The media’s cruel distortion of the life of Mary Richardson Kennedy

Mary Richardson Kennedy.

In its coverage of the Kennedy clan over the years, the mainstream media has been guilty of both classism and sexism.

One has to marvel at the free pass consistently awarded the philandering Kennedy men; whereas, lesser mortals, e.g., Bill Clinton, not blessed with the pseudo royal heritage of the Kennedys, are continuously vilified.

In the aftermath of Mary Richardson Kennedy’s death, Edee Lemonier discusses at the New Agenda the sexism in the media’s coverage of the women so unfortunate as to have been a part of the Kennedy clan at one time or another.

 Lemonier writes:

Mary Richardson Kennedy, environmentalist, architect, and mother, has passed away at age 52. Mary was a pioneer in the green architecture movement, was a co-founder of the Food Allergy Initiative, and was active with the Boys & Girls Club. She was also a highly intelligent, funny, fiercely loyal friend, and was naturally gifted at fundraising for good causes. She is survived by her estranged husband, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., their four children, ages eleven to seventeen, and six siblings. She was loved by many, and will be greatly missed.

What if that had been the announcement of Mary Kennedy’s death, instead of all the articles detailing some of the darker moments of her life? A lot has been written about her recently, and the information being disseminated immediately following her death seems intended to invite speculation both about how she lived and how she died. She has been painted as a drug-addled drunk who abused drugs and alcohol to cope first with being a Kennedy, then to cope with no longer being one. In true tabloid-style journalism, the writers are juxtaposing her depression with details of RFK, Jr.’s relationship with an actress, as if to fuel rumors that Mary Kennedy was unable realize her marriage was over, further causing the kind of mental instability that would lead to suicide.

Why did media outlets choose to highlight the sadness, instead of her accomplishments? And why did it take her siblings and her attorney coming forward to see a shift – albeit a very slight one – in what is being written about her?

Read more:

Gillibrand Known for Bold Political Moves and Centrist Positions

New York’s Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton

Writing for the NY Times today Danny Hakim and Nicholas Confessore fill in the details of Gov. Paterson’s selection of upstate Representative Kirsten Gillibrand to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate.

According to the article, Gillibrand has an impressive background as both a candidate for office and as a congresswoman.

“ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson was preparing Friday to announce at a noon news conference his selection of Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, a 42-year-old congresswoman from upstate who is known for bold political moves and centrist policy positions, to fill the United States Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to a person who spoke to the governor early Friday.

“An aide to Ms. Gillibrand confirmed early Friday morning that she had accepted the appointment.

“Ms. Gillibrand is largely unknown to New Yorkers statewide, but is considered an up-and-coming and forceful lawmaker in her district and has gained considerable attention from Democratic leaders in Washington.”

The article offers more biographical information about Gillibrand:

“Ms. Gillibrand, who lives near Hudson, N.Y., just outside of Albany, with her husband, Jonathan Gillibrand, a financial consultant, and their sons, Theodore, who is 5, and Henry, who is 6 months old. (Ms. Gillibrand received a standing ovation on the floor of the House from her colleagues for working right up to the day she gave birth to Henry.)

“Ms. Gillibrand, who had never held public office, won her seat in 2006 against great odds, defeating a four-term Republican incumbent in a race that turned intense and nasty in its final days.

“She proved to be a formidable candidate, raising millions of dollars and assembling a campaign organization that aggressively exploited the personal and political baggage of her opponent, Representative John E. Sweeney, who frequently found himself on the defensive.”

Caroline Kennedy and Maureen Dowd, "the Undisputed Queen of Political Opinion"

In the Fix (Washington Post) today, Chris Cilizza mentions the endorsements cited by allies of Caroline Kennedy in her quest for Hillary Clinton’s senate seat: “they note, Kennedy continues to wrack up an impressive panoply of endorsements ranging from Vito Lopez, the Democratic boss of Brooklyn, to Upstate billionaire Tom Golisano to the undisputed queen of political opinion -- Maureen Dowd.”

It was that last one that brought me up short: Maureen Dowd, “the undisputed queen of political opinion?!!”

