CNN

Please, let Ms. Caroline stay what she is: a mom, a schooled degree holder, and a 'celebrity' mostly taking advantage of her father's reputation as the former President of the US. As a citizen her record is not even average! Can she raise $$$? Of course she can because her name is 'Kennedy' which rings fine in the ears of likeminded rich folks.
As a citizen-voter of NYS I'll be very disappointed IF Gov.Patterson picks Ms. Kennedy as the senator representing NYS.

Whiners! whether you like it or not, she is going to be a NY Senator. You don't like it, kill yourself retards.

"Mike, Syracuse NY January 8th, 2009 7:12 pm ET

@Len, you got the diference between Palin and Kennedy wrong. Palin got where she is by her own efforts. Kennedy wants to get somewhere by her name."

**************

On the contrary, you have it all wrong. Poor "everyone else is to blame for exploiting via me" Sarah got where she is by riding on other people's shoulders then, later, backstabbing them after they make a name for her- much like what she is now doing to the RNC and the McCain campaign people with her exploitive media appearances and her incessant whining .

I guess if Obama is qualified to be president then Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be a Senator.

That would be twice as much fun to watch! The political cartoonists and late night comedians are going to have plenty to work with thanks to the liberal interpretation of "qualified"! Maybe they can also lower the age requirement to 12.

Folks, please. Spare us the sorry complaints and the "righteous" critiques. This woman is clearly an attention grabber, a money-magnet (good for New Yorkers, especially upstaters), a person of intellect and moral integrity,an EDUCATION wonk, a very SHREWD political novist (she threw her hat in for Obama when it was unpopular to do so, apparently convinced her uncle to do the same, didn't even bother to call Hillary, a fellow NYer, to warn her. She led Obama's VP search process).

But the best thing is that she's grounded. A true NYer, takes the subway, has speech tics like all of us ( the ums and the you knows)

Gushing aside, I love her. And I agree that if you criticize her while you don't even know the name of the other options in this race (Cuomo, Maloney, Israel, Higgins, etc.), you're just a HATER.

I would remind the posters that the next POTUS had 8 years of legislative experience(more than HRC) and only 4 years in the US Senate.

HRC was only First Lady (a high level cabinet position if Feminist have anything to say about it) and she was given the spot (the election was just ceremonial really.

So I dont see the big deal with Kennedy. I'd imagine a lot of the new congress is relatively inexperienced also.

On top of that the Constitution does not say that one must be experienced to be a Senator. Simply must be over 25 (right???) and a resident of the state for so-many years.

So um...she's as qualified as the law says she has to be. And the law is the only thing that matters.

We already had an inexperienced senator from NY and she voted to authorize an unnecessary war.

We can't afford the same mistakes.

Caroline acts like she is privileged and the Senate seat is hers to have. She doesn't have to expend any energy to try to convince people or prove her ability to campaign. I was totally shocked when I heard her speak, I expected someone with her supposed intelligence and education to speak more eloquently, not you know, you know.

If I was a New Yorker (I am a former NY'er) I would be soooo angry if she was appointed.

I can not believe that gov patterson will seriousley considered caroline kennedy for the seanate seat,this woman do not even remember her voting records, caroline kennedy think she just to flash her name tag, there are other quafily(sp) people for that job>:)

@Len, you got the diference between Palin and Kennedy wrong. Palin got where she is by her own efforts. Kennedy wants to get somewhere by her name.

Gov paterson will in my opinion(sp) appointe caroline kennedy,because he looking out for himself,end of story!:)

New York Gov. David Paterson says Caroline Kennedy's lack of elected office experience "does not help her" in her drive to fill the senate seat being vacated by Hillary Clinton GOv give the names of the 10 to 15 good candidates........Your affair was ignored .....Caroline Kennedy is very intelligent talented and devoted herself to helping commmunities less fourtunate than hers. Experience has caused a disaster in this country........She is fresh and very intelligent and ready to serve

Caroline Kennedy would be an excellent choice for U.S. Senator. Caroline, you have my support.

Professional Politicians...Can you S-P-E-L-L John McCain, Dick Cheney, The Don (auld) Rumsfeld, Ted Stevens!!! Enough said.

Was Paterson born a politician?

I was sort-of all for her until I heard her talk. It's absurd that someone
her age should not be able to overcome a problem like that, or to be aware of how that makes her appear and not realize how absurd she looks. She's just a spoiled kid who thinks that because she has this name that it means more than what it does. She has not been tested or really challenged in her life, her old man at least had some PT boat crushed under him and had to help get his crew to safety. He also had to deal with Joe senior on a regular basis. I wonder if she's ever even had to change a flat tire. The Bushes had George Jnr, now the Kennedy clan has Caroline.
You know....

I applaud the Governor for taking this decision seriously and for not defaulting to hereditary lineage. She may ultimately end up being selected, but it should be based on some measurable credentials other than her pappy was JFK.

There is far too much nepotism in our government as it currently stands.

