I wouldn’t pay attention to what any polls say about which person would have a better chance at being elected if they were elected today. It will all depend upon what, whichever person ends up appointed, does in the Senate. If Caroline gets the appointment and does the good job I think she will, New York will re-elect her (if they’re smart).

Why not elect Caroline? While some say she doesn’t have the experience to be Senator of NY—she has at least as much as most in the government—and only slightly less than the president elect. I’m sure she’s organized many in her community.

I agree - being a Kennedy does not a good politician make, necessarily. But neither does being a Cuomo. A lawyer elected as state’s Attorney General is about as shallow a step into politics one can make.

I feel sorry for all the Democratic women in N.Y. government/politics who have worked for the state party for years, even decades, who will likely get passed over for Ms. Kennedy. Women (or men) who have worked for the NY Dem. Party for years should be considered for the post, rather than a neophyte who has not paid her dues!!! It was the same thing with HRC — she went to NY by way of Illinois, Arkansas, and DC, just in time to establish residency to run for the Senate. At least Hillary ran in an election, like a real party pro! I think picking Kennedy will send the wrong message to party loyalists. Twice NY Dem. women who would be logical candidates to fill a Senate seat (not that it has to go to a woman) have seen their chances to attain higher office usurped by an outsider with a big name. Now that a Dem. governor has the authority to name the next Senator, IMO the women in the party should make it clear that they do not want this opportunity handed to someone who has not paid her (or his) dues.

Money and power.

During the Presidential and VP race, there was a lot of ‘relevant’ discussion on this site about the ‘qualifications’ of the nominees - Hillary Clinton in the former and Sarah Palin in the latter. Certainly, the issue of who is best qualified ALSO relates to Caroline Kennedy in her bid for New York’s Senate seat. And, I think it is VERY important that Governor Paterson consider not only the issue of Caroline Kennedy’s qualifications, but also her readiness to fulfill the Senate seat. Yet, I suspect that from Governor Paterson’s perspective, Caroline Kennedy might be ‘forgiven’ her lack of experience based on her own merit of ‘likability’ and integrity, and her persona of respectability, rather than the Kennedy name and/or ‘entitlement’ as some are suggesting. For this reason I hope Governor Paterson will choose Caroline Kennedy as Senator Clinton’s successor because she is a decent intelligent woman, who truly cares about America and who wants the Obama Presidency to succeed. I believe she will become formidable and highly credible in her role as the next Senator of New York.

Democrats unlike Republicans are free thinkers and will not blindly support their candidates. I think that Caroline Kennedy if she really wants to be a Senator is a good thing. She as not seeking monetary rewards or fame. It is temporary and she does not do a good job she will not be re-elected. In the future the process can be changed to having to run for election no more appointments. Caroline Kennedy has been lambasted in the press but right wingers don’t see it that way. There are none so blind as those who will not see. Good luck Gov. Patterson.

well beautiful, yes—but young? not so much—however i do have enough of an education to know a numb scull when i read one—I’ve never heard so much hate spewed from one painfully incoherent lost soul, cardiff… it sounds like you’ve never even read one of her books. caroline kennedy is smarter than barney frank, nancy p. and chris dodd put together.. Ann Coulter is smart, beautiful…makes a lot of sense, sells a lot of books and has a closet full of little black dresses—get over it

It’s all about political clout,favoritism and money.How can I be for Caroline when I have no idea she feels about teachers. She ducked this question along with others and has been protected by her handlers of public scrutiny. She is perceived by Bloomberg as malleable, and Patterson as usable. This should be an elected position, or at least given to qualified democrats who can articulate their positions and we already know their accomplishments. This is a pathetic use of political power and Kennedy cannot even articulate a clear message or reason for her appointment.