Smith?
As a Brit who, in our country, has institutionalized dynasty in the monarchy but is otherwise free from name recognition politics I can only shake my head at the American nostalgia for political families.
I though you guys fought a war with us 200 years ago to get rid of all this sort of thing?
she is a lawyer and knows about the constitution that's enough qualifications for me and her name says volumes to me Kennedy, presidents and senators have had that name before if it was good enough for bush to become president cause his daddy's name was bush than its good for caroline to be senator and let's not forget hillary got it for being a clinton
I'm not sure what her qualifications are, but then who really checks on the qualifications of anybody running any more. Our system is so antiquated that the only thing voters really know about anybody is what the press and propaganda tells them. It's time to change the system and stop having the almighty dollar electing people.
Jack, as I see it, there are two major qualifications someone must have in order to hold an elected office.
First, they must be smart enough to do the job and Second, they must be dumb enough to want to.
To deal with the public expectations and their opponents scrutiny while living under the daily media microscope is more than a normal person can handle.
Caroline Kennedy grew up in a fishbowl on the world stage and, so far, hasn’t been accused of a felony, been the focus of an investigation or made the headlines of the scandal tabloids.
She’s got my vote I’m not even from New York.
She's intelligent, well educated, honest and wants to be part of the solution. I think some of the comments about her qualifications overlook the qualifications of the holder of the seat she would be filling and how that turned out. And as for that character who compared her to "J. Lo," well . . . don't get me started.
Look at what the so-called professional "politicians" have done to this country. She would be quite a breath of fresh air and what we need right now. She is very intelligent and has done a lot of community work for the good of New York City, especially the public school system. If she is willing to be the Senator, I say give her the chance. She just may have those pundits eating their negative words.
Lets see, Jack. Ted. . . Jack . . . John. . . . Ethel . . . Rose . . John Jr. . .,
I'm stopping here, Jack. The qualifications are too lengthy to list.
Just like Hillary Clinton, Caroline Kennedy has "White House experience". Also like Hillary, she is likely to be overshadowed by a white-haired relative.
What most good Senators start with, intellect, passion, and hope. Of course name helps too.
She is good looking, she is the daughter of (you know who), she is the niece of (you know who), she is good looking... ooops, I said that already.
Jack, She has 90K in her freezer and it's all hers ?
Jack,
She is a Kennedy. Enough said!
Daniel Ambrose,
Atlanta, GA
What qualifies most of congress? Ms. Kennedy is highly educated, an attorney and has worked tirelessly for public education in New York. She has served on various foundations and boards and has spent her life in public service. Isn't that what government is supposed to be about?
hi jack
yes she has done alot for New York,we have had enough of people with experience we need honest loving people that care about the public and not their own pockets.like you.
clearwater,fl
Not a whole lot other than her name.
Cannot and will not judge since I have not seen all of her resume and really it is in the hands of the selection process and not in the hands of a publicity campaign. Listening to Larry King Live interviews of last night about people promoting one candidate and another leaves me perplex...when you are qualified for and want a specific job you should depend only on yourself to have the skills and defend your resume, your work and life experience! Let's just say I prefer a person defending their own experiences!
Jack, who needs qualifications when it comes to politics anymore. I mean we could be saying " vice-president Palin".
Dennis
Hartsville,Tn.
Jack, Caroline Kennedy has no qualifications or a past history that qualifys her to be a Senator. Now that i think about neither do the senators in office now know anything about it either. We are Doomed!!!!
Terence Piscataway, NJ
Caroline Kennedy is smart, well connected, and thoroughly honest. Based on everything she has said and done, I believe as a senator she would always do what is best for the country. How many of the present senators meet those criteria?
Her last name is Kennedy.........that's good enough for me.
Jack – she is smart and has the pedigree and she has grown up around Ted Kennedy who, in my opinion, has the greatest Kennedy legacy. She could not have had a better teacher.
If McCain could run Palin as a possible VP nominee, no one should be able to question Caroling Kennedy, especially the right, who spent months trying to convince us and themselves that Sarah Palin was the best pick for VP. Carolyn is a very well educated woman.
I think she can handle a Katie Couric interview.
You won't hear her addressing her audience as "guys and gals." Jeez. What a nightmare that was!
It would be nice to have someone with intelligence, decency and morality in office. She certainly can't do any worse than anyone there now or in the running. We have lawyers who handed over 700B without conditions. They had to have known what they were doing. Anyone and everyone is qualified.
