New Kennedys: 4 Members of Clan Who Could Carry Political Torch
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Kayana Szymczak/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans”- President John F. Kennedy.
There is no family in American politics who is quite on par with the Kennedy’s. Fifty years after the assassination of JFK, the family’s presence in American politics has dwindled–they’ve experienced many ups and downs– but they’ve carried on. Each generation seems to pass on the proverbial torch, and America’s interest in the Kennedy clan, whether they’re running for office or battling public relations snafus, has continued with that passing. Here are four Kennedy’s who could carry on the family legacy of serving a high public office.
Rep. Joe Kennedy III: Young, Stanford educated and telegenic, Joe Kennedy III, the grandson of New York Senator and Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, is probably the family’s brightest young political star at the moment. The freshmen House member who took over Barney Frank’s seat when he retired in 2012 is currently the only Kennedy in Congress, and there’s speculation that Joe will eventually make a bid for statewide office in Massachusetts. And from there–perhaps the Oval Office?
Edward M. Kennedy Jr: Son of the liberal lion of the Senate Ted Kennedy, Edward Moore Kennedy Jr. is a lawyer in Connecticut, and he’s often cited as someone who would be a strong candidate for office in the state. There was some speculation that Edward Jr. would run for Senate in Massachusetts in the 2013 special election to replace Secretary of State John Kerry, but he opted against making a run in the Bay state, which would have required uprooting his family. The statement he released announcing his decision not to run sure sounded like someone with political plans. “Although I have a strong desire to serve in public office, I consider Connecticut to be my home, and hope to have the honor to serve at another point in my future,” Kennedy Jr. said at the time.
Katherine Schwarzenegger: Katherine Schwarzenegger is the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, granddaughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded the Special Olympics among other institutions. Schwarzenegger, 23, only recently graduated from the University of Southern California but the former first daughter of California has gained media attention and has already written a book.
Jack Schlossberg: The youngest of this bunch, Jack Schlossberg is the grandson of JFK, son of Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. Schlossberg, 20, was raised out of the spotlight (or relatively so considering his family) but the Yale student has made a splash in the media recently after a photograph of him standing with his mother when she was sworn in as ambassador to Japan. Twitter exploded with talk about the attractive young Kennedy, who bears a strong resemblance to his uncle JFK Jr. And this week Schlossberg took another turn in the public spotlight when he introduced President Obama at the JFK memorial dinner at the White House. It’s too early to say what Schlossberg’s future holds but it seems pretty clear that political opportunities are plentiful for him should he be interested.
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