Korean Job Discussion Forums

[regicide]

NEW YORK - The daughter of President John F. Kennedy endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, saying he could inspire Americans in the same way her father once did.



"I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them," Caroline Kennedy wrote in an op-ed posted Saturday on the Web site of The New York Times. "But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president � not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

Kennedy, who was four days shy of her 6th birthday when her father was assassinated, wrote that Obama "has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things."

And she appealed to other parents to pick a candidate who she said could invigorate a younger generation that is too often "hopeless, defeated and disengaged."

Kennedy wrote that she wants a president "who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved."

[Ya-ta Boy]

And my sister, who probably carries as much weight in the Democratic Party, endorses Hillary Clinton. Whachagonnado?

[flummuxt]

Ya-ta Boy:

[regicide]

[Ya-ta Boy]

While Caroline's endorsement is insignificant (she's a nice woman, but has never been political and so carries no weight and can deliver no votes but her own) that of Senator Kennedy's is significant. The two announced together mean the Kennedy family is throwing their support, and all that might mean, behind Obama.

This is a major gain for Obama and a major defeat for the Clintons. She's lost the support of the liberal wing of the Party.

[Kuros]

[Ya-ta Boy]

In spite of what Teddy did or didn't do that night 30 years ago, since then he has become a major player in the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. I don't want to overstate the case, but this endorsement may be the turning point in the primaries.

I think it's no accident that the announcement came after Obama proved he can pull young white voters in Iowa and South Carolina. The Kennedys are saying, "It's time".

[Kuros]

[Ya-ta Boy]

Most endorsements are next to worthless, you are right. In the present atmosphere, I think Kennedy's endorsement is worth a truckload of votes. He carries the mystic of the Kennedys, plus a leading role in the liberal wing of the party. Caroline's alone was worthless. But she is above reproach and by appearing with her damaged uncle she is lending him her moral authority.

This is political drama and symbolism of the first order.

I was never a Kennedy fan, but LOTS of people my age are. This endorsement will carry weight with white liberal supporters of Senator Clinton. I wouldn't recommend people stand in the doorway. They may well get trampled.

[Kuros]

I see, so the Kennedys want to prevent the creation of a liberal dynasty.

[Ya-ta Boy]

???

I think the Kennedy clan has decided to pass the baton to Obama and spend whatever political capital they have to resurrect JFK's perceived legacy. Hillary Clinton's core supporters are older women voters. Caroline's endorsement will spring a fair number of them loose--at least that is what the symbolism means.

[Kuros]

[Ya-ta Boy]

I think it's symbiotic. The wounded banner-carrier and the virgin princess.

Edit:
To use a pop culture reference:

Remember the scene in Gone With The Wind when Scarlett and Melanie are at that fund-raising dance and Scarlett takes off her wedding ring and donates it, to the shock of the ladies of Atlanta? Melanie extends her moral authority like a cloak around Scarlett.

That's what Caroline appearing on stage with Teddy does.

[regicide]

[JMO]

If someone puts sp in brackets, it means they are unsure of the spelling.


I'm also not in the least bit surprised that Teddy is being incorporated into your madness.