Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg -- Obama's surprise choice.

[saltpoint]

Writer. Editor. Attorney. High-Profile Supporter of the Arts. Quiet Good Samaritan.

Catholic.

Female.

Brilliant.

Instinctive.

Plus, I think her dad was in politics.

McCain, already beleaguered by his own gaffes and dearth of charisma, has NO one in the bullpen like this woman.

Obama would be invoking the most powerful political figure of the last several generations. He would have chosen a female to assuage the folks threatening to bolt to McCain.

Checks WOULD flood the Obama team's coffers.

Voters WOULD pay attention.

Brit Hume WOULD blow his brains out.

And along with her considerable cerebral chops, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is one of the most gracious souls ever.

[Egnever]

1. I love her but she wont do it

She is way too shy to run as vice president. She doesn't like the spotlight. She is a quiet force for good.

[ruggerson]

11. Even if that weren't the issue, she isn't qualified

let's not get carried away here with Kennedy celebrity. Caroline's smart and has written a couple of smart books. But, in no way is she qualified to be considered for Veep. None. Nada. Zippo.

[Colobo]

12. I think she would be great.

[ruggerson]

What makes you think that?

Her tenure as Governor of New York? Her successes as an Assemblywoman from Long Island? Her role as Secretary of State?

Oh wait, she's never held elective or appointive office.

Ever.

[saltpoint]

19. Hey now. Sure, she's qualified.

I'd say REAL qualified.

[ruggerson]

30. Well we disagree on this one OC

that's what makes the world go round.
;-)

[saltpoint]

35. A big hug atcha no matter what, ruggerson.

There'll come a November evening real soon here when maybe you and I will be on these boards and we'll be cheering like fools over a very blue electoral map.

[RedShoes]

27. what qualification does she lack?

Just wondering :shrug:

[MonkeyFunk]

62. constitutionally? None.

Practically?

Electoral experience, public speaking skills, a record to run on.

[Zhade]

69. My guess? The last name "clinton".

NT!

[ruggerson]

75. Hey PUDA!

how's life treating ya?

[OwnedByFerrets]

91. And Dan Quayle was????

Just exactly does it take to be Qualified to be VP?

[nolabels]

105. Not that there is any comparison but what would you consider the qualifications of * were?

It's the idea of getting the most votes and not much else :shrug:

[eleny]

2. What a lovely thought

[Arnold Judas Rimmer]

3. Interesting idea, but the Cheney comparisons would kill it.

Not that she's anything like him. Just the repeat performance of the person hired to find the next VP picking themselves.

[Kittycat]

15. Not that I agree with the OP, but how in the world would or could they ever attack her?

I mean really... A single attack would be the death of their campaign.

[Arnold Judas Rimmer]

24. The name "Kennedy" is a hate magnet to the right wing

As far as those bastards are concerned "shootin' two of 'em weren't enough !!!11111!!!" :puke:

[truedelphi]

4. She watched her father getting assassinated how many times on TV??

And then her brother has been killed.

I don't think she has any idea that she wnts to die any time soon.

[saltpoint]

20. Agree, but I don't think she'd be shy about it if she really chose

to serve.

[kurtboss]

5. Yeah, I'd Go With It

I still think McCaskill has proven herself to be a great surrogate...Caroline Kennedy is still a smart play.

[saltpoint]

44. I'd be pleased to see Claire be chosen. She's a champion in my book

for defeating the little monster she defeated in that Senate race. That was a damned good night at my house.

Missouri is worth fighting for, too. I'd love to turn it blue this November.

[muryan]

6. One of the most intelligent women involved in politics

But she hates public speaking, and likes to keep her family out of the spotlight. Although her daughters are both in college now, and are technically now adults, i don't see her taking a much larger role in politics than what she currently holds.

[AllentownJake]

7. I like her alot

However she doesn't have the experience and by experience I mean the campaigning for office experience to start off as a VP nominee. Now if she ever runs for Congress or Senate I'll open my check book. Plus the Bush Comparisons in his pick...not good.

[MonkeyFunk]

8. Why do people love picking out the most unlikely choices?

She has zero experience in electoral politics, and frankly, she's a poor public speaker.