Sitting at the feet of the Kennedy Clan is probably the best education you could have for qualifications. I'm not worried.
Hey – I am old enough to remember that cute little girl playing in the oval office. Of course she is ready. I would vote for her for anything.
She is a Kennedy.
No one care about qualifications, they are meaningless. If they have any value, then how did George W. become president?
Steve C.
Laguna Niguel, CA
Caroline Kennedy is as politically qualified as I am to get Hilary's Senate seat. In other words, not at all. What she does have going for her is that she has a famous name, her dad is one of the most beloved Presidents, she is a big fundraiser, and she is a big Obama supporter. So, guess who's getting the seat?
Actually, there is no training required to be a politician, so she is as qualified as anyone else. That being said, she is too inexperienced to be appointed to that seat. If she wants to run in 2010 and the voters of New York want her there, they can elect her.
Absolutely, Jack. She has demonstrated her love for public service after many years raising money in education and other venues and speaking out on issues of national interest. The Founding Fathers intended that this government be run "by the people". The only "unqualified" ones in Washington are all the old guys taking lobbyist checks for their votes after many years there NOT representing their constituents.
I doubt half the senators in office have quite the years of public service as she does, this is a faux issue developed by people who feel threatened by her.
She has the name,money and connections to get whatever she wants. Qualifications won't matter here.
She's a U.S. Citizen and she meets the age qualifications.
Jack,
Judging by what is going on in the political arena, and all the harm and embarrassment our government politicians have caused, i guess you don't need any qualifications at all, just a deceiving smile.
Carl in Illinois
of course she is, all you need to made it in washington is a map of the city, qualification have nothing to do with it.
Her last name, of course. And by the way, considering the actions of the Senate over the last 8 years, I would take issue with you calling them the world's greatest deliberative body. I can't think of a single great thing they accomplished. The most powerful, perhaps, but certainly not the greatest.
She's more qualified than Hillary was when she ran for the senate. And at least she's been a resident of New York for great majority of her life and not a carpetbagger like Clinton.
She's smart. She has dedicated her life to public service. She is a tireless worker by all accounts. She is not your typical politician. And she is not only a Kennedy, she is THE Kennedy as the daughter of JFK.
If she does a lousy job, she will be voted out in 2010. I say, go for her.
Outlined in Article 1, Section 3 of the Constitution there are 3 qualifications of a Senator which say you must be 30 years of age, you must have been a citizen of the U.S. for atleast the past 9 years and you must be an inhabitant of the State. Caroline Kennedy meets all three qualifications the only things left is her appointment and the vetting process if required.
Caroline Kennedy is virtually as qualified as Hillary Clinton was when she ran for that seat. Prior to her election to the senate, HRC bascially attended tea, luncheons and Cocktail parties as First Lady. I read over 300 pages of her itinerary. Kennedy is a longtime New York resident, while Clinton was a New York carpetbagger. Clinton was given credit on the basis of name recognition, Kennedy should receive the same credit.
You look at the qualifications Bush had for President and people are questioning Caroline Kennedy's qualifications? What endeavor has she failed at? The only endeavor Bush has not failed at is getting elected.
Ummmm.... She's Caroline KENNEDY! Need I say more!
I'm all for Caroline becoming a senator. She's smart. She grew up around politics and politicians. This is a good woman who knows what's going on and who has devoted herself to both mothering and public service. Really, what qualifications are more important? She should not be given the seat because of her name but neither should she be rejected because of it.
Qualifications?? ....Caroline Kennedy is a Democrat, a liberal and ohhh yess – a Kennedy!! Forget the important requirements.
It will be interesting to see how "double standards" come into play with the media AND public in her acceptance for a Senate position compared to Gov. Palin’s past criticisms!
She's not qualified Jack.
I see no evidence that she'll be able to Lie, Cheat and Steal, how's she expect to get anything done in Washington?
What qualifies Fran Drescher? What qualified Arnold to run for Governor of the biggest state in the union? How about Jesse Ventura? At least Caroline comes from a family of politicians and has a history of working around government. I'd say she's as qualified as any of the aformentioned names.
what i would rather know is what disqualifies some one from the senate
Zero qualifications...I would wager that your bloggers will find some qualifications...lawyer, mother, Kennedy, champion for charity and education, etc. If bloggers are honest, they will find no meat on this bone!!
