Caroline Kennedy backs Obama

Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:20 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Abby Livingston and Donna Nelson
Caroline Kennedy is off the fence. After making twin $2,300 donations to Obama and Clinton in 2007, she is endorsing Obama in Sunday’s New York Times -- in a piece entitled "A President Like My Father."

*** UPDATE *** NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan adds, Kennedy echoes what many voters on the ground have said about Obama after hearing him speak that he could inspire a generation in the way that her father did.

"I have never had a president inspire me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I bleieve I have found the man who could be that president - not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans," Kennedy writes.

She also praises Obama for his vision and says that he's "run a dignified campaign," a clear reference to the attacks from the Clinton campaign this past week.

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Comments

This is great news! :)

Nashville_fan (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:34 PM)

You guys are really slow tonight. Obama already gave his victory speech and you haven't put anything up yet.

Mo (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:35 PM)

Caroline's op-ed is beautiful; the final paragraph brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad that Caroline feels the way I do, that Obama's a JFK-type figure who can inspire a country full of people to do better things.

Gorgeous, lovely letter.

Nina (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:44 PM)

This will generate yet another huge support for Obama.

Duop Chak, Colorado (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:46 PM)

Remeber President Kennedy and Viet Nam. We do not need another president to keep us at war. Obama does not have the experience we need. Hillary can win in November. Obama cannot. If you want another republican to win in November, vote for Obama. If you want the Democrats to win, vote for Hillary

Jane Doe, Somewhere, USA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:47 PM)

This is an amazing piece. Everyone needs to read it. Her words are so powerful. It touches you in the right and intelligent way that it should. It also touches you with a sense of emotion and urgency that she sees in our country, and that she feels that Obama can change our history. No matter who you support, you owe it to yourself to read what she has to say.

Karen, Muscatine,Iowa (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:48 PM)

"A President Like My Father" huh? Is she serious? What would she know about what kind of President her father was? No offense meant, but she was a little girl when he was assassinated. She wasn't old enough to be aware and comprehending of what was going on and what he did. Everything she has gotten on who and what her father were have come from what others have told her, not what she actually witnessed.

Meanwhile, I don't understand what's with always comparing candidates to past leaders. It seems especially contradictory in the case of Obama as he is trying to be something totally new and different and a "change agent" to create a new Washington. How new and exciting can he be when supporters are always saying he is like someone we already had? How is that a change?

Tiffany Portland, Oregon (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:50 PM)

I AM SORRY TO HEAR THAT. I GUESS CAROLINE WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT FEELS TO WORK ALONG SIDE OF A MAN AND EVEN HAVE TO TRAIN HIM TO DO THE SAME JOB THAT YOU ARE DOING, AND KNOW HE WILL BE MAKING TWO TIMES AS MUCH AS YOU. I'M QUITE SURE THERE ARE BLACK PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE SAME FEELING, AND THIS IS TRULY A HISTORICAL RACE, BUT WANTING TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THIS MAN AND THIS WOMAN, FOR THE MOST POWERFUL JOB IN THE WORLD, I WOULD HAVE TO GO WITH THE ONE THAT HAS BY FAR THE MOST EXPIERANCE. AFTER GEORGE BUSH
MAKING ALL THE WRONG DECISIONS FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS,
I WANT TO KNOW WHO I AM VOTING FOR.
I KNOW HILLARY CAN GET THE JOB DONE. ALL I KNOW ABOUT OBAMA IS THAT WHEN A TOUGH VOTE CAME UP IN THE SENATE HE VOTED PRESENT. THAT WAY HE SORT OF GETS TO HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.

hillary gets my vote.

SGM (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:53 PM)

let hillary say that obama is no jkf now!

ynw, ME (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:01 PM)

Amazing! This is it; let us come together...OBAMA 98!

Ted, California (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:02 PM)

Wow, that's something.

So was Obama's margin of victory - 28 points? Where did that come from? More evidence that polls can be wrong.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:03 PM)

Clintonistas, we're waiting for the knives. This should be delicious. People who claim to be the heart and soul of the Dem party about to attack the daughter of the greatest Dem President of the last generation.

Sitting on our Hands (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:04 PM)

what a difference between slimy clinton self-congratulatory speech (isn't this hillary's campaign?) -- and barack's elegant and electric speech about our country, our people, wow!

ynw, ME (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:06 PM)

Who the heck is Caroline Kennedy?

