An open letter to Caroline Kennedy
Dear Ms. Kennedy:
It appears that you’ve risen to the top of the list to succeed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as New York’s next junior Senator. Congratulations. Sincerely.
But before accepting the post, let me encourage you to walk the walk for a week or two.
Take a drive upstate and spend several days back-to-back sitting in on Rotary club luncheons and sitting through award ceremonies at VFW halls.
Meet with six or eight small-town mayors in a day. And then, the morning after, see if you can remember their names — or fake it well enough to get by.
Because that’s the life that awaits you.
The thing is, the United States Senate ain’t what it used to be. The patrician, reserved enclave that your father and your uncle first experienced is ancient history.
These days, Senators work the rubber-chicken circuit just like lowly congressmen. In part, that’s because Senators Schumer and Clinton redefined the office.
So pull your galoshes out of the closet and get out of New York City and test the politician’s life before saying yes.
See if you’re comfortable sitting on couches in double-wide trailers. See if you’re okay with people feeling like you work for them.
Oh and one other thing.
If you accept the post, you’ll face two bruising elections in the next four years — one of them very likely against former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
I’ve seen Rudy on the stump. He’s one of the best campaigners in the country, as good at naughty as he is at nice.
To beat him, you’ll have to split your time between dull-as-dirt fundraisers in New York City and weary campaign whistle stops in places like Gloversville and Plattsburgh.
Truth is, there is absolutely nothing on your resume to suggest that you enjoy that sort of thing, or have any particular knack for it.
So put a toe in the water first. Come join us for a few Methodist church dinners and Chamber of Commerce luncheons. Then decide whether this is the life for you.
Sincerely,
Brian Mann
Political Reporter
North Country Public Radio
