CNN Political Ticker
1124 days ago

Kennedy's support fading in New York

mug.mooney
Kennedy's popularity is fading, according to a new poll.
Kennedy's popularity is fading, according to a new poll.

(CNN) - A majority of New Yorkers hope Gov. David Paterson nominates someone besides Caroline Kennedy to fill the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Hillary Clinton, a new poll suggests.

According to a new survey from Quinnipiac University, 31 percent of New York voters prefer State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo get the job while only 24 percent want Kennedy to get it.

In a poll conducted by Quinnipiac in late December, a third of voters favored Kennedy while 29 percent wanted Cuomo.

Meanwhile, Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Steve Israel all draw single digit support.

Of course, just one man’s opinion matters in this race - and he's not talking.

Read the full poll results [PDF]


Filed under: Caroline Kennedy • Popular Posts
soundoff (137 Responses)
  1. Matt

    Thank goodness. Appointing her just because she's a Kennedy would be a complete disaster. As it is, it's pretty disgusting that this is likely the first article on CNN in which I've seen mention of other, far more viable people who are in the running.

    January 14, 2009 10:04 am at 10:04 am |
  2. Mike, Syracuse NY

    Good. It's bad enough we have an unqualified celebrity President, we don't need an unqualified celebrity Senator too.

    January 14, 2009 10:09 am at 10:09 am |
  3. 18 year old conservative, NJ

    Well it's good to see that New Yorkers realize that just because you have the Kennedy name, doesn't mean you are qualified to hold any sort of office. Some experience is required

    January 14, 2009 10:09 am at 10:09 am |
  4. Kayne DeGrenier

    We Don't Need Any More Kennedy's in Public Life!

    January 14, 2009 10:10 am at 10:10 am |
  5. Amazing Stuff

    Demanding the position based on the family name is arrogant, she has no experience, and is least qualified for the job. But then again, arrogrance is a required trait for politicians

    January 14, 2009 11:02 am at 11:02 am |
  6. MC

    I'm not a New Yorker so this does not concern me. But my opinion is that it bothers me that she has not been elected to public office. That should be a criteria, shouldn't it?

    January 14, 2009 11:03 am at 11:03 am |
  7. RR

    you can't tell me Princess Caroline is the most qualified person to be the US Senator from NY.

    Patterson needs to tap someone from outside NY City.

    We don't need Princess Caroline crowned just because she's part of a political dynasty.

    January 14, 2009 11:03 am at 11:03 am |
  8. Ellen

    I think Caroline Kennedy would dignity and grace to the US Senate...She has politics in her DNA...and as far as I know most of the Senators there weren't Senators until they got there the first time...
    I think Caroline Kennedy would bring respect to a place where it is sorely needed...

    January 14, 2009 11:03 am at 11:03 am |
  9. That Other Jerry

    This doesn't sound like anything personal against Kennedy; only that New Yorkers want a Senator with a bit of governmental experience. Nothing wrong with that. With Andrew Cuomo you get name recognition and experience as well.

    January 14, 2009 11:04 am at 11:04 am |
  10. Math???

    Looks to me that a third want kennedy and a third want the other guy. Where is the story in this?????

    January 14, 2009 11:05 am at 11:05 am |
  11. Pamela

    Caroline Schlossberg-Kennedy has never run for/nor service in public office. Her extensive charitable work is highly commendable.
    She should NOT be appointed senator over other candidates who have worked their way through the trenches. If the Kennedy family feels they have some divine destiny to always have a family member in Congress, let her try to run for the office in the next election.

    January 14, 2009 11:05 am at 11:05 am |
  12. Dan

    For all you McCain bashers out there..... How many homes does Caroline Kennedy and her family own?

    January 14, 2009 11:05 am at 11:05 am |
  13. fifi

    Caroline K Needs to stay home, just as she has done for the past 30 years...no experience, no charisma, and never out in the public when we all clamored for her

    January 14, 2009 11:06 am at 11:06 am |
  14. Angela

    There is no reason why she shouldn't be able to do this job. She's been involved in public life and has been involved in Politics just as much anyone. Andrew Cuomo got there on his dad's coat-tails, so what is the difference exactly?

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  15. johnny the boy

    Enough with the Kennedy's. What is it about "Camelot" anyway? We fought a revolution to dump royalty.

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  16. tjp, valley forge, PA

    The Kennedy's should try getting a real job for a change.

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  17. Steve

    Kayne, what we DO need is more public education, which the Kennedys are known to propmote and support. For instance, look at your own sentence. Abysmal.

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  18. Toni Gillette

    caroline spent so much time staying out of politics and the public eye, so why is she so interested now? I have to agree with Kayne just say no to the Kennedy's!

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  19. AndyL

    She should call Balgo, he can seal the deal for her

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  20. Manhattan Matt

    Camelot has faded, New York needs an experienced, seasoned, and gifted person in the Senate, and Caroline, Gold bless her, is just not the right person. Do the correct thing Governor; do not cave to Kennedy pressure,

    January 14, 2009 11:08 am at 11:08 am |
  21. Otis

    Have you heard Caroline Kennedy talk in public? She sounds like a Valley Girl.

    Do the right thing Gov Paterson or else you'll be unemployed next year as well.