I think I am as qualifed as Caroline, so should I throw in my hat? I think before I can do that I would have to takes a few lessons "you know" and then take a couple courses "you know" and then I may be as smart as CAROLINE , you know this could be just the job I need.
Betty

Kennedy is not qualified and should NOT be chosen.
You know?

With the state our economy and country are in I'm not that fond of the overly experienced. I'm not sure what Caroline K. brings to the table besides her name, but the people of NY better look and make a decision on that rather than just her name. We have to stop using known names or longevity in Washington as our sole reason for voting for someone.

If you are talking about experience. Please scan our current senate and their experience and get back to me. This issue is VERY OVERRATED and annoying. Moving on please....

just because her name is kennedy, she should not be able to take the place of hillary clinteon. hillary worked for her job. caroline has NO experience. we have enough bad politians. please do not add another.

Aw shucks ! Appoint her. What with the "nabobs " all ready there what would it hurt . Besides it would be good fodder for the tabloids!!

For eight years, our Congress was filled with experienced senators and none of them, were SMART enough to break off with W and Chen ey. What type of experience is that? None of them had enough GUTS to face the heat. So much for experience.

Just name her........we all know she's going to be the pick.

Folks, what is needed now is not experience but ability, honesty and drive to do something right.

What has happened to this country is a testament to years of experience but lack of judgement, ability and honesty.

Caroline K will be a breath of fresh air in Senate and all those comparing Caroline K with Sarah P have the same or lower IQ as Sarah P.

Cheers !!!!!

kennedy needs to move to canda.
she is a stupid american, YOU KNOW!

Tom

"Lisa and Len…please, she is no more qualified than any random person pulled off the street."

Great endorsement there, Tom!

People keep comparing Sarah Palin and Caroline Kennedy. This is one instance where there is no doubt that Sarah Palin would be better qualified (if she had the opportunity) than Kennedy. Now before you go Palin-bashing, remember that she's a state governor for crying out loud! That's experience you can't get anywhere else. Kennedy, while I admire her philanthropic endeavors, is being considered just because she's a Kennedy.

My name is Kennedy..........

I have $$$$$$$.....

I don't have to vote........

I'm qualified........

NOW NOMINATE ME!

(Where is upstate New York anyway?)

caroline is very disciplined and wants to work for all americans ... she will never talk about the pro american parts of america like goofy palin.

Experience is overrated. It's all about political strategy.

JOHN WHITE:

Hillary was elected, a resume bullet that doesn't need further qualification.

Hey you stupid liberals–do you really think Caroline should be senator just because her name is Kennedy? You are the same foul mouthed idiots who complained that Sarah Palin had no experience! I'm proud that I voted for McCain/Palin and will watch you eat your words about how great Obama is and all the wonderful things he will do for America. I doubt our great nation will survive four years of his leadership! I pray it does so that I can vote for Palin 2012!!!!!

She would be a people's senator and what is wrong with that. She does not need the glory or the power.She just wants to do for the people and that should be enough for now. Let the people of NY decide in 2010 to keep her or not.

CNN: If you fail to name the other candidates Paterson is considering or who are seeking the appointment and focus your stories solely on this woman just because of her family name's "newsiness," then you are just as bad as those who think her family name is what qualifies her for the position in the first place.

Did someone just say her lack of experience helps her? During the election, people on both sides were going crazy about the limited experience of President-elect Obama and Governor Palin. This doesn't apply to her? Oh, I forgot she's "intelligent". Well, she's a Kennedy, so she must be intelligent. That name also entitles her to the senate seat. I've seen pieces of her interviews, "ya know", and they actually made me long for the Palin / Couric chats, "ya know".

Bummer – you know!

i'd like, you know, to comment, you know, on her, you know, but i, you know, need to, you know, read up on her, you know, first.

you know, thank, you know, you

@ Lisa

You're right. We shouuld appoint her because of her name and not bother to inquire as to her qualifications.

Duane....Who is really experienced for the president's office except for those who have been re-elected as president? Give him a chance.

Marc PDX.... Don't insult Caroline Kennedy by comparing her to the idiot hillbilly from Wasila. Barack is going to make a great president but perhaps you're a Palin follower that 's still in the closet and probably thinks Bush was the greatest president. ever, huh?
Oh Pleaseeeee..............

Lisa and Len...please, she is no more qualified than any random person pulled off the street. As to her family's traditions...which ones are you refering to...the Kennedy family fortune, derived from being major bootleggers during Prohibition – no different than Columbian drug runners today. Or would it be her uncle ted...best ask Mary Jo Koepchne...oops I guess you can't. Her father, while doing some good things as president made Bill Clinton look like a choir boy when it came adultery. Are you not aware of these facts or simply and selectively ignoring them? Or even more important is she just ENTITLED? She couldn't even be troubled to vote so why do you think she would be any different if she was annointed, or like the PE Obama Hussien do you require she just vote present?

Experience as an elected official only matters if you want to be effective pushing legislation and get reelected.

She's not going to be Senator. I hope she doesn't get discouraged though and runs for another public office in NY. I have a feeling this is her swansong for elected office.

