Caroline Scrutinized: The More 'You Know,' The Worse?

No one is exactly racing to put the stamp on Caroline Kennedy as our next senator following her recent series of interviews with local media. Veteran New York politics journalist Andrew Kirtzman says thinks her roll-out has been disastrous, telling Politicker NY, "The interviews were catastrophic to her cause. They totally undermined one's faith in her. It's becoming clear why the roll-out has been so tentative and low-key: Her communications skills could take months to improve, and she doesn't have that kind of time." Ouch.

Those communication skills have been coming under the microscope, specifically with her frequent usage of the phrase "you know," wherein many media outlets have jumped on the bandwagon started by Gawker over the weekend, calling out Caroline for dropping 12 "you knows" in a minute, 138 times total during her NY Times interview. The LA Times calls her the new Sarah Palin "by golly." And FishbowlNY almost suggests we could have a "you know" gate on our hands in noting that as opposed to the other new outlets who published interviews with her, the AP chose to edit out the phrase.

A nationwide CNN poll showed that over 40% of Americans thought that Kennedy was unqualified for the senate before her media blitz. But maybe that's fitting considering the lack of experience in office by those who have held the seat she's vying for.

To add to her woes, Sheldon Silver sure still sounds less than convinced that he can count Kennedy as an ally of local Democrats despite meeting with her for 45 minutes Friday. He told the Post that he still has all the same concerns, specifically, "it's clear to me that she is sponsored by the mayor or by [Deputy Mayor] Kevin Sheekey."

That certainly seems to be the stance taken in the cartoon above by artist Zina Saunders, which we believe is an imagining. While we think the mayor certainly looks adorable taking care of the new queen of Camelot, Kirtzman's advice is "I'd get her working the phones, and have the mayor's people get off of them."

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By Billy Parker in News on December 29, 2008 6:58 PM

Comments [rss]

Walter Petrel

There are so many reasons we shouldn't let Caroline (who has a last name and it's the only reason any one has ever heard of her) be Senator just because she's a Kennedy. We're already governed by People Magazine and a small group of talk show hosts.

But if we do this, shouldn't we consider the next in the princely succession. Who are her offspring and will we like it when they claim their turn?

Love the cartoon!

NannyState

"Caroline honey, you can cross your legs now. Really, it's ok."

glennQNYC

Ides of March has it spot on.

You don't have to agree with Governor Palin's politics, you don't even have to like the woman... But she at least worked her way up the political ladder by getting elected! Caroline is getting APPOINTED (huge difference) because of her family name and her ability to add 'star power' to the state and raise money. No comparison.

I actually think this farce helps make Gov Palin look like a stronger candidate. Keep it up!

ides_of_march

#19 A democrat Palin? Uhm, Palin came from blue collar background, has actually worked in the private sector and has held progressively higher elected (not appointed)offices the last 16 years with no famous family name to trade on or an ex-president husband's coat-tail to ride into office. Princess Caroline should have such a resume, ya know.

ides_of_march

#19 A democrat Palin? Uhm, Palin came from blue collar background, has actually worked in the private sector and has held progressively higher elected (not appointed)offices the last 16 years with no famous family name to trade on or an ex-president husband's coat-tail to ride into office. Princess Caroline should have such a resume, ya know.

zodak

she is going to be, you know, the winner

Jen S

If she's qualified, great, go for it. If not, she's a Democratic Palin, and an embarrassment.

Toby von Meistersinger

Last time I checked, Palin was actually elected to a couple of offices unlike someone who feels entitled just because they are a Kennedy.

Jen S

I meant it more like: a relatively unknown and unprepared politician being thrust into the spotlight for a position she may very well be capable of holding, but is having a hard time proving to the masses.

Damn, like Senators are even important anymore!

nik13

It's Bouvier genes "you know" - her mother always appeared dopey, while no real Kennedy lacked a command of English.

Anyway, Caroline got endorsement of her domestic staff.

"Buenos dias! I am Rosa. I twelve years work for Senora Caroline Kennedy and her family so I am write for you today to tell you why Senora Kennedy is make very very good senator for Nueva York. Senora Kennedy is very busy now with party menus so she tell me to write this when I am finish with floors and make the bed for guest wing. I am now finish so I write this.(...)Senora Kennedy she is always know the issues. Every morning she always tell me, "Rosa, where is my New York Time paper?" Then she read it before she go to Fifth Avenue for the shopping. When she get back she tell me to put it in the recycle because to save the planet."

read the whole thing at http://iowahawk.typepad.com/

ides_of_march

Kennedy touts her advocacy work for public schools as a qualification yet sends her own kids to private school.

Add the word 'hypocrite' to her resume right after 'princess' and 'inarticulate twit.'

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

@thefacts is a total douche. he wants people's names, their income, their charitable contributions. Hey, @thefacts, why don't you disclose something? what a loser.

@15, I agreed with you, Carolyn doesn't need this job and she want to help. Cuomo only want to help himself as he and his whole family did with the HUD scandals. they were charging the city 1000/night hotel rooms to house homeless. This mother would visit these hotels. I am sure there were a lot of kickbacks involved.

crys

If she can't get into politics because of her family name, then Cuomo can't be in the running. Biden, Romney, Jackson Jr., Moynahan, all of the senator's widows, etc. can no longer be in politics.

As long as she works harder than you do to bring down the education budget deficit, absenteeism, inner school crime, and increase grade performance and attendance, she's an acceptable person. Once she wants to do more, she's "entitled"?

And what does her looks have to do with her ability to enter politics? Let her sink or swim based on her merits.

I just don't understand why she would want to work to improve the lives of the ignorant people on this blog.

Splicer

The wealthy of New York will eventually serve a useful purpose -- as food.

r1b2

Is she wearing the Burger King cologne?

starrygordon

I am wondering when this sorry charade will end. It seems to have been engendered mainly by the celebrity fixation of the media. Maybe they're getting tired of it? Anyway, why should our esteemed Governor pay any attention to it?

nycnewsjunkie

I haven't laughed so hard since Obama's UMMMs and "hold on i can't hear myself think"

ides_of_march

The woman is a spoiled brat and a blithering idiot. Unfortunately, those ARE the two main qualifications for senator.

Ya' know?

thefacts

All who think Ms. Kennedy would make a good Senator for the people of New York, please be so courageous as to leave your name:

snoopydog

At least John John was cute. It's a bitch when your brother is better looking than you isn't it?

Xanax, I don't mind an individual taking their maiden name because many marriages don't last for more than a few years. But don't you think she should own up to her married name at least after all these years? What's the problem? She married a Jew and her grandfather is rolling over in his grave because of it, the criminal Mc piece of shit?

The Italians took care of him and his legacy properly for not showing some respect.