    January 14, 2009 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  22. sharon

    As a New Yorker, I oppose the appointment of Kennedy and support the poll numbers. Gov. Paterson is above appointing people for name. If he does, this will be a bad sign for all New Yorkers that New York politics is as corrupt as Chicago – call it whatever you want. "PAy for play" or pay for advancement of self interests – same thing. Gov. Paterson has always focused on what is good for new York. I expect no less of him.

    January 14, 2009 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  23. Steve in Las Vegas,NV

    The office of senator requires more then name recognition. I don't think that her name carries that experience. I think the good people need a person to be their representative with experience in government, not just another Kennedy.

    Princess Caroline should take care of her family first, not just try to campaign for this appointment you know and get the experience first.

    January 14, 2009 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  24. Dina-Bronx

    "Y'know, my fellow Americans, y'know, ask not, y'know, what your, y'know country can y'know ... do for you ...." (If her father spoke like she does, he would never have become the President!)

    People! New York can NOT afford to have an inexperienced person who has lived a privileged life, lived a non-public life, and has not voted in YEARS to replace the NY senate seat left by Hillary Clinton. If she is honestly interested in politics, let her run for City Council of her district, or dog cather, but to be a senator? We need experience and someone ready to go on day one! My hope is for Andrew Cuomo or David Paterson to replace Hillary. Not Caroline Schlosberg!

    January 14, 2009 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  25. Todd

    Caroline Kennedy's sense of entitlement really bothers me. She hasnt said what qualifies her to be a senator (probably because there is nothing she can point to that does qualfy her), instead she has come out as if this position belongs to her solely because of her last name. She has no qualifications for the position, and in no way belongs in the senate

    January 14, 2009 11:10 am at 11:10 am |
  26. obama-mama

    Mike, Syracuse NY January 14th, 2009 10:09 am ET

    Good. It's bad enough we have an unqualified celebrity President, we don't need an unqualified celebrity Senator too.
    ____________________________________________________

    I'm sure his more qualified than the moron that has been in office for the past 8 years. It's not his fault he is loved by celebrities. Your president all he can do is sit there with that stupid silly look on his face.

    January 14, 2009 11:10 am at 11:10 am |
  27. Pol watcher in SC

    Just having the Kennedy name is NOT enough! That's just "playing games" and filling a seat she hasn't earned.

    January 14, 2009 11:10 am at 11:10 am |
  28. Lost in Texas FOREVER

    from reading the posts here so far it seems like the far right has enough hate to go around...........keep it up guys it will get the GOP really far!

    January 14, 2009 11:11 am at 11:11 am |
  29. JJ

    Qualification–or lack of it–notwithstanding, as well as the verbal tic "ya know..." I am stumped about what the big deal is. The two biggest idiots in DC are Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, and Caroline is smarter than both of them. Maybe New Yorkers oughta just lighten up. :)

    January 14, 2009 11:11 am at 11:11 am |
  30. YardBoy

    We Don't Need Any More Blanket Statements in Public Life!

    Let the candidate stand on their individual merits, tho in this case, likely fall on their lack of experience.

    January 14, 2009 11:12 am at 11:12 am |
  31. Trevor in VA

    That's kind of odd... NY'ers usually go for the famous celebrity types to be their leaders.

    January 14, 2009 11:12 am at 11:12 am |
  32. Joy O

    Ironic, isn't it? Kennedy ditches Clinton to back Obama, Obama wins and appoints Clinton to Secretary of State, and now Kennedy may get shut out for Hillary's Senate seat. Sounds like not-so-sweet Caroline is reaping what she's sown.

    For all the people who thought Sarah Palin wasn't qualified, face it: she's exceptional when compared to Ms. Kennedy, who has never practiced law a day in her life.

    January 14, 2009 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  33. shootingmans

    Good. If she thinks she's so qualified to be Senator, she can run for it in '10.

    January 14, 2009 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  34. danny

    Like the last line states, 'Just one man's opinion matters in this race.' Who cares about some opinion poll from some 4th tier university?

    January 14, 2009 11:14 am at 11:14 am |
  35. CCT

    Dear Missy Caroline
    Try coming down from your ivory tower and running for the position in 2 yrs. You wanted your privacy, you pretty much got it. You can't have it both ways.

    January 14, 2009 11:14 am at 11:14 am |
  36. Steve Goss

    Nice to see the conservatives still can find time to bash the Kennedy's. If for no other reason than their hatred for this family which has served our nation admirably, I hope she rebounds and gets another look. She could/would probably do much better than half the deadbeats that trolled the Senate floor during our last 8 years of decline.

    January 14, 2009 11:14 am at 11:14 am |
  37. Rose

    Mike in Syracuse
    I totally second your opinion. I am sick of the blind adoration for an unproven, unqualified, and inexperienced man and, in the case of Caroline, a last name.

    January 14, 2009 11:15 am at 11:15 am |
  38. james

    Dina-Bronx and Mike-Syracuse:

    I guess you had no issue a few years ago with an inexperienced candidate with a privileged life who didn't even live in NY.

    January 14, 2009 11:15 am at 11:15 am |
  39. Giovanni

    CAROLYN MALONEY!!!

    I hope she gets it, she's a down to earth public servant that's a woman.

    Follow in the footsteps of Hillary Clinton...

    January 14, 2009 11:15 am at 11:15 am |
  40. Maggie SC

    no more kennedys in politics anywhere. vote no to this kennedy.

    January 14, 2009 11:15 am at 11:15 am |
  41. Sue in CT via Brooklyn NY

    It's no surprise that the honeymoon over Kennedy would fade fast, given that Cuomo – and the family in general- is a formidable opponent. He's had his hands full with corruption in all tiers of NY financial, municipal and political cases.