Maureen Dowd is an embarrassment to women in journalism. She continues to pay her dues in the good old boys’ network by trashing any serious female contender for national political office. I won’t even attempt to critique her poisonous style of writing.

Today’s column titled Sweet on Caroline was to be expected. Despite the Kennedy aura, Caroline Kennedy’s persona would be non-threatening to even Dowd. Dowd – the woman who eviscerated Sarah Palin for her meandering speaking style – excuses Kennedy’s “you know” speech tic as a symptom of shyness.

Shyness? The shy Ms. Kennedy wants to begin her political career as a U.S. senator from New York?!!

In defense of Caroline’s running on the Kennedy name, Maureen argues the other kids are doing it, so why shouldn’t Caroline? In the process she brushes off Hillary Clinton’s lengthy career of public service in which she’s won accolades for her expertise on the issues, her hard work, and her proven ability to reach across the aisle by accusing Hillary of getting where she is as a member of the Clinton dynasty through her marriage to Bill.

Back during the primary MediaMatters.Org and irate citizens forced MSNBC’s Chris Matthews to publicly apologize for making a similar sexist comment on the air.

But here’s a news flash for both Maureen and he who is known for the tingle up his leg: dynasties don’t work that way. To be a member of a dynasty requires being the direct descendant of the ruling family. And besides, Maureen, I believe you’re one of those harpies who suggested in the aftermath of the Democratic primary that Hillary got those 18 million votes in spite of Bill. But that comment was most likely due to your unhinged jealousy of Hillary for managing to keep her family together over the years and attain professional success.

Personally I feel neutral about Caroline’s entry into politics. If New Yorkers feel the Kennedy family name and her connection with Obama is what they need more than someone with the demonstrated ability to do the job, so be it. After all, in the most perilous period in contemporary history, the voters just elected as president the most unqualified candidate to run in 2008; the wisdom of that choice is yet to be tested.

NY Dems Tout Bill Clinton (among others) as Caretaker Senator for New York

They just can’t help it. Bill and Hillary Clinton keep seizing the headlines. Yesterday, Hillary was voted the “most admired woman” in America, and Bill came in second after Obama among Democrats as the “most admired man.”

Today, Hill and Bill are headlining the New Year’s celebration in Times Square. And about 46 minutes ago, the AP’s Michael Gormley suggested that we not rule out Bill Clinton as a possible caretaker for Hillary’s soon to be vacated New York senate seat.

Filling Hillary’s seat with a caretaker, Gormley points out, would free Gov. Paterson from the Caroline Kennedy trap.

Gormley writes:

‘“The former president is among several boldface names being touted as possible ‘caretakers’ for New York's Senate seat — people who would serve until the 2010 elections but wouldn't be interested in running to keep the job. As the process of picking Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's replacement gets messier, the option may become increasingly attractive to Gov. David Paterson, who has sole authority to name a successor.

“A big name like Bill Clinton or Democratic former Gov. Mario Cuomo could have an immediate impact for New York in the Senate while letting the large field of hopefuls duke it out in 2010, according to three Democratic Party advisers in New York and Washington who are close to the discussion with Paterson's inner circle on this issue.

“Two others in the party confirmed that Paterson is still considering the caretaker option. The advisers spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to comment.

‘“You could find a very senior person who could serve New York well’’ on an interim basis, said Gerald Benjamin, a political scientist and dean at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Then you can say to Caroline Kennedy, `You know, you'd make a good senator. Run for it.' And you can tell everyone else that it's a level playing field.”

“Paterson has made it clear in recent days that he's getting annoyed by the constant jockeying by supporters of high-powered hopefuls including Kennedy, half a dozen members of Congress and state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, son of the former governor.”

Read more.

MediaMatters.Org on Bob Schieffer’s Attempt to Smear Hillary Clinton

CBS’ Bob Schieffer was one of those pundits I respected prior to the 2008 Democratic primary. Like PBS' Mark Shields - the supposed liberal of Shields and Brooks - Scheiffer could not conceal a chauvinistic sneer whenever he was forced to mention Hillary Clinton’s name on the air.

