New Yorkers Debate Caroline Kennedy Qualifications

(AP)

New Yorkers are split on whether Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be a U.S. senator, a Quinnipiac University poll out today finds, with 40 percent saying she is qualified and 41 percent saying she is not.

Kennedy, of course, is being considered as a potential appointee to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, if and when the former presidential candidate becomes secretary of state. The possible pick has stirred fierce debate, with some suggesting that Kennedy has little qualification beyond her famous surname; there have been differing accounts of her work at the Department of Education, with some suggesting it prepared her "for the big leagues" and others complaining that her chair was often empty.

Quinnipiac found that while 33 percent of voters say New York Gov. David Paterson should name Kennedy to the seat, they expect him to do so by a 48 – 25 margin. Twenty-nine percent say Patterson should choose the state's attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, whose last name might also ring a bell.

The New York Times, meanwhile, has published a story noting that Kennedy "is declining to provide a variety of basic data, including companies she has a stake in and whether she has ever been charged with a crime." While a spokesman did offer written answers to a number of questions submitted to Kennedy – the most notable response being her unequivocal support for gay marriage – the potential senator declined to respond to questions submitted by the Times concerning her possible ethical, legal or financial entanglements.

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, who calls Kennedy "eminently qualified to be a senator," has suggested that Kennedy has taken extra criticism because she is John F. Kennedy's daughter; Kennedy vowed Monday to support the Democratic nominee in the city's mayoral race, who will be running against her friend Bloomberg.

Meanwhile the mayor, who has stopped short of endorsing Kennedy, urged Patterson to make his choice sooner rather than later.

"I think the governor should make a decision reasonably quickly because this is just getting out of control and everybody is focusing on the wrong things," he said.

[spinproof]

As of right now Caroline Kennedy leads in the Polls of all the candidates under consideration. Barring some unforeseen event Caroline Kennedy looks to be the next Senator from New York and good for her, Caroline Kennedy will make a fine U.S. Senator and New Yorkers will benefit because she has Pres.-elect Obama''s ear, like can call him whenever she wants on his cell phone! A big part of the political game is access and Caroline Kennedy has access to Barack Obama walking in the door.

[hacbs1]

Caroline will have to confront reality in NY, the Jewish vote. Gov. Paterson will respond to Jewish vote and support, because he will need them for his own election, more than he will need Caroline. Look for Rep. Israel to get the seat instead of Caroline. That is a done deal. Caroline''s is best chance is to fight it out in next elections.

[whosaid1]

tigerrram9: you are truly an "airhead". She IS respectable?suggesting that Palin is not? And, the country owes her %u201C respect and trust%u201D because her father was assassinated ??!!!.

[whosaid1]

tigerrram9: you are truly an "airhead". She IS respectable%u2026.suggesting that Palin is not%u2026 and, the country owes her %u201C respect and trust%u201D because her father was assassinated ??!!!.

[hamiltongrad]

As a Professor teaching "Women and the World", and "Women in Crisis-Men in Revolt" I have additional insight as to this concern, that men obviously have about a woman taking some control and power from them. A perspective of any candidate being female is always met with an angst, since the first woman ran for President in 1976 Ms. Geraldo. Since then a coalition of female hating men have managed to keep the % of women in congress well below that demanded by feminist acitivists organized to maintain a modicum of women voices in our gov''t. Here is no exception. I teach my female students to be warry of men "bearing gifts" and so we must stand to keep this seat female, and demand action in making congress a full 51 % female as well.

[tigerrram9]

Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be the Senator of New York. Who chose Sarah Palin? She was not qualified to be on the ticket. Caroline is a respectable person and she will be able to address the needs of the state. She felt the pain of a nation, first hand, when our preseident was assassinated in Dallas. The country owes her that respect and trust. She will do just fine in the senate.

[downsteamjim]

If a piece of cat *** had Kennedy written on it, 75%+ of liberals would support it for Senate.

[combatvet03]

If George W. Bush is/was qualified to be president, I think the bar would be a mere ripple in the sidewalk. Sara Palin and John McCain illustrated that point well.

[quickly101]

This qualification thing is overblown. If one has average intelligence, common sense, and some compassion they''re good to go for me. Of course it goes without saying a felony on one''s record should automatically exclude them from serving. I think Caroline would be a great US senator, better than most in fact.

[endurorob]

A lifetime of fundraising makes you qualified for one thing, fundraising.