I love her to death, have read and enjoyed her books, and respect the hell out of her. But there's nothing to recommend her for the vice-presidency.

[ruggerson]

13. Why not Karenna Gore? Or Amy Carter?

or Chelsea? I'm sure Lyndon Johnson has some grandchildren we could dig up.

[CatWoman]

99. *snicker*

gawd, that's funny :rofl:

[book_worm]

101. what about Lyndon Johnson's daughters Luci and Lyndia?

[saltpoint]

21. I only type what the voices tell me to type, MonkeyFunk.

[writes3000]

9. I'd have a hard time arguing that she's ready to become President. n/t

[lumberjack_jeff]

10. She's brilliant.

But she won't do it.

[saltpoint]

29. I would be afraid and sorry that you're correct on your second point,

but I agree with you through and through on your first point.

[JoFerret]

14. Nah!

Don't wish any disrespect for her.
But this would be a very poor political choice.

[saltpoint]

23. I think it would be a sensationally excellent political choice.

What part of her resume do you find objectionable?

[JoFerret]

31. Nothing objectionable

but we do disagree on the choice. Maybe I am wrong.

[Clark2008]

34. Nobody's really answered you on this one, OC.

I think it's peachy to choose someone who's never served in office, myself.

I think the American people are sick and tired of politicians and would snap up a smart, accomplished, well-rounded political novice in a heartbeat.

[saltpoint]

42. Hi, Clark2008. There are many ways someone might serve.

There's the anonymous veteran of the Korean war, of Vietnam, etc. -- not the generals on FOX news alone but also the men and women no one knows the names of. They were there also. They may not be as polished or well-spoken as a Clark or a Zinni, but they were there nevertheless.

And there are the poets -- and god knows NO ONE has heard of them! -- like Robert Bly and Adrienne Rich, who have labored long and earnestly against pointless wars and for other social causes. They also serve.

Earlier this summer I saw a family of 4. Mom and Dad had evidently dragged the 2 kids to a hot dog festival. The lines were long. Hot weather. The younger son was into it. Hot dogs. Pepsi. Pretty good afternoon for him.

The older son, though, maybe 14 or 15 tops, did NOT want to be there and would rather have been doing young-teen stuff away from the family. He was a bit downcast although not rude, but clearly preferring he were someplace else.

A veteran walked by from the front of the line, hot dog & Pepsi in hand. A Native American, I believe. When his folks and younger brother weren't looking, I saw the 14-year old leave the line, walk up to the veteran, and tell him, "Thank you for your service."

Bam. There's an America I like being part of.

Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg works mostly behind the scenes to make something work, to boost something that ought to work until it IS working, and to help many people we've never heard of.

I really, honestly, practically do not believe Obama will choose her. But it wouldn't piss me off one bit if he did.

[Olney Blue]

16. Interesting..... but to us, not her probably!

[Coexist]

17. I would love that.

[Douglas Carpenter]

18. oh come on ! ! that is about as likely as Sen. Obama picking Johnny Depp

that absolutely, positively is not going to happen.

Even if she walked on water, healed the sick and raised the dead, she has still never, ever held public office of any sort.

Only people who have served in Congress or as Governor or as a Cabinet Officer or perhaps as a four-star general have ever or will ever be under any consideration whatsoever.

This is not even remotely possible.

Nothing against Caroline, nothing whatsoever, but my chances of being selected are just as good as hers ---- 0%.

[saltpoint]

22. It goes down like this:

You wake up on the morning before the Olympics' opening ceremonies and Wolf Blitzer is fed a bulletin that
says that Senator Obama has scheduled a press conference in --

New York? Or Atlanta? Or Memphis? Or Omaha? -- you name it --

in which he is expected to announce his choice for the vice presidential nomination.

Turns out it's Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

I've already inventoried some of the attributes and virtues and strengths she brings.

I see no Constitutional impediment. She's of legal age and native-born, etc.

She is savvy to the scene and enjoys the deep trust of our next president.

I have no idea in hell if she'd be interested or if Obama would choose her, but if it came to pass, I think we would be plugged into a major mind with a good heart and the very best political pedigree in the nation's history, at least going back to the Founders.

[AtomicKitten]

25. Practical implications aside, the thought of that ticket made me smile.

Thanks for that.

