Obama and Hillary Clinton were virtually tied during the primaries. The media was split in their love-fest for both candidates. The election for the nomination could go either way. This was going to be very close.
Out of nowhere, Caroline Kennedy announces she is now backing Obama. WHAT!? The Clintons hijacked the Kennedy legacy in their climb to the top (Caroline Kennedy gave money to the Clintons in the recent past). Caroline Kennedy, the social darling of the family, came out for Obama. The media went nuts. The 75% of the media that favored Hillary Clinton suddenly (overnight) swung overwhelmingly to Obama. This was Camelot revisited. This was a media event perfect for a generation of non-reporting reporters. Hillary Clinton lost her most trusted and needed ally, and with it the positive media coverage that was critical to her campaign. More important, the media now refused to examine any of Barack Obama’s political baggage from Chicago. Yes, there was some talk of Father Pfleger, Rev. Wright, William Ayers, ACORN and Tony Rezko. However, there were no in-depth reports of the Chicago Machine that was hoisting this candidate up on their shoulders, not allowing anyone to look at his record or body of work. Looking back on the primary election season of 2008, the announcement by Caroline Kennedy significantly helped seal the nomination for Barack Obama.
But why would she do it? What was in it for Caroline? She was a women not deeply involved in politics. It has been shown that she did not even vote in most elections. If she wanted to build a political power base on her own, she would have to go through a long primary race, a rough general election, while having to disclose all of her financial dealings just to get to an elected position that was high enough for her political heritage.
Or, she could make a deal – Chicago Style. In my opinion, I do not think this idea of her becoming a United States Senator ever entered her mind until the Obama people approached her with the offer. Support Obama and you will be named the next Senator from the State of New York. That appears to have been an offer too good to refuse.
