As I watched coverage of the South Carolina primary results, several commentators brought up an op-ed piece by Caroline Kennedy appearing in tomorrow's New York Times in which the daughter of President John F. Kennedy endorses Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination. I have often heard people compare Obama to JFK and this endorsement might lend greater legitimacy to such comparisons. Obama is Kennedyesque in his youth, charisma, and optimism; further, much of his rhetoric celebrates ideals while aiming to bring people together for the national good and inspire people to participate in the political process for the first time.
Caroline Kennedy suggests that "qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual" in this race because the candidates' policy positions are very similar. I tend to agree--with platforms being so similar, Democrats are more choosing between different styles of leadership and symbolic notions attached to each candidate. Tonight Obama spoke of the diverse coalition of support he has built; his success in SC across many demographic groups provides evidence that he has a real ability to be a uniter.
What do you think? Do comparisons to JFK hold up or is Obama a totally new breed of politician?
GS note - The link has been updated and corrected.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Caroline Kennedy wasn't the only Kennedy to endorse Obama this week. Ted Kennedy, who is the longest serving Democrat in the Senate is also going to endorse him on Monday.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/8134.html
Here is a link to a short video that includes Caroline Kennedy and Ted Kennedy's endorsement speeches for Obama: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/28/AR2008012801482.html
i think that this endorsement will hopefully give Obama the extra momentum he needs to overcome the Clinton characterization of the South Carolina primary (that he only won because he's black, so it doesn't matter he won with 55%, which is huge!!)
Post a Comment