Kennedy Reaches Out To Clinton Directly

Caroline Kennedy has called Hillary Clinton to discuss her interest in the New York Senator's seat, a source close to Clinton tells the Huffington Post. But the two, as of Monday, had yet to actually speak.

"[Kennedy] called," said the source, "but they hadn't connected as of yesterday morning."

Nevertheless, Kennedy's outreach to Clinton, who is leaving her seat to become Secretary of State, is another chapter in what is quickly becoming a fairly comprehensive public and private campaign for the Senate post. Kennedy has additionally been in touch with a host of prominent New York figures, including Governor David Paterson, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Kennedy has also hired a well-connected political hand to help steer her candidacy to success. Josh Isay, former chief of staff to Sen. Chuck Schumer and founder of the political consulting firm Knickerbocker SKD, is a well-connected figure within New York politics. He is controversial in progressive circles, in part because of a client list that includes Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Benjamin Netanyahu. But Isay also has obvious connections that could aid Kennedy in the short term, including ties to New York politicos and powerhouse unions like the SEIU.

Even with Isay's help, the key sticking point for Kennedy remains: whether or not she can placate Clinton's backers in New York, many of whom seem tepid or antagonistic towards her candidacy.

Multiple reports indicate that supporters of the former first lady -- not to mention the Clintons themselves -- weren't willing to simply forget Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama during the Democratic primary. Others, including several Clinton fundraisers, have made public statements that the former first daughter simply isn't qualified for the Senate. But the source close to Clinton insists that their differences are not caused by hurt feelings, but rather preferences for other New York politicians.

"The Clintons aren't going to do anything against her," said the source. "I think they had just been more emotionally attached to names that surfaced before hers did, like Randi Weingarten [of the United Federation of Teachers] and [Rep.] Carolyn Maloney."

Asked for comment, Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines responded: "This is entirely Governor Paterson's decision, Senator Clinton completely respects the privacy of his process so will not be commenting on it or any individual candidate, nor does any third party speak on her behalf."

Comments

[395spoons]

"...whethe­r or not she can placate Clinton's backers in New York, many of whom seem tepid or antagonistic towards her candidacy. "

That was Obama's concern when he launched his own candidacy. And we all know who won, don't we!

And as for experience, HC didn't have any experience either! Nevertheless, she succeeded in becoming a well-respected junior Senator.

I do support Caroline Kennedy.

[McChimp]

Agree, and I challenge those opposed to CK being appointed to name someone who would be better than CK... I keep seeing the "don't appoint CK, she's not qualified or experienced enough" posts, but not ONE of those posts names ANYBODY who would be a much better pick...

[Active]

Anthony Weiner, Nydia Velazquez, Cuomo, Nita Lowey.

[glorialovelace]

Kirsten Gillibrand, Liz Holtzman, Tom Suozzi, Byron Brown.

Hell, Pete King would be better than Caroline.

[Bulbul]

Title is misleading, Caroline reaches out to Hillary ? Few months ago she trashed Hillary and now Caroline wants to be the Senetor, and reaching out , interesting !
Be nice to people, you never know when you need them !.

[k6007]

When did she 'trash' hil? Do you have a link?

[McChimp]

A few months ago was a FEW MONTHS AGO. Hillary and Obama have gotten over it, why can't you? They are ON THE SAME SIDE, QUIT BEING STUCK IN THE PRIMARY SEASON!

[nellie]

Supporting Obama is not the same thing as trashing Hillary.

[k6007]

T rash ed? Linkplease?

[Seral]

I think you misused the word need. It should be changed be "use". That makes me think, isn't she supposed to be new to politics? I guess the blood of a politician is there.

[davesf]

Er...the repeated comment, essentially "she needs to get elected like everybody else," is nonsensical. The post has been vacated, the Governor of the state gets to appoint. Those are the rules, Kennedy is playing by them. The main objection seems to be "but she supported Obama and not the one WE wanted," which is simply silly. She's an accomplished and intelligent person, well connected (helpful to a new Senator, just ask Hillary) and perfectly qualified to be a citizen in government. Get over it.

[McChimp]

Exactly, this h@tred and contempt towards Caroline Kennedy and the Kennedy family is distasteful and beyond the pale. J F K, R F K, and J F K Jr must be tossing around in their graves watching this madness!

[psunate77]

There corrupt, its been proven...

[meko]

I think the "she needs to get elected like everybody else" is about being elected to something, anything. It's about her serving any post as a representative of the people. About not picking and choosing the fun tasks, but getting the whole job and having to get her hands dirty.

She hadn't done that. She hasn't faced the challenge of taking a job where she couldn't write the job description.

[McChimp]

It's extremely funny to see the same repetitive posts saying CK isn't qualified, she should run in 2010, etc etc.

First off how is CK NOT qualified? Just because she's a Kennedy that disqualifies her? Why didn't you say the same for Hillary being a Clinton?

Also what evidence exists that CK WOULDN'T do an excellent job if appointed?

