CNN

Caroline Kennedy is no less qualified than Sonny Bono's widow, Gopher from Love Boat, the guy from Law & Order, or Hillary Clinton herself when she ran. She has better understanding of the Constitution than most sitting Senators. If this were her brother or her cousin Bobby Jr, both of whom were interested in the seat at one time, nobody would be making any stink about it. Its a sad commentary that raising children and charitable works hold so little value.

She would make a good Senator. She would have to run for election in 2010 and part of the decision is can she raise campaign funds for the elections – which she certainly can.

Interesting that Caroline Kennedy's uneducated comments are being overlooked-while Sarah Palin, who is much more capable, was blasted all over the place by the media.

I find it completely pathetic that she is being considered for Senator Clinton's seat. She has absolutely no qualifications for being a Senator except her name and money raising ability. It seems to me that none of this is change but more of the same. She is getting compensation for coming out in the primary to endorse Barack. I voted for Barack and am excited to see what he will do but this is ridiculous. Caroline wasn't qualified to be on the Vice President vetting team let alone in the Senate. I hope Andrew Cuomo will be given the opportunity since he is the one who has earned the appointment and is a good democrat. I really don't think the good people of New York will vote her in in 2010. It really seems a little slimy.

Silver finally saw the light!! If he doesn't want to be kneecapped and lose his political status and maybe lose his reelection, he has now decided that Caroline Kennedy is the right selection after all. Smart move on his part.

She hasn't earned the position. What about Andrew Cuomo who has paid his dues–she hasn't done anything but been born a Kennedy!

Some on the right have a short memory.

1. All this talk about "dynasty", you do realize that HRH Bush was annointed by the Supreme Court, now that is truly a dynasty.

2. Both Kennedy and what's her face are both qualified according to the Constitution and those are the only valid qualifications. Kennedy is much more intelligent than the half-wit, the twit was a journalism major(and if you think that takes a mental giant, check out the misspellings on all these thread from CNN) and Kennedy is a lawyer.
And last but not least, Gidget was appointed by one man the Geezer.

So, stop the blanket statements that Kennedy is not qualified, but debate intelligently, say what skills you believe she has that is lacking.
and give an example, such as Kennedy cannot field dress a moose...

Facts about Caroline Kennedy-

1) She went to law school but never represented a client. The constitutional law book she "wrote" was largely written by someone else.

2) She is a very poor public speaker.

3) She was too bashful to call Gov. Paterson and ask for the appointment.....she had someone else do it!

4) She is you know, very unsure of herself in public, you know.

5) She is a fund raiser, because of the curiosity factor that goes with her. She's JFK's daughter, so people want to see her. Which means she's a celebrity, like Dane Cook or Kathy Griffin.

It's true that some private citizens would make good Senators without any political experience. But Caroline Kennedy isn't one of those. If she's qualified to do the job because of who her father was, then Jenna Bush should run for Senate someday, right? Her father was President for a lot longer than Caroline's was!

The only reason I can see her name still being out there is that the gov of NY doesn't want anyone to know that he was pulling a "Blago".

I am sure this would have been done by now and money would have changed hands if the Blago thing not happened.

I don't think Kennedy deserve the seat.. Palin is more qualified she' a been a mayor and governor.. So please no place for on job training.. Thnks!

Caroline Kennedy will make a wonderful senator and is the person for the job........

Caroline Kennedy's successes (law degree from a prestigous university, books published/recognized) are a result of the Kennedy name. Many, many folks in NY equal and far exceed her in abilities and real accomplishments. A real shame that it boils down to who can raise more money for upcoming elections.

If she is appointed by Governor Paterson, Kennedy will bring with her a strong educational background, a rich cultural background, a global perspective, a female perspective, a New York perspective, a mom perspective, and a bit of that "outsider" perspective vs. being simply Washington "insider." I agree with Speaker Sheldon Silver. A great choice.

Jim Jam January 1st, 2009 10:10 pm ET

The Democrats don't have a version of Sarah Palin, Thank God for small favors!

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In a way you happen to be right your party does not have any one in it that is as Honest hard working and a true conservative as she is.

You could only dream of having someone like her in your silly good for nothing party.

Women who were so supportive of a unqualified Sarah Palin are
noticeably quiet when it comes to a qualified Caroline Kennedy.
What hypocrites.

When you find yourself being measured, not by how good you are, but by how little you screw up. This becomes a problem.
Palin found herself in this situation, because of the media's effort to take her down. Caroline is doing it on her own.

I think Caroline Kennedy would be the greatest senator we've ever had in the US Senate. Ever. Ever ever. You know?

AND, where is my comment? CNN is up to its usual CENSORING! Where is the so-called Freedom of Speech in America?

GO CAROLINE!!!

As a person voted democratic since i've been voting, I do not think its fair that Caroline Kennedy name is the only name floating around. I believe there are many qualified community representives out there in new york who has been visual in the community. I believe she will only be appointed because of her name. If I where a New Yorker I would be more furious about her possibe appointment. What about a person of color? ???????? We are qualified.

LM, excellent commentary – I concur.

For all of you who think you sound so intelligent by listing the Constitutional requirements for state senate -- DUH! The rest of us, oddly enough, are aware of this. The point is there are literally millions of people (i.e., every American citizen of New York who has reached their thirtieth birthday) who meet those qualifications. The question is, Can Caroline offer more to the people of New York than any of the other applicants? Not, Can she offer more to the DNC or the Mayor or the Governor, etc. Which candidate offers the most to the people? After all, you could pull a drunk off the street in Manhattan to meet Constitutional requirements. Our founding Fathers actually expected their posterity to think a little bit. (That's why those are called MINIMAL requirements)

Kennedy will continue Hilliary's legacy of doing NOTHING for New York State.

This is a joke – another elitist entitlement spoiled brat wants credibility.

It just shows that this Governor doesn't take the Senator seat seriously.

I think it will be a shame if Ms. Kennedy is given this office. Her failure to remain neutral in the democratic primary has tarnished her image to many democrats, as it should. If she wants Sen. Clinton's office, let her run for the office, just as those before her have. If the people of New York elect her, then she's earned it. Otherwise, she has not.

Ms. Kennedy is part of the new American royalty, which basically consists of moneyed, power hungry carpet-bagging bs artists aka politicians.

At a time like this in our country's history, after the neo-cons have destroyed our economy, killed our children in an unjust invasion/occupation of a country that did nothing to us, extinguished our world beacon to peace and freedom, of course we need this visionary to rekindle the spirits of John & Bobbie and restore America;s greatness.

You go, girl !

What a joke!

This woman is the liberal-democrat version of Sarah Palin!

And the next star of SNL! Tina Fey is warming up the act right now.

WHAT A BUNCH OF JERKS. SHE IS NO MORE QUALIFIED TO BE A US SENATOR THEN A CEMENT BLOCK. YOU DEM. RANTED ABOUT SARAH PALIN?????????????? I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW CROOKED
POLITICS IN NY ARE . HOW MUCH ARE THE KENNEDYS PAYING PATERSON AND SILVER FOR THIS DEAL????????

Might as well give them Kennedys crowns !!

I can't see why people don't want Caroline for the job.
She is as smart and as qualified as any of the other people that want it.
Caroline may not have the gift of speech that others have, but I find that not a bad thing.
I get tired of people who talk more than they produce.
New York would be better with her there for many reasons.
Give her a chance to do the job.
Don't hold her wealth against her.

Is this the best that we have? Surely there is someone more qualified. Look beyond the name people!!! A famous last name coupled with a sense of entitlement still equals zero. At least Clinton was elected. If Princess Caroline wants the appointment, I would suggest that she start voting and taking more of an interest.

Come on, people! Please, do us all a favor and read a biography
of Caroline Kennedy and all that she has accomplished so far.
Not to mention the political upbringing she has experienced from her hard-working family members before her. This has been a wealthy family, right, but can anyone refute that they could have sat on their millions and been perfectly happy not to risk their lives (and in some cases GAVE their lives) to try to make America a better nation?

I agree with the person who said we need to bond together to make this nation great again! I respect everyone's opinion, and it's good to discuss it calmly and intelligently, and listen to each other's views. However, let's all be more respectful and be sure to READ and LEARN more about EACH AND EVERY CANDIDATE before we open our mouths and make criticizing comments which just aren't true!

And, we can't forget–to be thankful that we live in this great nation
that allows us to do so!!

It's all about money! The Kennedy name has been losing ground for some time. The dynasty is dying... which ultimately translates to lost revenue. They would not support Hillary because the Clinton name was becoming too powerful. They supported the inexperienced candidate for president that they now hope to control!

The Democrats don't have a version of Sarah Palin, Thank God for small favors!

That what I love about you conservative Republicans, the mean, hateful, spiteful, mean spiritness.........what a laugh I've had reading your muck, you might want to go to church twice Sunday

Why should this Cu*t ge the seat ? Besides her family, what does she have to offer ? I can't believe she is just pretty much going to be appointed just because of her name...What a douche bag !

Surely the state of New York has someone qualified to take this senate seat. C Kennedy hasn't even voted in the last few elections. Does anyone think that she's supposed to be abreast of the issues? I know she has deep pockets, but we need people in the senate that know what they're doing. By the time she figures out what's going on, her term will be over. This is ridiculous.

SEXISM IS ALIVE AND WELL...

Please women, continue to submit thoughtful, insightful input regarding CK who is also intelligent, hardworking, and most likely a woman with integrity, grace, and wisdom.
The name calling of "two bit housewife,:" prissy stuck up witch"is merely the lack of anything reasonably intelligent to say.

Wouldnt it be a good idea for Princess Kennedy to maybe start out as a Mayor and then maybe a governor, that would at least make her more qualified...you know...oops that doesn't make you qualifed...just write a check Princess Kennedy to Blago...and go be a senator in Ill. HA...stupid libs!

Mrs. Kennedy is probably not ready to be Senator, but she should work on her public speaking skills. Also, I don't think the Cathloic church agrees with her views on gay marriage.

Hi my name is Princess you know Kennedy Wink wink and I wrote a book and I was inspired to want to do something so I you know wink wink you know want to be a senator you know wink wink...Sarah Palin...Princess Kennedy...you know wink wink...Joe the Plumber should be a senator too he wrote a book...you know!

like everyone else, I'm appalled that she could simply walk in, hop to the front of the line, and get the nomination not on merit, but purely by her last name. Utterly disgusting and I certainly hope that isn't the case but fear its already certain. A perfect example of wealth influencing politics and cronieism

I don't think so.

I feel she would make for a wonderful Junior Senator. Senator Kennedy has the accumen to do what is right, she has the thrength and courage to buck the trend and most importantly she knows how to lead.

For the Governor, give us this winner.

I am amazed at the single mindedness of most of your comments about Caroline Kennedy. What do you folks think this woman has done for the last 50 years Sit on her behind and accomplished nothing? She is married, raised children, ran a house, donated millions of hours to civic and charitable works. And, while that may not be in the political arena, it is work in our communities that people like you and me never do. So, I for one appreciate all her donated time and effort and feel that it, as much as anything anyone else has done, makes her qualified to be a Senator from the State of New York. If she fails, she will not be elected. Give her a chance.

@messiah watch

If it is Bill, will you be jealous?

Not being from New York it does not matter to me, but it appears that most on this thread that say she is not qualified are not familiar with the inner workings of politics. Her surname being Kennedy will open more doors for her in the policitical arena than the name of anyone else that could possibly be appointed. even as the junior Senator. Those opportuniites would all be for the state of New York's benefit. She is also a lawyer so she knows the legal ropes.

I would think twice before dismissing her IF you are from New York.

What is this with comparing Caroline Kennedy and Sarah Palin?????Caroline Kennedy is a rich housewife/mother who doesn't vote, and Sarah Palin is a governor. Give me a break....the people who rant against Sarah Palin sound like a bunch of high schoolers and equally so when you gushing over a woman who barely can pull a sentence together, you know, you know?

It is an obscenity if this two bit housewife is appointed to the Senate.This woman has absolutely NO QUALIFICATION for a senate appointment. She is a worthless prissy little stuck up witch who should be hosting a tea party or whatever these self rightous trust fund miscreants do with all their spare time.