The best qualification for anyone running for office.She seems to care.She has always been interested in making things better. What was Mayor Bloomberg's qualifications.? While I don't think he has done such a great job many people do. The only qualification for anyone starting out in politics usually is that they are lawyers. That is not necessarily a qualification. One can always hire lawyers.
Since when do you have to have "qualifications" to serve? Look at what we have now. That is the wrong word. "Connections" is the correct word.
As I recall, she is an attorney, an author, a mother therefore multi-tasker and now that you mention it, what makes a person qualified to be a senator. Blood-lines are a good start. But look at our Elizabeth Dole, and the lady who followed her husband who passed on, and wasn't there a wife who followed her husband passing from California? If the people in New York like her, why should a person from North Carolina have an opinion. We haven't done too good in our own state so why preach to another state?
Jack, if the main street media feels Sarah Palin was not qualified for Vice President even though she is a governor and our past two President's are former governor's than my question to you main street media folk is, why do you think Caroline Kennedy would be qualified to be in the U.S. Senate with absolutely no political experience?
Just because she is a Kennedy does not make her qualified!
No, but look how well that Legacy Presidency worked out.
She has the education,and having come from a political family is very much politically motivated. She has done civic duties all her life and now that her children pretty much grown she can move on.
I don't know.What qualified Ms. Palin to suddenly become Veep- "a heartbeat from the presidency"?
What qualifies anyone to become a member of this body? She certainly meets the constitutional requirements by dint of her citizenship and age. She certainly can muster a staff to provide the support needed by an effective Senator.
So what's the question?
As a very intelligent and accomplished individual, Caroline Kennedy is highly qualified to be a United States Senator. She is an attorney and member of the New York Bar. For 22 months she worked 3 days a week as director of Strategic Partnership with the NY City Department of Education for a salary of $1. Currently, she is vice-chair of the Fund for Public Schools, which attracts funding for public schools in New York City. She has also been the Director for the Commission on Presidential Debates and the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. Jack, this lady's integrity is impeccable which will make her shine like a star in a black hole in the US Senate.
She is photogenic and has a famous name – that combines both Barack Obama's and Hillary Clinton's sole qualifications, so she must be twice as qualified.
Caroline Kennedy is highly educated, a lawyer, and a writer. I don't see that the fact she has not held public office up until now should make a difference for her becoming a Senator. We need someone with her values, love of country, and intelligence to lead us. Her being a mother is another plus. I hope the Governor of New York selects her to replace Senator Clinton.
History qualifies her.
In the same vain as Hillary Clinton could simply move into a new state and rapidly be elected as its Senator, why is it so incredulous to believe that they'd actually care about the lack of 'credentials' of her replacement?
Fund raising ability is the key to this pick, period. That's her most potent credential, and it is all she will need to gain re-election in '10 and again in '12.
New Yorkers love it when their representatives have celebrity appeal figuring their notoriety will bring good things back to New York.
Thomas Sherwood
Transplanted New Yorker, now in
Middletown, Delaware
Jack,
Anyone who can say "yea" or "nay" qualifies. If there was a requirement to know the Constitution to get into the congress would half of them pass the test?
Dean
She is more qualified for a Senate seat than Palin would be. She has lived the Kennedy politics for a lot of years. If I were a New Yorker, I would vote for her.
Caroline Kennedy is as qualified as Hillary Clinton for a senate seat. She is smart, articulate, seems to have common sense and she cares about people. What other qualifications does one need?
"Greatest deliberative body", your giving them WAY too much credit. If George W can be President, spongebob square pants can be a senator. She is at least as qualified as half of Congress. Serously, the problem is, no middle class, regular citizens hold office. Lets disqualify all the lawyers, bankers and doctors, out law lobbyist and limit terms then maybe goverment will start taking care of the middle class.
Caroline Kennedy has name recognition, definitely, and the ability to raise obscene amounts of money by simply tapping her family.
But in all seriousness, she is well educated and actually wants to get into public service. That’s leagues above what we normally see.
What made Arnold Shwartzennegger qualified to be governor of California
If she meets the constitutional requirements to be a Senator then she's as qualified as anyone else. Her name gives her extra collateral in the sweepstakes, though.
Qualifications Jack? Simple .....name recognition and the ability to raise lots of money.
