Op/Ed
Yet Another Kennedy
Conspiracy Theory
A Conservative Blog
by Ed Donath
Regardless of what you may believe about the promised transformation that will occur as a result of Barack Obama's election, most of us can agree that the time has come to at least "change" the names on the Most Powerful Politicians list. While the Bush and Clinton surnames have been dominant for the last 20 years, another dynastic name stands above all others in US political history and has been at or near the top of the list for more than half a century. If you voted in the last election the statistical probability is that there has been a Kennedy in the senate since before you drew your first breath. The apparent attempted sale by Gov. Blagojevich of the president-elect's vacant Illinois senate seat is a potential octopus of a scandal given the number of politicians and surrogates that may be involved. Because of their proximity to the next president and to any number of his current and former cronies, including the allegedly corrupt governor, the potential for a scandal of Watergate proportion has been created. However, if not for Chicago's all-powerful Democrat political machine none of the aforementioned would be facing embarrassment, indictment and/or impeachment. The Daly Machine, aptly named for the city's perennial Democrat dynasty that was begun by the first Mayor Richard Daly, has been the root of all evil in Second City politics for at least as long as there have been senators named Kennedy in Washington.
As the polls open for each presidential election the talking heads remind us that JFK won in a squeaker over Richard Nixon as a result of the Daly Machine's delivery of a high number of questionable Chicago votes. Believers of the legend give Mayor Daly credit for virtually inventing voter fraud by enabling his supporters to "vote early and vote often" using various living and deceased citizens' identities at cooperative precincts.
Well, the time may have finally come for a Kennedy to return the favor. That would be Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late John F. Kennedy and niece of current Sen. Edward (Ted) Kennedy and his late brother Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.
Mrs. Kennedy-Sclossberg has absolutely no political experience and, unlike outgoing New York Sen. Hillary Clinton who was an adult resident of the White House, Caroline's qualifying time in Camelot ended tragically at age six when her father was assassinated. "Sweet Caroline", as Neil Diamond sung about her childhood, is an attorney and author of little note and the mother of three children.
In a best case scenario for the Kennedy clan, New York's Gov. David Patterson -- himself an office inheritor in the wake of the Eliot Spitzer disgrace and resignation -- will select Caroline Kennedy to replace Hillary Clinton as she moves back to Washington DC to be Secretary of State until the opportunity comes up to run for president again.
Caroline's media exposure and Harlem soul food lunch with Rev. Al Sharpton could create a public awareness of this hither-to-fore private citizen. But for the moment all of the publicity and speculation surrounding the Kennedy for Senator story is cutting into what would be the singular political media coverage of the mess in Chicago. Kennedy media speculation is helping to keep much of the heat off of the president-elect and his cohorts.
So is it just a coincidence that at age 51 Mrs. Kennedy-Schlossberg opted to endorse a presidential candidate (Barack Obama) for the first time in her life? Likewise, is it just a coincidence that she became interested in Hillary's senate seat just as the Blago accusations became big news?
If, as Obama supporters made it abundantly clear, it is time for the Bush era to end, then it is certainly time to remove the Clinton and Kennedy names from the Most Powerful Politicians list, as well. It remains to be seen whether the Blagojevich scandal will throw a monkey wrench into the Daly Machine.
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Reader Comments:
She'd probably make a better President than any of the Bush tribe and Clinton clan.
dougpotter
(from Des Moines, IA Register)
I had enough of the kennedys long ago. ted who I think is guilty of manslaughter at the least and most likely second degree murder nowadays at Chappaquiddick, and spends most of his life in the senate. As I asked in a blog how can any decent human being give that guy 2 seconds of time much less idolize him. Caroline is a socialite with as far as I know nothing to offer. If she came from a republican family or her last name was Palin she'd be dragged through the mud by the media. robert jr is a global warming wacko who flies around the world in private aircraft while he lectures us on how to live. I could go on but, enough.
