The Making of Ted Kennedy

Joe and Rose Kennedy had four sons, but only Ted made it past middle age. We can only imagine what a 75-year-old John or Bobby might look like, but Ted escaped—barely and not at all cleanly—the tragedy that claimed his brothers in their prime.

So we got to watch as the inevitabilities Read More

Kennedy and Bloomberg: Doing Good

Talk of the so-called “upside” of the recession can sound like warm-and-fuzzy wishful thinking, but when it comes to increased volunteerism, New Yorkers, and all Americans, will soon find it easier to put their good intentions, and free time, into action. This week Ted Kennedy watched as Barack Obama signed into law the Edward M. Read More

Public Service and Private Greed

On Election Day in 1960, my family placed a hand lettered sign in our living room window on East 59th street in Brooklyn that read “Kennedy for President”. A few months later, as a seven year old boy, I remember watching President Kennedy on our black and white television Read More

The Consequences of Paterson’s Bungling

It's quite a feat that David Paterson just pulled off, making a politically shrewd Senate appointment while still managing to shoot himself in the foot in the process.

The extent of Paterson's (mostly) self-inflicted damage has mainly become apparent in the aftermath of his formal decision to send Kirsten Gillibrand – and not Caroline Kennedy Read More

Who’s Going to Lick a Kennedy?

Whenever a Kennedy decides that it’s time to use the family name to claim a political office for which there are numerous better-prepared aspirants, a taunt aimed at Ted Kennedy back in 1962, when the 30-year-old presidential brother ran with absolutely no qualifications for the U.S. Senate, comes to mind.

“Teddy,” Massachusetts Attorney General Eddie Read More

Who’s Going to Lick a Kennedy?

Whenever a Kennedy decides that it’s time to use the family name to claim a political office for which there are numerous better-prepared aspirants, a taunt aimed at Ted Kennedy back in 1962, when the 30-year-old presidential brother ran with absolutely no qualifications for the U.S. Senate, comes to mind.

"Teddy," Massachusetts Attorney General Eddie Read More

As Obama Recruits, the Senate Scramble Is Just Beginning

Officially, Valerie Jarrett appeared on this morning’s “Meet the Press” to discuss Barack Obama’s transition effort, which she is helping to lead. But hours later, her turn in the national spotlight took on added significance, with the news that Obama apparently wants Jarrett to succeed him in the United States Senate. In hindsight, she might Read More