Caroline Kennedy Candidacy Watch | 07/11/2008 10:30 am

Is Caroline Kennedy's Role in Obama Campaign A First Step For Her Own Political Future?

By The Staff of wowOwow

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

In this series, wowOwow follows the political news swirling around Caroline Kennedy since her surprise endorsement of Barack Obama and high-profile placement on his VP selection committee. Could Caroline be ready to launch a political career of her own? With The Caroline Kennedy Candidacy Watch, we’ll follow all the latest news. We welcome insider insight and tips; please email carolinewatch@wowowow.com.

According to the New York Post, Caroline Kennedy’s surprising appointment to Barack Obama’s vice-presidential search team was brokered by her famous uncle, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, as a condition of his endorsement.

The NY Post has reported sources saying that "JFK’s daughter is looking to get her feet wet in political affairs…including the possibility she could one day run for office in some capacity or accept a position within an Obama administration."

Is it really "her time" to get into the family business?

Reporters Branden Keil and Ginger Adams Otis of the NY Post add: "Some have speculated that Ted would tap her to succeed him in his Senate seat if he decided to retire in the near future."

Read more about: Caroline Kennedy, News, Obama, Politics

108 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Ah, the rivalry. It was inevitable that one contingent of cousins would back Obama and the rest Hillary. I have no idea which side Joe comes down on, and I don’t think I want to know.

By Marjorie C. on 07/14/2008 5:52 am

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I don’t think Caroline Kennedy is a slam dunk for political office just because of her family. I wish the press would report the facts and get out of the speculation business. She has shown no inkling for political life unlike her cousins. Just because she supports a candidate does not automatically line her up for office. All citizens should be supportive of a candidate - that does not mean we want to run for office. Let’s get a reality check - hold back on your imaginations people of the press. Slow news day I guess.

By Kay Sara on 07/12/2008 8:59 am

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Me, too! About the press putting out the facts and getting out of the speculation business! Once—try it once!

By Star Lawrence on 07/13/2008 10:53 am

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Star, can you imagine how different the world would be if the press reported with some accuracy just the facts and left their opinions and specualtions for their living rooms? There are way too many “pundits” around. I am hoping their day has come and is about to go- the Lou Dobbs, Keith Oberman, that Hardball guy , O’Reilly. Everything is a trend and I hope the trend of the angry, arrogant pundit (who are not as bright as they like to believe) is over.,

By Kay Sara on 07/13/2008 6:19 pm

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Lots of really interesting speculations and observations in the 53 reader comments at this point. But no one has addressed the matter of her family. She does, after all, have a husband. And three children. The political scene places them immediately in peril … different types of peril. What about this factor?

By Shooz on 07/12/2008 3:53 pm

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Topic corridor, Topic treasure, What got us these far? To this mild equator We need someone and someone new, Someone, yes, to get us through, YEAH!

By RoseMerry Hoffman on 07/12/2008 4:09 pm

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Marjorie C, You are correct, of course. Silly me, I got all caught up in the moment without thinking. I really do not think Joe would step up to the plate again politically, do you?

By Beachlady ydalhcaeB on 07/12/2008 6:19 pm

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Beachlady, “… I really do not think Joe (Kennedy) would step up to the plate again politically, do you?” He’s appears reluctant. I’ve never heard him say anything that you can hang a wish on. But, with Uncle Teddy being sick… who knows.

By Marjorie C. on 07/14/2008 6:03 am

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Caroline running for office will never happen. She is much too private of a person and she remembers far too well what happened to her dad and her uncle Bobby. Remember how she refused to allow her brother’s funeral to be televised? On the few times I have seen her speaking, she looks so uncomfortable like she would rather be any place else in the world! I think she will stay in the background as she is now with Obama or even in a cabinet position.

By Rita T on 07/12/2008 7:34 pm

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Rita, good observations. I agree with you.

By Kay Sara on 07/13/2008 6:20 pm

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Caroline will succeed her uncle, not in Massachusetts,, but as the face of the Kennedys. One does not have to be in politics to be a Mover and a Shaker. But, if she wants to go that route and feels she’s ready for it, I think she is well prepared to do so.

By Brooklyn Gal on 07/13/2008 11:21 am

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Carol, I think you are right-she seems to be moving to the forefront as a spokeswoman for the collective Kennedy influence. She is so smart and has built up a solid reputation. It is refreshing to have her working with the Dems-even if it remains behind the scenes. I could see her being involved in health care reform in some capacity or something similar.

By Elisabeth S on 07/13/2008 1:46 pm

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Okay here goes……&…… IMHO………….. Caroline Kennedy has been around the “park” for a long time. She has never struck me as one to play it safe because of what might be expected of her. She keeps her own counsel, even when in opposition to others in her family. Her role in an Obama presidency, if any that she’d take on; will be of her own choice and most likely at her own suggestion. She is by far, one of the most understated and underestimated women in the US. She is a cool customer as was her mother, for which she was greatly respected.

By Linda Clark on 07/13/2008 6:24 pm

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Linda, You are so right. And, if she ran for anything in NYC or NYS, I would support her.

By Brooklyn Gal on 07/13/2008 6:50 pm

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Had she been intent on a life in politics, Caroline Kennedy surely would have focused her career in that direction earlier than 2008. To me, she seems to be a well-socialized introvert, dignified and mature but not ambitious to hold public office. Perhaps she is waiting until her children are all grown or possibly she is content to be influential rather than prominent. In any case, I admire her. Her natal family is, tragically, gone and she carries the legacy with grace.

By Maurine H on 07/13/2008 6:53 pm