I think she is doing plenty with the public service she has provided in the private sector.

Right now every single powerful New York State position is held by someone who lives and works south of the Tappanzee Bridge.

Give us some confidence, Governor, that you know that there is a great big state out there, NOT just New York City.

Choose an upstate person for the Senate seat, or at the very least, choose an experienced legislator – someone who doesn't need a map to find her way around the Capitol.

Right now every single powerful New York State position is held by someone who lives and works south of the Tappanzee Bridge.

Give us some confidence, Governor, that you know that there is a great big state out there, NOT just New York City.

Choose an upstate person for the Senate seat, or at the very least, choose an experienced legislator – someone who doesn't need a map to find her way around.

People hear the name Kennedy and they are blinded by it. Caroline Kennedy reached the age of 50 without showing interest in public office and has never been actively involved in public or political affairs.She has not held a job, other than doing volunteer work (as in NYC) and charitable fund raising. The volunteer work she did for the NY schools was available to her because of connections not due to her track record. A law degree does not in of itself qualify her to be senator. The position of U.S. Senator for New York State requires more than she has shown. If she wishes to hold public office, let her begin at the bottom, locally, as other people have done. Prove herself then aspire further.

Experience and qualifications: two entirely different things.

As Mo Dowd said in the New York Times earlier this week, Caroline Kennedy would make a great senator!

She's completely ready for a senate seat:

a. Absolutely no experience
b. A millionaire
c. A democrat
d. A Kennedy (I think I can stop there)

I noticed some comparisons to Sarah Palin – I don't know of any way Caroline can come up to a Palin standard –
Sarah gained her position in life through hard work. Caroline gained hers by being born. Sarah was the only non-millionaire running for a seat in the last election; nobody questioned the gowns/dresses worn by the Obama/Biden wives to determine if they were paid for by the taxpayer or themselves...wonder why???

What was Hillary's "elected office experience ?"

Caroline Kennedy is the Sarah Palin of the Democratic party (shhh! And so is Barack!)

best joke of the day! comparing Barack(your PE) to Palin.Is like comparing apples and oranges.Barack is intelligent,knows how to give an interview and READS!! UNLIKE THAT BIMBO.

Also, she can't put together two sentences, you know.

I am no fan of Sarah Palin and think she deserved all the media scrutiny she got. But why should Caroline Kennedy receive any less scrutiny, especially when she seems even less articulate than Palin (um, you know)? At least Sarah Palin was elected to office twice. Really, what has Caroline Kennedy ever done to deserve this post? Her name and the fact that she is a nice person are not enough. Enough with the double standards.

john white to follow up on your statement... is a liar and an idiot?

actually this notion that politicians and the mouthbreathing public tht in order to be a representative/senator/president etc you must have experiance is counter to what the framers of the Constitution desired.. they wanted not lifelong politicians but citizen servants... ones who take time off from their lives to serve maybe if we had more of these types we would have fewer problems. Of course there is also the problem of the "palen effect" you know stupid airheads that fool people into thinking they have the abilities to do the job.

idiots

hey look there another politician with no experience and will more than likely win their seat because of their fame, sounds like someone other odly familiar democrat!

Oh whatever this is america, any lazy democrat can have whatever job they want i guess! as long as you pay the right price for it!

posting is such a sham. My comments are less caustic than those posted after me, yet, mine are still under review.

maybe Patterson has some sense after all. This is the biggest joke that Caroline would ever get appointed in the first place. A woman that has never faced the new york voters on any issues facing them.

Hillary ran. And went up against Guiliani before the wuss dropped out due to, cough cough, health reasons.

All the Kennedy's need to be erased from our history. What a horrible family!!!!! And all the democrats that are supporting her...come on people...wake up...you know nothing about her except her last name!!! JFK was a horrible president at that!! Ted is a killer!!!!! So why are Americans supporting her???

Jeb Bush for President!!!!

The difference between Caroline and Sarah is, we the people know who Caroline Kennedy is; when Sarah was introduced to us, most never heard of her. The only question we have to answer about Caroline is not if she is qualified, it is, does she have what it takes to handle the job.

What the hell is Paterson waiting on? Just pick someone already. Kennedy doesn't have enough experience? Great. Then CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE.

I'll TAKE Caroline Kennedy OVER any one else and her lack of experience is a PLUS rather than a liability. She'll BRING real change to this Senate seat and will make ALL Americans proud. She's got a really good head on her shoulders and she's a very brilliant lady.

Don't get it twisted, Caroline Kennedy is WHAT New York needs.

Lol.....it's fun watching you libs try to take up for Caroline. The same ones who threw stones at Palin for being inexperienced. How do you look yourselves in the mirror at night?

I will TAKE Caroline Kennedy over these fumbling bafoons....

!. Sarah "The ignorant Pitt Bull" Palin
2. George "The Comatose" W. Bush
3. George "The loser" Senior Bush
4. Jeb "The Convict" Bush.... and any other Bushes in the Bush
5. Rudy "Thug Man" Gulliani who is one of the biggest Republican THUG.
6. John "The Crooked Talker" McCain
7. Gov. "I'd rather pay for a hooker" Spritzer
8. Arnold "I don't know Jack" Swartzenenegger
9. Gov. Charlie "Mr. Tan Man" Christ... who sold out his own state to the devil by moving the primary dates up.

