Reply #96: That really isn't a close comparison

[Tom Rinaldo]

The Kennedy brothers were born into money, and grew up as children at the Kennedy compound at Hyannis Port. They did not initiate the Kennedy family compound:

"In 1926 Joseph P. rented a summer cottage on Marchant Avenue in Hyannis Port. Three years later, he purchased the structure, which had been erected in 1904, and enlarged and remodeled it to suit his family's needs. In and around this house, the children spent their summers, acquiring a lifelong interest in sailing and other competitive activities. In 1956, or 3 years after his marriage, John F. bought a smaller home of his own on Irving Avenue, not far from that of his father. Subsequently, Robert F. acquired a residence adjacent to the other two.

All three buildings, none of which are accessible to the public, are white frame clapboarded structures typical of vacation residences on Cape Cod. The Joseph P. Kennedy home, the largest and most impressive of the three, is surrounded by well-tended lawns and gardens and commands sweeping views of the ocean from its long porches. On the main floor are a living room, dining room, sun room, television room, the bedroom that President Kennedy used before he purchased his own house in the compound, the kitchen, and various pantries and utility rooms. On the second floor are six bedrooms, a sewing room, packing room, and four servants' bedrooms. The attic is a full one. The basement contains a motion-picture theater and sauna. On the grounds are an enclosed swimming pool, tennis court, and four-car garage. The house has changed little, either structurally or in furnishings, since John F. Kennedy's association with it."

The father, Joseph Kennedy, by far had the most grandiose home of those associated with the Kennedy family compound.
http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/Presidents/site30.htm

One point is that the Kennedy brothers did not clear forest and break new ground to build their own homes. John and Robert bought pre-existing structures. Many Americans are much more environmentally conscious now than in the late 50's. It stands out more today, especially for a Liberal Democrat in politics, to bull doze a large swath of land to build a massive brand new compound. Politically, the Kennedy's were super rich as infants, no one could fault their life choices that brought them such wealth, though Joe Kennedy did come in for some abuse.

Politics is fame to a large extent, and politicians become celebrities in a way. Personal decisions are magnified and examined in a public spotlight, that simply comes with the territory. No one says it is fair but it is predictable. Because Rudy didn't melt on camera while he was mayor of NYC after 9/11, suddenly large numbers of people consider him an expert on national security. And because John Edwards built a ground up large personal compound while campaigning as the voice of the poor in America, there are those who will accuse him of being a hypocrite. It may not be fair, but it is predictable, and to the extent that it damages John Edwards political image - however small or large that extent may be, it was a self inflicted wound, and those are to be avoided whenever possible in the career of politics.