Jack,
The requirements to serve in the Senate are: 30 years old, a US citizen for the past 9 years and to live in the State you wish to represent. She qualifies on all counts. When you compare Caroline to the actors (Thompson), and athletes (Bunning, Bradley) who have served, she may be over qualified. When you consider who could be Vice President elect..."Sarah the Hockey Mom"...enough said!
She is bright, articulate and understands what commitment to public life means. She is certainly more qualifed than Sonny Bono's wife when she took over his seat in Congress.
Why not? The last person to hold the NY Senate seat held no political office but had connections to a very popular politician and THAT didn't work out so badly.
I'd rather see a NYS resident African American female who is qualified for the job get the job. And I wrote the Governor about that.
If you gave her a different name, but included the fact that she has raised more than 65 million dollars for the New York schools, she has been very active in supporting the Arts, she is a lawyer, she has written several books including one about the Bill of Rights, and she is a mother that has lived through very tramatic times in her own personal life, and survived it, then I think most people would say she is very qualified. She is not corrupt, which is probably her best qualification. Just because she is a Kennedy should not DISqualify her.
She is trying to replace someone who had not held any office before she became a senator. She has a law degree and has been working on behalf of people of New York for a long time. I am yet to see that shcool, which gives senatorial degrees. She is more aware of our domestic and international issue than is Sarah Palin. If Palin can be considered as Vice-President, Caroline Kennedy deserves more than a seat in the senate.
From Chicago Illinois.
Right back at you. What makes her NOT qualified? The woman she wants to replace, in my opinion, had fewer qualifications than Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that we should just give Mrs. Schlossberg a pass because of her familial heritage. However, by the same token, we have a history in the US of electing so called unqualified people to elective office. I believe I heard today that one of the House of Representative members was a former pest exterminator as an example. We also have elected totally unqualified people to elected office. Just look at the Governor of Illinois for that sort of example.
She was a lawyer and is just as qualified as Hillary R. Clinton was when she joined the Senate.
It speaks volumes that she was one of candidate Obama's chief advisors. Caroline Kennedy is a well-educated, articulate, thoughtful and perceptive woman who has politics embedded in her DNA. I'd say she'd be as good as any Senator, and probably better than most.
Norah
Ocala, FL
Let's see...we have had an intellectually challenged fool in the white house for the past eight years....we just had a VP candidiate who's resume is four colleges in five years and a "Miss Congienality" title when running for Ms. Wasilla. Caroline Kennedy graduated Harvard University and Columbia Law School with honors. She could have easily done nothing and lead a relatively easy life. Instead she educated herself and has worked tirelessly in public service-isn't that what government is supposed to be about? To her critics: please explain what does qualify someone to serve in our government; shall we have an evening wear competition?
Caroline Kennedy, is well known respected, educated, able to bring in a crowd for fund raising, knowledgable about politics... inspired... Knows that seeing Russia does not give you credit for over seas duty.... Two months ago people were standing on their hands trying to see Palin who they wanted one heart beat away from the Presidency.... and now they ask ..... about Caroline Kennedy's qualifications.... come on...
Jack,
Carolynn Kennedy is intelligent, has good judgement, integrity and has had exposure to politics all her life. She is involved in many
good causes and has a sincere caring about the less fortunate.
These qualifications are better than some have that are already
in office.
Jack,
She is as qualified as Hillary was when she ran for the seat. She has infact been a New York resident longer than Hillary by at least 40 years. She would be the only Kennedy on the Hill that has not been in rehab. She might even be able to remember the experience. Of course, there is that pesky ghost of her mother that will probably haunt her from now on.
She is respected, extremely well-liked, and a family history of some of the most effective politicians of any family in history..
Besides, we elected a President 8 years ago because we would like to have a beer with him. No thought to his Dad's poor Presidency or the fact he was an ex-CIA head, or had oil ties to the Bin Ladins, or that Bush Jr. had failed at everything in his life...etc....
Jack this is one of those cases where she is intelligent, wrote books "herself" Like Obama, well educated in a way you can actually notice and just happens to have a famous name. She can even string a bunch of words together that make sense (no-one writes her speeches) and she does not give "shout outs" to her peeps. Now, If Palin was "fit" to to lead the country by default, Caroline is over qualified for this job. Caroline has my vote.
She as qualified as those men and women that are now serving in the Senate. If I could I would vote for her in a minute. I know that she would serve this state better than the two we now have.