Nash Johns, Brooklyn NY (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:08 PM)

I beg to difer with Caroline Kennedy but Barack Obama is the ani-thesis of what her father stood for. Are we so blind that in order to make up for past mistreatment of blacks , we are giving this person a bye on what matters most, which are the issues. If I remember correctly John Kennedy had some experience in the Senate before he decided to run for president. Barack Obama is the true example of a POLITICIAN,¨ a person who runs for public office for personal gain and who seizes opportunity without actually earning the right", it is something that he denies and is a LINCHPIN OF HIS CANDIDACY that he is not a politician. Let´s face it, Barack Obama has been campaigning for president eversince he was elected senator of Illinois only four years ago. I remember years ago there was a commercial about an investment firm starring the actor John Houseman in which he stated that an unblemished reputation only comes from " doing this the old fashioned way, earning the right", it seems that Mr. Obama only wants things handed to him without having had to earn them. If I remember correctly, John Kennedy earned the right to run for president, Mr. Obama has not.

Jay, San Antonio, Tx. (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:09 PM)

Unfortunately, we need more than inspiration. JFK had both domestic and international political experience and knowledge before being elected to the presidency.

Marcy Braid, Phila, PA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:11 PM)

So the torch is being passed from the remaining survivor of the Camelot White House to Sen. Barack Obama, the candidate who offers hope and provides inspiration.

Fitting.

MARTIN EDWIN ANDERSEN, CHURCHTON, MARYLAND (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:19 PM)

I think her father will roll over in his grave. Her father was a great leader, he fought in a war, came back a hero, served in the senate for years' he worked hard for this country. To say his name with the other one hurts me.

Shame (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:39 PM)

Uh-huh, now I understand why my Catholic parents did not support JFK' campaign. He talked a lot of talk but during the campaign did not offer a plan. Yes, Obama has some JFK similarities to his campaign.
Hillary Clinton is the one who can see us our way out of this greed-hungry, arrogant mess that the two oilmen and their friends have gotten us into. And we need her at the national level to make sure the Republicans don't take the highest office.

H Country, North Austin, TX (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:41 PM)

I believe so also Nina. A great leader inspires others to act. Words DO matter. What impresses me about Obama is that he is also very intelligent. It seems to me he makes a profound point, and the other candidates pick it up and try to make it seem like it was their idea. Like the rebate issue as to who would not benefit from it. And the whole idea of Change.
The idea of uniting our country. etc..

katmarie CO (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:49 PM)

I've loved Carolyn Kennedy since she was three years old and I was eight. Her op-ed endorsement was wonderful and I love her more than ever.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:49 PM)

And Bill tries to equate Obama to Jesse. that is beautiful tittle "A President like my Father"

Nathan, Atlanta Georgia (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:56 PM)

First time voter. I still have very little interest in politics. I think it's dishonest milieu and the career politicians are people, for the most part, who would not make it in the corporate world.
Barack's candidacy changed my views a little bit. At least I will participate in the election process and I will be supporting him. I believe that there is dose of willingness to move things forward and at least attempt to change politics as usual.
I am trying to convince a group of friends who are very successful in their lives but turned off by these politicians to get engaged.
I think Barack's ability to bring people in is very, very powerful. This should not be discounted and the democratic party should take notice. This guy is expanding the base. The GOP has no idea what the turnout will be by general elections time should Barack be the guy.
God bless this UNITED country

Trevor, Boston (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:26 PM)

Yes it is time for Americans to beilive again!Ya all Know:Americans dont need a driver anymore but a VEHICLE(Change)and together we will jump in it and take a ride to the greater future for all.I am touched by Obama's victory in s.c, and his speech!!!oh man..so powerful!It feels so really, you can just see him doing what he says: it is like deja fait! Viva Obama,viva Americans! God is good.

Jean bizimana, west bend Wi (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:29 PM)

Jean bizimana, west bend Wi (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:31 PM)

Obama offers us a hope for a better tomorrow. The first politician since JFK and Bobby to offer us that.

Cindy (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:32 PM)

Your endorsement is appreciated so much, Caroline, by all of us who know that Barack Obama will be a great president. Now it is time to speak to your uncle Ted about announcing his endorsement in support of Barack.

