Reply #8: I'm uncomfortable with the automatic advantage she has and is happy to exercise

[BurtWorm]

over other candidates that stems primarily from her name. I don't have anything in particular against her. I've always liked her persona. I probably like her politics, considering how close she is to Obama, from what I've heard. We could do a lot worse. But can we do better?

On the one hand, suppose Paterson chooses someone of less star power. That person might have to work a lot harder for reelection, whereas Kennedy has built-in reelection power by virtue of her name and place in American society and history. From a Democrat's standpoint, you can't do much better than Caroline Kennedy.

On the other hand--what about from a social standpoint? Can't we do better than keep the Senate in the hands of a few families? Can't we put a person of color in there?

I'm glad I don't have to make this choice.