CNN

Putting aside her philanthropic work, her name does not qualify her to accurately represent the state of ny. I feel a candidate that represents more than new york city should be elected. there is a whole lot of state besides the city.

Caroline Kennedy has lived a quiet life in public view. She is a huge philanthropist, and education advocate....... When a person has been quiet so long in public view, b/c of the tragedies her family has suffered, and the unforgiving press(poppurazzi), I feel she has something to say and advocate for the state of NY. Also perhaps now is her time. If she is elected by the Gov., in 2010 she has my vote!

I like Caroline Kennedy, because she doesn't automatically say she would support a Democratic candidate for mayor. I like her courage to stick with principles and not to bow to partisan nonsense. I will never vote for somebody because of party affiliation.

You may not have noticed, but a lot of voters are very tired of partisan politics.

Well, I happen to actually LIVE in NY. Why does this even matter what the rest of the country wants?

We've had enough of these political stepping stone politicians, Hillary was only here for the step up, thats it. Now this one?

NO, we don't want you, go back to your millionaire 212 area code and lets find someone who cares about the REST of NY.

Its a big state, its not just the 5 boroughs the city you know...

will you guys ever get it? this gender gap is largely a political party gap. more men are republicans.

Gordon – "How can a person who did not vote be entitled to a Senate Seat."

I guess she can just vote Present all the time and then when Obama is gone, she will be qualified to take his place as President. I mean if it's good enough for Obama, it's good enough for her.

She's like Sarah Palin, but with a famous last name.

Sorry gang, she's not the best we can do, who's next on the list?

Caroline is not qualified for this position. Just because her last name is Kennedy does not mean she should get this position. It should go to someone who is. Whoever said politics are fair though. Look is the president elect.

if she is looking for a throne than its her if NY senator need to be qualified person than she is not the one. If she had moral she will have never seek this position with no experience.

shame on you Caroline!

Will someone please explain to me what the perceived qualifications are for becoming a U.S. Senator? Everyone is harping on Ms. Kennedy's apparent "lack" of experience but haven't all these so-called "qualified" senators gotten this country into its present mess?

I believe it is time for a change and Ms. Kennedy is intelligent, well-spoken, thoughtful and perhaps most important, independent (please read this as "cannot be bought").

I'm a woman and a life long resident of New York state. I don't believe that Caroline Kennedy should be given Hillary Clinton's senate seat because she is not the best qualified person for the position. If she is handed this position, I won't vote for her in the next election.

Experience alone is overrated. Bush's cronies supposedly "had experience." Yep. Serving themselves more thoroughly and criminally than we've ever seen at this level.

Why can't she be a senator? Is she anymore or less corrupt than any other politician? A real change in our political system is long overdue.

to steve from NY

your statement ms kennedy "Until a week or so ago I don't think she was ever north of Weschester ", is inaccurate.

London is north of "weschester" as is Paris, Berne, and Moscow. Rome is just little north, but Venice is way north.

so, you are plainly WRONG.

she has been north of "Weschester"

Just because Caroline Kennedy is a Kennedy does not qualify her for a Senator's seat. If she actually has some actual qualifications, I have not read about them to date. But then, who of our Senators is really qualified for the position? They're done a pretty good job of selling the American taxpayer down the toilet - virtually all of them!

I admire her for wanting to serve after supporting Obama this year. It showed that anything is possible. However, I think she carries some baggage for living such a private life for so long. First, is the need for full financial disclosure, which she has refused unless she is selected. Not acceptable. What does she have to hide? Secondly, is her fund-raising capability. If Paterson chooses her now, there will be the appearance of quid pro quo in 2010 when HE runs for re-election, and SHE is campaigning for HIM. I think she has a sense of entitlement due to her name. I don't doubt her sincerity in serving the people of NY, but she needs to earn their trust.

Michal "quote" If her name wasn't Kennedy folks wouldn't be dumping on her.

If her name wasn't Kennedy she wouldn't even be in the running and you sure wouldn't be making comments if she was qualified or not. Personally, I feel if you want to bring up the Kennedy name to see if someone could live up to it, just think about Teddy and then think about Mary Jo Kopechne. Doesn't seem like a name anyone would want to live up to. More like a name I would run from. She should have stuck to her married name.

RICK@ GET A LIFE.

This women has never held a job. She is no better the Paris Hilton, she just is quiet about it. She lives off of family money and thats it. We need people in the government that knows what it means to squeeze a penny. Do understand that sometimes you go for ground beef on sale, not prime angus. She will do nothing more then think everyone is as well off as she is. And she had the nerve to go on the air and talk about how she has to work twice as hard now. Really? Tell that to the people that work 4 jobs, and still find time to take their kids to practice. We need people that understand how to balance a check book, not how to swipe a credit card.

I understand that just because your last name is Kennedy you should have any thing you want..but seriously..what are we thinking, I live in Illinois and I was hoping to get the senate seat here lol but no ..what is going on people to the world we was once proud of..it is changing for the worse right in front of our eyes, No one in accountable any longer for any thing they do, The president pardons the same few hundred people we wasted our time and tax dollars to convict, well I want someone to bail me out it does'ent seem to matter that we pad everyone's pocket ..we live in a world were politicians lie and steal, they do things they know are wrong but they do them anyway because george will pardon them right scooter ..would someone please check on the small americans we are still here plugging away hoping for a better tomorrow

Is Caroline Kennedy qualified to be New York's senator? She's better qualified than many senator's we now have! She'd have my vote if I lived in NY.

Curious question – where is her wedding ring? all the pic's where I have seen her left hand, no ring. Her own comments make me question her being appointed. She sounds like it's a whim almost. And her main reason is her family name. That name is just a birth name. Nothing more. What has she done, personally, that would qualify her. She doesn't seem to speak well in interviews. If she wants to "run" for public office, start doing stuff locally, get current experience under her belt, then run for the office in 2 years (and use her own money – says she is worth $100 million). I bet most of her money is due to parents legacy, not her own work

I have to agree with my upstate NY counter parts. Atlease Mayor Brown has accomplishments of his own. He was a pretty popular state senator before becoming mayor of Buffalo. I am by no means a big fan of his, as a matter of fact I campaigned on behalf of his Mayoral opponent. However, for Caroline Kennedy to come and spend minutes in Buffalo and then to claim she understands the issues facing upstate New York is not only insulting to Mayor Brown's actual accomplishments but it is also belittling to the residents of Western New York.

You know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know,Come on SNL you can have a field day with this super rich woman. Reminds me of the Uh Uh Uh man.

I don't understand the problem since she meets the qualifications listed in the U.S. Constitution. There have been many currently serving who are less qualified than Caroline in both the House and Senate. Sony Bono was less qualified and when he was killed in a skiing accident his wife was given his seat and she was less qualified but she was re-elected in the next cycle. If Caroline is put in Clinton's seat she will have to run in a couple of years and if she fails to win re-election so be it.

Just a short time ago the President elect wasn't qualified either to some but he still won and I am sure he would feel that she was qualified.

So the un-elected governor of NY will be giving the NY senate seat to someone of his own choice. And they say that we live in a democracy?

Why cant we have an election and then we can decide whether Ms Kennedy should be our senator?

For the person bashing Peter King's qualifications. As a controller he was responsible for the budgeting and accounting functions of his organization. He actually ran for public office and won on more than one occasion. He has practical real world experience. He is not demanding he be appointed to his first public office strictly on daddy's name. Give me a break. Let her run in two years if she wants to be senator so badly.

i say let Ms Rowling be named the senator for NY. She wrote a couple of books, is a billionaire, is really really more famouser, and she is a she.

How about a citizen for a change instead of the “experienced??? politician”
I’m ready for that change!

JUST THINK ABOUT THIS--OBAMA,CLINTON AND KENNEDY.THAT'S THE BEST TRIFECTA IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA.

one good point is, this proves that Voters in New York happen to be more ignorant then ones that voted for Obama.

