Hillary Clinton plays a Kennedy card of her own

The effort by Hillary Clinton's campaign to mitigate the hoopla surrounding the endorsement of Barack Obama by Ted Kennedy and his niece, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg (a losing effort, but one that had to be attempted) included trotting out Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.

Townsend -- daughter of Robert Kennedy, niece of Ted, cousin of Caroline -- actually has been periodically campaigning for Clinton for months in the Democratic presidential campaign (along with two of her many siblings, Robert Kennedy Jr. and Kerry Kennedy). Without mentioning that, Clinton's website on Sunday posted a statement of support from Townsend, no doubt causing some to assume it just happened. (The statement read in part: "As a woman, leader, and person of deep convictions, I believe Hillary Clinton would make the best possible choice for president. She shares so many of the concerns of my father.").

After the boisterous rally in Washington Monday where her two far better known relatives bestowed their political blessing on Obama, Townsend also showed up on MSNBC to defend her choice.

And with her brother and sister, she has penned an Op-Ed piece for our paper in which they detail their reasons for backing Clinton. (Their bottom line: "We need a leader who is battle-tested, resilient and sure-footed on the shifting landscapes of domestic and foreign policy. Hillary Clinton will move our country forward while promoting its noblest ideals." You can read the entire piece here and in Tuesday's print edition.)

Townsend is smart and well-spoken. Like many in her extended family, she has spent much of her adult life in public service; currently, she is chair of an institute at the University of Maryland dedicated to fighting chronic viral diseases. Her own political chops, however, leave something ...

to be desired.

Townsend, like Clinton, hoped to make a gender breakthrough -- in 2002, she sought to become the first woman elected governor of Maryland. She seemed well positioned to do so, having put in two terms as lieutenant governor. But after a desultory, poorly managed campaign, she accomplished something very hard to do in heavily Democratic Maryland: Losing a statewide race to a Republican.

Order was restored four years later, when the fellow who beat Townsend was easily whisked out of office by a different Democrat. Townsend has remained on the political sidelines in her home state, her days as a candidate presumably over. We also presume that the help she is providing the Clinton camp doesn't include much in the way of political strategizing.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[cassidy ford]

Don Frederick gives us a timeline, tells us who is more well known of the Kennedy's and says "trotting out" in reference to Hillary supporters. Oh yeah, RFK's descendents are progressives and activists, that is not as important as fame - right Don?

[cici]

The Ted Kennedy, Patrick and Caroline endorsements only confirm their desire to keep the Kennedy Clan/Dynasty the "head" of the Democratic party. Camelot is long gone - talk about "old politics." They accused Hillary of old politics when the internationally well-respected Madeline Albright stood behind her at the podium-it's the old timers they said. Well, you can't get any older than Ted Kennedy. If you look at the CNN picture on their webstory 1-28-08, it tells it all. Hillary is smiling and moving forward. Ted and Obama are both looking at Hillary with miserable faces and clearly either scared or jealous as hell. Ted is simply jealous of Bill and Hillary Clinton - it's the Kennedys v the Clintons. Obama is simply a vehicle being used by Ted and Caroline Kennedy in an attempt to maintain any Kennedy importance that may remain.

Ted Kennedy's judgment in Chappiquitic lost him the opportunity for the presidential bid-can you trust that judgment? Now he endorses a novice when we are in the middle of a war and on the brink of recession--it seems like that Chappiquitic judgment is resurfacing.

These endorsements are a desperate attempt to remain relevant.

Caroline Kennedy wants to vote for someone like her daddy, unfortunately, the poor girl never knew her daddy. Suddenly she wants to get involved in politics - only in an attempt to keep the Kennedy name alive almost 50 years after the fact.

Ted Kennedy says Obama's inspirational - that's wonderful, but the job needs to get done. There's many people that have great ideas and are inspirational but do nothing about it. Take the would-be-inventor that had a simply great idea. He thought about it and thought about it. Then he was suddenly disappointed because he saw it advertised on TV. His problem is that he did nothing - something akin to voting PRESENT 140 times in the Illinois congress.

Ted and Caroline Kennedy have transparent selfish motives - it has nothing to do with Obama, they simply do not want the Clinton Clan to be more important than the Kennedy Clan. The problem - the welfare of our country hangs in the balance of these selfish personal motives.

Remember to vote for leadership and someone who has plan and works their plan - VOTE HILLARY.

Thanks for your indulgence.