deserttrek
(from Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun)
Are you saying that you are against establishment of an American oligarchy? ;0)
FarmBoy61
(from Tallahassee, FL Democrat)
What is your point? Other than Caroline stepping up during the Blago scandal this is basically a pointless piece that any monkey could figure out in lab with CNN running all day. They selected Kennedy because of her name...she has staying power when the Senate seat is up for election. This is the only reason for her selection.
karch03
Bellevue, KY
[The name Cuomo (former NY governor Mario Cuomo) is huge here in NY and his son Andrew -- like him or not, a guy with state and federal experience -- is the current NY Attorney General and should be the next Democrat in line for the job given that the appointer is a Democrat governor and Hillary was elected as a Democrat. -ED]
At least the Kennedy's do not have a reputation for scandal and dishonesty. Maybe that is their appeal.
ArtByAlida
(from Louisvill, KY Courier-Journal)
[Adultery, alcohol/drug abuse, invasion of privacy and leaving the scene of an accident (if not aggravated manslaughter) have been their only problems thus far. -ED]
"what would the conservatives do without their conspiracy theories?" Probably discuss the self serving lives of the Liberal Democratics that Keep acting like THEY ARE THE COUNTRY especially when they repeat the famous Kennedy line..."ASK NOT WHAT THE COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, RATHER ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THE COUNTRY"!!!!
Extinct-man
Just what New York and the country needs is another person in power that has no idea what it is to be a working stiff in this country.
WillythePimp
(from Lansing, MI State Journal)
Respectfully: You compare Bush to Kennedy and Clinton, That’s a stretch in my mind. And Mrs. Kennedy-Sclossberg has absolutely no political experience, is that a bad thing ? Does commonsense count for nothing. I think Obama inspired her to serve as her family has done. The Daly machine, isn’t that ancient history? So is it just a coincidence that at age 51 Mrs. Kennedy-Schlossberg opted to endorse a presidential candidate (Barack Obama) for the first time in her life? Likewise, is it just a coincidence that she became interested in Hillary's senate seat just as the Blago accusations became big news? No, she felt called to duty. Are you happy with the last 8 years? Was it so bad with Clinton? Did John Kennedy inspire you as he did me? Maybe I am idealistic but when I look back I see better times. I hope we get people in office with true vision, not carrier politicians walking on the little guys.
erniez Lansing, MI
[Respectfully, JFK was a Compassionate Conservative by today's standards. He was a hawk (re: Cuba & SE Asia), he cut taxes and was fiscally conservative. He did inspire me and I grieved for him and his family -- including Caroline. My comparison of anyone to anyone else in the piece was purely in regard to their name/dynasty recognition. Any conspiracy theory is a stretch, so I plead guilty in that regard. -ED]
This bowled me over. Does this [person] have Alzheimer's? "At least the Kennedy's do not have a reputation for scandal and dishonesty. Maybe that is their appeal." By ArtByAlida Does one not call "Chappaquiddick" scandal? Does not one call the killing of a young girl in Connecticut in a most brutal and sick manner (by a Kennedy) not a scandal? I guess not in the unreal world of Kool-Aid drinking lefty loons. I think John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert were both honest men, and that's why they were assassinated. But "Teddy"? UGH! Add to him Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, and Chuck Schumer, and add one of the biggest Charlatan's in history, from the cesspool of Chicago Politics, and we have a real recipe for disaster. I'm not a fan of Bush, but take a look at Clinton's contributor list and you have another good example of your "scandal free" politicians (sic) RickMVT Starksboro, VT
Her name is not Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg. She did not change her name upon marriage. It is simply Caroline Kennedy. Derek Cosson Pensacola FL
It's Caroline Kennedy. Not Kennedy-Schlossberg.
Olive
Sarasota, FL
[Another good reason to make her wait her turn...it's too much like the Hillary Rodham Clinton thing only in reverse (or perhaps it's sideways). -ED]
Typical rightwing wacko. The only conspiracy here is the one in your very twisted mind!