You can' t even begin to compare Kennedy with Palin. Her public speaking needs work, but she is intelligent, ( publishing books on constitutional law is not for the lightheaded. and by the way, this is an appointment, not an election. She can continue to do the work of her uncle Edward Kennedy. Most of the comments are the same old complaint about her having a famous family.. whatever, so I chalk that up to more sexist attitudes and petty concerns.
being a senator is not like a VP position. And I bet she will overcome her lack of experience pretty quick.
Mothers put their careers on hold and she is now stepping in to her life work. How many Bushes were in office?

Caroline Kennedy as the appointment to the Senate is an absolute joke.

Just as qualified as Hilary was when Hilary was elected.

Caroline is a brilliant scholar and a lovely person. She will serve the people of her district very well.

If your Daddy was once a president, does that qualify you to be a senator or a president too? Look at George W. Bush.

Typical Democrats,the country and or the people are never the first concern ,it's always all about politics.

Caroline Kennedy, law degree. Sarah Palin, no degree. This is a no brainer.

To Gene- what language was that, man? You feelin' OK?
To everybody in NY- chill, OK? At least she's not Al Franken.

Yet one more reason for people to believe New york is a joke (It is and I live here)

think Caroline would be a great Senator for New York State. She is highly intelligent, an attorney, and has superior knowledge of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Like it or not, money and powerful connections get things done in politics, and Caroline has those also. Hilary has been an enormously popular and effective Senator and she hadn't ever held office before.
======================================================
Leah, are you even from New York State? Hillary has not done anything even CLOSE to what she promised in order to get elected to the Senate for upstate New York. From what I saw of Caroline's "tour" to upstate a couple of weeks ago (about 30 minutes each in Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo), it would be more of the same...

When Hillary ran for Senator of New York she had no political experience, only a name. Now we have another individual with no politcal experience, only a name seeking that seat.

Really doesn't make a difference in a state full of morons anyway-(see Mike,Syracuse NY)

Betty Murphy January 1st, 2009 8:17 pm ET

There are three qualifications for senator mentioned in the Constitution:
1. over 30 years old
2. a citizen of the U.S. for the past nine years
3. a resident of the state to be represented for a minimal amount of time prior to the election (or appointment)
________________________________________________

Betty, I am sorry but this argument is really terrible. According to your argument there are probably 6 million "qualified" candidates. Voters should expect that a person has a record of actual accomplishment in competitive, real-world endeavors that distinguish them from the average. Graduating from college and law school are great but what has she accomplished that many thousands of others have not. Considering the advantages of wealth and position she was born with, I think she is something of an underacheiver. What distinguishes her from the many thousands of people with equal accomplishments who will not be appointed?

I get madder every time I think about it.

The 'appointment' should go to a candidate who at least wouldn't be afraid to go to the voters and seek the privilege...
Caroline has said she would not do this.

No way, no how, NO CAROLINE!

Go Woman!

Caroline, you'll make a wonderful Junior Senator from the great State of NY. One who has lived in the State for all of her life with the exception of her time as a youngster in the White House while her Dad served as President and gave his life in service to his country!

You, my dear, are more than qualified to be Senator and you will do an excellent job representing the State of NY!

Thank you for your service, Caroline. As your Dad once said: Ask not what your country can do for you? But, what you can do for your country!

Republicans of the "Grand OLD Party" are simply going nuts at the mention of a Kennedy continuing in the Tradition of Service to their country.

Best wishes, Caroline!

Go Woman!

Caroline, you'll make a wonderful Junior Senator from the great State of NY. One who has lived in the State for all of her life with the exception of her time as a youngster in the White House while her Dad served as President and gave his life in service to his country!

You, my dear, are more than qualified to be Senator and you will do an excellent job representing the State of NY!

Thank you for your service, Caroline. As your Dad once said: Ask not what your country can do for you? But, what you can do for your country!

Republicans of the "Grand OLD Party" are simply going nuts at the mention of a Kennedy continuing in the Tradition of Service to their country.

Best wishes, Caroline!

Politics for sale. That is the summation of the Democratic party today. They sold the nation Barack Hussein Obama and now they are trying to sell Caroline Kennedy. Well, when a party is driven by opinion polls instead of principle, this is the outcome. Obama is the answer to "white guilt" in our society. He is a media creation who neither has the ability nor the intellect to be president. Caroline Kennedy can't get rid of her verbal tick, doesn't vote, and has no political experience whatsoever...so let's make her a senator. You Democrats have the brains of neanderthals.

Caroline Kennedy in the greatest speaking and deliberative body in the world????

Y' know?

Caroline Kennedy is the Democrats version of Sarah Palin, neither has any qualifications for the postions they seek.

The politically inexperienced can be elected, but should NEVER be selected by a government official without public say! This is a joke, right???

I don't have a problem with Ms. Kennedy RUNNING for a Senate seat.
I have a problem with her REFUSING to do so, as she has said.

She is essentially relying on her family name and influence (emphasis on INFLUENCE) to conveniently be appointed a US legislator, blatantly demonstrating a lack of both COURAGE and LEADERSHIP– two QUALITIES I deem essential for anybody being paid tax dollars to serve our Country and I don't care what her educational background is... Bush went to Yale, for petes sake.

This 'appointment' should never happen. If it has to be a giveaway, good lord, at least give it away to someone who would not be afraid to stick their neck out there and seek the taxpayers' votes.

She is pathetic!!!! I used to be a Kennedy fan, but, not lately, at all.

What's with Caroline Kennedy anyway? Seems like she never forged her own identity out of the shadows of her family heritage.

Let's be honest here. The only reason this woman's name came up is because of her family, and that isn't a good reason to appoint anybody to any position.

I think Caroline would be a great Senator for New York State. She is highly intelligent, an attorney, and has superior knowledge of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Like it or not, money and powerful connections get things done in politics, and Caroline has those also. Hilary has been an enormously popular and effective Senator and she hadn't ever held office before.

Some of these comments are mean-spirited and share no context to the story line. Shouldn't we think positive thoughts as we embrace a new year? Okay, I agree that Caroline Kennedy has no political experience but based on the Constitution, as paraphrased below, she is indeed "qualified". I can't help but wonder if she were a man, would there be as many men and women questioning her ability. Caroline could turn out to be an outstanding senator, should Patterson appoint her. Just because someone appears to be shy does not mean they cannot be proactive and agressive. I believe she has a strong work ethic and I also believe she is an individual of integrity, and that's more than I can say for many of our elected officials.

Qualifications
Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution sets three qualifications for senators: 1) each senator must be at least 30 years old, 2) must have been a citizen of the United States for at least the past nine years, and 3) must be (at the time of the election) an inhabitant of the state they seek to represent.

This is ridiculous – the woman would not even get a mention were it not for her name. This is the best candidate that the state of NY can produce?

There are three qualifications for senator mentioned in the Constitution:
1. over 30 years old
2. a citizen of the U.S. for the past nine years
3. a resident of the state to be represented for a minimal amount of time prior to the election (or appointment)

Caroline Kennedy meets all of those qualifications. She is highly educated. She is a lawyer and co-author of books on the Constitution.
She has made herself an expert on education by workiing on behalf of the NYC Public Schools for the last several years. She is the daughter of a president. What more can you ask? It is not required that someone have held elective office before becoming a senator.

Give the woman a break. We need her wisdom.
The person who mentioned a face lift should be ashamed. How shallow can you get?

Are you kidding me? Has this woman ever worked a single day in the real world in her life? What could she possibly have in common with the silent majority of Americans? Better, what is it she feels she can and will contribute to America in solving the [many] problems even our veteran politicians have placed on the back burner. This candidate for Senate is a perfect example of why we cannot move forfard as a nation. What is in a name?

Why not Caroline Kennedy? So she doesn't have thirty years legislative experience. And look at all those people in Washington who do. They voted for that $700 billion dollar bailout where it seems no one knows where the money has gone really. And no one will get prosecuted for the corruption either. Maybe a whole new Congress with people with little to no experience in corruption is what we need...

How can Roland Burris be denied a senate seat while Caroline Kennedy is deemed qualified? It's incredible.

Why not give Caroline Kennedy a shot at the Senate? She can't possibly be any worse than the ones that are currently in the Senate. She might actually do something good for the people of NY.

Hey good ole boys. Something about putting a woman in charge just shouldn't be done. Right you Southern Repubs. I still believe the South is racist and that is way the South always votes Republican.

Go Caroline. You're the best.

An intelligent, educated, decent person wants to serve our country and
so many of you sound so evil and jealous. Some of you were negative about Hillary when she first ran for the senate. Why don't you just see how you may be able to help the great state of New York?
I hope Caroline gets the job. No one knows everything. You learn as you go. I believe she will do a wonderful job. I certainly do not believe
she would have requested it wighout thinking it through. What's the
matter, you think she may move on and run for president next? We
are still looking for that first wonam president. I heard some of you
out there said you would not vote for Hillaary for president because she is a woman. Let's move forward, pleeease.

Appointing the candidate to fill the vacancy for US Senator from NY is the perrogative of Governor Patterson alone.

Though levels and types of public service experience in the pool of contenders for the position is diversified, none of them have previous "EXPERIENCE AS A US SENATOR' as was the case with Senator Hillary Clinton a few years ago. Hillary was well-connected and "exposed" to American politics because she is the WIFE of a former US president. She was also highly educated (at one of America's most prestigious institutions of higher learning), an indication of her potential to learn the job of serving effectively and impressively as Junior Senator from her adopted state of New York.

Caroline Kennedy's education is no less impressive – she just chose to serve in different arena. Her exposure to politics is that she was born into a family that is one of the bastions of politics in America. Though they have had their struggles, scandals, tragedies, and truimphs, the Kennedy name is synomous with American politics and they have served with distinction. She is DAUGHTER of a former POTUS, the niece of Senators Ted and the late Robert Kennedy, cousin of the other Sen. Kennedy, sister to JFK, Jr., late publisher of the political Magazine "George," notwithstanding the political influences of her paternal grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy in early US politics. Caroline Kennedy's entire life is interwoven into the fabric of the American political scene – she is an intelligent woman who like Hillary Clinton has untapped abilities and potential.

The tragedy and circumstances of Mary Jo Kapachne's death took place some 40 years ago – Sen. Ted Kennedy would have long been freed had he served prison time for what (when the shoe is on the other partisan foot) a Republican senator refers to as "Youthful indiscretions."

People the only qualifications that a individiuals MUST have to be a Senator in this country are:

Be at 35 years old
Be a borned citizen of the United States

I think that Caroline meets both of this qualifications – I don't re call their being any additional qualifications. It does not state that one must have held any other political office, does not state that one must have been actively working in the political world. Their are millions of individiuals that work each and every day behind the scene making this country work – in fact, it is really the work of the unsung persons that make things happen – I think I read that she help raise millions of dollars to keep the Public schools afloat in New York City – millions of dollars that the people of New York State did not have to pay extra Taxes to address the problem. Think about it she was helping the common everyday people with education. She did not have to take her time and energy – she could have said let them be without.

Sometime many people put down someone without taking the time to know them

I don't think you folks "get" politics. Politics is the art of getting things done, of shepherding legislation written by office staff, of getting with your buds, and offering mutual backscratches. The woman has a law degree, and despite what folks imply, she's had a job, raised her kids, and gotten a lot accomplished without jumping up and down, at the same time if she isn't immune to the spotlight by now, there is no hope for the rest of us. Politics is the art of trading on who you are to get what you would like done. She's learned more about how politics works from her nursery, upbringing, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners than than many duly elected people from non-political backgrounds know after 30 years on the job.

Go give 'em heck, Caroline!

She is going to be the Sarah Palin of the Democratic Party – without the experience or charisma.

Sadly she will get the job. What this country needs is an experienced leader able to understand the serious issues.

Ssad day in america. Perhaps the NY Governor will make a better choice.

This whole thing is appalling. If I were an elected Democrat in New York I would be livid over this whole fiasco. Unreal.