[Joseph Rotes]

This is not journalism at all. Such a puff piece - why don't you just quit pretending to be a journalist and go campaign for the Clintons -- whose politics of lies, ruthless-people-destruction, win-at-all-cost, it's-always-someone-else's-fault brand of cyncial politics is destroying and dividing the nation.

I suppose all democracies ultimately get what they deserve. I just want you to know that I did not have sex with that woman - or any of them. And it's all a vast right wing conspiracy out to destroy my husband.

[David]

Don Fredrick just can't resist spewing anti-Clinton garbage even when talking about a mere endorsement. The media's ongoing bias against the Hillary continues to rear its ugly head. Is it really necessary to heap scorn on a retired politician like Kathleen Kennedy because she lost a gubernatorial election? What did she do to deserve such scorn? Oh, that's right, she's a Kennedy who supports the strong, resilient, experienced candidate over the media's golden boy.

So the LA Times writers "presume that the help she is providing the Clinton camp doesn't include much in the way of political strategizing." Does the LA times also presume that the help Ted is providing the Obama camp doesn't include much in the way of drinking and driving instruction?

[Kim]

The Kennedy endorsement had nothing to do with Obama, it was all about the Kennedys. Let's see how Teddy handles a major loss on Super Tuesday and who is "enthusiastically" supports then.

[Sarah]

Though I respect Ted Kennedy his endorsements of a candidated haven't gone on to win the Presidency. It seems as though while Ted was trying to reem the Clinton's in this hyper-hyped endorsement that he failed at really looking at the truth of what has been unfolding over the last several weeks, that includes the obvious bias of the media against Hillary, the obvious attempt by the obama campaign to turn the Clinton's into racists with the help of the media, and the obvious attempt by the right-wing to bolster obama in which the right-wing are salivating at the prospects that obama would be the nominee on the Democratic side.

Ted's endorsements haven't put a Democratic President in office since?

I am not looking for an orator, I am looking form someone who is grounded in her beliefs and has a proven record to get the job done in order to move forward and out of the mess the bush administration has thrust our country into. I am looking for someone who has devoted her entire adult life in making positive changes for the entire country, not someone who is arrogant enough to beleive that his sketchy past and one year of national service entitles him to the Presidency. And I am not looking for someone who whines and crys when the campaign got tuff, I want a fighter and the only one that meets my criteria for hiring a President is Hillary.

So though I respect Ted his past judgment isn't something that should be touted as significant in terms of producing a winner, I believe Robert Kennedy Jr., Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Kerry Kennedy have thoughtfully looked at the differences and again raised to the occassion in choosing our country over self.

[con]

I like both Clinton and Obama Either would be a great president. I will continue to listen and watch up until my vote in November. And I won't trash either of them. The republicans throw enough trash for everyone.

[ifeelurpain]

Wow, Cici, I had no idea the losing of the Kennedy support can cut soooo deep. Ouch!

[n salter]

Hillary, don't worry about the haters out there. Camelot is long gone! I mean really, Ted Kennedy as an endorsment! This guy let some poor woman drown in a car back in the 60's and then paid the poor family off. Hang in there Hillary, you have my vote!

[John Schmalzbauer]

The Kennedy siblings (Kathleen, Kerry, and Robert, Jr.) have a right to endorse Mrs. Clinton, but their mother made a far more compelling case for Obama a couple years ago when she called him "our next president."

Ethel Kennedy: "I think he feels it. He feels it just like Bobby did. . . . He has the passion in his heart. He's not selling you. It's just him."

It would be hard to describe Hillary Clinton in those terms.

[AlwaysforHillary]

I stand and applaud Kathleen, Bobby and Kerry Kennedy for their support of Hillary Clinton!! Just as much as I applaud and agree with everything they said in regard to Hillary's qualifications and strong leadership, I am disgusted and angry with the endorsement of Obama by Ted and Caroline Kennedy! I have e-mailed and phoned Mr. Kennedy's office. I told him his endorsement has forever tarnished the Kennedy name, that everything he said in his speech was a lie, that he threw aside the qualified candidate who is a friend and colleague for a naive, inexperienced rookie! I finally told him he was a male chauvenist pig!!!

