Return of the Queen?

So Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg has called Governor David Paterson of New York and indicated an interest in being appointed to Hilary’s Senate Seat—should the latter be confirmed as Secretary of State. Barring an almost incredible stumble, there is possibly America’s first woman President.
If appointed this January, Caroline would have to run in a special election in 2010 and, again, for the regular election in 2012. That should not be a problem. There will be plenty of money from all kinds of sources, and she will, in the words of cousin, Robert, have the vigorous support of “more Kennedy’s than you’ve ever seen before.”
Indeed, she will wind a horn so compelling as not heard on this continent since Father Abraham summoned volunteer soldiers to put down the secessionists in 1861. It all but sends chills up an old man’s spine to imagine who all might come out for her.
And she might just be worth all the folderol. As my wife put it, to the extent she is a Kennedy, she seems more like Rose—with a touch of Joe—than Jack. Those were tough, competent people. She also seems to have the steel that went into Jackie’s backbone—a fierce woman who took the bit of celebrity fluff that was her husband and single handedly made him into a monumental legend.
Caroline comes from awesome stock: Jackie, Rose and Joe—and don’t forget brother-in-law Bobbie, of whom Joe said, “He’s like me.” On top of that she inherits the mantle (Jackie-made) of her martyred father. She is also the niece of Teddy, who has become one of the most effective senators of the past forty years.
She’s seems very unlike her brother. He, poor lad, had his one moment of glory when, at age three, he saluted his daddy’s casket on the capitol steps (I remember standing across the street that day and watching—it’s a memory that still brings tears to my eyes).
After that, John John never seemed sure of his direction or his bearings. Tragic though his death was, it was an apt summation of his life—getting lost in a fog, confusing up and down, and crashing into the sea. God rest him.
Caroline never seems to have gotten lost or confused. She married a man who could afford her the privacy and security in which to raise a family securely (what Jackie was looking for in Onassis, but never obtained). She flew contentedly below the radar until this job was done.
Now that this phase is done, thinking of Tolkien, she seems ready to cast off the gray cloak and reveal the White Wizard beneath. My suspicion is that we are going to see one smart, tough lady underneath any velvet gloves she may wear. She’ll probably be much savvier than Hilary.
Interesting development to say the least. Of course, Governor Paterson could put a wrench in the works by refusing to appoint her. There are many, many other interested persons. Probably some that he owes more to.
But Caroline brings some practical things to the job—huge name recognition for keeping the seat in the Democratic column no matter what happens in Washington, a huge draw for money. Many, many allies who could help Paterson, too. And Paterson has to sense that he’d be getting in the way of some kind of historical destiny by saying “no”. (Who wants that as his legacy?)
Who needs all the Kennedys and their friends as enemies? Boy, would he have them. That thought—remember the old Irish Mafia?—has to give any politician on the East Coast pause. Furthermore, a new Democratic president takes office in January who doesn’t owe anybody in New York like he owes Caroline
I don’t often get terribly emotional about politicians, but if that lady were to run in 2012 or 16, and I were still around to vote, I cannot imagine anyone my fellow Republicans could run against her who could keep my fingers from twitching toward the Democratic column.
After all, “Once there was a Camelot” is a whale of a line (even if the real Camelot was probably a broken down Roman villa)—and it’s certainly time to bring back Julie Andrews and Richard Burton.