So... let's NOT even go there okay. OOOOOOkay.

Who cares if this women has experience or not? I personally think that all those who have experience now she be ousted since they have done such a great job of mucking things up. I would run if I had the money to compete so kudos to her for trying! The only qualification you need to be senator is a large bank account. Go Carolyn! And shame on all those nay sayers who condemn the woman for going to the family business. Not to mention if she is not qualified that means no average citizen should run for office. Boo on all of you.

BTW- Here is a list of the qualifications needed:

Thirty years of age, a US Citizen for nine years, and a state resident.

BTW – What experience did Senator Clinton have before running?? She was the 1st Lady, that's it. She didn't even live in the state hardly any prior to that.

Not dissing Senator Clinton, but rather showing you this experience thing is overblown.

She has a law degree and worked for the public schools in New York! What more does she need? She also gave her father up for this country!

Even though I'm a democrat, I think Caroline Kennedy is no different than Sarah Palin, with the exception that at least Caroline is intelligent. However, that being said, I still think our country should be through with these political dynasties. Enough with the Clinton, Bush and Kennedy clans. We need new blood like PE Obama. New blood means new thinking instead of doing politics the same old way.

Patterson is just stalling, and waiting til Hillary gets sworn in....He may be hinting that there are other people that are good candidates..

Bottom line is : He will select Kennedy

OK – so now you need to have had "elected office" experience to be in Congress. That's baloney. You just need good judgement. Elected office experience is what many in our Congress has now. Look how much it has helped them.

So people are hyping up "Joe the Plumber" to run for office in Ohio, but Caroline Kennedy has no experience. Give me a break. You need to know how to think, read, talk to your constituents (which most don't), and have good, sound judgement to make a yes or no decision.

The experience factor in these types of situations is way over blown.

My heavens. We had Ted Stevens in the Senate, with years of experience. We had Rick Santorum in the Senate. We have Larry Craig in the Sena te. We had Norm Coleman in the Senate. We are going to have funnyman Al Franken in the Senate.

Maybe being an outsider, is a plus.

Did Hillary Clinton have any "elected experience" before she became NY Senator?

Shud Up, Marc! Its OK to turn a repbublikan's life upside down and go after their teenage children.

But Caroline Kennedy is a Democrat!!!!

What were you thinking!!??

Somebody needs to drive you off the chappaquiddick bridge!

Frankly, Caroline's lack of experience does help her.

Remind me Governor Paterson where we as a nation encourage a governement by and for the politicians?

She is young and talented and devoted herself to helping commmunities less fourtunate than hers. Her family has a tradition of serving this country.

She is refreshing and I welcome her contributions and spirit. She has learned in the harshest manner that poltics is not for sissies.

Really Governor, if she has to be a politician to run for office then we may as well set the Constitution aside altogether.

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

Marc PDX,

Here is the big difference: Caroline Kennedy is very intelligent. The other difference is that Paterson realizes she lacks experience. Whereas, with Sarah Palin, John McCain, Karl Rove and the Republican Party thought the American public was not intelligent. I guess they miscalculated!

President Elect Obama has a big mess to clean-up created by the Bush Administration, Reagan economics and all other right wing conservative ideas.

She has a much experience as our new president…..none! So of course she is qualified!

Tina Fey plays Sarah Palin on SNL, but who are they going to hire to mimic Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg? Perhaps John Kerry in drag... but I would like to submit my resume as well. I have been practicing by standing on my hind legs.

Mr. Ed

Frankly, Caroline's lack of experience does help her.

Remind me Governor Paterson where we as a nation encourage a governement by and for the politicians?

She is young and talented and devoted herself to helping commmunities less fourtunate than hers. Her family has a tradition of serving this country.

She is refreshing and I welcome her contributions and spirit. She has learned in the harshest manner that poltics is not for sissies.

Really Governor, if she has to be a politician to run for office then we may as well set the Constitution aside altogether.

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

Caroline is a very private person, preferring to keep a low profile regarding the services she has provided with various charities and advocating an improved education in America. Do not mistake her shyness and lack of public speaking experience with a less than adequate intellect. Caroline is an extremely intelligent woman who genuinely cares about the Nation. I hardly see her as the kind of person who wants to ride on family legacy.

Caroline is a very private person, preferring to keep a low profile regarding the services she has provided with various charities and advocating an improved education in America. Do not mistake her shyness and lack of public speaking experience with a less than adequate intellect. Caroline is an extremely intelligent woman who genuinely cares about the Nation. I hardly see her as the kind of person who wants to ride on family legacy.

And all the supposed people with political backgrounds have done such a fine job until now, right? And Kennedy isn't part of that group right?