Sumtingwong
(from Great Falls, MT Tribune)
[Thanks for proving that lefties will even make personal attacks on conservatives when they agree with Obama that change is necessary. -ED]
While you have a point, after the Conservative Supreme handed Bush the election in 2000,after the Florida fiasco, which so far as resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 brave, young Americans, plus thousands of others that are maimed for life, not to mention the economic chaos we are now facing, Republicans should have nothing to say who gets the Illinois senate seat. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and yours...
Anonymous
[Same Christmas/New Year wishes to you my civilized liberal friend. I fully understand that both senate seat vacancies will rightfully be filled by Democrats. I actually prefer the current NY governor to his predecessor and would consider voting for him if my NY Conservative Party can't come up with a better candidate than some big name/no resume candidate like Caroline Kennedy. If Blago from Chicago were a Republican trying to sell a senate seat to the highest bidder it would be just as big a scandal. Please don't try to put words in my blog. -ED]
I first voted for Ike and don't remember any K's, but who knows.
WdRGR
(from Salem, OR StatesmanJournal)
[If you voted for Eisenhower then (lol) you've got a pretty good excuse for your poor memory now. -ED]
You are correct - no more politicians running on the family name. Get the message Jeb?
[That's fair to the extent that the Bush name should, perhaps, be retired. However, Jeb's got plenty of experience while Caroline is purely about her family name. -ED]
Give me a break, I see nothing to make me think that Caroline Kennedy can make a contribution for the good as She has no background to hint that She has done anything except to live Job Free and carefree on the families old money...No corruption ???Been missing the history of this family or what...She thinks She is owed the Senate job because She is a Kennedy,,,,What a bunch of bunk. Personally I am tire of the Kennedys, the Bushes and the Clintons...And what did We change this past election????? More of the same. We need to change out the works that are now in power which are to ingrained to be effective and get a streamlined government that's by the people and for the people....
Bikerrider
All this Country needs is another Rich Liberal Democratic Political Correctness Activist named, Kennedy. The roots of the Kennedy Clan have shown disgrace, just ask Teddy about his manslaughter tendencies. The Democrats had no real candidate to run for President so they picked the "Race Card" Obama to buy a ticket to the oval office. Democrats are using Obama like a puppet behind closed doors telling him what to say and what to sign. Now, people want to consider this Rich Snob Caroline Kennedy for a President hopeful? What a JOKE! Republican Trent Lott should run for President despite the lame NAACP attempts of calling Mr. Lott a racist. Trent Lott would put this country back on track and moving forward! Olemissrebels73 Mississippi
[Trent Lott got his seat sold too......out from under him! -ED]
i think we have nothing but a monarchy in this nation...another inexperienced kennedy gets the green light over hundreds of more qualified and deserving people....clintonostras, bushwackers and the conniving kennedys....will we now have a series of obamanations? we are such a weak, vulnerable people anymore...a generation or 100 years ago there would have been a public outcry...anymore its let me go shopping or let me get to my computer porn...judgement day coming sooner than later
samuel007
I keep on being amazed that people wave people off due to their lack of political experience. What amuses me is look where we are with the folks who have experience. Oh yeah and stabbing at folks for the sins of their relatives? I guess since my last name is Goering I should be beaten hung and quartered for the atrocities of WWII. Grow up folks and hopefully they will make a decision that best suits New York.
Oh yes...you're certainly right. The Kennedy machine is alive and well. Caroline disses "family friend" Hillary to support Obama....and all of a sudden wants Hillary's old job (I can only imagine how much Hillary wants to slap her)...and now Caroline is suddenly interested in public office. I don't agree, however, that Hillary will vie for the White House again...I think that ship has sailed....and I seriously think that Caroline Kennedy wants to be the first female President...notice that she doesn't use her married name anymore. As much as I agree with you that it would be nice to remove the Kennedy name from the Most Powerful Politician list.....I wouldn't count on it. I can only imagine the Cheshire cat grin on old Joe Kennedy's face as he looks down from Heaven at this new development.
© Copyright Ed Donath
Op/Ed & eddobloggo
December 20, 2008
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