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Caroline outlines qualifications
Caroline Kennedy during an interview in New York on Friday.
In her first substantial interviews since declaring her interest in joining the U.S. Senate, Caroline Kennedy talked on Friday about her qualifications for the office and what it means to have one of the most famous last names in American politics.
“In our family in particular there is a sense we have to work twice as hard — people have this perception, and we are fortunate,” said Ms. Kennedy. “But I think it’s a question what you do with that opportunity.”
Ms. Kennedy said if appointed Senator next year by Governor David A. Paterson, she would focus on securing economic aid for the state, overhauling the nation’s health care system and school issues. Ms. Kennedy (51) said her experiences as a mother and writer, as well as her work as a fundraiser for New York City schools, had prepared her to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is expected to be confirmed as Secretary of State next year. But she conceded that she faced hard questions about her readiness.
Ms. Kennedy was interviewed separately on Friday by The Associated Press and by NY1, the cable station.
She said the September 11 attacks made her want to give more to the city, but that she began to seriously consider public office only after campaigning for Barack Obama. She said she had talked to people across the country about their problems. “I thought, ‘What can I do now?’ and when this opportunity came along it seemed like, you know, I really ought to give it some thought.”
Ms. Kennedy also addressed reports that she had not voted in a number of elections, especially primaries, since registering at her Manhattan address in 1988.
“There isn’t a good excuse,” she said. “Going forward I will make sure to correct that.”
She added: “This is not just a job, it’s a vocation, a mission. I wouldn’t be putting myself forward unless I was serious about exactly what was required.” — New York Times News Service
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