Palin-esque? Is Caroline Kennedy getting same treatment -- no way

It's coming any day, right?

Pretty soon Americans are going to start seeing parodies of Caroline Kennedy and her unwillingness to answer any sort of questions as to her qualifications to be a U.S. senator.

There will be a "Saturday Night Live" skit or two about the fact that she has never held a job except one that was created for her -- followed by another about the fact that she has a sporadic voting record and did not even vote once in a crucial Senate election.

There will be pundits on television talking about how she might be a nice person, but that she has no real experience and not even close to enough knowledge to be appointed to a Senate seat.

And, of course, someone at the comedy sketch shows is probably already working on a good imitation of her eastern accent.

After all, isn't that what happened the last time an "unqualified" mom decided to seek public office on a high-profile ticket?

Don't hold your breath waiting for the media and others to treat Caroline Kennedy with the same lack of respect that was afforded vice presidential nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

You can bet the farm there won't be too many people taking too many liberties with what have already been a rather interesting first couple of steps into New York politics. There is too much at risk and too many powerful people to answer to for that kind of fair treatment.

It is amazing how some of the same people who were so horrified at the possibility that Sarah Palin might be vice president are now excusing away Caroline Kennedy.

They are suggesting that it is noble that she has taken the time to raise her children and has worked behind the scenes for so many years. That, they say, is a justification for her lack of actual political experience.

It is amusing to see the spin -- and irritating, too. There is still much fun made of Sarah Palin's downhome image and her family life. Doesn't seem quite fair, does it?

It is noble that Kennedy's family has come first -- no one is disputing that. But if she wants to now become involved in the running of her country, there is a place for her, at the entry level -- not in the U.S. Senate.

There are some in New York who are not sure they want the Senate seat to go to Kennedy -- and more than a few of them are getting a bit angry that they aren't getting answers, they are getting listening tours.

Kennedy might be a fine person -- even a philanthropist -- but her name should not stop the criticism and questions that are not just fair play, but necessary.

And, borrowing an old adage, if she can't stand the heat, she better get out of the kitchen.

Published in Editorials on December 22, 2008 11:04 AM