People, go to the NY Governor website and email the Governor and express your opinion. You don't have to be a resident of New York – this is the UNITED STATES Senate we are talking about, and it affects all of us. As a native Illinoisan, I am not offended that those outside Illinois have opinions about our most recent political scandal.

I'm sure Obama is behind this and it is pay back for Kennedy's support during his campaign. But, it is not right, especially since we now know that Caroline kept quiet all these years because she didn't know anything. Any woman who has her kids decide who she should vote for, should not be in the senate. Will her kids tell her how to vote in the senate?

You know what? This is the same hateful and unfounded rhetoric that we heard about President Elect Obama..."he has zero credentials, he doesn't know this, he doens't know that, he's too young, yadda yadda yadda". Yet time after time he proved the naysayers wrong. He has shown that he is an excellent manager and administrator, he has good ideas, knows how to surround himself with smart/strong people and has the support of the people! Caroline Kennedy is well educated, she is an attorney, as are most Senators, she has been an advocate for the cause of education and other issues all of her life and understands the rough and tumble of politics. AND she has the support of people who actually live in the state. She IS qualified. Period.

One big name carpetbagger to replace another big name carpetbagger..........

This is a concern?

@NV, NYC 6:41 pm..........and I quote..........

"I don't want Senator who needs to be inspired to serve people of my state".
--------------------------------
You scare me, I don't quite get your statement. You don't want a Senator who needs to be inspired to serve??!!

How are most people 'called' to public office, aren't most inspired by something or someone and are then motivated into action?

Most people, including yourself, I should hope, get involved, get a job, go to school, get out of bed everyday because they are motivated to.

Inspiration usually equates to motivation!!

I find her a charming, intelligent and effective woman, and look forward with anticipation to her meaningful contributions to the incredible team PE Obama is building.

With hard work and grace from above, we shall rebuild this country and put it back on the road to success for all, prosperity for all, equality for all.

A Russian economist has predicted we will have a civil war and fall apart by 2010... I for one pledge to make this a better nation for all, in any and all that I may do, so this will never happen. All for one, one for all, one nation under God, let us joint together to build.

Do any of u people think that maybe the problems with the gov't today is that there are too many well-known, experienced politicians that have been around doing nothing? Maybe, just maybe Caroline, although well-known might actually do a great job, and help President-elelct Obama fix what Bush & his Smooth Criminal Party broke.

Paterson is crazy if he appoints Caroline Kennedy. It will be political suicide if he does. We DO NOT need another Kennedy in Congress.

I think it would be wonderful if she was appointed as Senator of New York. She has a law degree, has written several books that show she has better than superficial understanding of the functioning of the US government. She has the support and connections of politically savy family and SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF JOHN F KENNEDY. I remember when he was shot dead in front of our faces and I for one, want to see this last standing member of Camelot, come back and TAKE THE PLACE OF HER FATHER!!! Yes!! Run Caroline. Run. Be president if you can.

Mr. Silver doesn't seem to necessarily be supporting Ms. Kennedy's appointment. What he said (at least the way I read it), is that he will support her if she is fairly appointed.

It's the same as someone who voted for John McCain now saying they will support Barack Obama as president. They didn't support his election, but once fairly elected, they will support him, since he IS the incoming new president.

For all those who seem to think that Caroline Kennedy is not "qualified" to be Senator...well, many states would love to have her if New York decides they don't want her. She appears to be a thoughtful and intelligent woman who cares about people. Her educational background and family ties are only pluses as far as I can tell.

I'm glad so many people have the opportunity to express an opinion. I just wish some of them (here) were more thoughtful and intelligent. I would enjoy reading them if they were.

Carolyn Kennedy is a great choice. She is very bright, well educated, poised, mature, articulate, inspirational, and has a great foundation. We need to select people with potential as much as with experience. She should be given the opportunity. We need to look at the skills a leader possesses, one's character, and abilities.

i have no doubt she will be a good choice. People were ready to select Sarah Pallin, just because she had 18 months experience as a governor, and a mayor of a tiny town? The problem is that she did not have the potential to be a real leader. She did not have the intelligence, character, education, or certainly was not articulate. She did not have the potential or the skills to really lead in times of crisis.

Those pointing out that Kennedy is as qualified to be Senator as Obama is President are right. Let's learn from that mistake and not repeat it.

I agree Caroline Kennedy does not have enough experiance for this appointment; but what really troubles me is the bitterness in some of these comments. The last time I checked; Caroline has NEVER been involved in any major controversy in her life. Apparently simply utter the name Kennedy to some people is enough to send them frothing at the mouth. Some of these comments are disgusting!

I want to be Senator of New York. I am a citizen, old enough. I have no political experience to speak of. I do support other candidates and I vote.

Do I have the same opportunity as a Kennedy? In this great country founded on our most basic civic rights and freedoms, do I have the same opportunity to secure a powerful public office position as Caroline Kenned? We have become the very model of we fought against some 250 years ago.

I am a serf. I have no name, no real money, no connections, just common sense and a few ideas. Thusly, I have no hope, no chance, no opportunity.

**** the Kennedy's, **** the Clintons, **** the Bushes.

Off with their heads..........

I think Caroline Kennedy is more qualified than most people who decide to run for the senate. She has a law degree, a lifetime of familiarity with Washington politics, and a whole family of supporters and their political networks. She has the public service orientation of the Kennedy group, which I am immensely grateful for. And, last, but not least SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF JOHN F KENNEDY

This is such a farce. They let this stupid girl have a senate seat, but they refuse to let Roland Burris, a man of impeccable integrity and a long distinguished public service record take a seat?

This is why I'm an Independent – neither party has a lick of sense or any honor.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER – where is it?

I don't think Caroline Kennedy deserves this position, period. It's ironic that she wants to takeover Hillary Clinton's slot. When Kennedy was on Obama's VP search committee, she totally blew off Hillary Clinton. Clinton did not even make it to the VP short list. given that she campaigned hard and won a lot popular votes in the Primaries. Clinton sacrificed everything, including going into 30+ million dollars debt in pursuit of her dreams. Caroline Kennedy has never invested herself in any type of public service. So, why should she takeover the slot of the very same person she openly dissed and marginalized?

she doesn't even vote in her local elections. The senate is not a hobby.

So who does she have to blow to become Senator from New York ? Bill or Hill ?

America - get serious! How can a person be appointed without being qualified. This says very little for those that have worked hard, got an education, qualified for the job and once again, another person is appointed. No wonder, we are in the mess we are in. Take a good look at the Senate and Congress...13% approal rate and going lower. There should be an outrage if she gets appointed when so many are qualified in the State. What does this say..name carries more weight than qualification? We are in the mess right now because of "names" than being qualified. America, we must stop this. This is not right, not fair, and obviously, another unqualified person. Why are we allowing this......well no different from our next President. This County needs an overhaul. We will find in the future that qualifications mean little. So, we will get "little".

She is one smart lady, people always saying that she has no qualifications. Yes she was born with the silver spoon but i believe that she can make things happen. She never was in the mixs and she is an outsider, she will be open and get the job done for the people of New York.

People quit complaining. New York has always allowed popular, rich, well connected carpetbaggers move to the big Apple and take a Senate seat no matter what their qualifications.

Bobby (popular,rich) held the seat. This is what made the seat attractive to the unqualified first Lady (well connected) Hillary. It was available if you just moved to NYC.

At least Caroline lives in New York. She didn't move there to take the job.

Isn't her first loyalty to the people of New York?

SHE GOT WHAT SHE WAS PROMISED WHEN SHE ENDORSED BARACK OBAMA. GEE GUESS IT DOESNT MATTER THAT SHE USALLY DOES NOT VOTE. GUESS WHEN SHE IS A SENATOR SHE WILL JUST VOTE PRESENT.

Hmmm, I would have thought it better to pick the Teacher of the year in New York? You know, So, I guess this means the You know, Sarah Palin You know, is good to go in 4 years, you know, um, you know, stupid libs...

I live in OHIO. Who cares?

Nobody outside of NY and the fawning, toady media.

She has no experience, just a name. I have more experience working with people, buinesses and maintaining budgets than she does, but I 'm missing the famous name...

In loving memory of RFK. I wish you get an opportunity to serve at his old seat. Show them what you have and run again in 2010.
Good luck.

Ewww.....her sense of entitlement makes me sick.

She (Kennedy) said, that she was not interested in politic before her children pointed out about this new candidate for the White House (Barack). She listened one of his speeches and got so inspired! Now she wants to be a Senator. I don't want Senator who needs to be inspired to serve people of my state.

Tsk, tsk and shame on those making nasty comments on Ms. Kennedy's personal appearance: I'd ask how shallow people can be but the answer would be scary.

She's raised her children and is ready to start a new chapter in her life. She's smart, well educated and ready to learn. I can name 10 Senators who are still "not qualified" even after one or two terms... would you rather have someone like Tom DeLay? He may have qualifications but certainly no ethics ...

As for Senator Clinton, one on her many contributions was keeping the Presidential Helicopter Contract in upstate NY – added over 800 jobs to the local economy there.

With all the obstructionist meanderings planned by the GOP (always putting party before country) we need someone who knows her own mind... not just another partisan politician.

I dont know why Mr. Silver questioned whether Ms. Kennedy would owe obligations to Mayor Bloomberg or Governor Paterson. Why should a United States Senator owe obligation to anyone but the people of New York??? Politicians should remember they serve the people not each other.

Let's all bow down and annoint her royal highness. America owes it to her! What's wrong with free handouts to overhyped, underqualified, politically unambitious token females with a famous name? I'm all for it, long live nepotism! However why does it have to be her? Does she even have a pulse? Her complete lack of charisma at the Kennedy Center honors the other night definitely made me a believer. I guess with typical politicians today that anybody can be a contender.

Concerned Democrat, I am with you. As a life long Democrat, I will be switching parties (Green party) if Caroline Kennedy gets the appointment.

I also think that this will be a huge opportunity for Republicans. McCain tried to run as the candidate of the commom people and failed, but they might not be as unlucky next time. With a Caroline Kennedy senate appointment and Hillary Clinton SoS appointment, Republicans can just talk about Democrats as the party of dynasties while they represent the common man. If the economy doesn't improve by 2010, Republicans just might be able to pull it off.

I think Caroline Kennedy will be an excellent addition to the House of Lords.

Name of Kennedy equals no qualifications to be anything. She thinks last name is all the qualifications she needs. WRONG.

Must be nice to be rich and famous, because that is all she is.

It is amazing the way politics works....... A name, exerting of influence, some money gets "donated" or "contributed", a sweetheart deal is made and suddenly you are a senator. Hell, you might eventually even get elected! One might even buy the presidency if they play the money.........., er, cards, right.

This is a joke. This lady has NEVER been elected to any public office. There are many more qualified candidates in NY (i.e. Andrew Cuomo) for her to be considered. If she had a different last name, we wouldn't be talking about her. Then again this is the same seat that was given to Hillary when she never lived in NY. The scary part that the seat will be given by a blind governor who was never elected as a Governor of NY.

She is most probably very good and very qualified, but I don't like when power is kept in royal families. Bush, Clinton etc. Much better is when we see examples of upward mobility – like Obama.

For someone who had openly opposed Senator Clinton in favor of Senator Obama, I was surprised to see Caroline Kennedy so eagerly seeking to fill Senator Clinton 's vacant seat. It seems in politics there is no such thing as shame or integrity as long as you get what you want. I would like to see Governor Paterson having the courage to appoint an experienced Hispanic or Asian congresswoman for that seat, someone who has paid her due in public service instead of someone who has plenty of money and a big name.

I am a Canadian , but if I a chose I would pick the one nobody"s is talking about the one who has more qualifications then anybody else I can think of and that is Fran Dresuer "NANNY"

Do only the stars get in office now. Come on are we looking for leaders anymore, or icons. All she has is her family back ground, there is nothing else in her credentials that says shes ready for any kind of Senate seat. This is happening right in front of our eyes, and our politicians don't seem to care how the people really feel, or they think we are to stupid to know whats going on. People need to speak up or we wont have a voice anymore.