    However, it is THAT strength he has, as a bulldog, troubleshooting corruption buster that I believe should keep him where he is. Like it or not, he hasn't made policy. He's unfortunately an "after the fact" politician. Kennedy may not have officially made policy, but all the endeavours she's taken on in the past 10-15 years were what we look for in Senate leadership. Her position(s) have been in a "take preventative action" mode (education, architecture, the arts, health care- take your pick), which is what the Senate does, despite the past 6 months in particular which look as though the Senate's only true function is to clean up messes. The Senate is supposed to PREVENT messes. Her influences on these issues have already helped make policy. The last name helped, but it didn't preempt the fact that the Kennedy name has the connotation of public service.

    How short are NY'ers memories in that Hilary had been accused of being a carpetbagger in her bid initially, yet the last name carried over to victory? And that's someone who DIDN'T make policy either. In fact, remember the uproar when America rejected her well-meaning health care plans?

    Let Kennedy have the post. If NY'ers don't like it in two years they can vote her out. Certainly if Burris can take a tainted appointment AFTER he ran for similar offices SEVERAL times AND LOST, surely this comes out as a clean by comparison.

    January 14, 2009 11:16 am at 11:16 am |
  42. Don, Florida

    Well, uh, you know, like, wow, I can't beleive the new poll, you know.

    January 14, 2009 11:16 am at 11:16 am |
  43. Earl

    More white people being white.

    January 14, 2009 11:17 am at 11:17 am |
  44. MrHapiGuy

    After seeing her on TV, I have to agree. She doesn't have the right stuff.

    January 14, 2009 11:17 am at 11:17 am |
  45. Florida John

    Caroline is finding out that it takes more than a name to get a job. She did not support her party in any other way except by her Voter Registration. The Demons (Democrats) realized they could not pull this one over on the NYers – Good for you! She needs to do the honorable thing (which is tough for a Kennedy) and take her name out of contention. She will get alot of mileage out of that..................

    January 14, 2009 11:18 am at 11:18 am |
  46. Jim

    @ mike, Syracuse NY

    The US constitution clearly states the qualifications for President and Senator:

    Article II, Section 1

    No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.

    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. The age and citizenship qualifications for senators are more stringent than those for representatives.

    So Obama and Kennedy are both qualified. You may think they would not do good jobs, but that doesn't mean they are not qualified. If they were not qualified they could not run for the office.

    January 14, 2009 11:25 am at 11:25 am |
  47. Eloise Campfield

    Hey... we already have a celebrity senator in Clinton... why not continue the tradition with Kennedy! *NOTE THE SARCASM*

    January 14, 2009 11:25 am at 11:25 am |
  48. Charlene, Republican for Obama

    No experience... move on to someone else.

    In addition, I do not think Clinton can do the job as Sec of State, but Obama can release her when (not if) she screws up under heavy fire in the Gaza Strip!! It is good that she has to report to Obama..I feel safer than if she has won the presidency. I see that she can't do anything without Chelsea at her side...maybe Chelsea should take her senate seat (tee hee).

    January 14, 2009 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  49. David

    It is amazing to see the coverage of Kennedy compared with the all out investigation and interigation Palin received. Why isn't the press jumping all over her and sending teams to investigate her???? Listen, I can hear crickets....

    January 14, 2009 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  50. shane

    Please don't go by BRAND NAME...

    January 14, 2009 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  51. Mike

    Why doesn't Ms Kennedy just go away?....you know!

    January 14, 2009 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  52. jenn

    Why are they opinion polling this? It's a short-term appointment by the governor, not an election. And frankly, I don't know why Gov. Paterson has not announced a replacement–I suppose HRC won't actually resign her seat until she is confirmed as SoS, but let's be honest; she will be confirmed, and Paterson could have prevented a lot of unhelpful conjecture and speculation by announcing his choice long ago.

    As for Kennedy, my concerns are not about "experience" or "qualifications." Obama doesn't have as long a resume as VP Cheney, for example, but I'd take Obama any day of the week because he is intelligent, thoughtful, and has good judgment. Kennedy, OTOH, I'm not so sure about. She could be one of those people who was born on third base and thought she hit a triple–not unlike GWB. I am not a fan of political dynasties generally, and Kennedy's less-than-literate-sounding interviews did not fill me with confidence.

    January 14, 2009 11:27 am at 11:27 am |
  53. Boston Irish

    Hey Lost in Texas, what makes you think the people who dislike Caroline Schlossberg are Republicans? I'm not in support of her and I'm a Democrat.

    Joy O, I agree with you 100 percent. I think the reason Caroline is hoping for an appointment is if she has to actually campaign, she will have no-shows and those that do show up will leave because she will have every two or three words be "you know". A public speaker she isn't and in order to campaign, they want to HEAR your opinion, not read it on some leaflet you hand out. I don't even think "Uncle Teddy" is big enough to save her on this one.

    January 14, 2009 11:35 am at 11:35 am |
  54. Allen

    Thank Goodness some New Yorkers are apparently wising up. CK is just looking for "pay back" for stumping for Obama. This woman has never held a "real job," she has never struggled to pay a bill, and she has never had to work for anything in her entire life. She has never done anything but "be a Kennedy," and judging by her unscripted remarks to the media, she is obviously an air head. Do the right thing, Governor P. Pick someone else.