[Premadonna Braddick]

I want to first begin to state that I am an African American female who is 100% behind Senator Hillary Clinton for president. For many years, I have paid close attention to Mrs. Clinton regarding universal health care and the passion she has behind this plan to ensure all American citizen has health care insurance. I endorse Senator Clinton because her platforms continues to be consistent with helping the poor move forward, creating jobs, better education in the rural and inner cities, and most of all allowing everyone whether black, hispanic, or white to have a part of the American dream of wealth and success
Unlike Obama, who I believe is an awesome person, but many of his plateforms are not concreate or consistent. I am proud and happy to see that he has come this far winning votes in Iowa and South Carolina, but I do not see a man who really feels passionate about universal health care. I believe many people are exicted about Obama because he is the new kid on the block, he is to other breath of fresh air. Why? Because unlike Senator Clinton who has been in ploitics for over 30 years has received many cuts and bruises, and criticsims from decisions she thought were good, but back fired; whereas, Obama is just getting started he does not come across to American citizen being tainted. Although Senator Clinton has received many blows from the Repulicans and other Democratic politician she is still standing tall and strong. Senator Clinton to me appears to understand that taking on the challenges as becoming the first woman president is going to come with many political fights, but yet she continues to face every battle head on. I encourage people to really look at the candidates issues and make a solid and educated decision on who can bring America foward especially now that we are in recession. Look at the candidate who has taken the time to hear our voices, know our struggles, bring affordable health care to every U.S citizen, and most of all who has stood up for the poor. We hear beautiful speeches from Obama, but we do not hear a consistent plan in how we are going to stop hungry in America, create universal health care, and so forth. Please let us not be distracted by the new kid on the block who is Charismatic and energetic, but let us really look at a Candidate that can help move our country foward and that is none other than Senator Hillary Clinton.

[Hillary For Real Change]

Thank You LA Times for writing an article about the fact that Hillary has the support of the Kennedy family too, Kathleen, Kerry, and Robert, Jr. At least ONE news source isn't biased and abusing their reach to shamelessly promote Obama. Hillary will be our next President, I truly believe in her and everything she has done and is doing. These people attacking the Clintons are so jealous!! and Bill Clinton is a CHAMPION of the Democrats and American people, SHAME on those damning this great man and all he has done for America!! I want all my fellow Hillary supporters out there to be proud of 'our girl' and how far she has come, don't let the negative ones and these thoughtless, heartless critics get you down! stay positive always! We WILL win this and Hillary Clinton will be the next President of the United States. GO HILLARY, we're with you all the way!!

[What?]

How on earth can a real Democrat say they are going to vote Republican, WITH THE WAR, ECONOMY, JUSTICE APPOINTMENT IN THE BABLANCE if Hillary is the nominee??

Does your hate really run that deep? - because I dont see anything but fear of successful women that would drive a Dem away from voting for Hillary if she's the general election candidate.

Theres too much at stake to be petty here.

[edenz]

Give me a break..it isn't "change" when your touting out "dinosaurs"
Obama has to drag out JFK and then drag out MLK to endorse him. Figure it out for yourself, he can't win on his own merits so he has to revive the 60's.

[qster]

I could care less about Teddie's endorsement. Really why hasn't he made changes while he has been in office?

Go Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ronald]

After reading the article and responses, it is apparent that there are a lot of people still deceived by the lies of Mr and Mrs Clinton. Unfortunately, such histronics among their followers only makes sense considering who they support.

Follow KKT's advice and we'll get the same thing she did: a Republican win in the fall. The surest way to LOSE this election for the Dems is to nominate Mrs Bill Clinton for the presidency. I'm not a woman hater or a Mrs Bill Clinton hater. It is a fact that she cannot demonstrate support of more than half of the Democratic base (unless there's no one else on the ticket or no one else who is campaigning because they aren't liars like Mrs Bill Clinton is). The worst the Republicans have to offer (which is every freakin' one of them) will beat Mrs Bill Clinton in the fall.

[J.M.]

I feel as though I am reading comments of the Republicans when I see such negativity towards Senator Obama. Wow--Hillary rides on her husband's coat tail--it is unfortunate but true. I will not trash her even though I choose to vote for Obama---I have the right to vote for anyone I choose without being insulted because I make an opposing decision---this is America--as those that vote for Hillary have the right to exercise their choice. It's sad such petty insults have been thrown all in the name of "Freedom of Speech".

[Ronald Loui]

You know, those pro-Hillary bloggers can say what they want about the Kennedy family. They might regret their words later, but why not follow the egregious examples of their leader, right? Go forward and scorch the earth for the Clintons -- the Clintons deserve the undying loyalty, right?

