Question of the Day | 01/07/2009 11:00 pm

Do you think Gov. Paterson will choose Caroline Kennedy as Sen. Clinton's successor? What could sway him in either direction?

Caroline Kennedy, David Paterson/AP, David Shanksbone via Wikipedia

Whoopi Goldberg | 01/07/2009 11:00 pm

Whoopi Ponders Paterson's Power to Pick Hill's Replacement

He may. I personally wish it were up to the voters.

9 Comments

Joan Ganz Cooney | 01/07/2009 11:00 pm

Joan Ganz Cooney: Cuomo vs. Kennedy

I don’t know what he’ll decide. He certainly will have his own 2010 election campaign in mind and want to run on a strong ticket. Caroline or whomever he chooses will be running in the same election. A recent poll shows Andrew Cuomo would do better than Caroline if the election were held today, but I have a feeling that she would be a good senator and would therefore be more popular a couple of years from now. The governor will doubtless factor in her relationship with Obama which can’t hurt her chances.

1 Comment

Liz Smith | 01/07/2009 11:00 pm

Liz Smith on the Ethical Drawbacks of Selecting a Kennedy

I firmly believe we will see Gov. Paterson select Caroline and what will sway him is the clout it would give New York City under a mayor who wants very much for her to be our senator. Supposedly it would strengthen New York City’s ties to the Senate. I see the ethical drawbacks to her selection, the idea of her playing on her famous name, not being ready, not having experience and those who are infuriated that she suddenly felt "entitled." But it really might be very good for New York and that would be good for America.

Click here on this text to read my New York Post column.

1 Comment

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

Hasn’t everything already been said?

By Bonnie Oliver on 01/08/2009 12:23 am

Bonnie —-Yup. Ya know —more things in politics happen by accident or exhaustion. Exhaustion might be the right word for this!

By Lady Gator on 01/08/2009 12:41 pm

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“….more things in politics happen by accident or exhaustion. Exhaustion might be the right word.” TOTALLY ridiculous. And spoken by someone who considers RC Cola and Moon Pies—-a cool ‘meal’. ACTION is THE magic word…….’Nuf said.

By Ann Coulter Crazy, Souless, Evil B*tch on 01/08/2009 8:49 pm

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Forgive me, I live in Illinois, am liberally liberal and love RC Cola and Moon Pies. There are more constructive things to say. Can’t stand a knock on RC.

By Blue Lizard on 01/09/2009 1:04 am

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Ann C. —-Ok Suzanne — Don’t knock RC Cola or moon pies. It’s sorta like, whatever floats your boat. Some people can be satisfied with just a Cola and a moon pie, and they aren’t jealous because you prefer wine and caviar, however, in your case — I still say your jealousy stems from the fact that your father finished fifth grade a year before you did! Furthermore, if you get tired of your “Wine and Caviar” —try some Vienna Sausages and crackers — or maybe a can of pork and beans. And, if that doesn’t “float your boat” there are always twinkies or hostess cupcakes! WGAS is really the magic word on this Caroline Kennedy thread…..’Nuf said!

By Lady Gator on 01/09/2009 10:15 am

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I appreciate the opinions of three savvy New Yorkers. My guess is that Liz is right that Gov Patterson will chose Caroline. Speaking of NY; Jeff Weintraub’s Reasons to be Hopeful in 2009 based on his observations in NYC over the holidays: http://soitgoes.typepad.com/so_it_goes/2009/01/reasons-to-be-hopeful-in-…

By Ann Coulter Crazy, Souless, Evil B*tch on 01/08/2009 1:28 am

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Bonnie, I agree, but in truth, it’s all Karma. We shall see.

By C jay on 01/08/2009 1:54 am

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I think he will. Caroline has the financial resources to hire the very best in communication specialists and trainers that can assist her in improving her communication skills and public speaking. I think for the most part we tend to discount the importance of that aspect of being a politician. But for me, both Caroline and Burris are clear illustrations of people who should not be allowed to speak in public. All of their professional and personal accomplishments and achievements are diminished once they open their mouths. Given that Paterson is probably going out on a limb by appointing her, she owes it to him (to avoid any backlash for his actions) and herself, to do some serious homework in terms of not just learning the politics portion of being a Senator, but the public part so she can effectively sell the policies she’ll have a hand in creating for her constituents.

By Belinda Joy on 01/08/2009 5:58 am

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Absolutely, Belinda. Gov Paterson’s current effectiveness as well as the future election depend so much on how well his choice is perceived/received. I like the guy. And hope he fares well.

By rocky rocky on 01/08/2009 7:54 pm

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Belinda the Beautiful… “Public speaking….I think for the most part we tend to discount the importance of that aspect of being a politician.” Actually…JFK sucked his first times out….and learned fast….and became one of the greatest acknowledged orators ever…Caroline can too.

By Ann Coulter Crazy, Souless, Evil B*tch on 01/08/2009 8:52 pm

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This is all very sad. She should speak well BEFORE she is anointed. And whatever came of proven competence in so imporant a job?

By mitzi morris on 01/08/2009 10:00 pm

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why does everything have to strung out, to service someone Else’s benefits? choose and get it done, already!!

By shirley adams on 01/08/2009 6:01 am

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I’m not a New Yorker so maybe I’m not qualified to answer this question. All I do know is that Caroline had the good sense to come out and back Barack Obama for President! At least she’s been a leader in that respect. I wish her well no matter whether she becomes the next NY Senator or not.

By Murphy Mac on 01/08/2009 6:26 am