I think that most of this H@tred towards Caroline Kennedy and the Kennedy family is INAPPROPRIATE and UNCALLED for, the Kennedys have done more for this nation than Bill and Hillary ever dreamed of doing. Plus if Caroline is appointed, that defeats ANY chances of Repubs taking the seat in 2010... some of you just don't THINK! You must really want Ghouliani or some other pub to take the seat in 2010 don't you...

GROW UP.

[TheBlueArsenal]

If she proves to be out of her depth and makes mortally wounding gaffes leading to a Giuliani victory. Will you admit you were wrong? After all, we really don't know, either way, about her on such a stage.

Frankly, that's a risk I don't want to take with a political novice.

[McChimp]

"Frankly, that's a risk I don't want to take with a political novice."

Then I guess you slept during this election season, we had a junior political novice Senator going up against all the experience in Washington (Hillary/Bill/John McCain)... and Obama STILL won regardless.

Plus there are plenty of experienced members in the Senate right now, how's that looking? Congress with a 23% approval with ALL the experience that America can buy... face it, the whole experience argument is moot because a junior Senator from Illinois just became the President elect.

And if you think that CK isn't worth the risk, then who is? I haven't yet seen ANY names of people that would be better than CK, only the same repetitive posts bashing CK and the Kennedys as if they are as bad as the Bushes.

[Beninn]

He won't admit he's wrong. He won't be here. That's the beauty of anonymous posts to blogs like this, by political operatives working for public relations firms hired to affect public opinion.

All that's necessary to get an appointment through or legislation passed these days is a mass-email campaign for a week or so. Did you see the changing headline on Huffington Post the last 3 days? All Caroline, All the Time. Until late yesterday when it was pronounced, SENATOR KENNEDY over her photograph.

If you want change, the kind of change you presumed Obama would make, you're going to have to get the current crop of Democrats out of the party. It's not going to come any other way. Demand answers. Practice now by flooding the media with demands for accountability by Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

WHERE DOES CAROLINE STAND ON THE ISSUES?

[bubbuh]

Talk about raising the dead....Gu­iliani? LOL

[Beninn]

This isn't about the Clintons. This is about Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

You say that the Kennedys have done more for this nation... Which Kennedys? What Jack and Bobby did was very different than what Ted's done. And then there's the next generation. What Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has done is very different than what her brother RFK, Jr. has done.

Then there's the Shriver line of the Kennedy family. We know what that line has done (see ENRON).

Do you know where Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg stands on the issues facing us today?

Does anyone?

[McChimp]

The Kennedys have served this nation to better it, not themselves or their ego.

The Clintons served themselves, that's why Hillary LOST her only s hot at the Presidency.

Face it, CK is more loved and less divisive than Hillary because CK is NOT EGO DRIVEN like Hillary and is NOT beholden to ANY IDEOLOGICAL views.

But sure, lets do it your way, appoint someone else that Ghouliani would defeat in 2010... don't say I didn't tell you so...

GROW UP.

[Big0725]

Caroline Kennedy will suffice. She never changed her name after her marriage.

[jamesspada]

Four of the last five people to hold this seat had no electoral experience before taking on the job. New York needs someone with real clout in the senate and Caroline has that.

[dantanna]

im from NY and would vote for Kennedy in a heart beat

[crislevin]

exactly, let her run, such that you have the chance of doing so.

[k6007]

Hopefully, she'll get the appointment and you can have the privillege of voting her in '10. The fewer career politicians on the hill, the better. Term limits next? We can only hope.

[Beninn]

I am a liberal democrat and every democrat I know (many) is against this appointment.

It's the worst kind of old politics, and certainly nothing of the CHANGE Obama campaigned on.

An ex-Kennedy staffer that I know, who idolizes Ted Kennedy and his record, is appalled by this possible appointment. "This is the Senator 'in his cups', a sentimental old drunken Irishman looking back and not forward. It's the worst of the Kennedys, making this all about their family, the fable of Camelot, not about the American people and their needs, their fight. A fit Ted Kennedy wouldn't consider this for a moment, especially because he would realize that he's not going to be around to protect her, to teach her the ropes. That's the Ted Kennedy that was the great Senator. That's when he was the most effective, the lion born of realism and not romantic pipe dreams."

If Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg wants it, she needs to get it on her own, through campaigning and working to earn the respect and trust of the voters. Not handed to her on a silver appointment.

You can't say on the one hand that Obama become a better candidate because he was tested (and learned) through the primaries, and then say that being handed the seat is the way to bring out the Kennedy in Caroline Schlossberg.

[crislevin]

CK should run in 2010, rather than play this type of payback game, she endorse BO, then BO take away HRC, then she got the senate job.

what kind of message is that? She's interested? so? there are a million people out in the street are interested, what qualify her in front of everyone else?

Don't pretend its not her name.

Dynasty? u bet.

and stupid.

[k6007]

'take hrc away...'

He offered her the position, she was entirely free to refuse, and remain in the senate. Quite frankly, I wish she had.