Wow. Just wow.

I vote yes on that.

[saltpoint]

26. Hello, AtomicKitten. I concede that there are practical impediments to

Obama's making this selection.

But it is a thrill to think about!

[AtomicKitten]

33. It's bittersweet because it reminds me of JFK Jr.

:cry:

Caroline was on Def Poetry and read a poem several years ago. In her I see the sublime elegance of her mother. Needless to say I was THRILLED when Barack put her on his VP vetting team. It has a wonderful symmetry to it somehow.

[saltpoint]

39. Agree on all counts. In so many ways Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg

reconnects us to the things we can't afford to lose.

Poetry, painting, sclupture, public service, and her much-missed father.

[saltpoint]

28. Obama could use a bit of a bolstering from older voters.

The polling indicates he could use this bolstering. I personally do NOT think he would be bad for older voters -- quite the opposite actually.

Picture then an assisted living facility or nursing home in Lantana, Florida. Or Lake City, Florida.

Better yet, picture one in Tampa.

Carolina Kennedy Schlossberg is introduced to people who in a younger time in their lives worked and voted for her father.

I don't believe she leaves that event without persuading most of that entire gathering that Barack Obama is "a president like my father," to use her words.

I chose Tampa because it was the last stop on JFK's itinerary before moving on to Dallas.

[CK_John]

37. Good choice, she would sort of close the circle. n/t

[Condem]

32. I say Ethel, my friend

Steal some of that geezer vote.

[saltpoint]

36. Condem. LOL! Haven't bumped into you in a while around here and

the pleasure is mine.

I hope you are faring well against the weather events of earlier this summer.

[Condem]

47. Crusoe

What a strange summer, to say the least. Surreal. I have the pleasure of working in Cedar Rapids and living in Iowa City. They got it much worse, but the University got hammered. At least a quarter of a billion $$. Normalcy is a long time comin'. We'll recover. The only issue is time and if Obama wins- I should say when- it will be a whole lot easier. As for VP - I love Wesley, but I trust the mans decision. Have you seen the Sturgis video of McCain? Wow. This should be a walk, but so many of the ignorant out there. Crusoe- always a pleasure!

[saltpoint]

50. Condem, I have a couple requests, even though I know you have a

full plate.

The first is, please keep posting throughout this fall and into the election in November. It is the most pleasant jolt to read your sharp wit when you're funny and to appreciate your scope when you're serious.

Second is, please move from where you live so you can be in my town. I have a dream of all-star neighbors.

Hat's off to ya, and all good steps.


:hi:

[Condem]

52. Tear in my eye, Crusoe

Appreciate that! I'll be here.

[saltpoint]

53. - - -

:toast:

[Beacool]

38. Oh yeah, because Caroline is ready to lead the nation.

That would really add gravitas to the ticket, little experience and no experience.

Not very helpful.........

[saltpoint]

40. We disagree. And she's a natural leader. I'd follow her model

of citizenship any day of the week.

[Beacool]

45. The VP is supposed to be ready to be president if need be.

She's definitely not ready for the task. She's a great woman, but not VP material.

[saltpoint]

51. Madison and Jefferson disagree with you.

According to their exact specifications, she is ready this moment for the job.

[MonkeyFunk]

64. And by their requirements

so am I. But I wouldn't be a good addition.

[saltpoint]

67. Hell, you'd have my vote.

[live love laugh]

41. My check writing finger's all itchy at the mere suggestion of Caroline as VP--we can dream .nt

[saltpoint]

43. Yes. An Obama - KennedySchlossberg ticket would reawaken

many a snoozing soul. I'd join you in that check-writing exercise.

[Buddy Tess]

48. Great!

Two rookies running the coutry.

[saltpoint]

55. And speaking of rookies, welcome to DU.

[Zomby Woof]

46. I don't see it

Although I agree fully with the virtues you described (and I can only dream Hume has good aim with that oversized head of his), she would be in danger of eclipsing his campaign by virtue of her lineage. THAT would become the story itself, and overshadow her considerable gifts. Of course, if we had a responsible and accountable media, I wouldn't even raise this argument.

I would like to see her have some kind of role in his administration, no doubt.