    January 14, 2009 11:36 am at 11:36 am |
  55. nyatheart

    Actually, I find it interesting that the comments for Michelle Obama's choosing an interior designer for the White House were already closed. Another press ploy.

    I would say there is a sensitive chip missing. While thousands of people are unemployed and losing their jobs, the incoming administration feels the need for an 'interior decorator'

    Change indeed................

    As for Caroline Kennedy, while I am a great admirer of her family's contribution to politics throughout history, let her run to be elected – the same route that both Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin took.

    January 14, 2009 11:41 am at 11:41 am |
  56. JMarie

    add Margin of Error to the poll numbers, and the difference is insignificant.

    This is media trying to have impact on outcome.

    January 14, 2009 11:42 am at 11:42 am |
  57. rockturner

    I think Caroline would be good for the job, if you applied to a lesser office position for a few years and got some practical experience.

    Her family name and commitment to politics and America is lengendary, but it does not make you a instant politician.
    She lacks confidence in her speaking, and her thought process is
    unclear.

    I think in time, if she is truely serious, she should run for office.
    but to take it by default, in troubling times. NY requires a stearn
    hand and steady insight.

    January 14, 2009 11:43 am at 11:43 am |
  58. Wait...What?

    You know Cuomo is a pretty big name too. But as an upstater I want Gillibrand but I can't deny that her reelection would be difficult.

    January 14, 2009 11:44 am at 11:44 am |
  59. Don in Albuquerque

    The time is now for Fran Dresher!!!!!!!!!!!! Irritating as Kennedy and Palin but at least she is intelligent.

    January 14, 2009 11:45 am at 11:45 am |
  60. Mike T

    Kirsten Gilibrand would do a great job....she represents my district in upstate NY.

    January 14, 2009 11:46 am at 11:46 am |
  61. Betty in upstate NY

    I think Paterson will offer Caroline a job. Just not the senate seat. I am sure the other contenders (Cuomo) wouldn't be to happy having worked their butts off for years only to have her waltz in and take the senate seat because she is a Kennedy. If Paterson is smart he will let her work her way up just like everyone else has had to do. And if Paterson has any hope of being ELECTED to the office of Governor he will not hand Caroline the senate seat. He is already in enough hot water with his tax ideas and the Seneca Indians.

    January 14, 2009 11:47 am at 11:47 am |
  62. Robert

    Placing Caroline Kennedy in the vacant seat would be such a politically gimme it compares to Pres-elect Obama appointing Hillary Clinton as Sec. of State, tell me that wasn't a huge thank you for getting her support after she lost her party's nomination. Talk about "pay for play."

    January 14, 2009 11:47 am at 11:47 am |
  63. Sezi Demirkilic`

    I think the reason people are so afraid of Kennedy is because not much is known about her. BUT, that might be why she would be right for the job. She might not be as experienced or too public, now she will be and she wants to step into "the light".

    Give Carolne Kennedy a chance. I haven't seen Cuomo do anything at all in the near past!

    January 14, 2009 11:49 am at 11:49 am |
  64. AndyL

    @JJ – "you betcha" the verbal tic "ya know" makes a difference, or it did anyways when it was about a republican

    January 14, 2009 11:49 am at 11:49 am |
  65. Sylvia

    Once again power and money win – thanks to the liberal media support. She will get in. Sucks for the rest of us to have to earn it!

    January 14, 2009 11:50 am at 11:50 am |
  66. Maggie from Virginia

    I'm an Obama supporter, but I do not support Caroline as a Senator.

    January 14, 2009 11:51 am at 11:51 am |
  67. Michael J,

    Kennedy is only being considered because of her last name...

    January 14, 2009 11:52 am at 11:52 am |
  68. Michelle

    I'm sure she's a very nice person. But equating that to being able to be a Senator representing New York State in national politics is just not correct. She can't get the job just because of her last name. She should have experience of some sort in the political arena. Her fundraising and charity work and experience are wonderful, but I don't think they'll get her very far in the dog eat dog world of New York State politics. Give the job to someone who can handle it.

    January 14, 2009 11:54 am at 11:54 am |
  69. Earl

    "While thousands of people are unemployed and losing their jobs, the incoming administration feels the need for an 'interior decorator'"

    So what you're saying is that they should take away another person's job, nice, I agree. Interior decorators don't deserve work. Only the people who do and believe what I do deserve to have things work out.

    January 14, 2009 11:55 am at 11:55 am |
  70. David

    Good one Boston Irish. You don't have to be GOP to not want her to be senator. As a Dem I would rather see Cuomo or Gillibrand, you know someone who has actually served in elected office. And I have to say to Lost in Texas that we on the left have spewed hate on here for a while now so be prepared for it to go around.

    January 14, 2009 11:57 am at 11:57 am |
  71. The Rector

    I think it's sad that she even wants it. She has everything she could ever want except for validation. pathitic.

    January 14, 2009 11:57 am at 11:57 am |
  72. Jane

    Opps. Wonder why it worked in IL. Oh that's because it was a race issue. The press has hounded her about her views on issues but they haven't even approached Burris on anything. Double standard as always....women are held to a higher standard than men; just ask Sarah Palin and Hilliary Clinton.

    January 14, 2009 11:57 am at 11:57 am |
  73. ron levine

    I can't believe that Caroline Kennedy is still in the game. She has virtually no experience. If she wasn't a Kennedy, she wouldn't even have been considered.
    Mr. Cuomo is by far the only person for this postion.