Why not appoint Kennedy? Like Obama, she is the ideal "Pop Culture" pick.

Gov Paterson should just appoint a 2 year caretaker for the seat – someone who is known to all New Yorkers and promises not to run for the seat in 2010. Then if Mz Kennedy or whatever her legal name is REALLY want the seat she can run for it like everyone else and face the scrutiny of a REAL election.

I used to like Rep Silver. Now I wonder if anyone has him on tape taking a bribe to support her like Gov Blaggo in IL...

Shes a great choice.

What happened to Kennedy-Schlosberg? Did she get divorced or is she just trying to capitalize on her family name????

An obvious case of political owsies. He votes for her...and gets something from someone in return...and round and round we go.

Representatives and Senators used to be ordinary people...not career politicians...give her a chance...I believe that growng up in a family which has been involved with DC for so long has got to give her a pretty good undrstanding of what goes on there...

Palin has more qualifications than this Kennedy Elitess. New Yorkers are fools to have their Govenor pick her. What a bunch of Northeastern snubs. Kennedys have done nothing but intimidate politicians (as their dad, Joseph did), allow their dates to drown & beat the rap, kill their neighbors daugther w/ a golf club & try to beat the rap, get DUI w/out consequences, and boycott energy run windmills on their home place, but enforcing them on OTHERS. What a bunch of HYPOCRITS!!!!!!!!!!!11

She's in her fifties and has never held a full-time job. Her real credentials are minimal, at best. Her nomination, based on 'royal" lineage, would set a horrible example for our children.

So, Dems, is this what you mean by "selected, not elected"?

Cindy in California, if I understand your reasoning correctly because she grew up in the Kennedy family she is uniquely versed in politics and should be considered experienced and knowledgable. Well then would Ted Bundy's children should be uniquely versed in serial killing since after all they grew up with it in the family. Or, the Kennedy men should be considered expert rapists and murderers because after all they grew up in the Kennedy family and have been immersed in that knowledge for generations.

This Democratic version of Sarah Palin (though substantially wealthier) should go home to her apartment on Park Avenue and be silent.

You don't "campaign" for an appointed Senate seat, this is NOT an election or popularity contest; it is the decision of the governor and the governor alone.

Moreover, Senator Clinton has not even been confirmed or resigned yet. How unseemly Caroline has made this whole exercise.

I guess she thinks if she stomps her feet long enough, and shouts loud enough, she will get her way.

How disgusting!

If I see Uncle Teddy campaigning for Princess Caroline, I think I will lose my dinner. She is really pathetic if she relies on him for her political savvy. You know, some people you know actually want this job because you know they are qualified and you know they don't have a famous you know name to throw around. Caroline, please try to do something you are capable you know of doing as Schlosssberg and not needing the Kennedy you know name to get somewhere you know???

She's a Kennedy and she's entitled afterall. It's about time the rest of you common folk got that.

And while your at it, how about a face lift? Mean old father time has not been nice to you.

She is as qualified to be a Senator as Obama was when he was elected ... you know.

She is no more qualified than Bozo the Clown, Go away Kennedy. Take your millions and fade into the sunset.

Hey everyone, she is Caroline Kennedy so that automatically makes her qualified for the job. You know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know.

Some clarifications:
- Ms Kennedy will not be elected, she'll be picked by the NY Gov
- If chosen, she'll go through a special election in 2010
- If elected in 2010 will go through another election in 2012 when
Hillary's term ends.

Now the question is, will Gov Paterson pick Caroline and why would he choose her?
- Is she in line for a reward for the work she did on the Obama
campaign?
- Does Paterson need her to help him win his own election in 2010?
- Is she qualified? – irrelevant – truly doesn't matter – don't let them fool
you!
- Is she the master fundraiser?
- Does her name carry an indisputable legacy?
- Does Gov Paterson believe Obama would like her in the Senate?
- Is Paterson weighting his options – pleasing politcal and monied
allies OR the people of NY state

Again, this is America. Rich or poor, we all have dreams. If you have a dream, pursue it!!!

People are just jealous of her. They have, in their hisory, records of serving the public. She will do well for America's future.

caroline would make a wonderful senator.

Good luck Caroline, we need you. I think you would be great in Hillary's seat. You are late coming into your own, but I hope it all works out for you.

With our world in the crapper, it's strange how much news we get about trivia. Where is the real news? Let's hear more about heroes and how to be one ... than this constant biting & bickering.

I have total confidence in you!

Once again family name money and/or a previous president husband
will buy the seat in New York. I cannot believe the people of NY would stand for this. They got duped by Hilliary "the carpetbagger" Clinton who used that senate seat as a politicial pawn in her and Bill's big picture. On that subject we need to put a limit on the amount of time someone can be a senator–the lifelong collect a paycheck crowd need to get another job. The senators who spend so long in the senate forget who they work for and have lost touch with the people. I cannot believe that they continually get reelected. We have become a buy me society. Then we elect a president who has no experience in foreign affairs and he puts Hilliary in the sec of state position who has no experience in this area other than boon doggle trips and being another lawyer. We are in deep trouble.

Like Caroline Kennedy knows what it's like trying to get two daughters through college on loans and second jobs... Like Caroline Kennedy will stand on a cow farm in Upstate NY. When she traveled up here, she met with government officials in their cozy offices. Come on, Caroline Kennedy no more represents NYS citizens outside of the NYC area than Dick Cheney represents the best vice president this country has ever seen. This is a joke. I hope Governor Patterson surprises all of us and picks an unknown. It's tiring watching a few people with money and name pull the strings.

okay -– so where is my comment?

Caroline Kennedy's only qualification for the appointment is money. It took two thirds of a billion dollars to get Obama elected and Caroline is a great fundraiser. Obama outspent Hillary 4 to1 in the primaries. Whoever spends the most money wins. It's that simple.

I also wish that the meetings between her or her people with the governor or the other politicians were being bugged. I'm sure that it would be pretty interesting.

Idea!!! Why doesn't Gov. Patterson appoint Mr. Burris and Blog appoint Kennedy then Sen. Reid can save face and not seat Kennedy because she was appointed by Blog.

This is such a farse! She is qualified to host the Kennedy Honors Award show and that is about it.

She has her law degree but did she even ever take the bar exam? Has she ever represented anyone? Has she ever held an outside job? Don't get me wrong, I am a wife and mom myself and I'm not putting stay at home mom's down. I just know that if a stay at home mom wanted to be a senator, and there maiden name wasn't Kennedy, they would be laughed to death. Why is Caroline Kennedy any different?

Most people under 40 don't even know who the whole Kennedy family is anyway

The ones over 40 remember Ted and Mary Jo Kopechne and wish they would all go away. The Kennedy name is no longer a name to be admired. You can thank Teddy for that at his no-good nephews.

Some of thesse comments here really shock and surprise me!
Caroline Kennedy has a long list of qualifications – all these years the woman has been going about her business quietly...and going about things quietly does not mean she has no qualifications! Do a little research, people! If you do, you will find out that she is indeed one of the BEST people for the job! An added plus is that she is not tied to the sub-prime debaucle as Cuomo is!

I don't believe that Caroline Kennedy can do any worse than Hillary Clinton! What did she ever do for NY. She only moved there because she was going to make a bid for the White House and had to win the state for her to even consider running. You can't afford to live there because as upstate hemorrhages jobs the taxes keep going higher and higher for the average person. We moved out to the mid-west where you can still eat and pay the bills out of the same paycheck.

Give the Dems. a chance they can't do any worse than the GOP did or doesn't anyone remember 2008!!!!!

She should get it, she is famous. Isn't that the criteria for being a NY senator?

To Stop jerking us around....,

What fix are you talking about and who are you talking about? President elect Obama has not endorsed or publicly shown support for Caroline Kennedy. If her support for Barack Obama was politically motivated, it only helped in getting her more exposure. Nothing more.

I do not want Gov Paterson back. I would not vote for him at this point in time. With the new taxes he wants to impose instead of cutting spending not a chance. If he proves that he is gambling that the others will revisit their spending maybe. In regards to Caroline Kennedy whats the difference? Hillary never did much for us. I don't want Caroline now because she will back Paterson just to get her way, I say NO WAY!

Frankly, it seems that Ms. Kennedy is by far more qualified than Gov. Palin will ever be. Growing up in a family centered & focused in poliitics has afforded her insights and education that few experience. She may end up being one of the best Senators in a long time. At a minimum, she deserves a chance.

And by the way, her 'maiden name' does carry weight and influence. If we can elect pro wrestlers, action stars, movie stars, comedians, cowboys, beauty queens, convicted felons, and egomaniacal anti-intellectual warmongering dimwits.... well.....

For all you Palin haters – she was at least a mayor and a governor and that is a lot. What have you done lately? As far as Caroline Kennedy goes – she has what experience? There should be a formal investigation on what has happened behind the scenes getting her the position. This is practically the same thing Blagojevich was doing except his name isn't Kennedy. Why does she feel she is owed anything – it was 1963. I don't get it. And the Chappaquiddick thing with Uncle Ted ....we all know what happened there. If it was one of us we would have been in a jail cell that night so fast it would make our head spin.. Kennedy "dynasty" and "Camelot" is just a lot of garbage reporters and news have created for their boring shows. Anyone who believes their crap needs to have their head examined.

a blind man can see kennedy isn't qualified...you know?

caroline Campaigned for Obama throughout the country with his family and is worth to note how much trouble Obama got into and she sticked thoughout the campaign. She is not naive to face any hardship in my opinion. They had quite a few in the family to my opinion!!

What do you mean she has no experience? Do you not know what it's like to be raised in a 'political' family? This is her life, each and every day in her family. She is much more influential in political circles than people are acknowledging. Just by the fact she was able to work in cooperation with NYC Board of Education gave have war credentials! (smile) As well, this nominations is a New York concern...she has helped New Yorkers..specifically the most disenfrancised of our state...and that counts for something. In addition, she grew up in New York..she is a fabric to the state, she knows it's needs and desires. I support her, and I have that right as a NYS citizen!

Of course, The ideal would be a speical election.

Caroline has the presidents ear. She has a good teacher in her Uncle who is a senator/She involved in fundraisers and running organized groups! She's Hightly educated and intelligent!And she can do a lot for the state, and bring in the funds they need! She has a lot more to give than most senators seated now.

There are many ways to serve. Caroline Kennedy has been very involved in serving the people of the state of New York for many years. She comes from a long tradition of service and she has always taken it seriously. She is second only to Obama in her fund raising ability and raised $65 million for New York education in two years. One of the qualifications for any appointee is that they be able to hold the seat in coming elections and that means having the ability to raise enough funds for back to back elections in 2010 and 2012. Caroline Kennedy is incorruptible. No one will ever have to wonder if her vote is for sale to special interests because it never will be. That is no small thing as we have learned to our sorrow in the past. It takes connections to get things done and Caroline has them. She also has the best mentor any junior Senator ever had in her Uncle, the Lion of the Senate. She has become one of Obama's "dearest friends" and it is likely that her calls will be taken when she calls the White House. She is young enough to serve in the Senate long enough to attain leadership on powerful committees. These things are all important to the state a Senator serves. New York state couldn't do any better, but it could do a lot worse. And it would be nice for the rest of the country to know that one more Senator was honest. I'm not jealous of her wealth. I'm grateful that she's willing to help and to serve. She'll serve with grace and without having to be ego driven and angry to get the job done. I sincerely hope that Governor Patterson appoints her. Certainly none of the lesser known names on his list has as good a chance of raising the funds and holding the seat.

I smell some back office dealing........

She is more qualified than any of the Bushes (Bushes correct?)

That's great!

Someone (Why?) on this board asked what qualifications Caroline Kennedy has for the job. I suggest that he/she start researching to find out about all that she has done.

Most of us haven't even accomplished a quarter of what Caroline Kennedy has accomplished.

What is more, the current senator for New York was once fired for being a dishonest, unethical lawyer and a liar. Since then, during the Clinton Arkansas and Washington years, she continued to wrap herself in scandal and lie right up to the end of her presidential campaign.

