Caroline, No: A Letter to Ms. Kennedy

Dear Caroline:

Well, it sounds like you’ve made up your mind that you want to be New York’s next junior Senator. After some rather clumsy leaking to “democratic officials” and confirmation by Governor Paterson Monday that you were interested in succeeding Hillary (I somehow doubt Paterson, the sole “decider” on who fills the seat, would have mentioned it publicly without explicit permission from you to do so) you’ve moved immediately to the top of the list of possible replacements. But just in case you’re not totally positive you want to take this life-changing, potentially image-shattering step, I’ve put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide.

Pro: Everybody likes you. If you take out of the mix the people who will hate a Kennedy no matter what, I’ll bet you’ll come as close to a 100-percent approval rating as any public person in America. In our collective cultural and political mindset, you epitomize class and dignity.. not just for the grace you’ve shown when your family’s been faced with tragedy, but for your conscientious public service through the years, especially your work in education. You would start off this new career in the Senate with a tremendous amount of good will, from New Yorkers and many, many others across the country.

Con: Everybody likes you. Do you really want to mess that up? There are people out there already, many of them Democrats, who are coming out against you being appointed to this job. This is from Daily Kos, the leading progressive website:

“It's clear that a significant contingent on this site believes that Caroline Kennedy should be senator because her last name is 'Kennedy', and because they 'like her.' It is unseemly that she's being considered for the seat simply because of her family lineage and her ability to pick up the phone and ring the governor, but pointing that out is 'bashing Caroline.' It's all ridiculous, and yes, depressing."

Because as much as people on this site and others fight for a more small "d" democratic political system, one that isn't so tilted in favor of the rich, famous, and connected, there will always be a significant majority that is desperate for an American monarchy and will discard notions of meritocracy to reward their favorite political dynasty.”

See what I mean? And this from someone who basically shares your political outlook. Imagine the red meat this would be to the Rush Limbaugh’s and Sean Hannity’s of the world. The top shelf perception of you that exists now would take a big hit. It’s the reality of modern day politics. Are you ready to face that?

Pro: You are the protector and symbol of your family’s legacy. If “Camelot” could ever be recreated in any corner of Washington, you would be the one who could do it. People who still revere your father’s memory 45-years later, as well as the memories of your mother and brother, will see a closing of the circle after all these decades. It’s a powerful, hard-to-resist scenario.

Con: You are the protector and symbol of your family’s legacy. However things might change under a President Obama, it’s doubtful “Camelot” will come to mind. Image does matter in this world, and yours is pristine. Maybe you’re better off working for change the way you do now: as a gifted and caring and smart private citizen, with the clout to raise money for any cause you champion, and with an IOU from Obama for your support before the election that should pretty much let you be part of his administration on your terms … and the Kennedy mystique would remain intact. Not that you couldn’t handle whatever the Senate would throw your way. But why would you want to?

Pro: It’s the right time for this. You would bring new perspective and energy to Washington at a most critical moment in our history.

Con: It’s the wrong time for this. Things are so messed up, this appointment should go to someone with more experience.

Well, I’ve done my part. If I were you, I’d probably say no. I guess when it gets right down to it, I feel protective of you. You’re exactly my age, and I feel a little like we’ve grown up together. This would be no ordinary mid-life career change, and the whole world will be watching continuously. So think it through.