[k6007]

I apologize if this posts twice-

She wasn't 'taken away'. She was OFFEREDa position in the new cabinet, which she was free to refuse. Quite frankly, I wish she had.

[TheBlueArsenal]

I'm against CK appointment, not on qualifications grounds, but rather dur to her lack of retail politics experience. If she gets appointed she will probably run in the special election. Her most likely, and most formidable, opponent will be Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani is a tested and tough politician. No one can make, or should make the claim CK is. Giuliani will have virtually unlimited resources at his disposal, plus a political weapon to use against CK. The weapon being she was appointed not elected. We don't know if she can withstand the rigors and demands an election campaign proves. Can she effectively debate an opponent or respond to political jabs? We can't lose Hillary's seat to the Republicans. I think her appointment makes that possibility 50/50. Then I again I live in Chicago, I don't really know that firsthand.

I'm sure she is an intelligent and capable person. She must prove it in a campaign before I can climb aboard.

[frustratedinohio]

I hope Hillary never calls her back and I hope she isn't appointed to that seat. She needs to earn it and be elected just like everyone else. I didn't appreciate the name being crammed down my throat for the primary. She should have kept her mouth shut. She's not a political figure. She's wanted her privacy all these years--let her keep it.

[meko]

Appointing Caroline Kennedy will send a powerful message to women everywhere - There's no limit to what you can achieve if you are born or marry into the right family!

[Deparis]

Just like electing Hillary sent a powerful message to all women everywhere: You are entitled to everything and anything if you are married to a former POTUS.

GROW UP, pal!

[RadhaColalurver]

Well to be fair, Clinton actually ran a vigorous, tireless campaign for the Senate as well as the presidency.

[meko]

Actually, my biggest knock against Clinton was that she achieved most of her power through marriage - it's the same complaint. But at least she put herself through an election to get her senate seat.

[RadhaColalurver]

I would really like to see Caroline as our senator. Just not now. In 2011, after the special election in 2010, yes.

[Deparis]

She will be NY Senator now and until death part us, which is not gonna happen tomorrow.

[MaxxEliot]

Gee I can just imagine how this “conversation” went...... “ Hi Hillary this is Caroline Kennedy calling...­about the presidential race...wit­h both me and my uncle throwing our full support behind Barrak Obama...so­rry about that but I have a favor to ask.......­.....”

[bubbuh]

You suffer from a lack of imagination. Hillary may well choose to support someone else; but, it won't be as some form of juvenile payback. HRC has already proven she has too much integrity for that in addition to her well honed political instincts.

[MaxxEliot]

and you my friend suffer from a lack of humor.

[Active]

The Kennedy endorsement in the primary was useless. Hillary won both New York and Massachusetts!

[UncommonSenz]

A short sighted view of history there.

No way Obama wins in NY and MA. NO endorsement could undo that.

Her endorsement changed the narrative at a time he needed it. It helped blunt the "no serious people are going to back him" argument he was fighting and it gave cover for others to jump ship from the Clinton side.

[callmegigi]

If my memory is correct, the qualifications for a senator is to be at least 35 years of age and a citizen of the state in which he or she is running. That being said, Caroline Kennedy or Fran Dressher are both equally qualified. Both are well known persons and could probably do as good a job in the Senate as any that are now in that august body.
This much ado about nothing. Let the governor of New York select the one that he thinks will do the best job for his state.

[frustratedinohio]

Fran Dressher would be a better pick.

[395spoons]

C'mon, she's a nice person but where are her qualifications?

[Bozwellian]

Caroline hasz ADVANTAGE of holding a law degree, has done major fund raising and authored writings on such as CITIZEN RIGHTS...S­he is no slouch, has indeed executive experience what is held against her is that she has NOT SOUGHT THE SPOTLIGHT but merely worked deligently in far more aspects than any seem willing to give her credit for. What are these shrewish comments..­.with comparisons to etertainment figures as J-lo and Fran..and seems many are forgetting that if NOT for KENNEDY ASSIST , Hillary would have had a difficult time getting the carpet bagged senate seat in the first place !!!

[klondiker]

I do like the idea of appointing a "placeholder" until 2010, when a proper primary can be held. Maybe an elder stateman like figure, who has no political ambitions of his/her own, who can competently and ably keep the seat until 2010.

The benefits of this idea are that everyone who wants to run will have a chance to run, without incumbency advantage. And, anyone who wins will have been chosen by the people. Furthermore, I think it would be good for interested candidates to take a year or so to travel across the state, get to know the constituents, and even do a (dare I say it) listening tour!

The downsides of course are that it makes the seat more vulnerable. If the 2010 Dem candidate is not an incumbent, it puts the Republican candidate on equal footing.

[UncommonSenz]

That person would have zero power. They would not be a factor in shaping anything. Because they would be considered a dead man walking, nobody would think twice about walking all over them.

Horrible idea in a time of major crisis.

[bubbuh]

It's the downside that is the problem with your idea.

[frustratedinohio]

An elder statesman like Bill Clinton? I like that.