Do you consider those qualifications - those of the current senator - suitable? Do you take pride in knowing Americans do not demand the highest of integrity from their leaders?

With Caroline Kennedy that can change. A new beginning. A new senator with the highest of integrity.

Caroline Kennedy IS qualified according to the Constitution. For all of you that claim she isn't, you haven't yet said upon what grounds, nor have you said what those "qualifications" are.

Hopefully we can work towards New York City becoming it's own independent state...then the folks upstate can spend our hard earned money on something besides that out of control money pit.

THIS IS FOR MR. AXELROD .

You better stop this nonsense about "making" Caroline Kennedy
a senator. She is a lovely, intelligent lady, who has done a lot of
good things for "little people".
However, to put her in a senators seat, and indeed Hillary's seat,
is a gross insult to all the "normal" people and other senators.
Fame and fortune. Get it!
I am sure she probably has a higher IQ than 50% of the senators.
BUT THAT IS IRRELEVANT.
This could be one of the 3 biggest mistakes on Obama's resume.
Don't take that chance. There is zero upside.

After Palin, anything is possible!

Bend over, here come the double standard democrats!

It's a Democrat way of life now.

No Experience Needed!!!!

(it would be nice if the salary was "commensurate with experience".)

Yeah!

GOV PATERSON NEEDS TO STAND UP AND USE HIS OWN MIND AND DO THE BEST PICK FOR THE SENATE HE CAN. DO YOU, GOV PATERSON , WANT THE PUBLIC TO ADMIRE YOU OR DO YOU WANT TO BE CALLED A WIMP ? THE CHOICE IS YOURS. IF YOU PICK MRS. CAROLINE S. IT WILL SPEAK VOLUMES . THEN YOU WILL BE BOUGHT INTO THE NEXT ELECTION ALONG WITH HER. POOF

She doesn't even vote in the local and state elections, why should she get this other than the fact her name is Kennedy? Her lack of experience makes Sarah Palin look like Winston Churchill

She sucks one more example of aristcrats in office to maintain their hold on the country cant we learn from history 2000 years ago a governor had a tin ear and mush for braines killed a man known as jesus eight years ago an ariscrat started a war an killed over a a half million people again a tin ear and mush for braines she wrote six or seven books my explitive delited without a staff of ghost writers I have engineering liccenes my education is through hard knocks and hard work even I would know her sentance was repetive. fracmented and conseder revising and that without the help of spell check.
Maybe she should get a real job better yet join the job corp or be a missionary and for once in her miseroble life be productive.
Thats what happens when your loaded with money nothing to do your mind turns to mush.

Why don't you read what Caroline has been doing for years ,her education but Oh thats right you never learned to read.
Phailling Paling's Bridge to no where must be the same looser as "Bridge Party"

Michael in MO, God has helped us. He gave us Barack Obama and now Caroline Kennedy. Its time to know your blessings.

As a New Yorker, I certainly don't want a dilettante and political lightweight representing my state. This woman has never stood for election so I can't fathom how she should be handed the seat. Andrew Cuomo has stood for election many times (and won) and deserves the seat far more than the reclusive Kennedy. If Paterson appoints her, I will be voting for whoever runs against him in 2010.

Caroline cites her experience as a mother and raising a family. The dems slammed Palin for being a mom but want to give Caroline sainthood because she has 3 children. Oh, and I'm SURE she raised them without any household help or nannies. Give me a break.

Caroline K. Schlossberg is not so interested in New York as she is in eventually being the first female President of the U.S. Hey, money can buy that too (according to Uncle Ted) but the world knows she is not really enthusiastic for any of this so why go through it? That is such a good question - can someone answer it for me?

Xavier.. bridge party, not even funny nor intelligent! Kennedy is qualified under the constitution. Remember that old parchment of paper that a bunch of men wrote a couple of hundrend years ago? Just because she choses the senate instead of running for mayor or govenor doesn't mean she doesn't have the right to want to have a senate seat. As for not being a new yorker??? Ahmmmm... didn't Jackie raise her kids in NY? Hasn't Kenndy worked in NY.. yes she has had jobs...not like most of us but jobs none the less and in NY of all places. Never been to NY.. would like to visit one day but I can see worse people representing NY.. New Yorkers.. be happy you are Illnoise for crying out loud. I personally don't care who represents NY. I didn't vote for Obama.. but have a feeling that Sen. Kennedy or the Kennedy's have been ploting the return of the Kennedy dynasty for some time especially with Teddy's current health problems. I think it is good that an intelligent woman steps up to the plate and takes on huge challenges at this time in our history. NY is a rough place. It's given us other people a chance to see NY fans, baseball owners at their worst and their best. New Yorkers expect much of their leaders and they offer no slack. So if you want to go play for NY you had better be able to take the punches. I wouldn't want to be in any of the candidates shoes... NY is a rough house to play in much less visit. Good luck to NY and I hope you get the leadership you need to succeed. I personnally think Clinton did and does a good job for you.. Just think.. you could have Arnold like we do here in CA.. oh yeah.. he's kind of a kennedy too...

My only concern is will she have the courage that her father and uncles had when it comes to DoD and Military response to those that threaten our national security domestic and abroad.

Our military is weak, our DoD is outdated and falling apart. The only time our military and DoD are in good shape is when the economy is in good shape. Will she have courage to emphasize to her peers and the White House to stop the power hungry DoD contractors from charging us the ridiculous inflated costs. These companies raise the prices and reduce the quality by laying off Americans and providing an inferior product or are authorized ridiculous add ons by contract modifications after they win a low bid or best buy contract.

I have nothing against C Kennedy, but her being appointed to the vacant senate set smacks of priviledge. She speaks of her many washington contacts. Will she rely on those contacts to make major decisions for her? I think she should stick to charity work. You. too, Bill C.

Go for it, Caroline !!!!

If her name was not Kennedy and she had the qualifications she has (author, lawyer, fundraiser, Harvard Law graduate, mother, philanthropist) would she be considered unqualified? It sounds to me as though many of these posters are prejudiced against her her solely because of her name. What qualifications did Nancy Pelosi or Barbara Boxer have before they were elected? Were they so much more qualified than Caroline? Don't you think that prejudice against her because she is a Kennedy is pretty much as ridiculous as prejudice for her because she's a Kennedy. Seems pretty spiteful to me, either way.

Appointing someone from a political dynasty, someone with no experience and hardly any, you know, hardly any verbal skills, seems a terrible way to conduct politics.
It gives an appaling view of democracy...
I'm against it because my personal beliefs are closer to Democrats than to Republicans and because I'm against elitist monarchies.
You betcha!

This is the big CHANGE we all voted for?????? Come on, Caroline Kennedy may be a nice person but she is not qualified for the position. Hey when I think about it, who is!!!!! Guess she was owed a favor by Obama when she turned Redcoat on Clinton. ya know, ya know

America is building with every election a new aristocracy. The same names, generation after generation are warping our politics. When we dig our hole of mediocraty, supplied by pay for politics contributions, what do we have? We are moving to a world where we're driving in the slow lane because of Roe vs Wade and the rest are quickly closing the gap because they are willing to work their way up the ladder. I expect eventually because of George Bush Jr., we'll either have a dictatorship, or annoint a king.

Maybe if someone would lay out the qualifications to be a Senator, we could stop arguing about her merits. The truth is, there are many different people in the Senate-differing educational levels, different backgrounds, different viewpoints. That's what makes us a democracy and not an aristocracy.
I do disagree with the posters who believe that Barack Obama is unqualified to be President. Why? Because he was not a governor (GWB has done such a FINE job as President after govering Texas, heh?) Because he's only a first term Senator? The man does have a Harvard Law degree and spent years in the trenches of Chicago helping people. Can you name one thing GWB ever did to help anyone less fortunate than he? Ever? I have faith that Obama understands the common man and has empathy for our fears and struggles. He speaks of inclusion, unlike the Republicans, who are only after the almighty dollar that they believe is their entitlement. And if by some quirk of fate someone is poor, it must be because they didn't work hard enough (or weren't fortunate enough to be born into money!) and they don't deserve any help. So I guess we should just ignore the homeless, the poor, and the hungry. Yup, those sure are great religious ideals: the Bible according to Republicans. Give unto me I deserve it.

THIS IS SURELY KILLING TED BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE IS NOT HERE FOR MUCH LONGER. HE JUST HAS TO GET A RELATIVE IN THE SENATE . NOW THAT JOHN IS GONE HE WILL MAKE DO WITH CAROLINE. WONDER IF THE FAMILY WILL KEEP TED ON LIFE SUPPORT LIKE THEY DID HIS MOTHER ROSE? SO SAD....HE PROBABLY DID PAY THIS GUY TO CHANGE HIS MIND. TEDS' WIFE AND KIDS ARE JUST FIGHTING OVER HIS MONEY ANYWAY

No more Kennedys

Just what we need another Kennedy in Congress

Folks, this really isn't a national isue. This is a local (NY) issue. Let's say she gets the nod, she still will have to run and win in 2010! I In addition, if the folks are not excited about her selection, the Governor will hear about it in 2010 as well! She will not be given a high ranking position in the Senate as she will be the Junior Senator from NY (if selected). Personally, I am sure there a folks who have been ELECTED that are more qualified than Kennedy but, this is an NY issue! Lastly, anyone selected will not be very productive as they will be soon gearing up for the 2010 election cycle.

Article 1, Section 3 or the Constitution of the United States defines the qualifications tp become a U.S. Senator. They are as follows:

1) each senator must be at least 30 years old,
2) must have been a citizen of the United States for at least the past nine years
3) must be (at the time of the election) an inhabitant of the state they seek to represent

The only exception is someone who has "engaged in rebellion or aids the enemies of the United States." (14th Amendment)

Caroline Kennedy is as at least as qualified as any other U.S. citizen and more qualified than many.

She has an excellent education and a record of public service. She has far more International experience than the Current Occupant of the White House. There are, sadly, many Senators who are less qualified than Kennedy today.

Just what we need another Kennedy in congress.

I think that most of the posters here are missing the point.

If YOU want CHANGE in this process, YOU need to contact YOUR elected officials, and tell them that YOU want YOUR voice heard in the selection process. It is beyond time that the PEOPLE choose the replacement senator. Allowing a governor – ANY governor – to choose a senator is so antiquated.

Personally, I would be honored to have someone as "tested by fire" serving me in the senate as Carolyn Kennedy. I cannot think of another human being – regardless of status – who has been through as much tumult as she.

No one better defines dignity and grace as Carolyn Kennedy.

Kennedy bashers in America will always have a gripe. The people of New York state will decide if Caroline Kennedy should remain their senator by a special election in 2010. Should she win that contest by the will of the people, one would hope the Kennedy bashers would stop whining and complaining–but they won't. Like a coldsore they'll lie dormant and reappear while the rest of us wait for them to disappear.

Disgusting politics. If Caroline Kennedy is so competent, she should be ELECTED, not appointed. Hillary Clinton, love or hate her, at least she was "elected", not appointed.

A disgrace to anyone who fought for our country -myself included-this lifelong Democrat will never vote the Democratic ticket again-C. Rangel –help us

Think of Paterson. Caught in rock and a hard place. Appoint Caroline and he is doomed for re-election. Do not appoint her & he is sidelined in the Democratic party. I actually feel really sorry for him.

What is the price tag on the NY Senate seat? Check Caroline Kennedy's last month bank statement.

Lookin at the first 33 comments. What a lot of bu..!
Lets see now, Carolyn is an attorney, grew up in a rather estute political family that has always gone-for and usually won what they go for(Dare we call that a winners head!!!Hmmmh!). She is rather bright and has worked for years in the NYC city political/professional environs. She is a quiet person(could still water run deep????)
The only concern that I have is that all the other potential choices
get an honest-to-God hard look .Politics has always been somwhat
predictable and not always FAIR. Grow up!!! This is the American mode of operation(No one ever said it would be FAIR..some dribble
from the Capitalist toybox...which is practiced in the good ole USA>

Family politics must end in this country. Kennedy's, Bush's Reagans or Clinton's should not own any special favors because on in their family showed good leadership in this country. She should only be considered for her merits and for her qualifications. She should not get any special consideration because she is a Kennedy. This is a country where individuals have to prove themselves to become leaders. That is what democracy is. And I think that is what all Americans should want.