    January 14, 2009 11:58 am at 11:58 am |
  74. Steve in Crete

    If Caroline was from a wealth republican family with the resume she has, she would have been crucified by the media. They would have reports on how she didn't color within the lines in kindergarten and had a second grade friend that went on to sell drugs and ended up in prison. The MSM would be demanding to know how close of a relationship they had and did Caroline know her 2nd grade friend was a dealer. The MSM would be gleefully reporting that Caroline had 12 houses all over the world with servants at everyone of them. The MSM would tell us that this princess is out of touch with the average American. But the fact is, she is a lefty, so none of this matters to them. Sure, she's never had a real job, ever, but so what?

    January 14, 2009 11:59 am at 11:59 am |
  75. chuck

    MONEY STILL TALKS.WHEN LAST I CHECKED --MONEY STILL TALKS.

    January 14, 2009 11:59 am at 11:59 am |
  76. Robert

    Would someone remind me what was so great about Camelot? Oh, that's right; the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban missile crisis, and an affair with Marilyn Monroe. The people of New York, and America for that matter, better be careful what they wish for.

    January 14, 2009 11:59 am at 11:59 am |
  77. Pete

    If you consider that Caroline didn't marry a draft dodger, and to my knowledge hasn't had to tolerate and does not condone a husband that enjoys extramarital affairs, her patriotism and moral and ethical standards are way above that of the person she will be replacing. This in itself makes her far more qualified to represent decent hard working Americans.

    January 14, 2009 12:05 pm at 12:05 pm |
  78. Allen

    My impersonation of Caroline Kennedy: Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know Y'know (Yeah, real intelligent woman...but, hey, check out that last name.)

    January 14, 2009 12:06 pm at 12:06 pm |
  79. Bo from the ATL

    To Allen who wrote:

    "She has never done anything but "be a Kennedy," and judging by her unscripted remarks to the media, she is obviously an air head."

    You "obviously" have not seen Kennedy's resume (Attorney, Constitutional Author, etc,) . She can hold her own and makes you and Palin look like intellectual midgets

    January 14, 2009 12:10 pm at 12:10 pm |
  80. Joel Dean

    They have the nerve to question if Leon Panetta is qualified to
    lead the CIA, They fear questioning Roland Burris for fear of racial discrimination backlash.

    Ask yourself than, what qualifications does Barack Obama
    have to be president?

    Ms. Kennedy is as qualfied as any.

    January 14, 2009 12:10 pm at 12:10 pm |
  81. yen

    I am not a New Yorker, but my vote is for Caroline. She is best qualified for the job. She doesn't need money because she has enough of it. Her family name is not for some benefit for herself, but is very useful for fund raising and a lot of other things a politician needs to be effective. She is serious and knowledgeable.

    January 14, 2009 12:12 pm at 12:12 pm |
  82. DClaire

    Andrew Cuomo should replace Hillary Clinton-

    D.Claire

    January 14, 2009 12:12 pm at 12:12 pm |
  83. Jim, Honolulu

    You can't convince me that of all the accomplished, experienced people living in New York Ms. Kennedy is the best (and I doubt she's either). End this buffonery, pick Cuomo, and let's get on with fixing the country's problems.

    January 14, 2009 12:12 pm at 12:12 pm |
  84. williefloyd

    Not a New Yorker so I don't really care that much-do respect the Kennedy name however. To Joy O, CK may not have practised law but at least she has the degree to do so if she so chooses. Don't quite get the connection to Sarah Palin who has a 6 yr. degree in journalism-sort of like comparing apples to oranges. Bottom line-CK has the intelligence to obtain her law degree.

    January 14, 2009 12:14 pm at 12:14 pm |
  85. Bob from Kentucky

    Just read the poll. The numbers quoted in the article include the Republican Kennedy haters. Among Democrats they look to be statistically tied. And there is also pushback from Hillary's people, which in the longrun isn't worth the paper their ballots are printed on. The truth is that Republicans are absolutely terrified of the prospect of meeting Caroline Kennedy in an election.

    January 14, 2009 12:16 pm at 12:16 pm |
  86. Irritated in Fl

    He's not seeing either. Someone Please read the polls to him. NO MORE KENNEDYS!

    January 14, 2009 12:18 pm at 12:18 pm |
  87. Bo from the ATL

    To Sue in CT via Brooklyn NY:

    Well said!!

    January 14, 2009 12:18 pm at 12:18 pm |
  88. mike e. cooney

    Apparently, New Yawkers, aren't as stupid, vapid, and as heathen as I once thought!

    January 14, 2009 12:19 pm at 12:19 pm |
  89. Dina-Bronx

    James:

    I did NOT support Hillary Clinton when she ran for NY State senator because she "forced" her way into NY and had some strings pulled for her run for senator of New York State (although she wasn't a resident for the required period of time). HOWEVER, Hillary at least RAN for senator and WON because other people voted for her, and she did not have a "privileged life" - she held jobs, she votes, and she proved herself.

    Caroline is just a Kennedy - nothing more.

    January 14, 2009 12:19 pm at 12:19 pm |
  90. Rick

    I hope the Governor picks someone qualified but she's not it. She's never had a job, run for office or done anything that wasn't handed to her. On the other hand this is politics and NY let Hillary run for the senate and she didn't even live there. Sure she bought a house there to establish residency but it's obvious she looked at a senate job as beneath her and only useful as a stepping stone to the Oval Office. New Yorkers got what they deserved from her...someone who used the office to try to advance herself and after spending most of her time running for president and not doing her job she will become Secretary of State.