Chuck in Denver (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:35 PM)

Most of Obama's supporter were not born when JFK was elected. When did experience and hard work become a bad thing and hoping and talking is now a good thing for democrats. What happened to ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. JFK was a war hero.

Desiree' New York (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:01 AM)

What a beautiful letter by such an intelligent visionary herself. This deserves more attention - this endorsement means so much and is very significant during our time.
God Bless America.
Obama for President.

Mandy, Missoula, Montana (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:33 AM)

Romanticing the past will not solve the problems of the present or future. Being inspired to act will only get us so far. We still need preparation and planning. There is a decree of naivity when Obama says that rich people don't hate poor people. Moral persuasion is not likely to change their attitutes - churches have been trying that for centuries.

Wm., Schererville, IN (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:45 AM)

aahhhhhhhh, the Kennedys Behind Obama is worrysome given their history of luck....don't if that's good or bad yet..we'll see.

tiger (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 1:05 AM)

This was a brave step by Caroline, she usually keeps this type of subject close to the vest. So many prominent Democrats are supporting Obama, he has brought renewed excitement and insprition to a flagging party.

John Maple, Georgia (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 1:07 AM)

I'm sorry, but Obama is no JFK.

s (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 1:40 AM)

Thank you Caroline. You have become woman of stature in your own right and your faith in Obama will mean a lot to people who don't care much about movie stars and business as usual politicians!

Felix, Littleton CO (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:29 AM)

wow it's Amazing how she can see him for who he is.

wes (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:37 AM)

I would think that Ms. Kennedy was sending HRC a real big message, ""Your not electable""! With out the Kennedy power the Billary will now fade into the sun set!

The Clinton's are two Washington self serving paper hangers! Their true colors showed they would sink to the lowest level. I"m sure Obama will stay a far distance from eing sucked in again to playing with the Clinton's. Thus meaning the black folks took it not too kindly when they they the Clinton's started playing the race card. Twenty percent white voted for the Clinton's, If she were so strong Edwards ran off with 40%.

If Clinton can"t run away with the Mexican vote , She is all washed up!

So I will say """Take out the trash and throw out the DOG!!! AH DUH ""Thats ALL FOLKS""!

Take out the trash and Throw oit the DOG (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:37 AM)

Caroline Kennedy's endorsement means nothing. She is not an astute poitical observer, has never run for office, and really has never involved herself in public life to any great extent. Her only claim to fame is her father was JFK. Wow, some credentials. I am on the edge of my chair waiting to see who Amy Carter endorses. And Caroline isn't even basing her comparison of Obama to her father on personal knowledge -- she was only about 6 when her father died. She actually said Obama seems the most like people said her father was. So she knows as much about her father as any member of the public. Wow, some endorsement.

Political Realist, Los Angeles (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:55 AM)

I LIKE OBAMA BUT THE KENNEDYS ARE ALL SICKOS LIKE BILL AND HILLARY, OBAMA IS POPULAR BECAUSE HE S NOT SAME OLE SAME OLE, I WAS FOR HUCKABEE BUT SINCE FOX NEWS AND DEAD FRED RUINED HIS CHANCES WITH LIES, IM SWITCHING TO OBAMA, I JUST HOPE THE NEW DEMS GET AWAY FROM THE SOLDIER BASHING, LATE TERM ABORTIONS ECT

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 6:26 AM)

Sorry, that Caroline has turned out to be another bleeding heart liberal, by endorsing Obama, I guess she is trying to erase all the white quilt of not treating blacks fairly, in education, jobs and housing. It doesn't work Caroline, and Obama won't solve the injustices that your father try to remedy in some ways when he was alive. Caroline, don't drink the Kool Aid this man is handing out. He is the
wrong man, wait, the real thing will come along, hopefully in your life time.

Lee, NYC (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 6:36 AM)

Who cares.

American Voter (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:13 AM)

H COUNTRY AUSTIN----DONT RUN DOWN BUSH AND COMPLIMENT HILLARY===========GO READ CLINTONS CHRONICLES.COM AND HIDE YOUR FACE TALK ABOUT BARONS THE CLINTON CARTEL 10 MILLION A MONTH PROCTEDED AND COVERED UP MURDERS=GIVING 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS COKE==SEX PARTIES==BOWLS OF COCAINE GET A LIFE HILL COUNTRY

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:31 AM)

wow what a great read that letter was

i loved JFK and his leadership abilities

I see the same abilities in Obama amazing letter

i already printed it and i will frame it and hang it on the wall of my office

the teddy of orlando (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 9:14 AM)

Obama supporters...all I hear is that Obama will bring the country together, what core values are we going to concede on in order to bring the country together? What liberal/progressive values will we have to "compromise on" in order to "bring the country together"?