Evidently, Schieffer hasn’t gotten over the fact that despite the misogyny demonstrated by him and his media colleagues, 18 million Americans voted for Clinton in the primary, and she’s since been named secretary of state in the Obama Administration.

Media Matters for America caught Schieffer in the act last Sunday in yet another attempt to smear Clinton.

Here’s the summary from MediaMatters.Org:

‘“CBS' Bob Schieffer baselessly suggested that Hillary Clinton may ‘try to block’ Caroline Kennedy's possible appointment to replace her as U.S. senator from New York, adding that there is ‘[n]o love lost with the Kennedy family after they endorsed [President-elect Barack] Obama early on.’ But Clinton has reportedly ‘told her supporters not to involve her in their efforts to stop Caroline Kennedy's path to the U.S. Senate’ and that their comments critical of Kennedy ‘weren't appreciated.”’

Watch the video of Schieffer’s commentary here.

Watch Interview with Caroline Kennedy in Rochester, NY

Caroline Kennedy visits upstate New York.

Caroline Kennedy has wasted no time since announcing her desire for Hillary Clinton’s seat as a U.S. senator from New York. Although she says she’s not “campaigning” for the soon-to-be vacated seat, she sure sounds like someone running for office.

News 10NBC reports:

“Kennedy is on an Upstate swing, campaigning to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate. She met with the mayor of Syracuse this morning and also plans to stop in Buffalo. Kennedy is seeking the appointment of Gov. David Paterson to fill the open Senate seat once Hillary Clinton is sworn in as Secretary of State.”

Watch the uncut interview with Caroline Kennedy

Caroline Kennedy’s Experience on the Trail Limited to Obama Campaign

Michele Obama, Caroline Kennedy, Maria Shriver, and Oprah in the California primary. Photo credits: LA Times

Caroline Kennedy is openly lobbying the appropriate power brokers for Hillary Clinton’s U.S. senate seat in New York. If Gov. Paterson appoints Kennedy, she’ll have two years to learn the ropes before she’s forced to campaign for the seat the hard way in 2010.

It’s my understanding that Kennedy’s experience in campaigning is limited to her appearances, along with other members of the Kennedy clan, on behalf of Barack Obama in 2008. You’ll recall that Kennedy decided to endorse Obama at the urging of her children.

(Note: Not every member of the Kennedy clan supported Obama during the primary; one of Sen. Clinton’s most loyal supporters was Robert Kennedy, Jr., a prominent environmental activist.)

It’s hard to estimate how much good the Kennedys did for Obama, but two contests in the Democratic primary stand out in my memory. The first occurred in Massachusetts where Caroline Kennedy joined both Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Kerry as well as Gov. Deval Patrick in backing Obama.

Hillary Clinton took Massachusetts.

The second contest occurred in California where Maria Shriver, the daughter of Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver and the wife of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, teamed up with Oprah and Caroline Kennedy in heavy duty campaigning for Obama. It was deemed good political strategy for the three women to appear onstage together in opposition to Sen. Clinton.

Sen. Clinton won California.

The results of those two Democratic primary contests are probably not sufficient to predict Caroline Kennedy’s ability to campaign for a U.S. senate seat in New York. But it does give one pause.

In the meantime, by simply expressing her desire for Clinton’s soon to be vacated seat, Kennedy has stirred up the media’s interest in her influential family. Liz Robbins at the Caucus (NY Times) in fact provides a detailed portrait of the Kennedy clan’s “long political tentacles.”

Robbins begins:

“When Caroline Kennedy made it known that she eagerly wants New York’s United States Senate seat left vacant by Hillary Rodham Clinton, the spotlight burned even brighter on the most famous family in American politics.

“The nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy have extended the family’s reach to both coasts and all forms of public service. And while it has been mostly Kennedy men who have held public office, Ms. Kennedy can look to her aunt, Jean Kennedy Smith, who was the United States’ ambassador to Ireland from 1993 to 1998, or her cousin, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who was the first Kennedy woman to hold an elected office, when she served as Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003.”

For a review of all the tentacles of the Kennedy family’s political influence go here.