    If they appoint Kennedy New Yorkers will get someone who feels entitled to the job but little else. She'll work as hard at being a Senator as the effort she put into getting the job which is minimal. Let her run in '10 if she wants to be Senator. I'd bet anything she won't lift a finger to actually run for the job.

    January 14, 2009 12:20 pm at 12:20 pm |
  91. Jackie in Dallas

    Wow, I hadn't read all the hate blogs before I made my earlier comments.

    Never held a real job? Hmm. I guess spending years raising money for education (more than $25 million, I think) in New York doesn't count - especially if YOU didn't benefit. She has held unpaid, volunteer jobs for years, donates a tremendous amount of time to charities and foundations that benefit the people of New York, has written books, and you guys make her sound like Paris Hilton! No, she didn't need to make a salary, but she HAS worked most of her life. And how many of YOU graduated with honors from a prestigeous school of law?

    Stupid, people. At least get your facts straight. Andrew Cuomo has run in state elections a number of times, and failed miserably at most of them (in one he got only 16,000 votes out of 2.2 million, according to Wikipedia). The only election he won, State Attorney General (which he has only held for two years), he won by one of the smallest margins in New York state history. So he isn't some shining star with years of experience, either. Oh, but he was appointed to replace Cisceros as Secretary of HUD under Clinton.

    So, a famous name on one side, and a famous name on the other and the majority of a poll says that they want the one who could not, in previous years, win the office he is seeking. Glad I'm NOT from New York now!

    January 14, 2009 12:20 pm at 12:20 pm |
  92. Humored in Texas

    Personal to Allen:

    Then you must think a Bush press conference is interesting, too, right?!

    January 14, 2009 12:20 pm at 12:20 pm |
  93. JonJon

    You know, Caroline is royalty, you know. She doesn't need experience. She just has to smile, you know. She has money, you know. She is a lawyer, you know. What kind of law cases she worked on you ask? How dare you ask! You know, she does not have to answer questions commoners like you all ask, you know. She is a Kennedy after all, you know. And well, you know, she is a Kennedy. And her qualifications are she is a Kennedy. What more can you ask for aside from the fact that she is a Kennedy, you know?

    January 14, 2009 12:21 pm at 12:21 pm |
  94. Craig in Brooklyn

    The fact that Andrew Cuomo has been dating trailer-trash Sandra Lee from the Food Network for three years calls his judgment into serious question. Just imagine her semi-ho-made dinner parties in Georgetown.

    January 14, 2009 12:23 pm at 12:23 pm |
  95. Robin

    So what, she has a good education. She can't speak and she has ZERO experience to do the job at hand.

    January 14, 2009 12:31 pm at 12:31 pm |
  96. Jim

    Bob from Kentucky January 14th, 2009 12:16 pm ET

    Just read the poll. The numbers quoted in the article include the Republican Kennedy haters. Among Democrats they look to be statistically tied. And there is also pushback from Hillary's people, which in the longrun isn't worth the paper their ballots are printed on. The truth is that Republicans are absolutely terrified of the prospect of meeting Caroline Kennedy in an election.
    ____________________________________________________

    So are you implying that the governor only represents the Democrats in NY. I bet Republicans there pay taxes too. Also, they will be affected by her representation of the state and country. Seems like their opinions should at least be considered.

    January 14, 2009 12:32 pm at 12:32 pm |
  97. Ava

    My female intuition tells me Caroline Kennedy wants this high profile position at this particular time due to Uncle Teddy's precarious health status. She wants to please her uncle...now. I doubt she will be interested in any political election in two years.

    January 14, 2009 12:32 pm at 12:32 pm |
  98. FreeNLovIt

    This is America. Rich or poor, popular or not, we all have the right to pursue our dreams. I hope she gets her cat claws out and fight to be knighted. And if W qualifies to be Prez, she qualifies to be anything she dreams to be.

    January 14, 2009 12:34 pm at 12:34 pm |
  99. Jane T, Williamsburg, VA

    Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is not qualified to be the junior Senator from NY. Th Kennedy name should not be her appointment ticket. While she is an accomlished woman, there are so many other more comeptent, read for, and deserving of this honored post.

    January 14, 2009 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |
  100. boered1

    Just remember all you people complaining about C. kennedy, if her name was NOT Kennedy and she had the same background oyu would be asking for her! What you idiots prove in this discussion (same as in the Burriss discussion) is you will believe ANYTHING and not really think things through!

    So when Cuomo is appointed and he acts JUST LIKE A POLITICIAN BECAUSE HE IS A POLITICIAN I do not want to hear whining about how DC doesn't listen to anyone but politicians who are beholden to the lobbiest who have got them from the local school board to national attention because according to you idiots you should only represent the people if you are a) a lawyer b) a career politician. And you wonder why all we have are career politicians and lawyers in Government who are more worried about getting reelected and pleasing the lobbiest than they are about the peoples work

    idiots

    January 14, 2009 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |
  101. Marla

    Looking at the photo of Caroline at the podium makes me wonder if "SCHLOSSBERG" would look appealing on all those signs? New Yorkers need a Senator with experience, not just a name.

    January 14, 2009 12:37 pm at 12:37 pm |
  102. Will in Philadelphia

    I like her...but she is not qualify right now.