So what you are saying is that all the Blago's, the Palin's, the Guiliani are better suited to running and holding office because they have experience? Wake up. I'm sick to death of all the garbage that the so called experts keep slinging at us, you know, the real Americans who keep losing their jobs, their homes, their future.

It is time to reject almost everyone in the House and Senate. You know, the people who got us into the economic mess we are in right now. Remember them? I say Kennedy has the grace and wisdom sorely lacking by many in government.

And don't you want someone in office who anyone in the world would take a phone call from?

She is a stuttering dolt. Is she even still thinking she has a shot? Just pack your things and go away. This is not some country club that your daddy and uncles joined and you are entitled to. Only one idiot at a time and the democrats may have Franken soon.

It might not be such a bad thing to have an appointee without a lot of baggage, IOUs, favors and other political pay backs. Given the sorry bozo Blagojevich and his corruption and the last 8 years of governance outside the Constitution, maybe a fresh new appointee isn't a liability.

This woman is proof that she comes from the shallow end of the JFK gene pool.

It's scary that a bunch of idealogues are supporting her for senator – makes the rest of us gag.

there are 10 to 15 good candidates

OR

THERE IS ONLY ONE KENNEDY!

In NO WAY is this woman even remotely qualified for this seat and it would be an obvious corrupt political move on the Governors part if he was to seat her...

Is this rocket science?

The Kennedy's need to go away. Oh, so do the Clintons.

Caroline Kennedy's lack of elected office experience "does not help her"

Or stated more accurately

IT DOES NOT HURT HER!

It seems that some people think that appointing a Kennedy respects the memory of JFK, and honors Teddy's Senate service. Just the opposite is true. Appointing someone who is unqualified based on a name dishonors that name.

Caroline Kennedy, just another of the american royalty. The government used to be 'FOR THE PEOPLE, OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE'. Now it seems its just for those who have and the hell with the rest of us.

Caroline's lack of experience...what about her cousin-in-law, Arnold, the governor or Callefornea. She's would be one vote in the Senate; Arnie is running down one of the biggest states in the country...and to think some buffoons wanted to change the constitution so that he could run for president...and others didn't want an American born citizen to be president because he's black.

Last I looked, anyone can run for any elected office, experience or not. How many in the senate ran for public office the first time as a U.S. Senator.

Give me a big, big break on the "experience" piece. Look at the mess of a president who's leaving office and he had experience of running one of the largest states in the union, and what did his "experience" get this country...a big mess. The messiah Ronald Reagan was a D-grade actor and he became governor of California and a mess of a president as our "trickle down" expert.

yeah, I'm not really feeling the Caroline Kennedy move. Hopefully someone else will get picked....

Notice the lack of hateful remarks from the Right on this blogg? Go to the newest CNN-bait-the-Libs-blogg about Palin and read for yourself. Shows the difference in mentality.

Gotta love how those other candidates' names are listed in the article...you know, seeing as how they're apparently getting EQUAL consideration from Paterson. It's truly heartwarming to see the media reporting a full story with all the facts and no slant or spin...can already tell we're making progress in 2009.

I sensed that Paterson strongly dislikes the obnoxious campaigning for Caroline Kennedy, as if she's entitled to a U.S. Senate seat because of her name.

I sense that when the time comes, he'll do the right thing and appoint a person who has more than zero years of experience making law.

I sensed that Paterson strongly dislikes the obnoxious campaigning for Caroline Kennedy, as if she's entitled to a U.S. Senate seat because of her name.

I sense that when the time comes, he'll do the right thing and appoint a person who has more than zero years of experience making law.

Gotta love how those other candidates' names are listed in the article...you know, seeing as how they're apparently getting EQUAL consideration from Paterson. It's truly heartwarming to see the media reporting a full story with all the facts and no slant or spin...can already tell we're making progress in 2009.

yeah, I'm not really feeling the Caroline Kennedy move. Hopefully someone else will get picked....

@Marc PDX

You will have to fall down the stupid tree and hit every branch to be equivically as dumb as Sarah Palin. And in case you missed the election, you can call Barack, Mr. President.

For heavens sake..the people that whine about this issue really, really, really NEED A LIFE.

come on...has anyone actually looked at our Senate? One more moron couldn't hurt that much!! Besides, she's just a small lady, will she actually take up a whole seat?

Caroline Kennedy is not experiencd to be a senator-- to say that she can raise a lot of money for the dems and that is good for the dems, is not a reason to pick her. It seems to me it is not much different the IL Gov. is being accused of, only she can raise a lot of money for the whole party, so give it to her-– NOT.

Paterson, have you read her documents?? Really??

Paterson, have you read her documents?? Really??

If she doesn't get it...it will surprise me and a whole lot of "other people"! Its a done democRATic D.E.A.L.!

No, really? And I thought J. Kennedy was the most articulate, most experienced candidate available to replace Hillary Clinton. My mistake.

Come on, Andrew Cuomo is the best choice by far to be appointed senator of NY. Carolyn Maloney is not bad either. But CKennedy IS NOT ready to be Senator u know...

brian, you are a complete bonehead,

Lack of experience os all the rage now, just ask Barak Obama.