How about Obama's OTHER star endorsements: Governor Kathleen Sebelius? Senator Claire McCaskill? Governor Janet Napolitano? Senator Jean Carnahan? Rep. Betty McCollum? Rep. Carol Shea-Porter? Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin? Boston Globe? Sacramento Bee? SF Chronicle? STL Post Dispatch? Chicago Tribune? Philadelphia Inquirer? Arizona Republic? San Jose Merc? Seattle Times? Dallas Morning News? Gainesville, Palm Beach, Tampa, and St. Petersburg papers? Atlanta Journal Constitution? You know the Honolulu Star Bulletin is itching to jump in. Senator Leahy? Senator Tim Johnson? Rep. George Miller? Governor Jim Doyle? Governor Tim Kaine? Bill Bradley? Ted Sorensen? John Anderson? John Kerry? Even Arnold Schwarzenegger just praised Obama!

Bill Clinton will be a very busy man trying to think of something bad to say about each one of these people and each of these papers!

I think Hillary has the Delaware and Pennsylvania Governors, the Stamford mayor, the American Samoa Governor, a few minor house members, some state-level elected officials, and the former Governors of North Dakota and Missouri... people like Bob Kerrey whom she has had to distance herself from, ... and old Clintathon appointees, Wes Clark, Henry Cisneros, and Madeleine Albright. Not exactly the rising stars of the party.

And the most tepid NY Times endorsement in history (they are already regretting it).

[usa citizen]

Ms. Kennedy Townsend worked for the Bill Clinton campaign as a volunteer. She circulated her resume to everyone in the organization-over and over,multiple copies. Her name was in huge capitals at the top of the page. She is very pushy. She did not have a job.

She got Paris Glendening, the former governor of Maryland, to take her on as Lt. Governor. Glendening's wife, whom he dumped later after a torrid affair with an employee, got Paris to hire her because "She was a Kennedy." She wanted what she saw as an elite name to be associated with her husband. She got a copy of her resume.

Kennedy Townsend ran for Governor when Glendening was leaving. She got very few votes-nobody liked her. She then did a very pathetic thing. She insulted the people of the state of Maryland and said that they were a bunch of idiots for not making her governor and that they did not deserve her. It was really awkward...

So for this nobody to be endorsing Hillary-It is pathetic.

Why does the press pay attention to the Kennedys? The people who were said to like John Kennedy are mostly dead. Younger citizens do not know them. Nobody likes them like the old timers of the press think. Ted Kennedy is remembered for the girl he left to die in the water. There are rapists, killers, bigamists, drug addicts, and mostly ugly people who look like the Alfred E. Neuman (or Newman) family of the old MAD magazine.

Caroline is probably bored with her elderly husband, many years older than her, and is out trying to keep a myth alive. There was no ridiculous Camelot-only a chronic womanizer who took more drugs than Elvis during the entire term of his presidency and congressional jobs. He used and abused women. Her mother, Jacqueline, was an opportunist with a feigned perverse little child voice who married an ugly but rich Greek for money. Her brother was a failed attorney who could not pass the bar twice and was involved in a bad marriage with an unattractive fashionista. He died because he piloted a plane without the right training. Joe Kennedy took a job from Chavez and is trying to rehabilitate himself from his drug days-he probably visits Chavez often to get a Coca Leaves fix. Enough already of these sordid characters!

Hillary probably liked JFK in the way that she sickly needs Bill. The serial womanizing, bigamy in the white house persona might have a strange, perverse turn on for the woman who channels the dead spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt and sheds tears when she thinks that without her the US would go back to treating women unfairly. Someone hand her a cup of coffee and remind her that her husband is the old geezer that abused women while boss and who would tell lies to the American public about it. What judgment can a fool like that have? Her very choice of man disqualifies her for the job.

[Jules]

i'm a first time voter, male, coll. educated and a minority. My vote will go for Hillary because she is better prepared to run the country than all of the GOP candidates together. I'm not sure why so much negativity is deposited to of a certain age, especially if they are highly accomplished, intelligent, eloquent and sharp. Are we afraid to have a woman president? Hillary is often called a female canine purely because she exudes self-confidence and is willing to run with the boys fearlessly. Obama's got the insperational rhetoric that impresses the less savvy idealistic voters, but beware of the smooth talker. Though I'm young, I won't fall into this herd mentality of voting for Obama just because is chic to do so. I will vote for the most sound candidate and that to me is Hillary. BTW, the Kennedy's endorsement means little to me. I make my own mind and won't be influenced by a Kennedy or Oprah.