Maybe you people who don't think she is ready for the Senate seat are just plain afraid of some new blood. Just because she has some stature and would bring new life to the already disgraced group of politicians already in office should take a look and ask themselves if they were qualified to be elected into an office that the people have put them into and then don't measure up. She sure is ready. GO CAROLINE!!!!

What people need to realise is that a Congressman or Senator is an employee of we, the people! Before we would ever hire someone, we'd verify their qualifications and work ethic. If we do this, then the answer of whether Caroline Kennedy is the one of the best choices is a resounding NO! Before she begins upon a journey to attain a prestigious seat in the U.S. Senate, perhaps she should actually work a full-time job for the first time in her life?#!

The New York Daily News estimated Kennedy's net worth in 2008 at over US$100 million.

She's never had a REAL worry in her entire life. She's paid no dues. Has nevers broken a sweat out of fear.

I'm with Dave, Illinois, "Only her name qualifies her." And then only to those who fear it or worship it.

Kennedy.
Oldsmobile.
Nope.

Neeeeexxxxxxttttt...

New Yorker December 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I wonder how many who think she is qualified know anything about her other than she is John F. Kennedy's daughter.
====================================================
She has a law degree from Harvard, has been working on improving education and women's issues for a long time, man. She is one of America's un-sung heroes who quietly work behind the scenes to effect change.

Hey "Jersey Voter", there is a difference between being qualified on paper and actually having the skills and experience to do the job. Replace the name "Kennedy" with "Palin" and you would sing a different song – and Palin has more experience. The problem for the Alaska governor was that she does not have an adoring press like the Kennedys do. Honestly, for me, the only positive thoughts I have regarding the name Kennedy have to do with the space race. They are drowned out by negatives such as the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Teddy's joy ride ending in a woman's death, and rape.

We wonder why our country is screwed up? The only jobs which require no qualifications or experience are in high public office. God help us.

If her last name were not Kennedy, no one would even pay attention to this woman. It is insulting to the political system that she would even be able to throw her hat into the ring and attempt to influence her own appointment through this media campaign she has launched. It would be great if the media, and the rest of America would simply ignore her. Then she can go back to doing what she was doing before and hopefully the Governor of New York will appoint someone who actually has some qualifications and experience.

As much as people say that her name shouldn't qualify her, this arguement also suggests that her name should DISQUALIFY her. This position is going to be appointed, irregardless of any name or perceived experience/inexperience.

Should a person be disqualified because a member of their family served in public office? No. Anyone who wants to serve should serve. We don't disqualify military recruits due to a family member's previous service. Service towards your country should always be respected and encouraged.

For myself, as she has written a book regarding the constitution (which was good), this is a great start; some people in Congress have yet to READ the constitution.

OBAMA/BIDEN December 29th, 2008 2:01 pm ET
I SUPPORT HER 100% SHES GREAT LEADER AND CAN BRING CHANGE WE NEED AND HELP MR OBAMA MOVE ON

You are an idiot.

Who is going to say no to a Kennedy in American politics?

How many of these Men and Or Women have met Carolyn Kennedy?... and have come to this place of making up there minds... I have heard on the news that there are those offended and say " who does she thinks she is.... to be appointed...",,,'
My question to them anyone who takes this office right now... will have to be appointed?... No??? and run for it again in 2010 and again 2012 and will be able to raise the money to do so..

Where was the out rage when Obama chose her to help find him a VP... never heard any thing then...

Also see that there are those who compare her to Sarah Palin and that just shows their stupidity.

She does not even realize she is using her name to step over others who are FAR more qualified. And, you know, she is a poor public speaker. If she is picked, it will be the worst case of insider politics. Hillary was ELECTED, but his woman wants it handed to her. Now that is entitlement!

The only reason Caroline Kennedy suddenly wants Hillary Clinton's senate seat is to keep the Kennedy name in politics. With Ted Kennedy's health problems, the immediate Kennedy family is fading into history.

I am unaware of any specific qualifications required to be senator except a willingness to represent the citizens of their state. Caroline Kennedy is willing to do this. She also has the education and background (Law Degree from Columbia) to do this job well. Hmmm! It appears she has the same qualifictions that Hillary Clinton had when she became senator of New York.

Caroline Kennedy is less qualified to serve in the Senate than Sarah Palin was to be Vice-President.So why the double standard?

So just what DOES qualify anyone for ANY elected or,in this case,selected office?

The track record seems to suggest graft,sex offenders,sweetheart deals,influence peddling and every form of lying imaginable qualify most of them so maybe they're right and she doesn't qualify yet.It seems to me that she could learn them on the job since she would be working with so many very capable teachers.

@ suzanne – if you're reading this one too – the truth often does!

Let's get this straight:

Hillary – smarter than EVERYONE

Caroline – smarter than most people.

Sarah – smarter than NOBODY

Change we can believe in! What BS.

She has just as much experience as Hillary had when she took the seat from Moynihan.....NONE!!!!!!.....you know.

She is the best for the job. we will all jubilate when the Governor of Newyork picks her as the right candidate

LOL, You know, you know, you know , you know. (Caroline speaking)

If Carolin is qualified , then Sarah Palin was for sure qualified to be VP.

At least Palin ran for Offices, won 2x. Mayor, 1x Governor (Palin has raised a family and worked her way up the political ranks becoming one of the most popular governors. ) and earns the tittle via hard work and on her own power, voted by citizens .

And Palin has stamina, is energetic , can take a punch and stay cool under pressure.

But if forgot why the media is so sweet and nice for Caroline; she is a lib and then experience isn't needed anymore.

Only a well known family name and a lot of money!!

The inappropriateness she has displayed in waging a public campaign to force the hand of the Governor offers a telling glimpse into the over-arching sense of entitlement she would drag into the arena with her. Her "fight" would not be for the people but for her own posterity and Kennedy longevity. Since when does shool fund-raising constitute qualification for state senate? How utterly absurd!

Caroline Kennedy is imminently qualified to be a Senator. She is well aware of how government works and understands writing legislation and voting procedures. There are no resume requirements for a Senator, especially a junior senator. I think I understand Caroline's new found fervor as an awakening from her insular life with her kids and education causes when she realized that change begins with each one of us. She was inspired by Obama (as her father inspired so many of us in the '60s) and now she wants to do all that she can to improve the lives of New Yorkers in the Senate. There is nothing that would preclude her from becoming an excellent senator if given the opporunity. Many of us had withdrawn from politics, stopped voting, stopped caring and now have been reinvigorated by Obama's charisma and leadership. I'm in! And I think Caroline shares my enthusiasm – she wants in too. I say she should get it if she wants the position. She brings everything to the table that is necessary to succeed in the job. What more can we ask?

Ravi in MO, you just never get it. Do you even have a clue about anything? Do you think you are the only thinker and everyone else just dismisses Kennedy as a woman? Did it ever occur to you that there are people that do know the facts and circumsatnces osurroundiing our political arena and just do not think she is as good as some of the other candidates?

There is a HUGE difference between being qualified enough to be elected to office and be qualified enough to be appointed to office.

Clinton, Palin, and Obama were all elected to office.

Some one who has not held any sort of elected office, or been a major player in any organization , public or private, certainly has the right to run for elected office. In that case, they get out on the campaign trail and experience the rough and tough political struggle with debates and hard questions from constituents and the press.

Caroline Kennedy has the unmitigated nerve to think that she should be appointed even though she has done pretty much nothing that involves service to anyone outside of her immediate family. Where in the world does she get this sense of entitlement? She acts like she is doing us a favor by serving us.

Certainly there are plenty of New Yorkers who have already proven themselves far more worthy of this job that Ms. Schlossberg.

She's a complete dunce.....which means that she will be a rising star in the democrat party.