[saltpoint]

54. Yes. Hey there. Good to see you.

A role in an Obama administration? Absolutely.

National Endowment for the Arts, maybe? It's a thought.

(loved your Brit Hume line! LOL!)

[Whisp]

49. now THAT's a Dream Team

it would be Wonderful.
chances are slim but as you say, we can dream.

I still do have that spidey sense that Obama will pick someone that has not been talked about much and will stun most of us.
maybe theres something to it. ;)

[saltpoint]

58. Yep. I hope others will join me in becoming keepers of the flame

for the off-chatter selection.

[fortyfeetunder]

56. I don't think so.

I think she wants to help but not in that way. She's doing a fine job with her level of participation.

[saltpoint]

94. No complaints from me on any contribution she wants to make,

and I agree that what she's doing right now is a plus for Obama.

I'd make the case for her being in an expanded role, whether as vice presidential nominee or running the National Endowment for the Arts -- anything she'd agree to.

In asking someone like CKS I feel Obama would be asking top-drawer talent into government.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

57. Soon enough

Caroline will be the family matriarch and will have a very full plate just with that. While I would really smile at announcement of her as Barack's running mate, it may not be out of the realm of possibility that she ends up with another spot in his administration. Something to do with the revival of the arts. Remember all the gala events and good will at the White House under JFK?

[saltpoint]

59. Well, ok, I guess a lot of arts events went on with JFK,

but Dubya had JEFF GANNON!!!

SO THERE!

- - - - -

Absolutely -- this is one of the great gifts someone like CKS could bring to an Obama White House. She could coordinate Kennedy Center-rollodex stuff and make the White House a national showcase for the arts again.

God knows it's been a dreary 8 years under Bush and Cheney.

[Waiting For Everyman]

60. I had the same daydream, she'd be great

But if she wouldn't do it, there's also Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who was Lt. Governor of Maryland. Don't know how popular she'd be, but she's had experience.

I'd really like to see Senator Barb Mikulski as VP, but she might not do it either, she's retiring I think. She's been on the Intelligence and Defense Appropriations committees for a long time, which might help with conservative voters. She's done an awful lot for a LOT of vets during her tenure, my husband among them; she cleaned up the VA twice, unsung. She's just downright wonderful to her constituents in trouble. And now that I think of it, she could "attack dog" anybody if she wanted to. (We call her the 'Mighty Mite' in Maryland.) Maybe at least Caroline and/or Barb might be in the cabinet? Barb in charge of either HHS or the VA would be awesome. Caroline would be refreshing at the Justice Dept., or as Attorney General (or, well anything).

[YvonneCa]

61. This choice came up in a family...

...discussion, and we all just stopped talking and looked at each other. Obama-Kennedy. Perfecting our country...about leaving the past, and moving into our future.

I think it would be DYNAMITE.

[saltpoint]

68. Hey there. And howdy.

:thumbsup: :hi: :dem:

[YvonneCa]

103. Howdy...

...to you! Great thread. :hi:

[Lucky 13]

63. Interesting thought... but no...

I think she is a very private person and simply would have no interest in it. Not her bag.

[opihimoimoi]

65. Hey, thats a thought bandied about here and there...and...I like the notion.

Killer Team....would blow the GOP all to Hell....

I hope he pursues the deal.

[highplainsdem]

66. What you list as a plus isn't: "Obama would be invoking the most powerful political figure of the

last several generations. He would have chosen a female to assuage the folks threatening to bolt to McCain."


First of all, I think there'd be a backlash against Obama trying to "invoke" John F. Kennedy this way -- there was already something of one just having her vet the VP choices because, honestly, she doesn't have the right experience to be vetting a VP, and it looked as though he was trying very hard to associate himself as closely as possible with the Kennedy mystique.

Second of all, it's incredibly condescending to suggest that simply choosing another woman as VP would "assuage the folks threatening to bolt to McCain." By which you mean Clinton supporters, who you apparently think can't tell one woman VP from another. And wouldn't mind if the US senator they supported, who nearly beat Obama in the primaries and put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling with her hard campaigning and tremendous appeal to voters, were to be passed over as a possible running mate in favor of just any other woman Obama would prefer, including one who's never run for office.