Why does CNN conduct a national poll on the qualifications of an appointee for a New York state Senate seat? It's the opinion of New Yorkers that counts here, not what the rest of the country thinks.

Funny how Obama talks about entitlement in today's political environment. She should be the poster child of this: she has no experience at all in an elected office, and because of her name (and a relative in high places) – she can throw her name in to get an unelected governor seat.

You know...I have a good education...you know...

She's a nice lady and she isn't in it for the money or prestige, so what's the hold up of selecting her?

Lack of experience? She has about the same qualifications for senator as Obama did for President, probably MORE.

TWO WORDS: SARAH PALIN

Let's stop handling the Camelot citizens with kid gloves and give them the thorough vetting Palin got.

David Paterson is nobody's fool. He has a responsibilty to New York, not to any of the potential senators, and he will make a wise choice.

dont need another Kennedy in the whitehouse

Another Kennedy? I thought Americans were just tired and fed up with fabled royal political dynasties by now.

That's like telling a women who has cared for five of her own children that she doesn't have experience to be a nanny because she has not been paid to care for children or a man he isn't experienced enough to be a mechanic because he didn't go to college, even though he has rebuilt engines for 30 years. Ms Kennedy has lived and breathed politics-all her life!

Earlier I had blogged my strong views about pro Caroline K. ..but CNN must think it was too much.....funny to see the media doing the censoring....lol

John, I wondered that in the past as well. She still has to be confirmed....maybe an upcoming problem? Maybe she changed her mind and doesn't want it....... we'll see

SHE MAY LACK ELECTED OFFICE EXPERIENCE,SHE GREW UP
IN A POLITICAL FAMILY ALL AROUND HER,SHE IS VERY WELL INFORMED ABOIU THE POLITICAL SYSTEM,THAT WOULD COUNT FOR OFFICE EXPERIENCE.SHE HAS ALL THE OTHER QUALIFICATION TO RUN FOR THE SEAT.
HOPE SHE GETS IT.

Even the blind guy can see this one.

She is a princess. Isn't that good enough?

Just pick someone for God's sake. What is he waiting for, a 'campaign contribution'?

No experience? Why should that matter?
She would be right at home with our new prez and most of his cabnet

She gets her elequent speaking skills from Uncle Teddy, ah er ah, you know?

Senator Clinton had no elective experience either, what was the governors point?

Common sense is a very good qualifier for any job. All the elected experience in office in the senate now hasn't done all that much for us.

If Ms. Kennedy is givin this seat, what kind of message does it send to our kids? Just have a bunch of money and you can become a US Senator. Even though you have never been elected to didly.

I think Patterson is making a great point. Let her run for state senate or city council like her brother did. John John was in the process of doing it right when he died.

I'd like to have a Kennedy in the Senate after Teddy leaves.

I'd like for that Kennedy to be elected by the people the Kennedy in question is representing.

I'd like the governor to appoint somebody who will be the best person for the job, regardless of pedigree.

Nothing at all against Caroline Kennedy. If she truly is the best person for that position, truly the Senator that her constituents want, then by all means, she should get the job. But I don't want to see token "woman replacing woman" any more then I want to see token "black guy replacing black guy" for appointments. A Senate seat is more then the gender or race of the person holding that seat. It is one of the most powerful positions that any man or woman can hold in this country. There are 300 million Americans. At any given time, only 100 of those Americans are Senators. That's power, and it shouldn't just be handed out thoughtlessly or by the corrupt and inept.

Good for Gov Paterson to make note of the ridiculous and erroneous speculation and commentary from the media regarding this senate seat.

Two more words: Arnold Schwarzenegger

I VOTED FOR PEBO & WILL AGAIN.

I DON'T CARE WHO SHE IS. SHE DOESN'T THINK

VOTING IS IMPORTANT. THAT SHOULD DISQUALIFY

HER AUTOMATICALLY. SHE IS DISPLAYING A LOT

OF ARROGANCE JUST BY ASKING TO BE CONSIDERED.

WOULD YOU GO TO SEE A PLUMBER FOR YOUR HEAR,

BECAUSE HIS DAD WAS A CARDIOLOGIST ? I DON'T THINK SO.

I wish her all the luck in the world....I think she has tons of experience and she is sooooo intelligent, I think they would be lucky to have her....She has done so much in her lifetime, and because she is a quiet soul she is getting grief, she is far more experienced than a lot of , not mentioning any....Good luck Caroline, keep plugging and if they are lucky you'll get the seat........

TWO MORE WORDS: BARACK OBAMA

This is already boring.

Once again it is all in a name.. This time it is another KENNEDY.
My Dad drilled water wells? I couldn't dig a hole with a shovel.

We need to stop thinking just because a person has the name of a person who once did a great job, doesn't mean they are qualified to work in the same arena.

Uh, you know, uh, just uh, go uh, you know, away.....

There's plenty of people that lack experience and they're getting seats. Give that woman a seat. It's only for 2 yrs. If she screws up I'm sure the voters will let her know about it.