Jack:
Article I of the Constitution, in the section that regards the Senate, basically states that a Senator only needs to be a citizen that has lived within the U.S. for a certain amount of time, a resident of the state that he/she would represent, and be at least 30 years old. Check, check and checkmate. Yup, she's qualified.
What qualifies Caroline Kennedy to suddenly become a U.S. Senator is that she is a U.S. citizen, attorney, author, politician, editor, writer, public servant and resident of New York. Since you have to be at least 30 years of age to become a U.S. Senator, she suddenly became qualified at least 20 years ago.
Caroline Kennedy is a class act and is just as qualified if not more qualified than some others who are running or who are already Senators!
She is as qualified (or more) than most in the Senate. I mean just look at the self-serving band of ignorant hate filed neanderthal southern Senators trying to collapse the entire economy just to destroy good wages in the US.
Her last name, and her gender seems to be in style these days. Other than that i really don`t know.
Obviously what qualifies her is the fact that, in spite of having lived her whole life as a member of Amreica's premier political dynasty, she still has squeeky clean hands. That would be a welcome change we could believe in.
She is as qualified as any former First Lady.
Qualifications, Jack? Please! We just had a VP candidate who's qualifications were four colleges in five years and "Miss Congeniality" title! Sarah Palin couldn't handle a softball interview with Gibson or Couric and people want to question the highly educated Caroline Kennedy? A life of public service is what she has led...and that is what serving in our government is SUPPOSED to be about!
How dare a regular person that only thinks about the people run for political office! It's outrageous! We need another seasoned professional politician! After all, they are the ones that got us to where we are now.
Jack – History shows that you don't have to have a "resume" for a political Job, period......Look at the 50's / 60's / 70's / 80's / they never had to submit a resume...... or be "Smart" or have any "experience" for that matter...
All you had to have was a : "who you know" thing.....and a Name.....
Look at Palin / Bush / & etc, & etc......
She's as Qualified as anyone, who can raise millions of dollars, (as she already has)
Larry
Houston, Texas
After Bush,Cheney,and Palin she has to be thirty years old,a resident of New York,and a citizen for nine years. The bar has been lowered since 2000.
L.M.,Arizona
She was pivotal in getting Obama elected. How could we possibly return to "Camelot" without Caroline. Do you have a hit song written about you?
Jim, Craig, CO
Hmm – let's see, we've had two actors govern California and one go on to be by most accounts one of our better Presidents; we have a former comedian possibly becoming a Senator in Minnesota; and Fran "The Nanny" Drescher seems to think she could do a better job than Caroline Kennedy as Hillary's replacement.
Ergo, I don't think Caroline's qualified because she's never been an actress or comedian!
I don't get it! The Clintons buried the hatchet with Pres-elect Obama. Why do Hillary supporters spew such vehemence towards Caroline Kennedy?
Besides being a Kennedy and doing good things for the New York public school system, I don't think she has the qualifications for senator from that state. Her maiden name should not accord her that kind of entrance into politics.
I bet anything that she is more qualified than half of the idiots up there!!!!!
I don't care what kind of qualifications or lack thereof she has, she is alot smarter than palin who some people actually wanted to co run this country.
In Cuba they run the resumes of the candidates on television. That's right–they do have elections in Cuba, but instead of ads, they run an unexciting scroll of resumes, showing the education and experience of each candidate. No ads, no commentary, just the information.
It's not exciting TV, but I thought it was great. With music playing in the background (of course...es Cuba), we are able to read what each candidate has done. Why dont we have that much transparency here?
Jack, is anyone really "qualified" to run for office? There are no listed job prerequisites to hold elected office. Caroline Kennedy has as much of a right to ask for Hillary's seat as does Andrew Cuomo, Fran Drescher, or even Jennifer Lopez.
She's over 35 (but still younger than I am).
Her qualifications? She is INTELLIGENT (that's a BIG plus), she is already rich and really does not need to feather her own nest. She understands the world of politics even though she has not had a political career herself. She HAS worked in responsible positions, be they volunteer or paid positions.
She could not possibly do worse than some Senators already serving!
I think her qualifications are better than those of a recent vice-presidential candidate. She grew up in a political atmosphere and with the attitude that serving one's country was what was necessary to make her a complete person. She would be more than capable than many other people whom have had years in actual politics.
