fuck it. I love Caroline Kennedy.

In no particular order, my points:

a) COOL IT already with the hair-pulling about dynastic politics within the Democratic party. Oooooh but Beau Biden "might" run for his dad's Senate seat! and Jesse Jackson Jr. "might" get appointed to the IL seat! Ken Salazar's brother "might" get his Senate seat! Udalls! Clintons! Meritocracy in peril!!!

Okay, but, um, what was the key word in all of those examples? Oh, yes, they are ALL HYPOTHETICAL CONJECTURE at this point. And the thing is, people being considered for an appointment is not the same as running and winning an election. Quit being lazy and lumping all of those together.

b) I don't know what you all have been reading about Caroline's entitlement complex, but please, do send it to me in case I've been missing these stories. The story I've read has said she prefers doing low-key, basic campaign gruntwork and that that was her m.o. on the Obama campaign trail. I think it's safe to say that she has the work ethic necessary to earn for the approval of the people of New York state.

c) Wouldn't it be a great thing to have a candidate who hasn't had to endure years of horse-trading her soul away to various factions, but instead could concentrate on the issues that matter most to her, and to her state? It's impossible to say that about Cuomo, Maloney, even Meeks. The ability to transcend the pettiness that besieges any lifelong politician is a tremendous asset, though a sad commentary on the state of democracy. That, however, is not Caroline's fault.

d) Y'all, seriously. This is not J-Lo, Rep. Gary Ass-erman. This is a legal scholar with two books on privacy and the Bill of Rights under her belt, a professional advocate and fundraiser for NYC public schools, and a civic leader whose accomplishments are all the more impressive for their lack of visibility. While I am impressed by her intellect, her dedication, and her familiarity with the political and civic landscape of New York, and I think her charity work has prepared her for that, I don't think it showcases the full extent of her abilities, which leads me to my final point:

e) The most persuasive argument to me, to date, comes from Madeleine Kunin at HuffPo, who wrote that Caroline demonstrates to women everywhere that while charity work is wonderful and helpful, we need to recognize where the real power lies, in the policy-making world, and participate more fully and actively in not just Congress, but in all areas of public accomplishment.

(Direct quote: "It's fine to volunteer, it's fine to be on the sidelines and work for the election of others, but I know where the real power is, and that is having a vote in the United States Senate. I could do more for the issues I care about, like education and health care, if I'm on the inside rather than applying pressure from the outside." That is an important message for women who work on issues that concern them, but stop just short of opening the door to the smoke filled rooms (which now have No Smoking signs) where the action is.")