Caroline Kennedy does not have the experience to be a Senator, but who does first time around? Can anyone really say this controversy would be going on if the candidate for this position was her brother John? I don't apply for something if I don't feel qualified. I get tired of hearing "overqualified or underqualified." Give her a chance!!!

Give her the seat. I suspect she'll do very well. Hillary didn't have any elected experience either until she had elected experience. Stop it already.

heck no!
Was she at least a mayor or community organizer first OR did she give a speech in 2002?
ridiculous she should NOT become a senator simply because of her dad.

That's right... she lacks the elected experience. End of story.

Go serve as a State Legislator for 10 years or so and then come back Caroline.

EVERY NEW YORKER THAT HAS A CONSISTENT VOTING RECORD

IS BETTER QUALIFIED & MORE DESERVING THAN MS KENNEDY.

SHE SHOULD TRY VOTING. ITS OUR MINIMUM RESPONSIBILITY.

She'll win.

Mrs. Clinton also lack experience, 1st. Lady also a lawyer, you get experience from ojt. Kennedy (Caroline) will be a excellent replacement, Harvard and a Kennedy, would help New York.

The fact that people have scrutinized this possible appointment bodes well for the judgement of the American people. However, her family connections should not exclude her.She cannot change who she is.
However, I would much rather see someone in office with integrity, honesty and obviously wisdom and intelligence. She loves her country and wants to serve for that reason and not for long held political aspirations or greed.
With all the crooks we have put in power, with no character – from cheaters and adulterers, someonepossibly trying to sell a Senate seat or other illegal involvements.
Caroline Kennedy CAN do the job and the has a heart for America and not for herself.
We need more public servants like her.

No,no, no! No more Kennedys please! As a New Yorker, we need someone who has the experience to run the state and meet the needs of the city. I'm tired of the excuses justifying this lady as someone we need. This is not an empire! Get me someone who is worthy to fight with experience not a name!

If there is smoke, there is a fire........

Of course Caroline has no experience, but she is a Kennedy. Bow down to her and let the princess take her hereditary position in the House of Lords.

Hillary Clinton wasn't elected by the people as "First Lady" before becoming NY Senator. As long as Caroline doesn't say, "I can see New York from my house," I'm sure she's OK!! hahah

what has experience netted America over the last eight years, nothing but, two wars with no definitive end,tanked housing market, failed banking systems, record unemployment, unstable energy markets,come on governor Paterson, it is about sound judgement also, we have veterans on both sides of the isle, look at the state of things

She does not have the resume. But that doesn't mean she she would be a poor senator. Let's see...how does it work? If you are a Republican, whatever the Democrats do...fight it. If you are a Democrat, whatever your party does, support it. How difficult is it? Nothing but following peer pressure. Now if NY wanted a real Senator that had their best interests at heart...well then...that would require someone with backbone willing to get dirty to achieve victories for their state.

Well I think that um...um....like OK....um..Ok...my father um.. was like um..popular and um...that makes me um...like qualified.

Hate to borrow a slogan form the McCain campaign, but Paterson should look at "New York first" instead of hisown political ambitions. It's not like he has been the most stellar of governors- although if choices are mediocre enough, I might vote for him should he choose to extend his term.

Patterson is playing this for all the publicity he can get. He will step in line with the party and put Caroline in. It's a shame.

IF MS.KENNEDY DOESN'T THINK ENOUGH OF OUR DEMOCRACY

TO MERELY GET UP & VOTE, SHE CAN CONTINUE TO STAY HOME.

YEAH...but she's got the Kennedy name? Doesn't that account for something? I mean thousands of blacks voted for Obama because he was black....is skill, knowledge or experience a requirement anymore? I guess not! Give her the job, in fact, let in all the inexperienced lib dems...let them play, and in four yrs we'll clean house, if the country's still one country and there hasn't been a revolt.

We want Caroline. She has as much experience as Hillary when she ran for senate, well almost. Besides she headed Baracks VP selection comittee and we saw a sample of her work and style in politics then.

She is competent, sound minded and low key, I like that about her vs some loud mouths from NY who are coveting this senate seat.

Governor Patterson, please select Caroline. Thank you.

Patterson knows that he has NO chance in 2010 to win in a special election shoud Kennedy be selected now.

And you know why the media doesn't talk about those other candidates? They're too stupid and lazy to have gone and found out who they are.

This may be true, but the so-called experienced that everybody wants to taunt around in Washington has not necessarily served well in the senate. It seems to be an old white man's club where they sit around and get much of nothing done all day. Some times experience can hinder because people have tendency to think they know it all where as sometimes little experience, you get a hard working, ambious, willing to learn person and they give you all they got.

JOHN F. KENNEDY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.

Caroline Kennedy is the Sarah Palin of the Democratic party (shhh! And so is Barack!)

there is no question that caroline has less experience than even sarah. but she still is a heckuva lot smarter than sarah. a harvard graduate and an attorney with a background in constitutional law (which unfortunately she never used) . perhaps the seat should go to someone with a little more administrative experience – someone like andrew cuomo. at least that will take him off paterson's back when the primaries for governor are held in a couple of years.