Keeerist. If they allowed sarah palin, who has no experience and no brain, to run for vp, why not a woman who is intelligent and well-connected? Being a senator isn't brain surgery, you know.
Caroline has the charisma, intelligence, and legal training which more than qualify her to serve in the Senate... probably better than most, and certainly more valuable than a moose hunter from Alaska who came close to being poised to run the next administration (had the Republicans won).
Jack,
She has all of the requisite qualifications according to the US Constitution, She is over 30 years old, she's been a US citizen all of her life, and she lives in the state she wants to represent. That is all that matters. Case closed.
Her resume should speak for itself. Also, she is hopeful and willing to assist in any way she can to get this country back where it should be. Change.
You mean other than the fact that she grew up in the halls of power watching her father and her two uncles, not to mention sundry other relatives BE some of those powers?
Well, she's intelligent, has a law degree, is well-traveled, been an intern in the Congress, represented New York schools (raising $64 million, while earning a grand total of $1), and is an author of a number of books on civil liberties and rights. Seems to me that makes her as qualified as many and better qualified than quite a few of those elected to the Congress from either party.
Jack:
Caroline Kennedy has one qualification that distinguishes her above all: She's not a professional politician. Frankly, I find that refreshing. She could have used her name and father's reputation to build a resume and instead, she's raised a family and worked in the community. We just elected a community organizer to the Office of President - maybe another one would be just as good an idea. In any case, there are people who are "more qualified," whatever that means, in Washington and they've made a botch of things, so I'm ready to give Caroline the ball and see what she does with it.
What are the qualifications to be a Senator? Caroline Kennedy doesn't need fame or fortune or power. She's hasn't been in politics so she comes with a clean slate – she doesn't own anyone anything.
She is intelligent and has had a career. Her family has a record of public service and she wants to continue the tradition.
Appoint her then let her run in the next election cycle and the voters will decide then if she is qualified.
She's qualified enough to run for a Senate seat and have a chance. With people like Andrew Cuomo available and interested in being appointed, however, she's certainly not qualified for that. A campaign will weed out potential problems in her ability to be Senator; Ms. Kennedy has never been through one before. Gov. Patterson should appoint someone who has.
She's the daughter of Jack Kennedy and we are care about her. And she's honest unlike the President and has no mental health problems. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.
Caroline Kennedy, now replaces John Kennedy junior who as you remember was killed tragically in a plane that he shouldn't have been flying! Her uncle Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor! The country wants to see the Kennedy name once again in American politics. The Kennedy name gives us a good feeling of when America was really America! A spanish cab driver told me that "Things were great in America before John F. Kennedy was killed." That was back in November, 1963, and I still remember America in mourning. Maybe with Caroline's election to the senate, she may help in the "rebirth" of the country?
The answer is politics. Caroline Kennedy has the ability to raise millions of dollars through name recognition and politics demands big bucks. Mega dollars are necessary for a Senatorial Election after an appointment expires and Democrats want to maintain Senator Clintons seat on the Democrats side.
Other than assuming Carolie Kennedy has gained legislative savy through Osmosis, her family's legacy and being another Lawyer, she has demonstrated nothing that assures she is capable of being a Senator.
When exaclty did Ms. Kennedy stop using her married name?
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is an attorney, editor and writer, seems like pretty good qualifications in my opinion.
Beats our former congressman Tom DeLay, pest exterminator!
She is a Kennedy.
UGH!! I honestly do not care about qualifications or resume, nor did the American public when they rallied around Joe the Plumber like he was some political smart guy. What I care about is this: smarts, honesty and well-intentioned behavior. She seems to have all three. Unfortunately, it seems that is a lot to ask for in someone seeking public office.
Simple, She's a Kennedy.
To me, that's tells a lot.
What qualified Bush to be president?
She couldn't possibly do a worse job than that jerk.
What qualifications do the rest of them have Jack?
She is overqualified. She has a brain!!
Her education, experience with the NYC Public Schools and obvious ability at consensus building make her more qualified than Sarah Palin was to be Vice-President. And she can afford to buy her own wardrobe.
We have had a fool for president for the past 8 years. I went and did a bet with Obama who had no qualifications whatsoever to become president, except having good connections.
For her is the same thing, all she has going for her are good connections because of her name.
You ask what qualifies Caroline Kennedy to become a senator? What qualifies anyone? What qualifications does Al Franken have? I really don't think it takes much!
