Caroline Kennedy Criticism Continues

Sure, Caroline Kennedy may have answered (well, in a written format) some questions about her positions, but that hasn't stopped the naysayers from naying.

Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens) previously said of Kennedy that she "has name recognition, but so does J.Lo. I wouldn't make J.Lo the senator unless she proved she had great qualifications, but we haven't seen them yet." This time, on CBS's Face the Nation (video below), he said Kennedy's handlers "basically Sarah Palin-ized her" by keeping her away from the press last week.

Rep. Peter King (R-Long Island) was also on Face the Nation. King has expressed interest in running for the Senate seat in 2010 and said, "How can the average New Yorker identify with Caroline Kennedy? ... She's never even held one news conference. She hasn't gone to one American Legion hall or Knights of Columbus hall or Masonic temple, or one synagogue to answer questions. When she does go on her so-called listening tour upstate, she's, like, running from city hall into the car to avoid reporters."

Defending Kennedy was Joel Klein, NYC Schools Chancellor and her good friend (pictured, with Kennedy in 2004). Klein spoke to the power of her work ethic and the Kennedy name, "Five and a half, six years ago, when I asked her, along with Mayor Bloomberg, to come help with New York City's public schools, that's not a glamorous thing to do. This woman put her shoulder to the wheel, went out there and sent a powerful message to the entire city that public education matters. She helped us raise money. She helped us forge partnerships. And she spent time with our kids in the schools."

Watch CBS Videos Online

Another Senate-hopeful, Rep. Caroline Maloney (D-Manhattan), defended Ackerman's comments, saying he wasn't sexist, "Gary Ackerman has been a strong supporter of women's rights,"—and the Daily Politics suggests she made a few digs at Kennedy. Today, the Washington Post's Chris Cilizza offers the case for Caroline Kennedy—one thought is, "The idea of replacing one high-profile woman with a national (and international) reputation with another high-profile woman with national (and international) reputation makes good sense -- politically for Paterson and more generally for voters." And he'll follow up tomorrow with the case against Kennedy.

And another person against Kennedy in the Senate: The mayor of Paris.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on December 22, 2008 1:32 PM

Comments [rss]

WestVillageVintage

The press is claiming that the money Kennedy raised for the schools was for arts programs. That is false. The funds Kennedy helped raise went for such wonderful programs as the the much maligned assignment of letter grades to schools and high stake testing even for early childhood learners.

She did not raise money for the arts. She raised money for tests.

JMH

"Caroline Kennedy has raised more than 65 million dollars for the New York City public Scholls as Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the the New York City Department of Education."

Which is wonderful but it doesn't make her qualified to be a U.S. Senator.

unregistered_wiseguy

Caroline Kennedy is no Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin was a successful mayor for six years and has been a successful governor for two years. That's a lot more than we can say for Caroline Kennedy.

Come to think of it, that's a lot more than we can say for Gary Ackerman, too.

zodak

"She's a Polebrity and should therefore be confined to TV talk shows and Wash. D.C. roasts."

polebrity, i love that word.

kirkussent

Gary Ackerman, the Congressman that has been talking trash about Caroline Kennedy has the following Congressional record: 107 bills sponsored, 1 successfully becoming law.

Caroline Kennedy has raised more than 65 million dollars for the New York City public Scholls as Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the the New York City Department of Education.

Gary Ackerman reminds me of the guy in the stands at a football game who has beer in one hand a hotdog in the other who is stuffing his face while yelling at the players that he can do better.

NannyState

She's a Polebrity and should therefore be confined to TV talk shows and Wash. D.C. roasts.

fugothamist

i agree Lawrence re: the party unity

but a better analogy would be if they appointed ron reagan or something, assuming he lived in florida (although thankfully he's no rightwinger)

Politburo

"her greatest virtue is that she isn't one of "them""

But she still is one of "them". Sure, she hasn't been a career politician, but what makes you think she wouldn't quickly become one of them? After all, if she gets the seat, they're the ones that will have made her, and they will expect rewards.

Lawrence

Turns out the letter to the Times from Mayor Delanoe was a fake email. I guess the depressed stock price at the Old Grey Hag has meant cutbacks in their fact-checking.

Meanwhile, could you imaging if the GOP picked George P. Bush to fill something in Florida? The press would have a field day but at least the Republicans would be somewhat more united than the joke that is the Empire State Democratic party.

fugothamist

the letter from paris was a fake

if any of you actually want one of these greaseball career polticians to represent NY in the senate, rather than CK, than you have no right to bitch about anything ever again. her greatest virtue is that she isn't one of "them"

Mr Mel

Ms Kennedy has a history of doing good works and should be admired for it. She should keep up the good work, but stay away from high elective office until she has earned it.

Politburo

Why would King say anything now? Why not let the Dems self-destruct by naming Kennedy?

JenChungsBaby

But, but, but...SHE WROTE BOOKS ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION!

I don't think anyone associated with the New York City Department of Education should be considered for public office anywhere.

ides_of_march

Maybe she should get drunk off her ass, drive a car off a bridge and go sleep it off while her passenger drowns. Crap like that seems to have helped her Uncle Ted keep a Senate seat for 40 years.

djwerdna

Much to our amusement, Palin never seemed to be afraid to meet the press. I wonder why Caroline is so press-shy. Surely, she is more intelligent and coherent than Palin.

drewo

Looks like this Senate seat is being used as a stepping stone to larger political office - just like Hillary Clinton used New Yorkers to move on up.