    January 14, 2009 12:44 pm at 12:44 pm |
  103. Craig in Brooklyn

    As appealing as SCHWARZENEGGER. What kind of logic is that?

    Marla January 14th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

    Looking at the photo of Caroline at the podium makes me wonder if "SCHLOSSBERG" would look appealing on all those signs? New Yorkers need a Senator with experience, not just a name.

    January 14, 2009 12:45 pm at 12:45 pm |
  104. carolflowery

    poor little rich girl

    January 14, 2009 12:45 pm at 12:45 pm |
  105. Judson

    Kennedy has the right political instincts! She supported a Nation's hope for change by supporting Obama on the campaign trail all year starting on Jan 28, 2008. We all know who Cuomo supported.

    Polls of a "non campaign" campaign favor a career Politician like Andrew Cuomo who had a political operative asking upstate leaders and unions not to show support for Kennedy when she traveled upstate in December. So much for the repackaged kinder and gentler Andrew Cuomo. Kennedy's quick response team can't respond to all the attacks against her from those attacking her from her own party or respond to the Peter King, Sarah Parlin and the right wing pundits because this is a "Non Capaign" Campaign. If they could the poll in this article would be different. In anther recent poll two days ago showed Caroline Kennedy winning over Peter King 53% to 33%. This came after attacks from within her own party and the Peter King and Conservative supporters and Pundits.

    Now with all the experience Cuomo has he backed someone who misread the mood the voters. Kennedy traveled the country for the Obama/Biden ticket and knows the issues that count to all of us.

    Patterson, Schumer, Kennedy and New York Democrats in 2010!!!

    January 14, 2009 12:46 pm at 12:46 pm |
  106. Erika, KS

    Good. We need substance! What has she done? Born a Kennedy? Did she have anything to do with that? No. Enough of empty suits.

    January 14, 2009 12:47 pm at 12:47 pm |
  107. R

    i am from New York and i do not want her

    January 14, 2009 12:47 pm at 12:47 pm |
  108. Sweetie

    Enough with the Ego Maniacs that think their name says it all!

    January 14, 2009 12:49 pm at 12:49 pm |
  109. Maureen Knowles

    My question is why all of a sudden she is back to her maiden name what happend to Mrs. Schlossberg –

    Think people won't know her by her married name so let's use name recognition

    January 14, 2009 12:50 pm at 12:50 pm |
  110. Jason L Hubsch

    When you stop, step back, and realize that Sarah Palin actually has more experience than Caroline Kennedy, it becomes astounding to think she is being taken seriously.

    Remove her last name and its heritage and it's no different than her neighbors feeling they deserve the spot.

    January 14, 2009 12:58 pm at 12:58 pm |
  111. POLL ME!!!

    Caroline Kennedy will make a great Senator ...........She is not tarnish like the rest of the Experience stuck on Stupid Senators
    @Kayne DeGrenier January 14th, 2009 10:10 am ET
    We Don't Need Any More Kennedy's in Public Life! we didn't need anymore Bush's ...Oh what a mess we are in !!!

    January 14, 2009 12:59 pm at 12:59 pm |
  112. carlo

    The time is now for Fran Dresher!!!!!!!!!!!! Irritating as Kennedy and Palin but at least she is intelligent.
    ****************************************************************************
    Fran Dresher went to cosmotology school. Next.

    January 14, 2009 12:59 pm at 12:59 pm |
  113. Brad

    As it should be. The Kennedy's have had their day and should not be placed in public office as some historical entitlement. We will be much better served if she remains a wealthy socialite attending charity luncheons..................................................

    January 14, 2009 01:00 pm at 1:00 pm |
  114. TruthWillSetYouFree37

    There is a guy in the senate with only a high school degree.

    How much experience to you need to vote the party line. It worked for Obama.

    January 14, 2009 01:00 pm at 1:00 pm |
  115. Jason

    When New Yorkers had the choice between Obama and Clinton, they chose experience and the leader that could deliver it – Clinton.

    These people know what to look for – not a rockstar celebrity, but experience. Good for the people of NY.

    January 14, 2009 01:00 pm at 1:00 pm |
  116. Sammy

    You know, maybe New York does have some thinking people after all.

    January 14, 2009 01:00 pm at 1:00 pm |
  117. President-elect

    She would have made a better President-elect.

    January 14, 2009 01:01 pm at 1:01 pm |
  118. PHS in RI

    I like her but honestly, she's about as qualified as Sarah Palin.

    January 14, 2009 01:01 pm at 1:01 pm |
  119. dan in Tucson

    Caroline Kennedy is not qualified to work ANYWHERE let alone in a position overseeing policies which impact peoples lives.That is like making Paris Hilton secretary of state. Come on now people!!!!

    January 14, 2009 01:01 pm at 1:01 pm |
  120. Mick in Mesa

    Love the Kennedy's – including Caroline – but the country like the state of NY needs competence not nostalgic croneyism in their legislative picks.
    NY would be smart to pick a seat warmer that has some political chops rather than charisma...

    January 14, 2009 01:02 pm at 1:02 pm |
  121. Southerner

    Thank goodness! I was beginning to think the whole world had gone insane. At least there are still signs of reasonable behavior out there.

    Caroline Kennedy has absolutely no qualifications to be senator. NONE! Picking her makes less sense than just picking up a New York phone directory and randomly selecting a name. At least with random selection there would be a CHANCE that the person was qualified.