She's a complete dunce which means she will probably be a fast-rising star in the democrat party.

Apparently The Princess is in a tissy because they're not just gonna give her the Senate seat just because her last name is Kennedy.

But then again, as Spider points out, experience no longer matters when it comes to public office.

Maybe she should've gone on Oprah first. Anyone know if she's friends with any fiery, racist ministers? Any pictures of her doing coke?

Like so many profound liberal discussions, the question of this idiots qualifications to be a senator boils down to the timeless question of what the meaning of "is" is! If "is" means "as qualified as the many self serving simpletons already in the Senate", the answer is clearly that she is emminently qualified. If, on the other hand, "is" relates to intelligence, a strong work ethic, a devotion to our costitution, a commitment to our National Security, demonstrated willingness to put the American people first, government, leadership or mangement experience and the capability to serve effectively in Government office, ms well born is right where she belongs! Any idea where this dope would be if not for the name and grampas filthy lucre. Flippin burgers! You Know!

what about Arnold? What about Ronnie? They were actors? Who needs experience. It's only the govt. Life is a joke and so are politics. Let's have fun with it. We are only here for a short time and nothing really matters or will ever change. Look at Israel. My grandkid's grandkids will hopefully be agnostic and have no part in it but I am certain there will always be an aggressor and a "terrorist" ...

Happy New Year! Maybe 2009 won't be as dismal as '08.

Is she qualified, NO... but then again neither was Hillary and she got re-elected, just shows how ignorant the voters are.

So the choice is her or her ex husband. That is IF Hillary gets confirmed, there are a lot of skeletons in that closet just waiting to come out.

Caroline Kennedy will be a superb NY Senator,
For she is truly a remarkable woman. New York will never have a person who will love them more than Caroline; a good mother to her children will also be a good senator to her constituents.
Many of the haters put blinders on and only see your name; they refuse to see the person behind the Kennedy name. But I see you Caroline, I know you to be a hard worker and dedicated to your causes. Good Luck Caroline, My best wishes be behind you to carry you unto your destiny.

This is America. If you have a dream, go for it!!! You're free to dream!!! and this is all that matters!!!

To Jon

Then why doesnt Robert K Jr go for it? I dont see or hear him at all. If he comes out swinging like Caroline Kennedy, he'll get it, but if he just sits by the bus stop, she'll get it.

Qualified.....Until a week or so ago I don't think she was ever north of Weschester but I guess that shouldn't matter as most of the 'politicians' don't have an idea of what is north of the city. Really what are her qualifications for this besides her name?

How can a person who did not vote be entitled to a Senate Seat. What a great example to set. almost as equal as Obama letting his children listen to Rev Wright...Typical example of the young wanting it all with no real substance behind it...Leadership my buttt

Why do people say that Caroline Kennedy would be okay, because the experienced people in the Senate haven't done much for the country. Maybe they should be saying she would not be okay because the well connected, wealthy, well educated, Senators have not done their jobs particulary well. There are plenty of non career politicians that can be appointed to this seat, if lack of political experience is a key qualification for you Caroline Kennedy supporters. Let's at least find some one who has actually held a job and knows what it is like to have to answer questions posed by their bosses. Caroline Kennedy, right now, does not seem to understand that she will be a public official and owes it to the taxpayer to act as if this seeking of a Senate seat is not the latest whim of a bored housewife.

Well, you know, she sounds like um, you know, about as, you know, articulate as um, you know, our president elect, um you know, Barack Obama.

And she makes Sarah Palin sound absolutely brilliant.

i went on wikipedi and looked up congressman peter king qualifications on how he attained the office of congressman out of new york. and this man started just like everyone else. he has some nerve, what was he a comptroller before he ran for congress. then he has the audacity to question c.kennedy qualificatins. when he had none to start w/. its just ignorant jealousy on the part of envious people. you player haters

I laugh at the word qualified. What qualifications do you think there are to be an elected official? There is the age thing but there are no education or prior public service qualifications. Wives have been selected to their late husbands' seat. What were they're qualification; marriage.
bunnie , CA

Alan – agreed. 57% is not an overwhelmingly large majority of women. 47% of men is nearly 1/2.

I am a female, mother of three and I certainly don't believe she is the most qualified for a senate position. I don't even think she is pragmatically qualified even if constitutionally qualified. She has never held and elected office or appointed office. She has a shaky voting record and has been noted by various accounts and shy, and someone who has shied away from public life. Now, she suddenly wants to jump into the ring with the likes of Pelosi, Clinton and snow and thinks she will be able to stand up to them? She'll be steamrolled by Schumar. So what if she is buddies with PEBO. So isn't George Soros, does that make him qualified to be a US Senator?

Caroline Kennedy has no credentials to join the Senate...other than her maiden name. Robert Kennedy Jr., on the other hand, has the credentials and would make a great senator.

Hmmmm.....let's see. If she does a better job than some of those "qualified" people who have already been elected, which I think she will....then more power to her.

Hey guys, Her last name is kennedy........and she supported OBAMA early stage. Isn't it enough for the senate seat. Wait for 2 years all the left wing will start telling us how qualified she is for the US President.

Jeez, not another Kennedy. Another 'family" (read: dynasty) that just won't go away. Same old faces, same old families. This is change ??

It's time for new blood out with the old in with the new not yet corrupted.

is just another political deal hatched last year by Ted Kennedy and Obama-she's not at all qualified--she's just a name-

I think, um, you know, she isn't very, um, articulate. You can only, you know, take so long, um to um introduce a bill, you know. If she ever, you know, became President, um I think the State of the Union you know, address might take, um days. But, you know, what do I know, you know?

come on people, the only reason she's being considered as a possible candidate for Hillarys senate seat is because she's a woman and her name is KENNEDY. if u can't see that you've got ur head in the quiksand.

Did they also say Obama is not qualified? I am an American admirermand I am so surprised there so many unintelligent Americans to whom history means nothing.

The position is the position of junior senator. What qualifications are we talking about here? I'm not 100% sure about the constitutional qualifications, but they're something like 30 years of age, 6 years a US citizen and having lived in the state for some period of time. Caroline Kennedy clearly meets all of those qualifications.

Again what do we mean by qualified? The position is senator, there are 99 other equivalent positions in the United States, all whom would have great clout (due to seniority) anyways. Do we think that being a major CEO or an attorney or a lobbyist or a former politician would necessarily make one more qualified here? Why should every senator hail from one of those backgrounds? What happened to diversity of voices here?

In any case, the woman is educated, intelligent and well informed politically. Being a Kennedy, she almost has to be, and her work has long been in the public eye. What more are we looking for in a senator?

She's more qualified than Obama was when he was elected Senator.
I still think there should be an IQ test given before a person can vote.
There are plenty of Kennedy in congress. I suppose she thinks she has to replace Teddy when he quits with his brain tumor.
Next thing we know it will be Chelsea wanting to get appointed.

@ Jerry – sure, you just need to move to New York state long enough to rent a place. You certainly have the name recognition!!! Happy New Year

DJ- Sarah Palin was far more qualified than this lady. She is a Kennedy. That is her only qualification. Democrats care only about name-recognition in their politicians, not what they have ever accomplished. We know that because they voted for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, both individuals who had no significant political accomplishments in their entire lives when they were elected.

The difference is between 6 (57%) out of ten and 5 (47%) out of ten. Is that really a significant difference?. A difference yes, but still eye to eye. The problem with Caroline is that too many people remember her as a child and do not consciously judge her as a 52 year old. Let the Governor decide and let the bloviators blow. Me, I am going to finish my book on John Adams as if nothing was at stake for me.

Caroline wants to sneak into the back door of the US Senate on the strength of her family name. Surely she can find other ways to service the country besides this ploy.

