The name itself makes you stop and read the story — yet another Kennedy looking to enter politics? Combine it with “Caroline” and “Senator,” and you’ve got a showstopper. As I read the various articles about Caroline Kennedy’s interest in filling the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Hillary Clinton, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was going to get more attention for being a Kennedy than for being a woman.
So far, her name seems to be winning, at least in the press coverage I’ve seen or read. In fact, I wonder if we’ve seen a new slang term appear. I heard Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) of Queens say, “They basically Sarah Palinized her,” when referring to the fact that Kennedy is answering questions from reporters in written form rather than responding to questions thrown at her with a microphone in her face. But then you have to wonder if “Sarah Palinized” will ever be used to describe a man.
I personally am not too worried about her apparent lack of experience; there have been many others with as little experience as Kennedy who have done well in the political arena — or, conversely, those with much more experience who have done poorly. We all know about the legendary Kennedy political machine, the family mystique — “Camelot” and “American royalty” come to mind — and the multigenerational tragedies we have witnessed. If Caroline Kennedy does end up in Congress, she’ll be covered in AAUW’s Congressional Voting Record and reviewed just like any other member, famous name or not.
But this Kennedy is a “she,” and she is potentially up for a Senate seat. What role will her sex come to play in the minds of those who appoint her or those who will potentially vote for/against her in the years to come? I hope none. I won’t mind if this particular Kennedy’s wardrobe, hairdo, makeup, shoes, or other typically feminine attributes don’t come under media scrutiny. I hope any opinions, conversations, and decisions she makes aren’t described as “the woman’s point of view.” Is she the right person for the job? For now, that’s up to New Yorkers to decide.
