Is Caroline Qualified?
Is Caroline Kennedy qualified to be a United States Senator?
Yes. Absolutely.
If she were a man, the question wouldn’t gain any traction.
I don’t like her politics. For many, many reasons, I would not like to see her in the Senate. But, let’s stop asking whether serious devotion to motherhood is a disqualifying activity (which really is the question being asked – without, of course, actually being voiced).
Along with being a mother, Kennedy has accomplished much. Along with being a mother, she is very well educated. Along with being a mother, Kennedy is a serious writer and editor. Along with being a mother, she is a serious player in the public education arena. Along with being a mother, she is a political heavyweight.
Flawed and naive in some areas? Of course.
Unqualified? Give me a break.
If she were a man, the narrative would be much different. If, for example, her brother John were alive and being considered, the question of qualifications would not gain traction in the media (though, in that case, it should).
Everyone should be vetted. That’s fine and necessary. So, vet her. Don’t mock her and dismiss her. Don’t dehumanize her. But in the spin cycle that makes up so much of our politics, serious devotion to motherhood is a red crayon left in the pocket. It ruins the whole load.
Many amazing women chose to spend most of their time with their children. The chattering class does not understand that such a choice does not make them dumb or, in any way, less amazing.
This is not a Left or Right issue. It is a societal blind spot.
Yes. Absolutely.
If she were a man, the question wouldn’t gain any traction.
I don’t like her politics. For many, many reasons, I would not like to see her in the Senate. But, let’s stop asking whether serious devotion to motherhood is a disqualifying activity (which really is the question being asked – without, of course, actually being voiced).
Along with being a mother, Kennedy has accomplished much. Along with being a mother, she is very well educated. Along with being a mother, Kennedy is a serious writer and editor. Along with being a mother, she is a serious player in the public education arena. Along with being a mother, she is a political heavyweight.
Flawed and naive in some areas? Of course.
Unqualified? Give me a break.
If she were a man, the narrative would be much different. If, for example, her brother John were alive and being considered, the question of qualifications would not gain traction in the media (though, in that case, it should).
Everyone should be vetted. That’s fine and necessary. So, vet her. Don’t mock her and dismiss her. Don’t dehumanize her. But in the spin cycle that makes up so much of our politics, serious devotion to motherhood is a red crayon left in the pocket. It ruins the whole load.
Many amazing women chose to spend most of their time with their children. The chattering class does not understand that such a choice does not make them dumb or, in any way, less amazing.
This is not a Left or Right issue. It is a societal blind spot.
posted by steve u. at 12/29/2008
Subscribe
13 Comments:
I suppose she could have stayed home and baked cookies. Oh, wait. That's what she did.
She's a Kennedy. It's her birthright to be in the U.S. Senate. The family has paid her dues.
Caroline is primed to take over the role of negotiating with health insurers to provide coverage. This is a key position in Uncle Ted's Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The job was originally Hillary Clinton's prior to her appointment as Sec of State.
Somehow Anonymous seems to have failed to read your post. I'm not qualified to judge if Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be a Senator (my assumption is "yes") but I fully agree that her choice to live her life outside the limelight and raise a family does not even begin to disqualify her.
It seems like another version of everything that Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin endured during the election. Great post on gender bias and gender politics.
I love this post Steve.
Though I completely agree with your post, this new internet age and youtube generation is hurting the potential and current politician.
The YouTube "You Know" video about Ms. Kennedy is prime example of that. That is one of things Obama was amazing at. Even though I disagree with his politics he appealed to me in a way that most politicians do not. He knew that he would be rebroadcasted and republished on youtube and blogs all crossed the nation. He jumped in and used it to his advantage.
I find it interesting to watch the “blogs turn” as new politicians come on to the political stage almost unaware of that they are getting into. I think if Ms. Kennedy had a better PR team most of this could be spinned in her favor to show why she is needed in the Senate and why a woman could and should fill the seat.
I agree with Steve, I don't want her to fill the seat; but not because she is a woman, but because of my politics. However, it appears that she doesn't have the right people running her campaign for appointment. Yes this is a campaign, even without an election. Instead, it appears she just jumped in and started talking. She was then torn apart for it, there is her mistake.
If she is at least 30-years old;
If she has been a citizen of the US for at least nine years;
If she is an inhabitant of the state of NY -- then according to Art 1, Sec 3 of the Constitution Kennedy is qualified to be a US Senator
Agree completely with your post, even if you think I'm dog do do.
Towner
Such a great post Steve. Thanks!
Depends on how you define "qualified." As McMurphy points out, she's qualified under the Constitution. But is she anywhere near the most qualified person to represent New York as a senator? No way. Not even close. She's done little to demonstrate that she has the commitment to the day in and day out work that a U.S. Senator is required to do.
We should not be appointing or electing people to responsible political positions when a large part of the reason they are even being considered is simply due to name recognition. Haven't the last eight years taught us anything about the hazards of that approach?
you're all just living in your mormon bubble in Utah. Why are you qualified to decide if she's qualified or not?
Anon.,
We will, but, first, you tell us why you are qualified to ask whether we are qualified to decide if she's qualified or not in that bubble of whatever kind it is that you are in wherever you are.
For me, it's not a question of qualifications.
We need to be careful of allowing power to pool under a small group of people.
<< Home