The Lines Are Buzzing…
By Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy on January 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Backtrack Obama, Caroline Kennedy, Chicago politics, Hillary Clinton, Illinois senate, New York State, Rod Blagojevich
With the possibility that Paterson will pick Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg after all. Sigh. Between the crapola with Burris and Kennedy, I scarcely recognize our form of government any more. But it is not yet a done deal on Kennedy Schlossberg, so this isn’t about that specifically.
Rather, I want to share with you the backbone, the intestinal fortitude, with which some of NY’s politicians are made. You may recall that not everyone in NY was happy with the whole Kennedy Schlossberg push for Clinton’s Senate seat. Specifically, the Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver, was opposed to her appointment. I know I should not be surprised by this, but in this NY Post article, “Silver Now Takes Shine To Caroline,” we learn WHY he has made this 180 turn. Ready for this? Here it is:
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who last week sharply questioned whether Caroline Kennedy should be appointed to the US Senate, said yesterday he’s rethinking his views because he believes Gov. Paterson may soon pick her.
The emphasis is mine. I am practically speechless. Silver wasn’t, though:
“I have determined there’s a good possibility she will be the appointee of the governor,” Silver, the state’s second most powerful Democrat, told The Post.“If she is the appointee of the governor, I will certainly be supportive of her. I will work for her and will work strenuously for her election.”
Let’s see - even though he was opposed to her the other day, because he now thinks the governor may pick her, he’s for her. Wow - way to stick to the courage of your convictions there, Silver! Oh, yeah - and he’s willing to work for her re-election, too! Just like that - snap! I am sure his constituents are thrilled that he is such a man of his word.
Here is the recap of the past week on Silver’s position:
Last week, Silver said Kennedy seemed more loyal to Mayor Bloomberg, who has twice defeated Democratic opponents, than she was to Paterson.He also said he was unhappy with Kennedy’s less than 100 percent commitment to support the Democratic candidate who’ll run against Bloomberg, who was twice elected as a Republican, this year.
Asked if he was now more favorably inclined toward Kennedy then he was last week, Silver responded, “Yes, it’s true.”
The speaker insisted he had no inside information - from the governor or anyone else - that Kennedy would be named to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton, President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to be secretary of state.
But he said he reached the conclusion her appointment was likely because of “public opinion polls, which are not negative, and because the governor, I think, wants to run [in 2010] with a strong candidate, and I’m sure . . . having a well-known woman on the ticket will be helpful.”
Well, one would think. Didn’t help Hillary, but, oh, yeah - that’s because she was cheated, as we all were. But I digress.
Here’s the problem. Silver’s math comprehension:
While a national poll earlier this week showed a majority of Americans view Kennedy as qualified to be senator, a survey of New York voters last week found that 41 percent felt she was not qualified and 40 percent thought she was.
Apparently, he is not clear on PERCENTAGES. A friend who’s a math professor could help him with that. And even though it is a small percentage, it is not that Kennedy Schlossberg is being received with OVERWHELMING support the way, oh, I dunno, CLINTON was. Just sayin’.
But get this explanation for why it should be the exceedingly wealthy, connected Kennedy (and someone remind me why this is not a “pay to play” scheme? Does ANYONE think favors have not been promised for her to get in? Really??):
Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s top political aide, Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey - who has been lobbying for Kennedy - played his trump card yesterday. He argued that only Kennedy, an early Obama supporter, would have the clout a cash-strapped New York will need within the next administration.“I think New York needs someone who can work with the new president. I think New York needs someone who supported the new president. I think New York desperately shouldn’t appoint someone who opposed the new president,” Sheekey said.
I think Sheekey means to say this is the payback for all Kennedy Schlossberg did for Obama during the campaign, like comparing him to her father, though there is absolutely no basis whatsoever for such a comparison. And for her coming out of her private little world to stump all over creation for The One (and no doubt, her uncle’s influence in having the RBC make a mockery of any sense of decency and fair play).