Why not Caroline? Obama is proof that America will accept total inexperience for a position of high importance...I mean, shouldn't we all just hire surgeons the first day on the job? Or hire mechanics fresh out of tech school to fix our cars? She's only seizing the moment; laid in place by her drunk, womanizing slob of an uncle and his undying support of an even more incompetent selection for president....It's amazingly similar to Obama's appointment; all along the way many issues with substantiation popped up, that would've killed the careers of any white politician...however, Obama's corruption machine marched forward...well, it's the same for the Kennedy machine...for some reason you libs love to look the other way when it comes to inexperience, incompetence and corruption.

What about all the spouses who have replaced their deceased Congressional spouses? Did they have "experience?"

She's WAY more qualified than Sarah Palin (NOT) When will one single brave reporter ask Caroline one single tough question regarding anything to do with the state of New York? Such as the workings of the state government, current issues, state budget, infrastructure, etc. Anyone? Perhaps you save all the Gotcha questions for Republicans? Hmmm?

go Caroline Kennedy..never look back ....you are the right choice for the seat.

Caroline may be the best qualified candidate from a purely political perspective, if no other. Whoever is appointed is going to have to run a statewide election campaign in just two years, and THEN (if they're elected) run in another statewide campaign in ANOTHER two years. In New York. That's going to take one heckuva lot of money. Quite possibly more money than most candidates can muster, but it shouldn't be a big problem for Caroline.

As for the rest of her qualifications, she has spent the bulk of her adult life taking care of her family and raising her children. And she found time to earn a law degree from Columbia University Law School along the way. Would it be so bad to have a genuine Mother's point of view in the U.S. Senate? Or do you want more of the same old, same old?

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

This is the BIGGEST joke since Palin.

Okay, I have to say it. I resisted until now because of the Christmas season but now that it is New Years Day I have to say it: Just when in hell did these republicans start worrying about qualifications?

What qualified George W Bush to be President? Don't say he won the election cause we all know that didn't happen in 2000.

Silver is an idiot.

This woman's one and ONLY qualification is that she is a Kennedy. That's IT... Nothing else...

PLEASE, we do not need her to take such an important job with no experience. It is simply not fair to the people... Read these posts. these are the voices of the people, SHE HAS NO QUALIFICATIONS, NONE...

I think Caroline Kennedy would be a fine appointee for this position.
An experienced, highly intelligent, fast-learning breath of fresh air.

Shame on those nay-sayers.

Caroline Kennedy is the Sarah Palin of the Democratic Party, umm "y'know" ?
Janie Springfield MA

just because of her name not brains

Democracy cannot function properly if it relies on celebrities to fill its' political seats.

- Discourse has gone the way of Gossip.
- Thought has gone the way of impulse.
- American Governance has gone the way of American Idol.

I LOVE THIS WOMAN, AND I LOVE NEW YORK.
GOVERNER PATERSON STEP UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING, AND YES THE KENNEDY NAME IS MAJESTY, AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT TUFF TITTY! WHETHER YOU CHOOSE HER OR NOT, NEW YORKERS WILL, BECAUSE THEY LOVED JON JON .

LOVE YOU CAROLINE!

Hey Daniel-you claim all those things got Obama elected?...how 'bout the repubs and George Bush-who was appointed to the presidency? That's ok though right? And all HIllary Clinton had was a name as well! Being first lady for 8 years didn't qualify her to be senator from New York. Didn't seem to matter, did it?

She will make a good politician ,she has the basic requirement of arrogance " I am the best person for the job".

Maybe after 137 days in office as Senator she could launch her Presidential Campaign...it's been known to happen.

Hey Libs, remember all the crap you constantly said about Sarah Palin...well here's the poetic justic of the world...it's all actually true about Caroline Kennedy.

Stings, doesn't it.

why appoint an individual with no credentials, other that the kennedy name?
We are creating our own nobility, thought we had a revolution to do away with that.

Caroline Kennedy is entirely qualified on the academic and familiarity with government fronts. She has maintained a private persona for years to raise her family and avoid the constant glare of the media. No one can blame her for that. She lost her father and uncle in the Nation's service due to their support of civil rights. She has watched her uncles and cousins run and be d.amned as public servants for years. She became disillusioned with National politics like many of us her age. Then came Obama. He inspired Caroline, as he did so many others, to rethink the difference We the People can make in our Nation's course and success. I applaud her willingness to step up and become part of the solution. She is a bar admitted attorney in the State of New York, an education advocate and author on Constitutional issues. She is no lightweight in this arena. I think she will get the job because she is a good choice for the job. Let's not criticize her awakening - we've complained for years how few people vote or involve themselves in our national politics - and now we disparage people for their awakening. We are a sick, sick society.

Why do we even vote? Now New York is starting to look alot like Illinois. Just put in someone that will do what the party wants. Since it is so expensive to run for office that a normal person can't run, maybe we should sell the office to the highest bidder, only instead of the money going to an individual, have it go to the state, county or federal governments. This then could lower our taxes.

If people listened between the ums and you-knows they would've discovered a refreshing, progressive, intelligent individual who's making a commitment to become a devoted public servant.

Caroline is "out of the box" and has proven ability to elicit issue recognition, great public support, and success to enhance education and humanitarian issues for this country.

Give me a successful, sincere and dedicated activist for the greater good of this country over a polished politician any day!

Qualifications matter!! Then they don't!! People are picking and choosing here. In looking at our government now, Qualifications mean that you are a seasoned crook, Are their any decent ones left, I sure am wondering. What is going to become of us, other countries are predicting our demise. Can this be true? Our crooked politicians have destroyed our America? It seems as if there is nothing we can do about it.

The thought of Caroline in the Senate gives me the pukes. The Senate is already full of well dressing , rich morons.

Big mistake, Caroline has no business taking Hillary's spot, sorry just because you are related to a popular political family does NOT give you the right to be a senator. What a complete joke this is, politics as usual!! And i agree with Bridge Party, go take a car trip with Uncle Ted!!

She is qualified, u mongrols. It takes a lawyer and some sort of public persona qualification to be competent to be a u.s. senator. She is a lawyer, who has written on legal issues and that in itself along with her support for public education is what new york needs. This woman is super intelligent. Everyone knows that and people to to get off her back. Jealous motherfo's.

She should get a real job you know, earn a real living you know and get elected you know.

Let's see do we want an honest, caring, hard working Senator with little experience and high morals or one like we have in office now – DUH! Give me a 100 like Caroline and I will change this country for the better.

When the media gushes over the 'elder statesman' Ted Kennedy, I still feel queasy remembering how he let a young woman die to save his own hide. I think I would feel almost as ill seeing Caroline Kennedy become a senator. She should have remained a mystery and we would not know just how unquailified she really is!

NO MORE ZERO EXPERIENCE, NO MORE YOU KNOW FOR NY SENATE SEAT.

Be quitet ! Sheldon Silver, you konw, you didn't tell, you know, why
you support C. Kennedy, you know,who doesn't have experiences,
you know. Sheldon's support for her doesn't make sence at all for
residents in NY States. You DON'T know so many New Yokers got upset and disillusioned with C. Kennedy's a greedy requestment.

Go get em' all Caroline!

She does not deserve the senate seat!

To be fair, Caroline does not abuse the term "you know", as much as McCain used "my friends".

To be fair to both, they are verbal tics and things they do to allow them to collect their thoughts.

What bothers me especially is that CK indicated if she is not selected to fill the position, she will not run for it. What does that mean exactly? To me, it means, "i only want it if it's handed to me; if I have to work for it like everyone else...nevermind". What unmitigated gall. As for as her experience vs. Obama's. At least he actually ran for offic in Illinois and won, he actually ran for Senator and won, and he actually ran for the presidency and won. Neither office was handed to him on a silver platter, and therein lies all the difference.

I hope she can drive better than Teddy.

If Caroline Kennedy is tapped as senator, it will truly leave a bad taste in my mouth. If she is given the job as senator, it will only because of her name; she certainly hasn't earned the job. I have nothing against Caroline Kennedy personally it is just that it will not be fair for her to be chosen. She has done nothing to earn the job. Absolutely nothing.

A sad day for the state of New York when family dynasty trumps actual credentials.

Hey – "Stop jerking us around"....your comments do not make any sense. Ted Kennedy supported Obama who got elected. How did that help to get his niece into Hillary's senate seat? the seat is only open because Obama chose Clinton for Sec. of State. If that did not happen, then the senate seat would not have opened. Won't it have been better and more straight forward for Ted Kennedy to support Hillary for president to get her Senate seat open? Sometimes there are no need for conspiracy theories.

And "bob", Harry Reid is trying to block the Illinios appointment because of the Gov. of Illinios insisted on appointing someone not because of the apointee. I think the Dems would love to have Burris.

sheldon silver also supports the idea that child rapists should NOT be held accountable.

what is carloine kennedy's IQ? about 78!
she has the greatest kennedy DNA. being rather dumb!

sheldon silver supports child rape!
he is the lawyers representative.

Anyone who thinks she will not be appointed is a fool. Jeez, with her and that ultra liberal idiot Teddy paying off everyone in sight, it would take an intervention from GOD not to happen.

Tell us what had to happen to make a grown man who is supposed to be a smart person change his mind over night about her? Did anybody bother to ask that? As if we did not know what happened? Bought and paid for!! What does that make of him? Just like the rest. I'm not against Caroline, just against the way this is done. Under-handed.

Are you folks angry that Caroline is a Kennedy, or are you still upset that Obama won, or both? Have you read her books? She is an intelligent individual who champions the rights of others. What do you folks want, anyway? The people in New York will have their chance in 2010 to elect her, if they so choose. She will have a very short time to prove herself. Give it a rest.

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.

Caroline should NOt be appointed. No one should. That is my gripe about this. Whether you agree or not, Obama and Palin were both ridiculed for lack of experiance. Obama was slammed for being nothing more than a one term senator with community activist experiance. Palin for being only a governer and a mayor of a small town. Both slammed by the media and bloggers for lack of experiance.
BUT,,,,
Whether you like either Obama or Plain is irrelevant. They BOTh went out, campaigned, worked hard, put in effort to get elected. One did, one failed. Regardless, they both worked hard at getting elected.

Caroline has openly said, if she had to run for ELECTION, she would not seek this position. She only will take it if APPOINTED.
This sound like blantant Kennedy entitlement thought. I am JFKs daughter, I am Kennedy, I am owed this. She is only " campaigning " to a select few in power, in all reality, she only needs to win ONE vote. Which is ridiculous.
Why should this woman, and Burris from Illinois be entitled because one person feels they are what is best for the country, or that particular state?

Again, Caroline has said, she would not try to win and election, she only wants it if gave to her.

You can argue all you want about her being qualified or not, the simple fact is, use her own words to determine what her motive really is. Give it to me, or I will not want the job ,,,, if I have to WORK for it, or earn it the hard way.

This is exactly what is going to tear this country apart, this sense of entitlement, the simple fact of the haves and have nots of this country. The fact many people work hard, and still can not keep thier heads above water, but others feel they are above the cause, and EXPECT to be gave what they feel owed.

Caroline Kennedy is a prime example of this. I am of name, of heritage, you owe me this job, but I will not make an honest effort to EARN it.

The damage is already done. Everyone now knows that she's an inexperienced, inarticulate rich woman trying to get by on her family name.

I SUMBMITTED A COMMENT AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT IT WAS A DUPLICATE, THAT I HAD ALREADY SAID WHAT WAS IN MY MESSAGE.

I HAD NOT SUBMITTED A COMMENT.

ARE ONLY NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE KENNEDY'S DESIRED?

WHAT BULL SAUCE!

I SUMBMITTED A COMMENT AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT IT WAS A DUPLICATE, THAT I HAD ALREADY SAID WHAT WAS IN MY MESSAGE.

