A Pair of Kennedy Endorsements

In the wake of Barak Obama's overwhelming victory in South Carolina, a victory that was not only fueled by African-American voters but a significant number of white voters, both Caroline Kennedy (daughter of JFK) and Senator Ted Kennedy have endorsed or will endorse Obama's candidacy. This is a considerable coup for Obama. The Kennedy name still holds considerable power in the Democratic Party. Of course, Hillary will downplay this endorsement, but it will provide considerable heft in a number of primary states.

I especially appreciate the words of Caroline Kennedy in a NY Times editorial (the same paper, remember that endorsed Obama's rival). She opens by saying:

OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.


And closes with these words:

I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; 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.

I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. 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.


Caroline makes important points here about inspiration. Her father's time in office was relatively short and so we don't know how good a President he could of been, had he completed his term and likely won a second. But what we remember is the inspiration of his words that pushed the country to envision new heights and new possibilities -- whether it was the Peace Corps or reaching for the moon. Hillary discounts this ability and touts herself as America's CEO/COO. So this is our choice, a manager or one who will offer us a new vision for the future. Maybe it's the preacher in me, but I think we need more than a manager as President. If you want a COO, then go for Romney. If you want to set a new course, I think Obama's the one.

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