Just look at the mess that so-called "qualified" Senators have created. The great state of New York should hold a lottery using all registered voters as eligible participants, have a blind drawing, then have the winner hold that seat for the remaining time. Why not let an average citizen get a taste of government in action?

Shes more than qualified.I just hope she builds a wall around NYC so they cant get out when the sludge hits the fan.

This woman should never be allowed to be a Senator, she has lived her whole life in New York City, as someone from Buffalo i am tired of NYC only being represented in the Senate, my choice is Byron Brown. HE IS THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB, kennedy should do us all a favor and leave the public eye forever...

Caroline Kennedy, you know, is not qualified to be Senator, you know. However, NY elected Hillary Clinton, you know, when she had not done anything substantial politically, you know, other than to have a husband who was President.

In Wisconsin they had a man run with no background. What did he have? Money, lots of it. Nobody runs against Kohl and he still is less qualified than the janitor at my work. There are no real qualifications for this job: Listen to the people, make up your mind and vote. 1/2 the Senators don't listen to the people buy just the lobbyist. I tend to think Kennedy will listen which makes her as qualified as you need to be to cast a vote on the floor of the Senate for the next two years before she'll have to run anyway.

I agree with Cynthia in MI. Why is this a nationwide poll? That senate seat represents only those residents of New York.

But, if I had to throw in my two cents then I would say she is not qualified. It has nothing to do with gender or her name.

It also helps to perform your civic duty as a citizen. VOTE!

I suppose in the end–this decision should be made by New York voters. I do not believe it would be appropriate to just appoint someone who has been an inconsistent voter–and has no executive skills–no matter who they are.

As a Kennedy heir-and as a corporate lawyer–I'm sure her credentials are valid. But exercise of the responsbilities of a U.S. Senator (especiall sage judgement and collaboration) my be beyond her grasp.

Let the citizens decide!!!
Run her up against the competition–then for sure the citizens best interests will prevail.

I'm a woman, and a liberal. But I don't think she's all she's cracked up to be. She's never worked a day in her life. The stuff she "authored" has been shown to be mostly cut/paste jobs and quotations of others' work. Despite her vast wealth – some say in the neighborhood of $400M - she has given very, very little to charities or even political causes. She is appallingly out of touch with the "common" people. Sure, she went to Harvard. So what? Bush went to Yale and look where THAT got us. An Ivy League degree and a famous last name do not qualify one for a public office like Senator. For heaven's sake, that pathetic excuse for a candidate, Sarah Palin, has more experience. Get the stars and fairy-dust out of your eyes, people!! Caroline hasn't got the chops!

I think New York could do worse than select Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. She does need more experience, and I"m disappointed she didn't vote in all the elections. Maybe Paterson couldn't come up with anyone better.

I really don't care for this story because I am not from NY but isn't it funny that more men approved of Sarah Palin to be VP and less women when her qualifications sucked too?

That's because most men think with the little head, and Caroline isn't as hot as Sarah. If she was ten years younger the poll would have been the opposite.

I really respect Caroline Kennedy. She is 99.99% more qualified as a candidate for the Senate than the so-called Governor of Alaska was to run for VP of the U.S. Kennedy is very well-educated, intelligent, a great speaker, and has the broad based life experience needed. (Besides, I am certain that politics are in her genes–how could it not be??)

By the way, I haven't heard, but is she divorced from Schlossberg? If not, why has she dropped his name?

The idea that Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be a Senator just because she is well-educated and authored a book is absolutely crazy. There are thousands of people who fit under that mold but who are unfit to be a Senator. Sarah Palin had so many more qualifications to be the VP than CAroline has to be a Senator. This is a joke. Democrats appoint their party's officials based first on their name recognition, and then everything important comes second. I love how women are rallying around this woman who has only been successful because of her family name and yet they were rallying against Palin despite the fact that she worked hard for her political career without the help of anyone. It goes to show you that these women truly are NOT feminists.

Really,

It was never about whether or not Sarah Palin was qualified, it was about what she represented, conservative American morals. Kennedy doesn't represent that, so her qualifications should not be questioned.

Caroline is just as qualified as most of the US Senator's in Washington today. We need some "fresh" Senator's in Washington to help clean up this mess left in our country. She will get the job done - after all she is a women....

If her name wasn't Kennedy we wouldn't be having this conversation at all... she wouldn't be considered.

You know, she sounds like um, you know, about as, you know, articulate as um, you know, our president elect, um you know, Barack Obama.

And she makes Sarah Palin sound absolutely brilliant.

Maybe some of these women think it's time to play catch-up, same as various minority groups who favor affirmative action.

My feeling is that we have no idea whether Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be a senator or not, because the body of her work has been in an entirely different arena. There is no doubt that she is educated and hard working, but how well will she function as a highly scrutinized public servant? If she works her way up the ladder and runs for office her potential constituents will get a much better feel for what she has to offer.

WHO NEEDS EXPERIENCE THEY ELECTED OBAMA WITHOUT ANY EXPERIENCE .

As a woman and a Democrat, I find Caroline Kennedy totally unqualified for the Senate. The Kennedy name is not a qualification. We are a republic, not a monarchy. The NY Governor should pick one of the many qualified applicants for the Senate seat.

I think it's great and hope she is selected, we need more women in Congress.

"She said her mother “loved campaigning,” and would have been very proud of her decision to run for office."

Since when did she decide to campaign and run for office.

She's begging for an appointment because of her name just so she doesn't have to campaign and run for office.

i am from NY, and i am a Woman, and i say NO WAY!!

I glad to read and hear she is being Palinized, she supported a man who ran against a woman, she did not touch her heart or worry about the consequences. Now, the Kennedys want to push everything Clinton out of sight by APPOINTING the backstabber in chief as Hillary's replacement.....NOT GANNA HAPPEN TED!!!

How about we have just had enough Kennedy's in Washington over the years. It's time for fresh names, faces, and ideas.

Of course, some people seem to forget that this isn't up to public opinion, it only matters what the Gov. thinks. It is sad though that major media outlets and Caroline herself somehow think this is an election and feel the need to campaign for this position.

The progressive media just spent the last 8 weeks conviencing America that an unexperienced man is much better than an unexperienced women. It's called the Palin factor. Surprised!!??

I support Ms. Kennedy as a senator. She worked hard for her law degree, she's championed better lives for all Americans, but mostly the working and underprivileged her whole adult life. She's sat at the round table with world leaders and she learned what diplomacy meant at a very young age. She's noble and righteous and this country needs more people like her to be willing to serve us. I think she's make a great senator and I'd be elated if she were to represent the great State of New York.

Not that my opinion matters being in California. However, to the extent that she wanted to keep her life private (which she is entitled to), she did very much so. When she wanted to sell books, she went on tours to sell books – i suppose forgetting about her privacy. In between, she remained the private person that she is. My feeling??? She unveils that secrecy when she wants to make money or a name for herself. If i think she is qualified? No, only her name carries her on. Neither her nor her husband have done things that they can credit as their own. Her supposed affiliations are all due to the Kennedy name. Caroline, stop all of your pretensions. You are not qualified.

I'm a democrat and a woman, and I don't support Caroline at all. Convenient that she's all above political office until the one time she doesn't have to actually have a real campaign, and then she wants it. She hasn't done ANYTHING to qualify her for a senate seat.

Constitutionally, she's qualified. Is she experienced in the way informed New Yorkers would want their United States senators to be? Probably not.

Gov. Paterson should appoint Andrew Cuomo.

The question is why does the press allow her to get by without answering their questions? Why doesn't she disclose her personal and financial records?

If she was a Republican, the New York Times, CNN, and all the other liberal MSM would sic the entire investigative staff on her and rip her to shreds like they did Gov. Palin.

The question is not about qualifications. If it was, Hillary Clinton never would have won it. In fact, she's got a law degree and uses her name to get by. Just like Hillary.

She is not qualified and she believes is entitled to get the position. Go away Caroline. You did enough damage.