Michael
Jonas, PA
If Obama can become President with only 140 days in the Senate - then anybody can become anything.
Simple
She is a fresh blood and not a traditional corrupted politician. Need I say more?????
Qualified? We elected GW twice and he is an unqualified idiot.
Jack,
I seem to remember that some brave men once fought to get away from political leadership based on family affiliation. The Kennedys, Bushes and Clintons are no different than King George was back then.
Those that do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
Caroline Kennedy is 1000% more qualified to be the next Senator from New York, than Palin was to be VP of the United States of America.
What disqualifies her?
What were Hillary Clinton's qualifications when she decided to run for the Senate from her newly & quickly adopted home state? First Lady! And of course an attorney.
Caroline Kennedy is an attorney and New York has been her home most of her life. She is just as qualified, perhaps more than Hillary was when she ran for the Senate!
Its very simple. Kennedy has the same thing that Hillary Clinton had when she became Senator: name recognition.
Today, do you really need exeprience to be a policitian? With all of the corruption and "self-serving" attitudes, I do not think you need experience for that/
Connections, connections, connections.
Kennedy is not qualified? Can she be any worse than the present senators?
Maybe the fact she seems unqualified is qualification enough. Look where qualification has gotten us. Does Dick Cheney come to mind?
Caroline Kennedy is about as Qualified to be a Senator, as Barack Obama is to be a President. They both are unqualified.
Jack, go ahead and appoint her...How bad could it be? We have gone through almost 8 years of a President who wasn't qualified.....and an uncountable number of other politicians who steal or try to steal...I wonder if they are qualified to walk the streets....
Jack,
She knows, understands, and respects the Constitution, cares about educating our children, and was smart enough to back Obama early. That's good enough for me.
Ron
Washington, Pa.
we just need an honest person , quality that is difficult to find
Nothing.
What qualifies Caroline Kennedy for the U.S. Senate?
Absolutely nothing.
The idea alone that privilege and position entitles one to a top political position flies in the face of the principle of merit that our new President has exemplified.
What message do we want to send our children?
What qualifies Caroline Kennedy is that she's not a Clinton. Hillary is just upset that most of the Kennedy family endorsed Obama for the Democratic nomination for President and Hillary also sees Caroline as competition in 2016, so she doesn't want her in the picture.
There are no qualifications needed to hold Senate office, or most government offices for that matter. As long as the candidate is 30 years of age and a US citizen he/she is qualified to hold office
David
Phoenix
Where is it written that Senators must climb a political ladder to "earn" the right to be elected to the US Senate, or the presidency, for that matter. Given the results of recent ethics charges, criminal convictions, and 19% approval ratings for the Congress, I'd argue that what the country needs is a LOT of new blood, and not more products of what appears to be a broken process.
Yes. She isn't status quo. Isn't that what Obama was elected on? Change and she would be change to those old white men.
Caroline Kennedy only needs 2 things on her side to be qualified to be a Senator these days. The minimum age of 30, and the ability to breathe.
Carolina Kennedy is qualified to be Senator because she's a citizen of the United States and New York State. When I read the Constitution of the United States and the Federalist Papers I don't remember any mention of a professional politican being the ones qualified for elective office.
jack, she's a Kennedy...so she's for what most Americans stand for which is equal rights an the best education for all americans...at least you can count on here to be for the people...
Well, let's see. She's an American citizen over the age of 30, which the last I heard were the only qualifications in this country to run for this office. When did an extensive resume become a qualification for office? Sounds like we're at the beginning stages of changing the requirements needed to run for office instead of allowing it to be open to any American citizen who qualifies. What's next, will we require a specific college degree to hold office?
Remember everyone so vocal about Sarah Palin and her lack of experience. The board experience and one part time job of a rich upper east side socialite (and no full time work experience) hardly qualifies anyone for the senate.
Caroline Kennedy has been around and involved with politics her whole life. She has every right to become the next senator from New York as any other person seeking the position.
People say she has no experience well the people that have "experience" are the ones that have screwed up this country! I say give her a chance to prove herself. She will do a GREAT job!
Caroline Kennedy is about as qualified to be a NY Senator as Hillary Clinton was in 2000. They both have a political "name."
Jared Blecher
York, Pennsylvania
She is qualified because there is not one ounce of greed in her blood. She has all she needs. She obviously cares about the people that work hard for an HONEST dollar.
