Kennedy Poppycock

Friday, 23rd January 2009

Anne Kornblut, normally a reliable reporter, was given a turkey by her editors yesterday. Here's how she begins her WaPo story on Caroline Kennedy's (mercifully) brief Senate bid:

With her abrupt exit this week from consideration for the Senate, Caroline Kennedy added her name to a growing list: women who have sought the nation's highest offices only to face insurmountable hurdles.

Like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sarah Palin before her, Kennedy illustrated what some say is an enduring double standard in the handling of ambitious female office-seekers. Even as more women step forward as contenders for premier political jobs, observers say, few seem able to get there.

Sure. Nothing to do with the fact that, as one wag put it, her bio ran out of steam shortly after "Born". Hillary Clinton has suffered from so much sexism that she is now Secretary of State and was previously, um, a Senator. Sarah Palin is still the governor of Alaska. So, yup, the game be rigged against 'em.

UPDATE: A further blow to the WaPo editors' thesis: Hillary has been replaced by Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand has been appointed to succeed Hillary. Insert standard suggestion that these seats should be filled by special election not appointment etc etc...

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ally

January 23rd, 2009 2:53pm Report this comment

All entirely fair, Mr. Massie. It's rather amusing, however, to note how many right wing sites have become terribly concerned and vociferous about inherited privilege being a bad thing since, oh, let's see...Tuesday.