I HAD NOT SUBMITTED A COMMENT.

ARE ONLY NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE KENNEDY'S DESIRED?

Who the Hell wants to live in New York, anyway?

The Steelers Rule!

The Jets Drool!

If Caroline Kennedy gets the appointment to Hillary Clintons position it will send a message that if you supported Obama or gave him lots of money he will " hook you up " with a really great position. He received so much money that, we can be sure, a whole lot more people are waiting for their "hook ups".

Republican are such hateful Idiots, and what's sad they couldn't run an aminal shelter. Republicans you lost and are still losers.. Move On

WHY DID YOU SAY I ALREADY SAID WHAT WAS IN MY COMMENT?

I DID NOT!

ARE ONLY NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE KENNEDYS DESIRED

Isn't "change" what the majority of the USA voted for? Seems Americans don't like experience as a qualification (ref the incoming president). Why not C K. Schlossberg; she is as qualified as Obama is for his job. Folks, we are going to invent the wheel all over again with all these upstarts in our government without a doubt.

It is laughable to appoint such an interested, non-voting, verbally inept important through name only possible senator replacement. i guess it once again goes to show you that you can be out sick for a year and still retain your seat. if you think that being represented by a senator means anything, you are delusional. in this case, it's all about money...and how to raise it. really sad state of affairs. if you all thought the clintons brought chaos to the fore (and i don't – it's the media) just wait until you see the drama and chaos that the "president elect" is going to foist on us. then, walk away and throw the expendible under the bus.

CAROLINE KENNEDY MAY NOT BE THE MOST QUALIFIED BUT IF SELECTED, THE CHANCES ARE THAT SHE COULD RAISE ENOUGH MONEY AND SUPPORT TO GET ELECTED IN 2010. THE DEMOCRAT PARTY NEEDS TO BUILD ITS STRENGTH. THE NAME OF KENNEDY WOULD HELP DO THAT.

WE CERTAINLY NEED SOMEONE TO BE SELECTED WHO WILL DEFEAT ANY REPUBLICAN WHO CHOOSES TO RUN. WE HAVE SEEN ENOUGH OF THE G.O.P., THE GREED OVER PEOPLE PARTY!
.

I am amazed and more than a little frightened that many of the posters who are questioning Kennedy's qualifications find Sarah Palin to be qualified. <<<

Don't be scared. Sarah Palin is a governor. When Caroline Kennedy is the governor of something, try again.

Thank you to "Was a Democrat . . . ". FINALLY someone has pointed out that the woman's surname is NOT Kennedy. She has been Caroline Schlossberg for a number of years, now, and if appointed would be Senator Schlossberg and NOT Senator Kennedy. I have a feeling that if the media would refer to her using her correct surname most people would respond, "Who?". If the media (and I mean everyone including CNN) would simply report this "story" using her proper name they'd find there isn't much of a story. No one cares about a Mrs. Schlossberg wanting to be a senator. But a Kennedy? Oh, that's another matter entirely! (And I'm STILL a Democrat.)

Betcha Elliot Spitzer is wishing HE were making the choice.

I think if John F. Kennedy Jr were in the same position as his sister right now, everyone would be cheering.

And what experience did Hilary Clinton have?

It's time to think outside of the box.

Go Caroline!

If Caroline Kennedy wants the job! let her run for the office, if elected then we can support her! Until then go for a ride with Uncle Ted, if you do then we will not have to worry about you running.

Sounds like s suck job for this ole what is his name that did a 180 turn?

Take him for a ride with uncle ted to. do us all a big favor.

Doesn't she have anything else better to do than to be a Senator? Or is it a Kennedy power thing... you know her Uncle is on is way out and wow no Kennedy anywhere to be seen.

A lot of people still dissent on the basis of Kennedy's lack of experience. And I can easily see their point. She simply cannot compare to the likes of Larry Craig or Ted Stevens. And as for replacing the sainted Hillary, well it's doubtful that Caroline will ever match Clinton's much acclaimed vigilance over Wall Street and the population leakage in upstate NY. What's a rookie to do against such accomplishments and experience?

Caroline Kennedy has a Law Degree. Caroline Kennedy has worked with the Metropolotian Museum of Art; The Kennedy Center, and over sees the Kennedy. Unlike St. Hillary, she is NOT a carpet bagger. The young woman has been in NYC since she was about 10 or 11 years old. Can you idiots google. What makes Drucilla from Wasilla qualified to be anything but trailer-trash?

Just another democrat that don't have a clue!

Being a 'Kennedy' does NOT make Caroline a 'qualified candidate' for the position of Senator.

Caroline Kennedy does NOT deserve the apppointment, nor does she offer anything to the position.
Caroline Kennedy has an attitude of 'entitlement' and this matters.
Governor Patterson should NOT even consider Kennedy for this appointment. There are too many other proven political figures who have worked hard and dedicated many years to this work and their careers. How Kennedy believes that she is the best qualified is ridiculous and doesn't deserve any debate.

I can't believe this is the best NY can find......what wakes her qualified, besides a last name?
I guess we get what we deserve !

did he just sell his endorsement?

I would say that speaker changed his stance on Kennedy due to the voices of the PEOPLE of NY... We have some good deal of power now... and voters are making their voices known.

The pressure of the people... is the pressure of their votes in the next election.... politicians are waking up to the fact that WE are engaged... with a purpose... to make sure this government is now for the People! Not special interests or Rich Fat Cats! Get used to it.... that's all I can say.

I didn't vote for her, but Sarah Palin is 10x more qualified than Caroline. First of all, she's actually been elected to political office multiple times and holds a great deal of political hands on experience. I don't think there would be a problem if this were the House of Representatives, but the Senate is a pretty powerful body and it's usually good that the person going in has some confirmation that they could represent the state well. Perhaps Patterson should appoint a representative to the Senate post and appoint Caroline to replace the representative. That would be the savvier move.

YAY KENNEDY

This is outrageous. Didn't we have that little revolutionary war to get away from people inheriting positions of power? I am so tired of people like her getting things they haven't worked for or earned. Where does she get off thinking that because her uncle is a senator, it somehow qualifies her?

Methinks Mr. Silver should examine his priorities........Ms Kennedy's "first obligation" should be to neither the mayor nor the governor, but to her constituents, nay?

Caroline has demonstrated intelligence, honesty, intelligence, & patriotism. I hope she IS appointed.The people of NY state would be well served!

Kennedy is a perfect and qualified candidate for Clinton's seat! She shares Clinton's ideals and policies not to mention being another woman. That should be very influential in choosing the individual to fill Clinton's shoes. After all, the voters voted not just for Clinton, but for her standing on the issues. Kennedy shares those issue stands! AND she is a strong democrat from a strong democratic family!

Face it, Repubs... you lost.... and we won in that finally the People have a voice in this government. If you don't like.... well, too bad for you!

It's funny to see so many hateful, bigoted GOP shills like "Daniel Cabrera" bashing Caroline Kennedy because they don't like who her parents are. Notice how the GOPers still don't have anything constructive to say–just hate and prejudice. It's no wonder their party is extinct.

As a Democrat, it would be down right stupid if New York gives Hillary's seat to Caroline. How can she look out for the average folk who is really struggling in this country after she has been fed by the silver spoon her whole life. She needs to earn this. Teds support of Barack and the Kennedy name just might make this happen. To become a Senator by the name is not right. If Caroline were to be in my shoes for 6 months to 1 year and actaully work a hard physically demanding job day after day and living paycheck to paycheck and still not make it, then she can have the seat. She would know then, what is it like what most of us are going through.
Get with it New York!!!!!!! There has to be other smart, average folks to choose from.

No to Caroline Kennedy!

I think she's a very smart lady. However, I wholeheartedly think that Mrs. Kennedy believes that her famous last name qualifies her to be a United States Senator. That's wrong. Just because your last name's Kennedy, Palin or Biden doesn't qualify you to hold public office. Just because her Father was a great leader, doesn't mean she is. It's pretty obvious that she doesn't have JFK's amazing charisma.

If her, Andrew Cuomo or Steve Israel are appointed to that position, I will support Republican Rep. Peter King in 2010.

Daniel Cabrera - No doubt, and I'd bet one year salary that you are a Republican. As someone else mentionned here, you repubs are the only ones spewing hatred on a fine lady.

Pathetic.

What the helllll is this country coming to. Who does this kennedy HAG think she is?

You know I want to be appointed to be a Senator. I can speak better,
my relatives are moraly sound, they haven't killed anybody, I'm a law abiding ciitizen, I have more experiernce, but I have a few drawbacks. I'm not rich and I'm not a woman. Please Gov Paterson and CNN help me get appointed. Your discriminating against men and the poor.

It is amazing how some people keep saying she is not qualified without explaining to what qualifications you are referring. Could it be because you do not know what you are talking about? Maybe some of you should read the constitution and see what it says about qualifications for senators. Then come back and explain exactly what qualifications she is lacking.

I don't think she's capable of being a Senator. She lacks experience in the political arena. Her exposure and work on social and educational projects do not give her the latitude of experience to become a good senator. She will be a lameduck senator if chosen to replace Hillary Clinton.

I think politics is not her cup of tea. Her intention is obviously to perpetuate the Kennedy in politics.

Replacing Hillary with a neophyte is not a wise idea. Better give the position to a more deserving and intelligent candidate.

yay,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, yay,,,, another white very rich , very rich,, person in the ho house,,,, how sweet it is,,, adods,, tell me one thing your amazing , absolute,, most amazing person, ever to appear on this world,,, whom,, people swoon when his name is said,,, tell me as a . a democrat from 1980 , to no,,, i saw fire in the sky

Clinton's experience was ??????????????????

ok, i don't edit well. hereditary and republc

Horrible. Now I really hate the Obama plot that brought him and now this woman on the political arena so much higher than they deserve. There used to be some steps to gain political power.. feeling of entitlement is dangerous. Didn't so many criticize Hillary for this? Guess what, she worked for that 'entitlement' not like Obama and Caroline.

Please, no more political dynasties. This is a rpublic, not a mereditary monarchy.

How can she be qualified? She doesn't even know her real last name.

Let's hope Governor Patterson does not give in to the pressure to name a Kennedy as Senator.

The people pushing the Kennedys don't have New Yorks best interest in mind, all they care about is the Kennedy name.

However, when all is said in done, it will be New Yorkers who will suffer from this type of dynasty politics.

New Yorkers are the ones who will lose out and it is New Yorkers who will feel the pain in the end.

So please Gov. Patterson do the right thing and stand up against this type of Dynasty politics and pick from the many qualified individuals who have been working for tirelessly for New Yorkers and their best interests.

Please show us that you Governor Patterson care about New Yorkers more than you care about the Kennedys or Dynasty politics.

Remember in the end it will be New Yorkers who will decide if you deserver another term as Governor in 2010.....NOT the Kennedys.

Do right by New Yorkers and say NO to the Kennedys.

Mistake!

Sorry I meant Mr. Roland Burris.

I hope she wins. Come on people, she has done alot. What did Hillary do? and she turned out just fine. I think that in a way, she will be more commited, having lost her father for the cause of serving the public. let's all call paterson this morning or even drop by his house and tell him how you feel about it

If she does get the seat just about everyone will know it is because of her famous Kennedy name, not because of being Mrs. Schlossberg. If she does good as a Senator and runs in two years, she will have to contend with the will of the people of NY and they are pretty smart when it comes to these things and all the money in the world, while it of course will help, folks know a good Senator from a bad one. As for Mr. Roland, unfortunately he has Blogo to contend with, he would make an excellent Senator other than that, funny how things can work out.

adods: The joke is on you!

Palin is qualified as a successful governor and an authentic reformer.

Caroline K Schlossberg is just attempting to buy a Senate seat with a sentimental but tainted Kennedy name!

ABG January 1st, 2009 1:39 pm ET
Caroline Kennedy has as many qualifications as Barack Obama.

Why do you think we are all so worried?

Shes more qualified than my governor.

You know...you know...you know....she is a joke. Where is her experience? All, that's right, she's a Kennedy. At least Palin had executive experience.