Just seems to me that this is different only in small degrees from what has happened in IL. She is someone Obama wants in there because she won’t EVER buck him (I assume that’s what Sheekey means when he says she’ll “work” with PEBO), and will simply be a yes-woman to him. We all know that would NOT have been Hillary’s role - acquiescing to whatever PEBO wants. The other piece of the equation often left out is the representation of the people of NY. Cuomo would be a much better pick for that, but why quibble. If PEBO wants her in, you know she’ll get it, even though she is unqualified for it. Welcome to New Politics Obama-style, same as Chicago-style. Seems it’s here to stay…
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Sheldon got the call from Hawaii. He’s another weasle too. He and Joe Bruno turned New York into a place everybody wants to run from. Bruno got rid of Spitzer and Spitzer got rid of Bruno, but Silver is still working hard for himself at the expense of New York. He got the call and he put his tail between his weasle legs because he doesn’t want anybody messing with his comfy position.
Can you provide proof of this? Any evidence that it is Obama who is pulling for Caroline Kennedy to get Hillary’s senate seat? I am really interested - this is not snark.
I await the Praetorian Guard.
What ever happened to the United States I used to know and love?
.
Sheldon was soliciting calls regarding Caroline’s
being appointed The Stepford Senator. When I called, a young man took my name, address, and opinion. When I was finished, he asked me to contact the governor’s office, too. It may be that Sheldon wants Paterson to get the news that someone who doesn’t even vote on a regualr basis would be good for NYS or could possibly supplant Hillary Clinton as an effective Senator.
HELP US stop this!
She was just about “OUT” until Blago, “Trumped” Obama & crew in IL.
The NYS Speaker Sheldon’s # is 518-455-3791
or 212-312-1420
And what about Carolyn Maloney in all this? How can he possibly justify bypassing her with someone so utterly unqualified? Then again, this is the way things go with Obama and his network of cronies.
WOW!!
This is my comment from another site.
THANK YOU!!!!!
http://www.dailypuma.com
also “high-Lighted” this link & a communication’s campaign to Gov. Paterson’s “buddy” Rep. Charlie Rangel.
I’ve been following this for a while now & she was just about, “out” on 12/31/08. What changed “IMO” is that Blago selected Burris & Obama can’t stop it. The attention then went back to CK & Hillary’s seat.
Ugh…..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why should we even vote anymore???????????
wouldn’t be good for NYS
Caroline’s attraction is her close friendship with the wonderful PEBO; if he has problems then her appointment is another matter. I was just checking the texas darlin site one of the comments was that Electoral College votes were to be submitted by Dec. 24. There are a significant number that have not come in. BO only has 184. I don’t know how to do the links but you might like to check this.
There are no rules which apply to PEBO.
The votes are in, just not posted yet. Someone already checked on this.
Here’s the link to the original blog -”A Southern Independent Conservative”:
http://larrymwalkerjr.blogspot.com/2008/12/electoral-college-update.html
and the electoral college:
http://archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2008/
The electoral college votes won’t be counted until January 8, 2009. Only 24 states have currently submitted their certificates and are at least near the December 24 deadline, but there is no penalty for filing late.
While it may be something to watch come the 8th, I very much doubt there will be any surprises.
I can’t even begin to tell you how disgusted I am by this. I have already called and emailed Paterson when this story first started. I called both Silver & Paterson today again to voice my anger at this possibility. I live 60 miles south of Albany, and I am certain that Upstate NYers are not interested in Caroline Kennedy as Senator. The state is very conservative outside of NYC, and this reeks of pure nepotism–ESPECIALLY after her anemic performances in the last few weeks. It is yet another glaring sign that we do not live in a democracy anymore. This is a plutocracy run by elites. Voters are irrelevant. Money and power reign and it’s not even hidden anymore. Caroline should be ashamed of herself for cutting line ahead of many deserving and experienced representatives who have already been CHOSEN by the voters of NY. I am beyond disillusioned with this entire corrupt system.