I don't think you need experience to be a good politician. Just intelligence, charisma, and a backing. A known name helps as well. She might be smart, has backing and a name. But from these interviews I have read, and clips I have seen, she is lacking the charisma.

Sarah Palin has charisma, but is a very shallow person. But Republicans have not been very concerned with intelligence in their leaders. Seems to be a detriment to conservative voters.

I SUPPORT HER 100% SHES GREAT LEADER AND CAN BRING CHANGE WE NEED AND HELP MR OBAMA MOVE ON

WE DO NOT NEED ANOITHER KENNDY IN AN OFFICE OF ANYKIND. SOME SAY OBAMA IS KENNEDY;'S MAN. HE IS ALMOST IN HIS GRWVE AND WANTS TO LEAVE SOME MORE OF HIS DIRTY POLITICS IN OFFICE.

We truly have political royalty in this country. The Bushes, Kennedy's, Clintons, Daily's in Chicago, etc. All were elected in substantial part because of their name. We wrote a fairly famous document called the Declaration of Independence because we no longer wanted to be ruled by royalty. People, stop turning our government into a high school prom contest of popularity/name recognition over substance! Read about the candidates, do research, ignore the 1/2 truth ads on television. Let's get off our collective butts and do our work so that we can avoid the representation that has us where we are.

IM A WOMAN AND I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH KENNEDY RUNNING FOR OFFICE. SHE IS NOT QUALIFIED!!! SHE HAS LESS EXPERIENCE THAN PALIN.

Your wrong 'Dave, Illinois' and this coming from someone in the same state as Obama? According to the US Constitution she is qualified .. maybe you ought to read it.

Carolyn Kennedy is an attorney, having received her law degree from Columbia University; a writer, having authored several books on civil liberties; and a political activist, having served as the Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the NY City Dept of Education. She raised 65 million dollars for the Public Schools and accepted only one dollar in salary for her work. She is qualified. She is intelligent. She should be selected to replace Hillary Clinton.

who ever said people wanted Palin over Hillary is wrong, there was a poll done after the convention and Hillary beat Palin in a 2 to one margin. I agree with whoever said that Caroline is not tough enough. She seems a little timid to me

Why does anybody care what people who don't live in New York think about whether Caroline Kennedy should be New York's next senator? Why would CNN even run a foolish poll like this?

The fact is, New York has at least dozen far better candidates for that spot, who are more experienced, more committed to public service, better educated, with better personalities and a whole lot smarter than Caroline Kennedy.

Why should better candidates be shoved out of the way to make way for this mediocrity with the famous last name? Just because out-of-staters don't know the names of New York's able public servants who should be filling that job doesn't mean they don't exist. CNN should know better than to run a poll like this. Shame on you, CNN.

She is a Kennedy trying to ride in on a coat tail...She campaigned
against Hillary so why does this quilify her to take her job???? How
do the people in NY feel about someone that is taking Hillary's Job?

Read some of these comments below.. Men have a sexist view? I do believe that women are just as bad, if not worse. Not all men feel that a person with great legs or a pretty smile is suited for the Senate. We, men as a whole, are not that shallow. Saying that we are... wait for it...... is sexist. Go figure.

A name qualifies no one. Having a law degree doesn't qualify you. Who am I to say if she is or isn't qualified since there are no real qualifications (although I did laugh at the comment about having a criminal record). Filling a Senate seat shouldn't be left to one man or woman to decide. It needs a public vote. Give the public what they ask for and they have to live with it.

I would just like to see her appointed to see how many republicans take a bridge.

She didn't even vote for the position in the last election. Her primary function in the Senate is casting votes, yet she has not demonstrated the capability to do so in a general election where it is voluntary much less a primary job function.

When questioned on it she said she was shocked and appalled. she didn't even seem to know she hadn't voted or was it she was shocked and appalled that someone would question a Kennedy?

I'm a woman, an Independent, not a Kennedy hater and she is not qualified for the job. I was supporting her until she did her interviews with the press. She needs to go back to her private life and leave the politicking to her cousins. Caroline is her mother's daughter despite the fact she looks like the Kennedys. A senate appointment at this time in our country's history needs to go to someone who can hit the ground running. Kennedy cannot even complete a sentence without "you know." All that expensive education and life opportunities and that's the best she can do?

Aren't we all tired of the expectation that anyone named Kennedy is automatically qualified? Get real............ it's not like Ted has made any real contributions to society, and let's not go back too many years or we'll all get off on another rant about his antics.

BTW, Sherrol, the fact that she's qualified to hop in the sack with me, doesn't lead me to believe she's quailfied to be a Senator, so keep your chauvinistic comments to yourself.

It doesn't matter if she is qualified or not.....she supported Obama endlessly thus is owed a favor by him.

Boy....he is runnin out of jobs to give away

I suspect that if Caroline Kennedy would only wink and blink... and give them a few "you betchas"... men would be a little more inclined to support her! But no, this woman is well qualified and supports the issues of Clinton and Obama.... God forbid we should give her a chance! What they are looking for is Barbie Doll who simpers, smiles coyly and who will show her ignorance by doing whatever she is told!

Kennedy will be a serious contender in the political scene. It's in her blood and the males out there know it!

I'm a woman, and I don't think she's necessarily the best candidate for the Senate seat.

Caroline has done a lot of the same things I've done over the years- served on boards & committees & commissions, etc. However, above that I've also served a couple of terms to elected office (City Council), and I've worked in the political scene off & on for close to 35 years, and I've run two different non-profits as executive director, and I ran my own restaurant business at one point. And guess what?? I sure wouldn't consider myself qualified to be a U.S. Senator.

Just having the Kennedy name and the Kennedy money doesn't necessarily make you a qualified candidate for the Senate.

Sweet Caroline...

We just elected a president with minimal experience so what does that have to do with anything. This woman is a flyweight who has never held a real job and gets by on her family name. She is an absolute joke. If she wants to be in politics she should run at the bottom and work her way up. But what the heck, New Yorkers voted for Ms Clinton and she had no experience and didn't even live there.

News flash I am a man and I support Kennedy. But I am from Maine so it doesn't matter. Why don't you ask the people from New York? They are the ones she will be serving>

"IF THE IDEA IS TO PICK THE BEST CITIZEN,
SHE DOESN'T EVEN DO THE MINIMUM , VOTE !!!"

southern Belle I bet you voted for Bush HEHEHEEHE!

Since women tend to vote Democratic more than men, this poll is meaningless without looking at whether there is a difference between Democratic men and women. In any event, SHE IS NOT QUALIFIED, and if her last name were Smith the polls would show that overwhelmingly.

Considering all the incompetent Senators already serving, you've gotta accept the possibility that the opinion of the average voter, regardless of gender, is wrong.

Lets see Bush became the president without any qualificatons. Oh now I remember, he became the worse president of all time and the most hate. A man that one day should go straight to the Hague for his crimes against humanity.
CK will be a much better politician that is for sure. GO CK!!

As a former resident of NY state I recognize there are plenty of other more qualified women. Better to appoint the most qualified person, man or woman. If the senatorial seat needs to be filled by a woman to satisfy some demographic group, then select someone with experience as an elected official and a proven track record.

Chosing someone who has not even taken the time to consistently vote as a citizen sends the wrong message. The Kennedy name and all the politicing in the media is not enough to make up for that. Caroline is not qualified, let her first get some experience in a smaller elected office. that is is f she has the time and dedication to actually run for office.

Experience has never been a qualification for the America system. Isn't it obvious??

You need more than a name to be qualified. Or maybe its just another big name blow hard trying to run our lives. Show us your real qualifications, oh thats right you dont have any

I think she's qualified. I just don't think she should be handed something solely because of her last name. Gov. Paterson should appoint someone qualified who has actually had the courage to put their name on the ballot before. If Caroline Kennedy wants the seat she can run in the primary in 2010.