    January 14, 2009 01:02 pm at 1:02 pm |
  122. TruthWillSetYouFree37

    Never put side by side photos of Sarah Palin and Caroline Kennedy on the TV scene.

    Never play a clip of Sarah Palin and Carline Kennedy speaking.

    Now, I know why nearly half the country went crazy for Palin.

    Never! Never! Never!, Never!

    Obama picked Caroline

    January 14, 2009 01:10 pm at 1:10 pm |
  123. LM, Western NY

    Support is fading? Many of us never supported her from the beginning.
    She showed up in Western New York unprepared at press gatherings, uneducated about upstate issues and full of herself like she was doing US a favor.

    January 14, 2009 01:18 pm at 1:18 pm |
  124. Independent Voter

    When Caroline was asked by a journalist what her brother would think about her becoming a senator, she grinned, and said, "He would laugh...." What does that tell you? My gosh – she's even suggesting her own brother would think it was a joke! I'm so sick and tired of the Bush's and Kennedy's who think they are in some kind of dynasty entitling them to a lifetime of paychecks and benefits without ever having to really work. Why don't they get a real job and see what it's like to struggle through life without the last name Kennedy or Bush! How can the make legitimate, rational decisions for hard-working tax payers when they don't even know how to do a load of laundry or take out the trash?

    January 14, 2009 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  125. msgijoe

    I am a Mississippi RedNeck. I have no stake or influence whatsoever in New York. However, I think Caroline Schlossberg would rank in the top half of the Senate by the time she had to run for re-election. She has the brains; she has the drive; she has the money; and she is ready for public service,

    January 14, 2009 01:25 pm at 1:25 pm |
  126. Renee

    Growing up in the 60's, I saw "Camelot" idealized. Then, as I aged, wiped the mist of childhood from my eyes and started reading – I "saw the light". Subconsciously, the myth must have lived on, though, as I always imagined Caroline as someone very articulate, very bright, and a great orator. Staying way under the radar, as she has this many years, she did nothing to dispel my impression. What a shame to have her come to the fore-front and to have to "see the light" all over again! Camelot? It WAS a fairy tale, and the the Princess has turned out to be a spoiled little dingbat who can't put a sentence together. What a disappointment and shock to the psyche! Horrors!

    January 14, 2009 01:27 pm at 1:27 pm |
  127. Rick

    Oh he will pick the name because he will get pressure from the Kennedy clan. So you can guess who will be in there with all that experience, you guessed it Caroline Kennedy of course.

    January 14, 2009 01:28 pm at 1:28 pm |
  128. Dan

    She makes me like um.. Puke! Um.. Maybe um.. like we should um find someone else BUT a Kennedy!

    January 14, 2009 01:28 pm at 1:28 pm |
  129. vinh

    Governor Patterson knows what's good for New York.
    The thought of Kennedy being a lot closer to the President-Elect than Cuomo is must be going through his head.

    January 14, 2009 01:29 pm at 1:29 pm |
  130. Pat in IL

    Cuomo is part of the old boys' political circle. Maybe someone who is not "entitled" at all, but is actually dedicated to public service should be considered. By the way, Caroline Kennedy has spent her whole life dedicated to public service....just not in the center of the political arena.

    January 14, 2009 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |
  131. H

    Yeah I'm happy we don't have an unqualified VP Palin in office and a Kennedy as Senator. Both grossly unqualified.

    January 14, 2009 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |
  132. the censor

    Hey, let Caroline be Senator, would love to see her smear Palin for the presidency in 2012 or 2016. Go Caroline

    January 14, 2009 01:35 pm at 1:35 pm |
  133. jeff jackson

    Let's get real. As bad as the media wanted Caroline in
    Washington, the more she spoke the less impressive
    she became. Just because you are a celebrity doesn't
    make you intelligent. When will the media ever learn ?
    I say never !!!

    January 14, 2009 01:35 pm at 1:35 pm |
  134. Pay Attention

    Caroline Kennedy is a lawyer, she's been an editor, an author, she's been the director of numberous agencies and departments, including the New York Department of Education. She grew up with politics in her house and has worked on campaign trails and with various candidates for years. How does this compare with Sarah Palin or someone off the street? That doesn't even make any intelligent sense for people claiming that she has no experience in anything and that Sarah Palin is more qualified. Hillary Clinton was a lawyer too for crying out loud. I'm not saying everyone has to want Caroline Kennedy as a senator, but come on people, use your brains and do some research to make your decisions and stop acting like a bunch of ignorant morons.

    January 14, 2009 01:36 pm at 1:36 pm |
  135. david goldman

    IF SHE TRULY HONORED HER FAMILY LEGACY,

    SHE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF BED TO VOTE.

    THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF DEDICATED NEW YORKERS

    THAT VOTE & CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR CITIZENS IN GOOD

    TIMES & BAD. NOT VOTING MULTIPLE TIMES IS A DISGRACE.

    January 14, 2009 01:40 pm at 1:40 pm |
  136. Bridgette-PA

    "Mike, Syracuse NY"- Do you ever talk about anything positive? Why are you here? I thought you left the country on 11/5. Please go, NOW!

    January 14, 2009 01:41 pm at 1:41 pm |
  137. Lois, Ont., Canada

    Camelot is history. The Kennedy name means nothing. After almost 50 years, they are known for 'cheating' on their wives!!!

    January 14, 2009 03:10 pm at 3:10 pm |