I loved Charles Krauthammer’s comment that the U.S. Senate should be renamed the “House of Lords.” It’s pay to play by any other name. Obama should watch his back. The Kennedys might see themselves as kingmakers and Caroline is starting to look like someone who would walk right over PEBO and go on out to a hearty dinner.
I’m really beginning to believe in the “pod people” theory. Because it’s really hard to accept that our elected offcials are so willing to sell their souls.
CK did several interviews last week. She was abominable, so bad I’m wondering if she isn’t an imposter. I mean really! Someone her age, of her background and education and she sounded like a Valley girl.
And now the troops fall in line after receiving the word from El Dios in Hawaii: make it so.
We’re in for a very rough time. As for the citizens of NY? Good luck!
“In a New York Minute”
What is the difference between NY and Chicago Pizza for 1000, Alex?
Great read Rev. Amy. May the new year bring many a fine sermon for you.
Thanks, Teak! And I look forward to many more good comments from you!
I disagree with Sarah Palin on most issues, but Sarah is 10 times the public speaker that Caroline KS is, plus Sarah has repeatedly voted in elections — something that Caroline rarely found time to do. And for those who said Sarah lacked experience, what experience does Caroline have??? Incredible!
Peggy Sue
I agree with your comments. Remember the old saying be careful what you wish for because you might get it. Neither BO and CK are ready or qualified for either office and both positions might become a prison for them. Karma!
I am appalled as a New Yorker that this may truly happen. As an upstater, this is just awful. She knows nothing about anything outside of NYC and seemingly could care less. She also seems to not want to be bothered by legitimate questions about what she can bring to the table other than her famous name. We NYers should be grateful for that and just worship her with no questions asked. Paterson must have been told he has no choice or his career goes into cra***r. Pols are all about themselves and not about what they were elected for. Oh wait, he wasn’t elected was he, to be governor. Got it by default. I would so love it if NYS could split into West NY and NYC and become 2 new states. I’d work my a** off for sucession, split or whatever they would call it if someone with some clout got it rolling. Besides our nonfunctional state govt., horrendously high taxes, being anti-friendly to businesses, and no representation of any strength for upstaters, we are now going to have a Senator who is totally clueless about what it takes to be one. I need to move out of here asap. This is ridiculous. I really thought the nightmare Obama brought on would be gone by now, but it is just getting worse. Yikes.
Well, all this is very interesting. The high drama and the audacity of Kennedy to umm, and you know, and like her self all across NY.
But, keep this in mind. Hillary has not resigned her seat yet.
Everyone is jumping the gun here.
If Hill does not like the feel of Obie and his card board figure groping speech writers and every other ass that works for him that she will have to put up with…………………..
She just might decide to say, ya know bambie, you are on your own with all this crisis shit in the world and you aint gonna use the Clinton infuence to fix it.
She just might keep her senate seat until 2012 and watch obie fail wich he will do no matter what.
If life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans (John Lennon) …. what does that make a senate seat for Princess Caroline in New York? Do they even pay attention there any more? Would the same people who supported Moynihan vote for her? I am thoroughly disgusted with American politics. Why don’t we just have a new reality series called Pimp My Senate?
Chris & Beebop
Great post and analysis! Pimp My Senate……LOL
We could do a senate seat auction each week …. maybe raise enough cash to pull us out of our recession …. Don’t you think Diddy and Oprah would put up some money?
And I hasten to add Steven Speilberg and Steve Jobs so that someone doesn’t throw the dreaded racist explative my way ….
This whole political world is all corupted. When the Obama campaign paid the super delegates to fall behind him I knew that politicians are bought and we should throw all of them out on their asses. Let them work for a living like we all do.They have all gotten too comfortable in their jobs and they need to leave. Blago got caught how many others have done the same thing he has but just were never found out.Now they want Caroline to be Senator why what has she done? What a Joke.