My instinct is that
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In fact, the critiques of Caroline's performance -- and the overweening fact that her candidacy lacked a clear rationale -- are actually pretty valid. It's one thing if people want to elect someone whose primary distinction is her heritage to elected office, or if voters choose someone who could be considered weak on the "experience" side. That's what democracy is about, and it's voters' right.
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It's quite another if someone with those attributes simply manages to secure a Senate seat by appointment. In my view, it's repugnant to the idea that all of us, as Americans, cherish: That we are a country where merit and performance counts more than bloodlines.
All that being said, Caroline Kennedy seems like a nice person who genuinely believes in public service, and I wish her well.
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