Finally, it's arguable that JFK was the "most powerful political figure of the last several generations." If you want to go back several generations, that includes FDR, who was a much more powerful political figure than JFK. We'll never know what Jack Kennedy could have accomplished, since his life was cut short so tragically. The same is true of his brother Bobby.

The most successful Republican politician of the last few generations was Reagan. The most successful Democratic politician was Bill Clinton. They were the only ones to win the presidency twice, and to leave office with high approval ratings.

I admired JFK and the Kennedys as much as anyone here. I was fortunate enough to hear Bobby Kennedy give a speech during his campaign in 1968, and shake his hand. I was heartbroken by their deaths. I admire Caroline, as I'd admired her brother, as I admire their uncle.

But the vice president is a heartbeat away from the presidency. And I don't see how Caroline's as well qualified as any of the others being mentioned -- most especially Hillary Clinton.

And I don't think it would help Obama's chances of beating McCain to make what would be viewed as a sentimental choice and a largely symbolic choice. Viewed that way by the Democrats who viewed it most favorably. I'm afraid that choice would be viewed much more cynically by others.

Maybe Caroline will decide to run for office someday, and I've seen speculation that she might be appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat if HRC becomes Obama's running mate, and we win in November. If that happens, it would give Caroline a chance to find out how well she likes being involved in politics, and then she can run for re-election, and maybe someday she'll try a presidential run herself, after first proving herself with years in the Senate.

But if Obama chooses her as his running mate this year, that would really hurt us.

And I'd be very surprised, too, if she'd agree.

[Zhade]

71. Man, based on this post I can't even imagine how bitter you'll be when clinton isn't chosen for VP.

NT!

[highplainsdem]

76. ????? I guess you missed all the other posts here from other DUers who've pointed out that you

can't simply "assuage" Clinton supporters who think she should be VP by choosing another woman. There's nothing "bitter" about that. As has been pointed out here before, if Clinton were the nominee, it would have been tremendously condescending for anyone to suggest that if she wanted Obama's supporters but didn't want Obama on the ticket, all she'd have to do is choose another AA or mixed-race person for VP and his supporters would be "assuaged."

[saltpoint]

72. You know, I love your post overall, and would value a

conversation with you over your experiences that have shaped your perspective, but the shadow of New York's junior senator eclipses a lot of your otherwise excellent post.

I put up the name of a female Democrat and can't go half a dozen feet without someone insisting that Hillary Clinton is more qualified.

I disagree that Hillary Clinton is more qualified.

I think a hell of a lot of people are more qualified than Hillary Clinton, including Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. Yes, they're ALL qualified by Constitutional provision, as you and I are, but past that, I'm not necessarily persuaded that experience in an elected office is in and of itself tantamount to a superior representative at any level of public service.

Further, I would argue that CKS's public service record is longer and more impressive and less ego-driven than Hillary Clinton's. In NOT seeking elected office, she serves a different deity.

Agree that Reagan for the GOP and Big Dog for us managed significant celebrity and popularity in the political realm, but both have avid enemies as well. It's hard to be in politics without making some enemies, no matter who you are.

I envy you your handshake with Robert F. Kennedy.

CKS is less likely, IMO to agree to be Obama's vice presidential nominee than many others likely on a short list at the moment, but that is not to say that her brand of public service is in any way disqualifying for the position. Cheney re-defined it in quite a dark, skewed way; there's no reason someone else can't define it in quite an illuminating, affirming way, and for such a task I would hire Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg without reservation.

[YvonneCa]

104. EXCELLENT post...

...OC. :)

[Occam Bandage]

74. With the exception of the autobiographical aspects,

I wholly agree with every word in this post.

[Occam Bandage]

70. Utterly unqualified. Never held a position of public trust. Would be unknown if not for her name.

[saltpoint]

73. Ah gosh, we disagree.

Not all public service is in front of the lights and cameras.

Quite a good bit of it is behind the stage.

I think a contemplative, larger-mosaic mind would be a breath-taking and refreshing addition to Obama's already-excellent message.