Ms Kennedys years of commendable public service are her crown qualifications. A native New Yorker, established author and attorney, "Sweet Caroline" brings a breath of integrity and fairness to the office.
Come on Jack – if the nation would even consider someone like Sarah Palin in the executive branch, Caroline Kennedy certainly represents a Senate choice that all Americans can take pride in.
I love Caroline Kennedy, but I can't help but think about the double standard regarding Caroline's qualifications to be Senator. Here is a woman who basically has not ever held elective office and has not to my knowledge even had a regular job over the years. Yet Sarah Palin, who was elected mayor of her town and Governor of Alaska was considered not qualified for Vice President. Now, I am not saying that Palin was qualified, but why was there an outcry in the press about her qualifications and there has not been the same outcry about Caroline? Just a little food for thought. If Caroline really wants a life of public service, why doesn't she run for city council or Congress first?? Why go right to the Senate? I didn't agree with Hillary running for Senate from New York from the same reasons. No one should be entitled to a prestigious seat like that just based on their famous last name.
She certainly is qualified. Caroline Kennedy is a gem.
Jack - The US Constitution (generally viewed as the basis for our democratic society, FYI) out lines the requirements for being elected to the Senate. They are simple:
30 years old
US citizen for at least 9 years
Resident of the state you will represent
That is it. Your opinions on the types of jobs potential Senators should hold did not make the cut, unfortunately. I think the founders actually footnoted that YOU should not be permitted into elected office, but that footnote was cut as well.
She is bright, articulate, active in education and the arts, is an attorney and has no Washington political baggage nor any New York political baggage. That alone should make her qualified. She lives in New York and is not a carpetbagger as was Hillary, and she is not interested in using New York as a stepping stone to get to Washington. If we still lived in New York she would certainly get our vote. She endorsed Obama early and worked hard for him and that will benefit New York.
She is a potential superstar- a Kennedy – Give her a chance . We gave Bush 8 years as prez..... to be senator u don't need rocket science. She has all other qualities to be a senator which maybe other senators have less or devoid of it.
Why don't we just get it over with and bring in the barons, lords, dukes. and earls. Let's quit pretending that we don't have the elite "entitled" citizens and then everyone else. And here I thought things were going to change.
I cannot imagine anyone MORE qualified. Not touched by the corruption of association with congress..... I think if appointed that she will be awesome. Wish we had her in KY
Of course she's more than qualified. Who is concerned about qualifying now? Look at Bush and Cheney! We blindly allowed this two fools to take this country down for eight years and rock the world upside down. Caroline is a person that works for the public good, not for power grab for self benefit. I think it's about time that she be recognized publicly for representing a state. I'm surprise she hasn't enter politics sooner. Yes to Caroline!
I believe that Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be Senator because she is the definition of a public servant who has the best interests of the people in mind. She is a forward thinker, passionate about children and education and is someone we can trust. I understand she has also collaborated on a book about the principles of the Bill of Rights taking shape in the lives of ordinary people, as well as the historic and legal significance of each amendment. What more could you want? Who better to be in the Senate right now?
Yes, she is and Yes she can
And I don't think that her name should effect her fame as a candidate.
Name recognition alone? Consider:
A Schwarzenegger – Foreign born actor/weightlifter becomes governor
Steve Largent – NFL player becomes US Rep
Ronald Reagan – Actor becomes governor and beyond – career launched by speech at 64 convention.
JC Watts – former CFL player and Youth Minister becomes US Rep
Jack Kemp is a former NFL guy, but at least he founded the AFL players association and started at the state level of government before hitting the federal level.
Jack, what happen to average citizens being able to hold office regardless of their background.
Maybe with all of the scandles, we need more people who are just average citizens. They might actually understand the plight of the working man.
If Sarah Palin could be considered by Republicans to be qualified to be V.P. then Caroline Kennedy is by comparison over qualified.
If washed up bad actors are qualified. I think a Woman who is a constitutional lawyer , an author and major philanthropist who has devoted her life to helping others is more then qualified.
To be sure, her resume is thin, but she is far more qualified to be the Senator from New York than George W. Bush was to be Governor of Texas...
Very interesting responses. Shows what a sham the Palin attacks were. Anyway, I personally like the idea that we need a diversity of Americans, not just rich lawyers serving in congress. I also thought the attacks on Palin were bogus.
Dear Jack:
How many Senators do you know that are qualified to run for anything but their own self interest?