Lisa V Wrote

"Interesting. . . considering most men are gaga over Palin. We ol' gals know what men really see as "qualifications.""

Do you mean her last name.

If people think she is qualified while at the same time against Palin then they are hipocrits and are just looking out for thier party not the people of this country.

she's more qualified than most senators that are already in office.

Caroline Kennedy is not participating in a Senate "run." If she were "running" for Senate she'd compete in 2010.

why would a person need experience with Capitol Hill procedures when all they need do is pick up a phone and say "Uncle Teddy, I need ... done, thanks". I'm sure "Uncle Teddy" would be ther for her.

Get over it. Caroline is just as qualified as senators who are actively serving in the senate. Tell the politicians to get over themself. Just because you have been a politician for 20 years does not make you qualified to do the job. It is time for change. Go CAROLINE.

Why the concern over Caroline Kennedy's qualifications to be a senator? We elected an unqualified man to be president.

Carolyn Kennedy has no experience in public office. It is audacious of her to think that she is qualified. She is no more qualified than I but I don't have a famous name so no one would take me seriously if I tried to be a senator without experience. Therefore, I don't take her seriously. If she wants to be in politics, she needs to start at the bottom and learn the ropes.

Was this poll taken before or after we all heard her eloquent interview you know. She is dumb as you know a a Post!

My criteria; intelligent, ethical, honest, quick learner, common understanding of how Washington works. I am pretty sure Kennedy has all of that and then some.

Alot of people throughout American history have decided to run for public office. Many had no experience. Take sometime and review a few of them.
Polls have also been known to be wrong. Again,take a look at a few of them.
Who among us is realy in the judge seat to say yes or no ,to her "wish" to be selected for the "opportunity "to serve the public?

If George W. was qualified to be president of this Country then Caroline Kennedy should be qualified enough to be a senator.

Who cares? This is a matter for New York residents not the nation so national polls are worthless! There is way to much actual news out there CNN...go chase it!

Caroline Kennedy is about as qualified for that Senate seat as Obama is for the Leader of the Free World. (Which is, *cough* the fact he's not qualified at all!) He's not even a natural born citizen for heaven's sake!

We need a president who can lead this nation through times of crisis, prosperity, and remain loyal to our roots. Which I why I say....PALIN TWENTY TWELVE!

By the way, I'd like to make a comment about President Bush. As the First Lady and Secretary of State said, time will tell how great of a leader our president is. Everybody always talks about his so called "mistakes"–and criticizes him for no reason. Nobody EVER mentions the great things he's down for this country and the world. He's fighted AIDS more than any other president, he's had to deal with terrible natural disasters, and helped our nation recover after 9/11.

I am very proud to say I am one of that 25% that is happy with our president.

Gov. Palin was elections and wasn't appointed to her position as Governor. She was appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas commission but resigned when she informed the sitting Governor at the time of the corruption that was going on and he refused to do anything about it. She then ran against the Governor in an election and won! Don't insult Gov. Palin by attempting to compare Caroline Kennedy-whatever her last name is to someone who actually worked for what she has achieved.

I should point out that women were not backing Palin over Hillary. Palin wasn't in the race until nearly two months after Hillary dropped out. They were never running at the same time.

I am curious as to what she has done that make folks think she is even remotely qualified. Coming from a political dynasty doesn’t make one qualified. While folks knock Hillary Clinton and paint her with the same brush as Kennedy, these folks have short memories. Hillary Clinton was very involved in policy debates during her husband’s presidency and is well known as a policy wonk. Comparing her to Kennedy does Senator Clinton a disservice. Like her or not, folks have to admit she has been very involved in American political life for a long time. Caroline Kennedy on the other hand has shied from political life, until now when a very popular president elect is about to take office and the path for any Democratic Senator looks like it will be an easy one.

She has many things going for her. First, she is the Obama candidate. Second, Dave Patterson does not want to be on record as the man who said NO to the last of the camelot. Even other candidates, such as Cuomo do not want to anger the Democratic establishment for prevailing over St. Caroline. Is she qualified? Hell No! She is not in league with Clinton or even St. Sarah!!

Sweet Caroline......good times never seems so good!

At least Hillary spent more than 90 minutes in upstate New York before trying to say she was qualified. Oh and by the way as much as I didn't vote for Hillary, she won an election to acheive her Senate seat. She didn't demand she be appointed.

Count me with the other women. Of course, Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be New York's Senator.

As a guy I say she is more then qualified. Also I can't believe anyone would deny her the chance to be Senator. She has proven many time over her commitment to the people. she could have done anything else with her life like make more money as a CEO or upscale Lawyer but she decided much like Obama to work for the people. We need more people like her in the Senate not more of the power hungry divisive type we now have in both parties. If after 2 yrs New Yorkers don't like her then they can vote her out but give her a chance because she will deliver for the people not only for New York but for us all.

"But Uncle Teddy I want that Senate seat. I'm entitled. After all you traded on my dad's name all these years, how it's my turn."

Caroline Kennedy has admitted to only ever casting ONE vote for any office in her entire life, and it was for the city counselor in her area. She's admitted to never voting for her presidential pick, she's never voted for a senator, she's never voted for a congressman. THAT says something ladies and gentleman.

If you don't believe me, look it up.. I kid you not people. This woman is not a responsible citizen, and therefore is not qualified to be senator for goodness sake.

To all the repubs saying Kennedy is not qualified, Caroline would be such a "breath of fresh air" which was a valid qualification for repubs VP candidate.

At least Caroline's damage would be restricted by the fact she is only one of 100 and not a heart beat away from being the leader of the largest democracy on the planet.

Have we arrived at a place where YOUR NAME entitles you to an office?

What difference does it make what the rest of the country thinks whether Caorline Kennedy gets the job or not. The only person that gets to make that decision is the Govenor of New YorK and he answers to the people of New York State.

Hey Guys

What’s experience we elected George & Dick for two terms

Kennedy is at least as qualified as many of the candidates who have run for the Senate. She is well-educated, well-traveled, and intelligent. She can, and does, read newspapers and news magazines. She actually knows where countries besides Russia are.
As near as I can tell, the only reason people are saying she isn't qualified is because she's not part of the good ol' boy network. She hasn't yet learned how to attach pork barrel riders to bills. She hasn't yet learned how to cut deals in back rooms of the Senate building. She hasn't learned how to obstruct bills that don't serve her own political agenda to her liking. She sounds like a great candidate to me!

I don't believe she's qualified. If she's truly interested, she can run for the seat in 2010. It should not be handed to her because her daddy was a famous president.

Can we get back to having special elections to fill empty seats in Congress? This will make the candidates spell out how they will lead our country by campaigning. We the people should decide who is in office and not one person.

Yes, work experience is also important. However, if you think those House representatives from NY have a better work experience, you will have to look at what they have done with their golden opportunity. I am not impressed. I would rather pick a new person with new ideas.

Although Kennedy is not a new name, she has been out of public life for all her life while she was raising her kids. She represents new blood in the Congress, because she is new with a Kennedy name, which she has no choice.

What reason other than coming out for Obama, and having the last name Kennedy, makes her a candidate? She was in obscurity to the media really until she said her children got her enthused about Obama. So does this mean she feels she is owed the seat? Would she have run for the seat at any other time or for any other vacant seat when she found it not important enough to even vote herself? Seems like qualifications no longer stand for anything in this election as long as you have a name going for you.

Just because you are a Kennedy does not mean you should automatically have the right to hold any office. All politicians should have to work from the ground up, yes that means working at McDonalds and or Wal-Mart at minimum wage and support their families on that for at least 5 years Maybe that will put them intouch with real americans and their lives. Maybe then they will have something to think about when they approve their yearly pay increase

I VOTED FOR BILL TWICE.I DID NOT VOTE FOR HILLARY, BECAUSE

PRESIDENT-elect OBAMA DIDN'T SUPPORT THE IRAQ WAR.