I strongly reiterate my endorsement of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

[Occam Bandage]

77. I did not, you will notice, use the word "public service."

I said, "public trust." She has never had the faith of the electorate vested in her. She has never had to balance the ever-shifting will of the public with the ever-vigilant glare of the gotcha media with her office's long-term goals and challenges. She has never obtained a working knowledge of the ins-and-outs of Washington. She has never negotiated with the opposition party to pass a crucial bill. She has never spent a night going over legal ramifications of proposed wordings of amendments to bills, and cross-checking those with polling data and talking points. She has never managed a government agency, never participated in a campaign, never survived a 24/7 lights-and-cameras gauntlet, never walked into the halls of power as anything but an observer. She has never done a single thing that might make anyone believe she had the ability to be an effective force in the ultracharged bare-knuckle game of White House politics.

Mosaic contemplation? Refreshing message? Behind-the-scenes public service? Put those together and they spell "backstage advisor," not "heartbeat away from the most important job on Earth."

[saltpoint]

78. I got your distinction but don't see that they are not likely to

overlap in any public trust / public service role.

A "private" education and a "public" education still go into an individual mind.

Yes, the mosaic argument. I stick to it. I understand your argument -- and it is compelling -- about walking into the halls of power, but at the same time it's not those steps in that hall that determines policy outcomes because it is other steps in other halls -- perhaps libraries, battlefields, travel destinations, etc. -- that feed the sensibility necessary to shape public policy. Tom DeLay hauntd those very corridors and had gobs of experience and it didn't make him worth a damn as a public servant.

The Buddha was just a rich guy until one day he saw suffering, etc.

And he wasn't the Buddha then anyway.

I assert that this particular Democratic woman is possessed of gifts we need. Whether she is a likely or pragmatic selection for Obama is less the point than the attributes she offers to any sector of our national life.

I hold her as high as a DU post can position her that those attributes be affirmed as necessary to a healthier republic, one we haven't much seen the likes of since Dubya and Dick cheated in 2000.

[Occam Bandage]

79. Don't think I'm saying that "extracurricular" experience isn't important as well,

because it certainly is. Public servants aren't worth a damn if they are too insulated to know who their public is and what their public wants. At the same time, a President needs to be able to have the ability to get the Great Sausage Factory to turn his or her policy ideas into statutes and regulations. Caroline Kennedy is a very smart woman with a wide-ranging background of commendable activity, but putting her in the #2 slot would mean that she would be one bullet away from resting her own elbows on the Oval Office desk...as her very first political job. I don't think that's a degree of responsibility that she would accept, and I certainly don't think that's a degree of responsibility that the general electorate would feel comfortable giving her.

I like her quite a bit, and I hope she stays as an advisor to President Obama. That's about all I've got to say on it, I suppose...

[davidpdx]

80. Her dad is JFK

While I won't totally disagree with you, I don't think Obama is going to pick a woman. As we have seen already, some people are going to go off the deep end if Obama picks a woman other then Hillary Clinton. I'd like to see him do that, but I'm almost sure he won't.

[WinkyDink]

84. "Plus, I think her dad was in politics" was HUMOR.

[AZBlue]

81. She would never do it.

[JCMach1]

82. Enough of the political past!--

Wasn't that an Obama meme?

[saltpoint]

86. Yes it was and no it wasn't.

He announced his presidential candidacy where Lincoln once stood, on purpose.

[McCamy Taylor]

83. How is she supposed to add experience to the ticket? Get real. Why not Robert Kennedy Jr?

[saltpoint]

85. Gee, MT, by the slightest outside chance, might you have someone else in

mind for the ticket that might be, you know, skewing your response?

[Alter Ego]

87. Brit Hume would blow his brains out, you say?

Make it live, on-air, and I swear I would even tune in to Fox just to see it.

[saltpoint]

90. Yep. It would be worth missing work for, no question.

[supernova]

88. Oh God, CKS smackdown of Carly Fiorina!

What I wouldn't give to see a VP debate like that! :D

[H2O Man]

89. Not a chance.

I agree on all of her positive qualities, but she is not a politician, and there is zero chance of Barack Obama picking her.

[saltpoint]

92. The smart money's on your bet here, but we're on the

same page on her many strengths.