Wait and see if she get the small back office of other new senators.
Why she will have man servants and maid servants and a golden coach.

Shouldn't her first obligation be to the people of the state of New York?

Presumption is obviously a PEBO and a Kennedy legacy!

Another ray of sunshine (Caroline Kennedy) in the change that is about to take place on January 20th, 2009. This country has been under gray clouds since the village idiot that is in the white house now and his cronies were elected or appointed Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri.

Caroline K Schlossberg is a presumptuous person who is attempting to buy a Senate seat with the Kennedy name!

What is the difference between her and Blago?

In closer examination, I did find that although all those CROOKS AND THIEVES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DOWN OF OUR ECONOMY (you know them:Freddie,Fannie,Raines, Johnson,O’neal, etc,…and their helpers and cover-up team: Barney Frank, Pelosi, Reid, Cox, Dood,Soros, and other weeds,…well you know the thing)
AAAHHH!!,...And do not forget all buddies of Obama(that is why he is going to ‘preserve them, right?)

Well,turned out,not all of them are COCOZOIDS,…somes are WACKADOOS.
However slightly different lethal species,all of them are VERY IRRESPONSIBLE ZELOIDS,…HEY!,.. WE DO NOT NEED THEM!

It is time for the letargic democrats that voted for this guy Obama take a second look at what they did and how they were TAKEN AS FOOL SHEEPS.
C’mon WAKE-UP! NOW!

Would you consider that TIME MACHINE now, to go back and change your ridiculous and pathetic vote for Obama? I do hope you do,...because I have to handle it to you ,...YOU REALY MESSED IT-UP!,...BIG TIME!

And so, because those COCOZOIDS AND WACKADOOS ,......that alone gives a monumental excuse to say': – OK' to Ms Kennedy.HEY!, they wnat Obama for presidency right?,....SO ANY BOZO CAN WORK FOR ALL THEM DEMOCRATS!

Happy New Year 2009!
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillville, IN

Don't be as quick to judge Caroline as most were to judge Obama – I believe she will be a great senator and Obams will be a GREAT PRESIDENT!

Well, full speed ahead for Caroline Schlossberg. I wonder what made her go into politics now after 50 years of dodging the public. Most be that legacy thing. No Senate is complete without at least one Kennedy.
She is definitely better than Fran Dresher. Now, that would have been a joke!

You know, I just don't think she's qualified, you know ? I mean, you know, what elected position, you know, has she even held, you know ?
Just because, you know, her name is "Kennedy" doesn't mean she's entitled, you know ?

Please she is no more qualified for this job than me...Just because she has the Kennedy name....She has never had to work her way up in this world. What is wrong with this picture??

Some clarifications:
- Ms Kennedy will not be elected, she'll be picked by the NY Gov
- If picked, she'll go through a special election in 2010
- If elected in 2010 will go through another election in 2012 when
Hillary's term ends.

Now the question is will Gov Paterson pick Caroline and why would he choose her?
- Is she in line for a reward for the work she did on the Obama
campaign?
- Does Paterson need her to help him win his own election in 2010?
- Is she qualified? – irrelevant – truly doesn't matter – don't let them fool
you!
- Is she the master fundraiser?
- Does her name carry an indisputable legacy?
- Does Gov Paterson believe Obama would like her in the Senate?
- Is Paterson weighting his options – pleasing politcal and monied
allies OR the people of NY state?

There sure is a lot of discussion about qualifications. The two senators from my state – Cornyn (R) and Hutchison (R) – have no qualifications of any kind except for a devotion to the incomes of the wealthiest citizens of Texas. What qualifications does my representative Sylvestre Reyes (D) have? He was a Border Patrol official for 30 years. Now, he has no opinion on and has provided no leadership on immigration, border security, illegal immigration, relationships with Mexico, or anything else. Strangely, though, his entire extended family has acquired terrific, high-paying government jobs – but he has no idea how this has happened.

Let the governor take this chance to appoint someone better and nobler than the voters would choose. Kennedy at least has a good education, lots of influence due to her name, and enough wealth that she would not be tempted by bribery.

Caroline.....AL Frankin...Obama...Hot Rod Blog.....Dodd....Barney...Pelosi..amd Reid....setting up nicely for a republican rebound in 2010...you can count on it!!!

We need more women like Kennedy to work for the people in the political arena. There are too many hard edged, closed minded females who forget that the population is not all female, and also consists of men. Caroline Kennedy is smart, well educated, politically oriented, well connected, and of most importance, she has already shown that her interests are for all of the people. I hope the Governor of New Yo;rk realizes what a favor he would do his state if he appointed someone who does not hail from the closely knit, closed society of politics as usual in his state.

I think it will be a change. Hillary had very little experience but look at the job she has done, even with the "Right wing nuts " that have tried to bring her down. Even with the same problem I think after the last 8 years a monkey would be qualified. Oh thats right that is what we have had for the last 8 years.
Give her a chance she has to be relected in 2 years, if she doesn't cut it don't reelect her.

Our whole politicaly system anymore is a joke! No wonder our country is going down hill.

The fix has been in on Caroline Kennedy from the day Ted Kennedy agreed to support Obama instead of Hillary. It was evident in her selection to be on Obama's VP selection team. Wake up people-you've been had again.

So NY Speaker Silver reversed his position on Caroline. Hmmm, I guess he finally received a call from the Kennedy compound in Hyannis. I wonder what's in it for him now?

Most unfortunate. As one blogger has posted above, Caroline Kennedy has as much qualifications as Obama. Hmmm, enough said. God help us.

Her experience is?????

New York is a big state, and nobody wants to get on the wrong side of a powerful person. Everybody is saying what they think they need to say to cover their rear, but secretly hoping Paterson won't appoint Kennedy.

Paterson has pressure to appoint a woman. He probably hasn't settled on Kennedy yet. In the end I think he will appoint Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and be the hero of the regular guy.

What a joke! You know, you know, you know, you know, you know

I am amazed and more than a little frightened that many of the posters who are questioning Kennedy's qualifications find Sarah Palin to be qualified. I can clearly see the fallacy of that argument from the front porch of my house. You betcha!

Apparently anyone can serve in the House or the Senate...oh, that's right, they can.
In my opinion we should select our representatives to Washington the same way we select jurors: pull their names out of a hat. This should be a civic duty rather than a prize to be fought over. We might not have the level of educated people this way, but we couldn't be any worse off than we are now.

Let me see if I have this straight. Roland Burris, who has run for numerous offices in Illinois and won quite a few of them, is not qualified for an interim senate seat because of the person who appointed him. Caroline Schlossberg, however, is deemed qualified by no less than Harry Reid himself for no other reason than her maiden name? She did not even vote for half the time since she was eligible, and she has never even had a job. The Democratic Party is nothing more than a joke perpetuated by the media. I am so happy I became an Independent in this election cycle. If this is how the Democratic Party operates, I want none of it. The last time I checked, America is the land of endless opportunity for everyone, not just people with famous last names. What exactly does Caroline Schlossberg bring to the table as an advocate for New York? What is her position on the current Israeli bobmardment of Gaza? At least Sarah Palin put money in the pockets of Alaskans by taxing the oil companies. Yes, all you libs, I am comparing Mrs. Schlossberg to Sarah Palin, and I believe Palin wins in that comparison.

caroline kennedy as a us senator - give me a freakin break!!! she's totally incompetent, and yet harry reid will try to block the newly appointed illinois senator from being seated for not possessing the right job credentials even though he's been in public service most of his life??? politics as usual.... nothing has changed... and obama is part of the circle... wake-up america!!!

What a piece of crock.

We're tired of the rich and elite buying their way into political office

There are plenty of ELECTED New York officials who have done the grunt work and worked their hearts out for New Yorkers and they deserver a chance to the Senate Seat before Caroline Kennedy.

If Gov. Patterson GIVES AWAY this seat to Caroline because of the Pressure from the Kennedys and promises of favors in the future......then he will be no better than Gov.Blog

If the Democrats continue this behavior of corruption and sense of entitlement I am going to have to re consider why on earth I am a Democrat.

ENOUGH OF THE CORRUPTION AND ENTITLEMENT POLITICS!

The only reason Caroline is even being considered for this job is that her name is Kennedy. She's no more qualified to be a U.S. Senator than I am; however, even in our so-called democracy, dynasties never seem to die.

How about a normal person for a change? Someone who actually knows about the real world.

LOL. These are Democrats here. They only insist the Republican candidates be qualified for a position, not themselves!!!

Caroline Kennedy has as many qualifications as Barack Obama.

Give them both a chance and they will bring a good change for all Amerivans!

I am surprised by people questioning caroline kennedy's credientials. Those kind of questions are only applicable to republicans.

We will always take care of those who have money first, then consider the rest. Sure she's qualified, like any other american her age. This is not a smart thing to do in this age of bank bailouts and a younger generation demanding change. This will appear as more appeasement of the rich. The Kennedy women are smarter than the men, they all married into even more $$.

Most people under 40 don't even know who the whole Kennedy family is anyway

I heard a person on TV say that the trouble with the Bush and Kennedy dynastic seats is that they have been super-wealthy for so long (many generations now) that they have no idea what a regular person in this country deals with day to day. I would rather see the seat go to someone without name recognition who will work for the people of NY state.

Since President-Elect Obama campaigned against experience, someone with a name and without experience is absolutely the perfect fit for the job in this era of "change!" Hooray!!!

What a Joke.

Someone wholley unqualified gets the endorsement from the leader of one of the most inept state legislatures in the nation. How poorly New York is served.

" Ok, aparently the brain capacity of someones(many), is not quite strong to understand certain things.
Ok, if democrats(full of 'COCOZOIDASIS SIMPLEX') did push with votes of EMOTION, FRAUD, EXTORTION, DECEPTION and other goodies this guy Obama- that comes out from the CHICAGO CORRUPTED,CORRUPTED POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE, into presidency,... so anyone, ABSOLUTELY ANYONE , ANY COTTON-BALLS HEAD CAN DO ANY JOB FOR THEM ! So, why not Ms Kennedy?

Hey!, she would do just great!

In other words (if you still do not get it),...if Obama is good enough (he-he-he) for presidency,THEN any cat out there can do anything, ...GOT IT NOW?

I do hope so, for cry-out-loud!

Sincerely,
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillville,indiana "

I would rather have Caroline Kennedy than Hillary Clinton in any job at any level. We should all be grateful to Caroline for having the sense and courage to back Barack Obama when the entire New York delegation was behind Hillary. Thank you Caroline and for this service you deserve anything you want, especially the Senate seat.

Since Carolyn Kennedy wants a Senate seat so bad, why doesn't she just buy one from the governor of Illinois?

Kennedy is as qualified to be a senator as Obama is to be president.

Enough said, draw you own conslusions as to whether or not she is qualified.

go through the choices again

Silver is just trying to cover his butt in case she IS appointed, which she probably won't be. He didn't suddenly realize overnight that she was qualified. He's just playing both sides.

We DON'T need another inexperienced person in Washington. Obama is enough. Caroline has no previous political experience and she hasn't even been a community organizer. First things first.

A "name" can't get the work done and she's too shy to be proactive and aggressive.

Boy there is such a broohaha over the Illinois seat, if Kennedy gets this seat there should be an all out investigation.....maybe we should all move to New York change OUR name to Kennedy and say IT'S OUR SEAT, APPOINT US....WE ARE JUST AS QUALIFIED AS THIS PERSON.

You gotta be kidding me. American politics is nothing more than a dog – n – pony show.

C. Kennedy has zero credentials, other than a huge sense of entitlement, encouraged by her uncle who literally got away with murder.

Clinton had no business coming to NY and now Kennedy?

Truly disgusting.

s

Caroline, honey...may I suggest you take a nice car trip with Uncle Ted
to a bridge that made him famous.

Does anybody actually think that Caroline will NOT get the job!!! Come on! Her name is Kennedy – say no more. Apparently that's all she needs to get elected – nothing more.

What qualifications does she have besides being a Kennedy?

The question should be what can she accomplish for the people of New York and ultimately the country. Not just get Paterson elected.