The End Of A Dynasty. Or Two.

[cali]

Caroline's bowing out, was I think, the moment in time when the Kennedy political dynasty died. I don't think we'll see her or any of RFK's children running for office again. The only Kennedy currently in office, aside from Ted, is his son Patrick. I don't think you'll see Patrick replacing Ted in the Senate. I suppose it's dimly possible that Joe could run for that seat and be swept in by a wave sentimentalism, but I think that's rather unlikely.

Will the next generation move into political life? I don't know. It's certainly possible, but for the near future, the Kennedy influence on American political life is waning. Kind of bittersweet from my perspective.


And of course, the other dynasty is the bush one. Well, what is there to say about that? gw tarnished that brand but good. Thankfully.

[wyldwolf]

1. I actually read something quite interesting about the Cuomo family today

with many on DU believing Cuomo will come after Patterson in 2010 out of "revenge."

"The younger Mr. Cuomo, moreover, has a history that could argue against taking on Mr. Paterson under any circumstances. In 2002, after returning from a stint in Washington as the secretary of housing and urban development in the Clinton administration, Mr. Cuomo began a primary campaign against the Democratic Party’s favored candidate for governor, H. Carl McCall, who would have been New York’s first black chief executive. The black political establishment united against Mr. Cuomo and he withdrew to avoid a humiliating defeat."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/nyregion/25cuomo.html?ref=nyregion

[FrenchieCat]

2. The Kennedy family passed the baton.....

Although I wouldn't say we'll "never" see another Kennedy run for office, as there are too many of them (grandchildren)to say that...I truly believe that the Kennedy legacy saw the beginning of its end when JFK Jr. died....and directed its very end when they passed their legacy in a very public way to Barack Obama. I believe that Caroline's attempted entry into the world of politics was not planned, but rather was spontaneous, so I won't be using it as a signal of anything much.

I would also say that the Kennedy legacy has not died, but it has been passed on to a non-Kennedy instead. That was made very explicit with these words from Teddy back in January:

"The world is changing. The old ways will not do... It is time for a new generation of leadership."

In Barack, I see that next generation of American leadership: a figure who can transcend the divisions in this country that my family and I have fought so hard to tear down.
...
When Barack Obama raises his hand on Inauguration Day a new generation of American leadership will take charge and restore the hope, peace and prosperity the country so desperately needs.

Looking out from the stage today, I realized just how powerful his campaign has become. It's a movement for change -- and one that I'm proud to be a part of."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sen-edward-m-kennedy-/barack-obama_b_83668.html

[AtomicKitten]

5. I think the alleged demise of the Kennedy dynasty is wishful thinking by some here.

[Grateful for Hope]

8. Agree

I doubt we have seen the last of RFK Jr, for instance.

We will see.

;)

[AtomicKitten]

11. I would very much love to see him lead. n/t

[BluegrassDem]

3. A lot of hyperbole there

Not sure I'd say died. Death means never coming back. There are way too many Kennedy's out there to say it's dead and never coming back. There's a lot of young Kennedy's that could make a run. And don't forget about Maria Shriver. She is a Kennedy. I would say it's more of a lull than a death. Besides, Teddy is still a senator and his son Patrick is still a congressman, the last time I checked. Not sure I'd say they're dead.

[BluegrassDem]

4. A lot of hyperbole there

Not sure I'd say died. Death means never coming back. There are way too many Kennedy's out there to say it's dead and never coming back. There's a lot of young Kennedy's that could make a run. And don't forget about Maria Shriver. She is a Kennedy. I would say it's more of a lull than a death. Besides, Teddy is still a senator and his son Patrick is still a congressman, the last time I checked. Not sure I'd say they're dead.

[Baby Snooks]

6. Don't forget the Clinton Dynasty..

Although some would say it is part of the Bush Dynasty. As for these "family dynasties" the reality is they tend, really, to protect each other. The Kennedys have honored the Bushes. The Bushes have honored the Kennedys. There really is something wrong with that when you think about it. Most people just don't think about it.

[Metric System]

12. Does a married couple really add up to a dynasty? If Chelsea enters politics then I guess I'd call

it a dynasty, but right now I wouldn't.

[Clio the Leo]

7. It's like asking birds not to fly.

Wont happen. If anything, the next generation is being ENCOURAGED to run. They wont be troubled by the alleged "failure" of thier cousin .... but by the legacy of their Patriarch.

And even more influential .... Our President.



This was a tiny blip on the Kennedy radar.

[Grateful for Hope]

9. Couldn't agree more! n/t

[alwysdrunk]

10. George P. Bush may still have an outside shot

It will take some time, but he wouldn't be running for about 20 years or so anyway. Who know where the Bush name will be in 20 years.