Pondering a Congress without Kennedys

The Boston Globe ^ | February 13, 2010 | Michael Levenson

[Malone LaVeigh]

Patrick Kennedy’s unexpected decision not to seek reelection to the US House prompted widespread reflection yesterday on how swiftly the political climate had changed, from the adulation for Edward M. Kennedy after his death to the voter fatigue that has helped end the family’s decades in power.

With Patrick Kennedy bowing out amid dismal poll numbers, some read the shift as a measure of the declining political cachet of the family name. Others say it goes deeper, reflecting the fading popularity of the activist federal government the Kennedy family has long championed.

[Condor51]

'Pondering a Congress without Kennedys'

Well, first off, the liquor bill will go down dramatically.

Secondly, the streets will be safer to drive on.

And lastly, all women in the DC area can breath a sigh of relief.

[randog]

When Patrick Kennedy clears out his Capitol Hill office after eight terms...

A daunting task, to be sure....

[animal172]

Now there is someone I hadn’t thought of in years. Maynard G. Krebbs. Not sure about the spelling of last name.

[sgtyork]

Don’t forget Murtha left office too. That should be good for a couple of IQ points.

[Albion Wilde]

Ponder schmonder:

[magellan]

"Perhaps some of the Kennedys are actually going to work for their salary."

Reminds me of the final scene in the movie "Authur".

[sgtyork]

Don’t forget Murtha left office too. That should be good for a couple of IQ points.

[Albion Wilde]

Don’t forget Murtha left office too. That should be good for a couple of IQ points.

Not to mention the nation's obesity epidemic. Especially in the head area.

[Malone LaVeigh]

Careful, we're showing our age!
I always thought Maynard was Bob Denver's best character, better than Gilligan.

[Senator Goldwater]

The fading fortunes of the Kennedy family seemed to reflect the changing political landscape that has imperiled President Obama’s agenda in Washington, Dallek said. “Symbolically,’’ he said, “it may speak to this shift away from an interest in federal activism in pursuit of social reforms.’’

No, Robert.

There never was an "interest in federal activism in pursuit of social reforms". This has pretty much been a conservative country from the post-Kennedy LBJ era forward.

This is why liberal "historians" such a Dallek, Schlesinger, Kearns etc make such lousy analysts.

They can't get their heads out of the ass of Camelot.

[The Great RJ]

One thing our Founding Fathers feared was the establishment of an aristocracy. They wanted a citizen Congress not some hereditary peerage.

[RichInOC]

I have no problem with families having a tradition of political service...if the families in question are—and stay—up to the job. Anybody really want to argue that the Kennedys, especially the current generation, well, let’s be honest, especially Patrick, were up to it?

[buck61]

Hopefully soon we’ll have a “congress without” a Byrd and a Rockefeller.

Oh Glorious Morning !!!

[screaminsunshine]

Pondering the MSM without a Kennedy to idolize.

[buck61]

When Patrick Kennedy clears out his Capitol Hill office after eight terms...

We have a winner !!!!!!! Thanks

[Charlemagne on the Fox]

“Imagine they’re no Kennedy’s in Congress—it’s easy if you try . . .” Tortured meter but a delightful thought.

[bjorn14]

Ding Dong the Dynasty is dead! (1957-2011)

[USMA '71]

Perhaps some of the Kennedys are actually going to work for their salary.

Perhaps NOT. Patrick sees the opportunity to spend his inheritance now that Daddy has passed on. It takes a lot of time to spend as much money as the Kennedy's have squirreled away at the public's expense.

[CrazyIvan]

Personally I'd like to change that to “visualize”. Just to
piss off some liberals.