Kennedy v. Clinton

Monday marked a shift in the discussion within the democratic party. Instead of people talking about Clinton and Obama, they began to talk about Clinton, Kennedy, and which prominent political family would control the future vision of the party.
For nearly five decades it has been the Kennedy's who have been America's first family. Since his assassination, President Kennedy has been the standard bearer for all potential candidates in terms of strength and vision. Even Bill Clinton, head of America's newest political family, was eager to roll out a picture of himself shaking the President's hand as a teenager.
Now, with the endorsement of Obama by both Ted and Caroline Kennedy, two of the greatest American political families will face off for control of the party. Who's vision will endure? Does the Kennedy endorsement of Obama mean an end to the Clinton legacy, or is it a desperate attempt by the old torchbearer to stay relevant? These are just a few of the questions being asked.
I believe this is a fight that the Clintons cannot and will not win. Hillary's message of returning to the success of a Clinton presidency has no resonance when pitted against the possible return to a Kennedy presidency. With African-Americans and Latinos owing a great deal of gratitude to the Kennedy family, and white men avoiding Clinton like the plague, Hillary finds herself in a tough position. White women will not be enough to secure her the nomination.
So, the Clintons will no doubt attempt to further divide the electorate along any lines they can in order to win. It is my hope and my belief, however, that America will not stand for politics as usual. Instead, they will look to Obama for the politics of past. They will reject the division of one era and replace it with the hope and inspiration of another. The Kennedy dream will endure.