& HE MADE A BETTER ARGUMENT FOR UNITY TO HILLARY'S

& BILL'S QUESTIONABLE CAMPAIGN TACTICS. I WILL HIRE THE

THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE FOR A JOB & WILL VOTE FOR

THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE,REGARDLESS OF

RACE, RELIGION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER.

MS. KENNEDY NOT TAKING THE TIME TO VOTE,IN MY HUMBLE

OPINION, SHOULD DISQUALIFY HER FOR THIS PUBLIC OFFICE.

Lisa V December 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET
Interesting. . . considering most men are gaga over Palin. We ol' gals know what men really see as "qualifications."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are correct and your use of 'most men' is much appreciated. Cheers.

Other than having the last name of Kennedy – what has she done? Caroline Kennedy is so underqualified – and this is what's wrong with our whole government! We put pretty people into office – and when it fails – we're all surprised.

While she has championed many good causes, I do not believe that because she is a Kennedy makes her "qualified". She should stick to what she does best – Champion good causes.

folks, do your research, she has been actively involved in NYs educational system for years and has raised over 60 million dollars for the children of NY. The only qualifications for the Senate are, "the will of the people"
on the voting issue, how many of you have voted in every single election...not just the presidential, every one...be honest with yourself!

Caroline is indeed qualified to be the senator from New York. She is extremely well educated..she is an author..she knows the ins and outs of politics, and she has spent her adult life helping the less fortunate.

Why is she being trashed...is it because of her name...or, is it because she is wealthy? This is so unfair. I hope the people of NY will take their blinders off and give Caroline the respect and support that she deserves.

who ever thinks she is qualified needs their head examined.

Can I be senator too?

There seems to be sexism involved here, previous active political experience has not seemed to make most of our current sentators that effective, maybe its time for another outsider who has shown concern for kids, education etc.

If her name wasn't Kennedy folks wouldn't be dumping on her.

Caroline will be an excellent senator – she is a brilliant woman.

Why is she even being considered? It is funny how with Palin, the left was up in arms about her qualifications. Now the same group is strongly supporting an unqualified person for the Senate.

Of course she is "qualiified" to be a senator. She is intelligent, well educated, politically aware of the issues, and willing to serve. In my view, she is better suited to the position than many who currently hold it. The fact that her name is Kennedy doesn't hurt, but that is not what qualifies her for the position. She will have two years to prove herself, and then the good people of New York can either retain her or move on with someone else.

She could never compare to Hillary.

Hillary campaigned for over a year, visited all 62 counties, gave countless interviews, knew EVERY issue, scared Guiliani out of the race, dominated in three televised debates (remember Ricky Lazio?) and was elected and re-elected in 2 LANDLIDE elections.

Nobody worked harder and nobody knew more than Hillary – New York's loss is Obama's gain.

@ matt, saltsman needs you to record another song to send to lush-oxycontin dumbaugh. Loser.

If you don't like any of the candidates then don't vote. You aren't forced to. Also, Matt, lord knows that douche-bag Palin is SO qualified for her job. OMG. And EVEN more qualified to be VP.

Do you suppose that Caroline is fearful that if she doesn't get this nomination, that she may be stuck with Teddy's seat when he finally retires?

If Bush was "allowed" to remain president and Palin was "allowed" to be on the failed GOP ticket (never properly vetted), then C. Kennedy qualifies to fill a soon-to-be-vacant Senatorial seat.

It's amazing that those who feel Hillary Clinton carpet-bagged herself into the Senate seem to be from outside NY State. I was born and raised in NYC and had the honor of voting for her to represent my views in the Senate. As I recall in Her last Senatorial run, almost 70% of New Yorkers voted for Hillary. I don't think they would call her a carpet bagger. Where else were they going to move to?
Now Caroline is another story. Where has she lived most of her life? You said where? Oh, New York. Each time I hear of all of the wonderful work Caroline has done for the Board of Education in NYC, I think to myself how hard she also worked to remain out of the spotlight. One cannot have it both ways. You cannot not vote and expect people to vote for you. And, it is not misogyny to support one women for the Senate and president and another women for the NY Senate seat and not support Caroline Kennedy. There are some highly qualified female congress members in New York that have earned that seat through their work, their commitment to New Yorkers. Caroline has done nothing compared to them. Some examples to google would include Carolyn Maloney, Nydia Velasquez, and Kirstin Gillibrand.

Men saying she shouldn't be Senator has nothing to do with her qualifications. If she was someone they felt comfortable fantasizing about, they'd be on the bandwagon to send her to Washington.

As much as I'd like to see more women politicians, Kennedy never suffered like a poor person. I'm sick of people born into rich families running things. Lets put some people who came from the streets.; Obama is a good example.

I believe and don't shoot me for saying this but men do tend to look at work experience and woman tend to over look that. Life experience plays an important part but work experience is better for certain positions and I believe work experience in this case should win out.

Just remember a big percentage of women wanted Palin over Hillary, which backs up my work experience over life experience theory. Even though we ALL know Hillary was FAR more qualified, women chose Palin because she has five kids.

Glad she's not in my state!

Look, like that other idiot who can see Russia from land, also, too, doesn't know what newspapers she reads or what Bush's doctrine is or know any other supreme court ruling besides Roe v Wade--she is not qualified, also, too, you betcha, also, too.

I don't think she's tough enough....Hillary was tough

@Lisa V an astute and unfortunately, probably an accurate explanation of why Palin was a hit with men and Caroline is not!

Thanks CNN for sensoring my comments again...
Hey I only have to live here in NY.

The senate seat is democrat,so it will remain democrat. Caroline K is the best candidate to fill that position. If Paterson picks someone else he be reelected, so we, the Obama people have the last word in New York, noone can deny that.
Be careful Mr. Governor don't be fool by the media. That is another way to combat Obama disciple Caroline Kennedy, so don't let them accomplish that.

Honesty should trump all cards in this day and age.She is qualified.What happened to Mike Connell and why did his plane run out of gas?

What are the "qualifications" to be a senator?
Lately it seems as if you deserve to have a criminal record, that's about all that's necessary.

Gender gap, huh? Not for me. I am a female, and I do not feel that Caroline Schlossberg is in any way qualified to be a US senator. She has never even had a job, for goodness sake. How can someone who has never had to work for a living possibly understand the needs of working Americans? Short answer, she doesn't. She has also said recently that if she is not appointed, she will not run in 2010. The only way you learn about the real needs of Americans and New Yorkers in particular is to get out and campaign. If you are unwilling to work for the job, why in the world should you get it? I think Mrs Schlossberg is disconnected from reality. I really do. Caroline, if you want the job, do what every other pol does. CAMPAIGN AND WIN THE VOTES. We do not love in a monarchy; we live in a democracy.

After reading an interview she gave very recently she doesn' think very highly of anyone but herself. She can't even tell reporters what made her decide to want to be a Senator. She told them she would think about it and get back to them. More like give her time to make up a touchy-feely story that wouldn't sound like she thinks she's entitled to the Sneate seat.

I still remember her as a kid saying goodbye to her father as the cason went by. However, she has tried to stay out of the public eye and suffered much, the death of her father, then her mother and then her younger brother all played out in the public eye. So, I understand her not wanting to be open with the press, but it does seem that she is not strong enough for the rough and tumble antics of politics or the public scrutiny. Plus, I think she is being pressured by her own family.

I think she would be better off working in the background on the Obama team by bringing some of her past eductional fund raising and expertise to the table. Of course, that could just be that this old man wanting to be the "father" and protect her from the MSM, a bias not shared by younger folks.

She is more qualified than many sitting senators, folks. I am a man, too but wonder why men seem to think that someone with a law degree, who has worked most of her life defending the poor and needy, is not qualified to be a US senator. Sexism at play, pure and simple.

