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The Times's crafty Kennedy Q-and-A


 

My buddy Dan Kennedy dimisses this NY Times Q-and-A with "Caroline Kennedy and her staff" (the paper's phrase) as "crapola," and argues that the Times shouldn't have run it.

His "crapola" assessment is dead on. But to my mind, that's exactly why the Times did the right thing in printing the interview. By providing the (softball) questions directed to Kennedy and the answers provided by her surrogates, the paper drives home the point that Kennedy wasn't capable of fielding the queries herself--to damning effect. Consider this excerpt:

Q. Do you support any federal or state restrictions on gun ownership? If so, which ones?

A. Caroline Kennedy is a strong supporter of gun control. She supports New York City’s and New York State’s gun control laws. On the federal level, she support the Brady Law, and other measures to keep guns out of the hands of minors and criminals.

Q. Do you believe that an undivided Jerusalem must be the national capital of the State of Israel?

A. Yes, Caroline believes that an undivided Jerusalem must be the national capital of the State of Israel.

Q. Do you support the auto industry bailout package passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month?

A. Yes, Caroline supports the auto industry bailout package passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month.

And this woman wants to be a U.S. senator?!?

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4 Comments

  • Dan Kennedy said:

    Adam: Understand what you're saying, but far better for the NYT to run a front-page story calling out Caroline Kennedy for refusing to sit down for an interview. I'm a great believer that there's no need to be subtle when you can hit 'em over the head with a sledgehammer.

    December 20, 2008 8:41 PM
  • Brad Deltan said:

    I agree with Dan 100%.  This too-subtle meta-analysis is suited to the New Yorker, perhaps, but not the New York Times.  I see what you're saying, Adam...but it feels too much like making excuses for grandpa pinching the younger cousins' butts at the family Christmas party.  At some point it stops being "he's just old and stubborn" and starts being "he's a misogynistic pedophile".

    However, I think we've already established that the Times is in the tank for Kennedy on this one.  I want to know why.  Is there a reporter or editor (or owner) who has something to gain by her getting the appointment?  Or avoids some loss?  What's the angle, here?

    December 21, 2008 9:11 PM
  • Dan Kennedy said:

    BTW, someone said Caroline Believes would be a great name for a band. I agree.

    December 21, 2008 10:13 PM
  • Peter said:

    You want to know why the NYT is on Kennedy's side???

    They shill for every democrat that comes down the pike.

    Catering to the king Of all democratic families seems like a no brainer!!!

    Sorry didn't see the story, I cancelled my subscription!!!

    December 22, 2008 4:30 PM

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