There's no Constitutional impediment to her being a vice presidential candidate, and while I agree with you that there's a greater chance by far that we'll see Richardson or Biden or Bayh or Kaine or Sebelius etc, I think the case for CKS would be very persuasive, politically startling, and from my personal point of view, damned excellent.

[H2O Man]

93. She is a

wonderful human being, and her efforts to enrich our country will doubtlessly take on a greater significance in the Obama years. But there is zero chance that she is being considered for VP. The Office of the Vice President has become an important center of political power, both in domestic and internation affairs. Her lack of political experience rules her out. More, any presidential candidate who would pick a non-experienced person would rightly be seen as attempting to capitalize on a gimmick.

There are numerous highly qualified democratic candidates. That includes many who have some of the same qualities as Caroline. It's worth noting that Obama's choice is based on identifying the very best of a large qualified group of candidates, while McCain is stuck trying to pick the least worst of a small, weak group.

[saltpoint]

95. Strongly agree that McCain's pool of picks is a very weak one,

maybe the weakest a Republican candidate has had to work with in my lifetime.

Eisenhower didn't make the right pick for his vice presidential candidate.

Following that model, neither did Nixon when he chose Spiro Agnew.

But the country has had many refreshing, tough-as-nails public service who held one or another public office. Lincoln, who very arguably had the toughest period in which to govern, was a 1-term Congressman and lawyer, and from the boonies of Kentucky and Indiana. Springfield, Illinois was "the big city" and yet a case could have been made -- and was made -- that he's a clueless provincial unfit for the gravity of the office he eventually ran for and won.

I'm trying to shift the focus from political experience as a pre-requisite because IMO that isn't the sole quliaification for the public servant. I feel the instinct to serve generally and the instinct to know that power and privilege can be converted for that service are more important.

Ted Stevens has gobs of experience in the political arena and to what end? He's a Big Oil lobbyist, essentially. He abandoned the notion of true public service some time ago and never looked back.

I take all of your points, but my thought is to apply them only to graft them onto people who understand, as the Kennedy family has always understood, that there are many people without their access to privilege and power, and it is for those people that public service is most important.

[H2O Man]

96. An interesting thing

about VP Nixon is that he was the first to really expand the powers of the office. He was in charge of all the Central American intelligence operations. Thus, when Ike gave the infamous 1960 campaign statement about needing a week to come up with examples of what Nixon had done, it can be seen in two ways: first, that Nixon did very little, which was not true; or second, that most of what Nixon did -- such as coordinating the planning for the Bay of Pigs invasion -- was highly classified, and could not be discussed. Nixon, of course, strongly resented JFK's comments in one debate regarding the lack of the administration's dealing with Cuba, because he believed that Kennedy had been briefed on the plan, and Nixon couldn't say anything about it during a debate. But if we look at all of the US programs from 1952-60 in Central America, we find Nixon's finger prints.

One of the most important things about your OP/thread is that it shows something that the public too often overlooks: the true leadership is not restricted to elected office. We need to look to and invest our energies in alternative forms of leadership, in large part because the "experienced" folks have betrayed us. We need to harness all of the energy that we can, if we are to have any meaningful chance of re-establishing our Constitutional democracy, including all levels of leadership.

[saltpoint]

97. H2Man, I think you should hold workshops on proper citizenship.

Madison and Jefferson and that bunch hoped for an informed citizenry as a safeguard for Constitutional liberty.

I think they would recognize in you one such informed citizen and would want to shake your hand for carrying on where they left off.

Didn't know that about Nixon, but it makes sense. It means the Kennedy team was willing to do some elbowing under the basket to grab that rebound! No wonder Nixon was fumed.

[SuperTrouper]

98. It is a dream, albeit a beautiful dream to think of CKS as VP

I do not think that she would do it...

[book_worm]

100. She's more private overall like her mom. Besides she really doesn't have the experience.

Sorry, great name and very gracious and intelligent woman, but she hasn't done anything which qualifies her to be VP.

[saltpoint]

102. For the sake of argument, though, book_worm, Dick Cheney had an

entire career of government experience and his public service as vice president has been downright Machiavellian, or worse.

I would prefer to have the instinct and brains and dedication to public service affirmed by one candidate's demonstrable accomplishments and virtues. On those criteria, CKS would be very appropriate.