Typical of the democrats to choose someone because of their social ties and appearance instead of their ability.

Look at the President Elect for example....

Just because her last name is "Kennedy" it doesn't make her qualified....

I support Caroline Kennedy's bid to be Senator. She is as qualified as anyone else and I think she would make a good Senator.

To Jeff Spangler,

If I were to select a surgeon, I would indeed evaluate her education, her training, her experience performing the type of surgery I needed, and her board certifications.

However, elected officials are not surgeons. They are representatives of the political ideals, values, and policy goals of the people they represent. Unlike medicine, there are no particular graduate schools for Senators, senate "residencies", or boards for Senate candidate certification. The only qualification that a senator (or any elected official, for that matter) must have in a democracy is the will of the people to serve.

I have no doubt that Caroline Kennedy can adequately represent my interests as a New Yorker in the Senate.

Why do we need a national poll on Caroline Kennedy? Only New Yorkers should be asked their opinion on whether she is qualified.

Caroline Kennedy should not take things for granted. She might be a Kennedy, but is she fit to fill the shoes of Hillary Clinton?
Can we not fill the vacancy with a person that has no Kennedy name on his/her lapel?
I for one does not agree that because she is a Kennedy, she is well qualified for this vacant position.
So be it.

Like, you know, uhhhh, gag me with a spoon! You know.

It is disappointing that she hasn't voted in every election (I think that I have missed a few in the past 10 years - school boards). With that being said, the constitution only has the age and being a citizen requirement. I don't think that she isn't qualified. It is that people think that there could be more people who have more relevant experience that could help the state of NY which the person would represent.

Men have screwed up this country long enough.......I would like to see 53 percent of Congress made up of women, to match the population.

Now, watch CNN and see who is the "angriest....." in the crowds....
99 percent are men.

Men are hot headed, short fused, time to get more women in office to bring sanity to our country.

And yet a large majority of women thought that Palin was unqualified. A woman who ran for office and was a Governor. Clearly women define qualfications based on issues and not work experience. There is a difference between whether someone is qualified and whether you agree with the positions that person takes. Just another example of liberals (most women are liberals) refusing to accept that others may have differennt beliefs, and, that is OK.

What people are forgetting is the impact she made on NYC schools...
including that she secured much needed funding that enhaced and improved many schools. She is capable of working with people, she is intellectually capable to carry her own, and political swavy encough to move through the waters of rough sea in NYS politics.
I don't care that her last name is Kennedy...I think her ambitions alone is evidence she can handle this role and I personally, as a NYS citizen, would welcome her in this role.

Guess that means that the minority of Americans possess higher intelligence than the majority, and the majority of that minority are men.

The headline overplays the story - Surprise! Surprise!

There is a gender gap, but it is a minor one. 57% of women consider her qualified, 47% of men do too. Statistically this is a difference, but not an earthshaking one.

Sometimes (oftimes?) the media goes too far in making the nation sound more divisive than it really is.

she would be great. public service is commendable for someone who really doesn't have to. and it's better than some crook , who'd probably rather 'pay to play'. i dont understand why anyone would want to serve this nation with all the hate going on. america is really starting to suck.

Caroline Kennedy has ALL of the qualifications necessary to become NYS's next junior senator. She is a US citizen, she resides in NYS and she is over 30 years old. In addition, her public advocacy work shows us where she stands.

As far as being able to effecitvely represent our state, and the other superflous stuff, there is no other person right now, including state AG Cuomo, who as the 100th senator, would be even close to being able to command as much attention and potentially get as much done for NY as Ms Kennedy. Yes, most of it would be because of name recognition, but if she gets the job done for NY, then who cares whether or not she's previously held public office.

Dr. Mimi don't believe everything you read. Of course 'life experience' doesn't make her qualified to be a Senator. 1/2 these polls are just to make people start talking about it.

That said I need to do more research on her real work background before I say yes or no either way.

I'm a liberal but I admit to being automatically turned off that she is a Kennedy and appears to have an entitlement attitude in interviews.

What interests me about this poll is the fact that the ones we've elected aren't qualified to serve. Go figure.

She is not qualified. Plain and simple.

Caroline Kennedy is as qualified as any other first time candidate for senator. You have to start somewhere.

Has anyone set back and looked at Article 1, section 3 of the Constitution of the United States. It lays out the qualifications to be a Senator. Clause 3 of Section 3 states:

"No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."

Based on the Constitution, she is qualified. Does being a Kennedy automatically make the seat hers? Some believe that it should and I don't agree with that. From what the medial has given me privledge to I think that Governor Patterson should take a long hard look at who's going to take the seat and not what is being pumped up by the media.

She may be qualified to take the seat, as outlined by the Constitution, but that doesn't make her ready to take it by any means.

I am a woman and I agree with the men surveyed. Caroline Kennedy is the daughter of a popular president who was slain. The niece of a Senator running for president who was slain. The niece of a sitting Senator. How does that qualify her to be a Senator?

She herself said she only got involved in Obama's campaign because her children prompted her to do so. She then saw in Obama what she thinks people saw in her father. I was myself only 6 so I really don't know if there are similiarities but again this isn't qualifications to become a senator.

She cannot be compared to Hillary who frankly worked her butt off, running a great campaign and LEARNING the issues that New Yorkers were most affected by and doing everything she could to fix problems. I don't see that same drive in Ms. Kennedy.

I would say that since she hasn't even voted consistantly over the years, politics (despite her background) didn't really mean a whole hill of bean to her. She was more the socialite type woman (like her mother).

I suggest that if she is really interested in becoming a Senator she run in 2010.

The DNC has always been hard on women.

I don't think Caroline Kennedy should get the senate position because she is a Kennedy. A more experenice person should get the position and let her run and be elected if she wants the position. She is not qualified and I am a female.

Who needs experience?

Someone should not be considered for a job just because of their maiden name, who their father, brother, uncles, aunts are. That is about the lamest excuse there is to put someone in the senate. If this is what our country does, then it's no wonder we are in the mess we're in and BOY IS THAT OLD TIME POLITICS. Nepitisim to the fullest.

Interesting. . . considering most men are gaga over Palin. We ol' gals know what men really see as "qualifications."

Come on!!!

Who needs experience to be a politician?

We elected Barack Obama, didn't we?

I don't understand how so many people were (and many still are) excited about that dumb chick from Alaska... and these same people are struggling with Ms. Kennedy who is a far superior candidate – in any race for any kind of leadership. This shows just how flickle and superficial American voters are.

I wonder how many who think she is qualified know anything about her other than she is John F. Kennedy's daughter.

You know. Sarah Palin as a Democrat. You know.

I wouldn't select a physician who has "interesting diverse life experience" over a boring one with much more solid medical and diagnostic skills, so why should a Senator be any different? I believe the gender difference reflects an incompetence in evaluating relevant attributes for the work at hand, preferring instead to focus on strictly irrelevant but "touchy-feely" distractions. What else is new?

IF THE IDEA IS TO PICK THE BEST CITIZEN,

THEN SHE DOESN'T GET CLOSE TO QUALIFYING.

SHE DOESN'T EVEN DO THE MINIMUM , VOTE !!!!

I GUESS SHE HAS SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

BY NOT VOTING. SHE IS A GREAT CITIZEN ????

The men should just be honest... it's pure misogyny! If Caroline had a Y chromosome, the boys would be overwhelmingly in support of her. I think she'll make a great senator, especially after selfish Hillary.

I AM SURPRISED THAT 57% OF WOMEN THINK

A FUTURE US SENATOR NEEDN'T VOTE.

GO FIGURE !!!

Only her name qualifies her. Of course, this is the same state that elected Clinton when she carpet-bagged herself into the Senate. Name recognition matters more than substance, I guess. Thats sad.