What's in a Name?

Think of this...your're one of two children, the eldest. Your parents are a very attractive couple.
Your little brother is too cute.

One day, when you're about 6, your father is tragically killed by a man who hates him. You and your family gradually recover. Your mother, who is very beautiful, remarries and your lives go on.

You grow up and eventually go to, and graduate from, law school. You settle in New York City where you eventually marry Fred Schwartzman and have three children.

Let's give you a name...Christine Kennerly Schwartzman.

One day, when you're about 50, you decide you want to be a senator. You really aren't particularly qualified. It's true you're a good lawyer and you've done charity work in the community. You've also devoted time and energy helping to improve the school system where you live so your three kids will get a better education.

But aside from that, you have never been involved in politics and you have never really been in public, except for the occasional school board speech or charity auction presentation.

The reality is that you would probably be laughed out of the room. No one would take you seriously. No one would contribute to your campaign and no one of any stature would endorse your candidacy.

People would say that you were nuts. No chance in hell. No right to run. "No way, no how...!"

Now, just for fun, let's change your name. How about Caroline. How about Caroline Kennedy.
How about Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

Now that's the ticket. Senator Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. But since you have decided not to use the Schlossberg part we'll just call you Senator Kennedy. Senator Caroline Kennedy.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't know the woman. She is probably very nice. And intelligent. And she has, no doubt, done good work in the community from her "bully pulpit."

But Senator? Maybe someday, just like Sarah Palin. Maybe someday. But now? With all of the problems facing this country, at home and abroad? Now?

I don't think so.

But she'll probably get the job because of her name. After all she descends from Camelot. Her brother was handsome and died too soon. Her uncle was murdered. She had a pony.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. After all they said much the same about Ted when he started and he turned out allright.

We can only hope...