Although I admire the Kennedy family for their service to our Nation. Caroline Kennedy needs to start at the bottom and work her way up.

She is a wonderful person, intelligent etc., but she lacks real-life-experience.

I grew up in NY and it saddens me to see how close someone like Kennedy is to being a senator. Without her last name she is nothing. Had she built up her last name herself, rather than relying on her father and uncle's to build the name for her, I may feel differently. The only reason she is even in the running is because she is a Kennedy. The only reasons we know the name Kennedy is because of John, Bobby, and Ted, not because of Caroline! Go build a name for yourself on your own merit, then look into running for office, not just looking for a cheap quick handout.

Personally I think the governor should pick someone truly amazing to fill this seat. As much as I like Caroline I don't think this should turn into a popularity contest. Having said this, if we could tolerate guys like Larry Craig or Ted Stevens in the Senate then I don't see why so many people are complaining about her. Caroline at least seems like an intelligent, honest, good hearted person, and frankly, the Senate needs more of that. If anything, her lack of experience (in lying, cheating, divisive political games, earmarking) is probably a good thing.

WHATS LACK OF EXPERIENCE COMPARED

TO MULTIPLE TIMES, LACK OF VOTING ??

THAT TO ME, IS A CLEAR INDICATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL

WHO DOESN'T JUST DOESN'T CARE & WE'VE HAD PLENTY

OF THOSE IN THE PAST. WE KNOW HOW THESE STORIES END.

WE ARE JUST FINISHING AN 8 YEAR LONG DISASTER.

DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, WE NEED & DEMAND DEDICATED

COMMITTED PEOPLE IN OUR PUBLIC OFFICES. SHE IS NEITHER.

Gov. Paterson, you are on borrowed time, stop playing politics with the nomination. Nominate Caroline and move on. We will soon find out in 2010 if you are qualifed to be governor of NY too, enjoy it while it lasts.

Obama's lack of experience will put him into the most powerful job in the world in less than 2 weeks.

Caroline Kennedy should be anointed as Senate Majority Leader. It is, after all, the very essence of Change and Hope.

If only she had been a community organizer.

Governor Patterson may think that slamming Kennedy's might help him get re-elected in upstate, but he better watch out or he'll erode his support from his base in downstate. David Patterson and Barack Obama both need to learn that throwing your supporters under the proverbial bus is NOT the way to sustain long-term support from the people who actually vote for either of them.

because she's never served or even run for public office, she's received the most scrutiny.

I hope Mr. Paterson will realize that because she has never served or even run for public office, her candidacy offers us the opportunity to put back trust in goverment because of her own experiences outside of public office. Government has to have the guts to see that we need change and we need diversity to sit in office from all all backgrounds to reflect the actual realities of our diversities!

Hey Patterson, as someone from the real upstate NY, how about appointing someone from Syracuse or Buffalo or Rochester or Schnectady for senator? As Caroline said, "you know......"

actually appoint someone who knows upstate?

she would have to be better than some of these that have had decades of experience, she will be a good and wise choice.

How about Tina Fey? She has experience imitating an elected official.....that is probably the same as half the politicians out there! She is also very popular in New York these days!

You'd have to be blind to miss the fact that she's got no experience.

She's an absolute airhead.....so she will probably rise through the democrat party ranks in rapid fashion.

Governor, how dare you?! She's a Kennedy, for crying out loud! Her very DNA gives her the right to that seat!

so suddenly the democratic party cares about experience? what a joke...

I'm certain he's gonna pick an African American elected official from the upstate region. He's said it before – there's a dearth of Black state elected officials, and all the current statewide elected officials come from down state.

What a joke!

Not only does she lack experience as an elected official, she seems to lack experience voting for public officials! Caroline Kennedy is a self absorbed snob with an incredible sense of entitlement. Lets all hope that Gov. Patterson appoints someone more worthy.

TWO WORDS HILLARY CLINTON.

Come on.. who needs "experience" to be a first term "junior" senator??? Did any of the other now "senior" senators have "experience" when they became a senator. In fact what we need now is a candidate with little or no political experience. Paterson stop doing the song and dance and five her the job already,,,,

As long as they are a kennedy, i don't care! bring back camelot now!!

Gov. Patterson, pick who you think is best. You're not going to please everyone. If Blago can pick who he wants, surely you can!

In my opinion, she does need to ante up a bit if she wants a shot. Gotta get ready to play this game...

So Gov, what were YOUR qualifications before you "slid" into the office you hold? You weren't elected either. Rather blind of you isn't it?

That God Patterson is looking at the experience factor. Name recognition isn't a reason to be appointed Senator.

She is not qualified for the job. Drop the publicity stunt and find a real substitute. Pushing her in would only give the righties ammo for a double-standard between her and the Lipstick Fido from Alaska

I think it's safe to say she has more experience than he does.

Really??? Big shocker there. Paterson might have a couple brain cells left after all considering the drugs he's taken.