John, Lexington, KY (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:50 AM)

Obama is no John F. Kennedy and I'm surprised Caroline would allow herself to be so easily fooled. Obama is an empty suit with a silver tongue on whom the media have attached themselves with evangelical abandon. Apparently Ms. Kennedy has done the same. But tell me, what has he done? What accomplishments has he had? What ARE these new ideas he keeps talking about? And why does NO ONE in the media ask him the hard questions? I am sick of it. This guy is Chauncey Gardener from BEING THERE -- a blank slate who says just enough for people to think he is their inspiration but nothing too specific so questions will be asked.

Tracy Leigh, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:06 AM)

South Carolina is a black state, not a red state or a blue state but a black state.
The black community is a very hostile community with a chip on their shoulder and that is why Obama won.He is part of a "racist Church" and he does have ties with Tony Rezco (great piece out today in the Tribune about that)
S.C. is also a very small state in a very large country so I totally credit the win to the black man running for president due to 80% of the Black Voters.
I also ask you "what did President Kennedy do for our Country other than cheat constantly on his wife with Marily Monroe and others just like her?
Ted Kennedy probably will not endorse but if he does, he is totally not respected by hardly anyone except the far left extremists - His biggest accomplishment is the drowning of Mary Jo Kopeckne at Chappaquidick.
Obama is not the candidate we need in the White House, winning South Carolina by a huge black vote won't get him there either. Jessie Jackson did win South Carolina in 1984 and 1988 - He won 11 primaries in all but he did not make it to the White House, neither will Obama.

lynne, lr,ar (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:37 AM)

HRC was tared and feathered, But there was one thing that was not done. They "the people" didn't carry her out of town tied to a two by four!

Its like all politics, Start something with major intent and drop the ball at the end! Just like the Illegal issue.

Not one of these so called want to be are saying any thing about the Illegals. The Washington paper hangers have swept this issue under the carpet. Not one would stand behind the federal written law. The hired hundreds more border patrol people, tried to put up fence, yet nothing as done to remove the problem! So it was handed over to the local level.

The HRC camp tried to incite devision. The American people have moved past the clinton bar hopping. One can see America is going to send home the Washington self serving paper hangers.

One day I'll shake the hand of a Senator, I'll thank him or her for being a Washington self serving paper hanging son of a bitch! Because the congress is loaded with do ""Nothing People" . People who do not represent, but dictate their agenda!

Enjoying the defeat (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:38 AM)

I love it...Clintons are losing control. Give hell Obama. I need a uniter....For the safety of my kids and their kids, etc....

Miguel Robledo, TX (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:40 AM)

McCain in many ways looks and tastes like a McDonald's McMuffin; packaged nice, really really good looks and amazing taste...but, unfortunately for McCain and McDonalds they will never be able to hide the unhealthy reality under all that great taste.

Just break down McCain’s not so healthy ingredients...

1.Grilled George W. Bush's tax cuts on both sides… in 2001 and 2003

2. joined 14 eggheads to make the gang of 14 that sought to find compromise on judicial appointments.

3.Muffen'd up Senate opposition to Bush administration policies on detainee interrogation

4.soft as butter on illegal immigration.

5.supported that cheesy campaign finance reform bill.
Why doesn’t Maverick McCain stand as he is…an independent? He really is a different species than the Republican Party of today.

Aaron O. (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:12 PM)

Sen. Obama took "white" Iowa, and ran close in NH and NV, before taking SC. When this primary is encapsulated down by some as a race contest, those who do so are insulting us all. This primary is about quality, about climbing up out of the rut that is breaking down this country, and about moving ahead while once again uniting; gender and race are irrelevent and tossed about as distractions only. Caroline nee Kennedy sees what so many Americans see, a real chance to end the stagnant status quo this nation has been embroiled in. Obama '08!

Ro, CA (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:27 PM)

Thank you Caroline.
It's too early to get the endorsement of Ted Kennedy, so this is a hint of endorsements to come.
I'm anxious to see what other high powered endorsements Obama will recieve before super tuesday and before the convention.

Harmony (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:28 PM)

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