MSNBC's First Read: "Caroline vs. the Clintons?"

[ClarkUSA]

On the old-style Democratic politics/politicians' front, Domenico Montanaro reports:

Just when you thought the Clinton-vs.-Obama rivalry had died down, now come reports that Clinton supporters in New
York are saying some not-so-nice things about Caroline Kennedy -- who supported Obama in the primaries -- potentially
becoming the state’s next senator. Writes the New York Daily News: “In recent days, Robert Zimmerman, a Clinton adviser
and member of the Democratic National Committee, and Stuart Applebaum, a former Clinton delegate and president of
the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, ripped Kennedy's qualifications. Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens,
Brooklyn) and Gary Ackerman (D-Queens), both of whom are loyal to Clinton, have also harped on Kennedy's lack of
political experience. Ackerman compared Kennedy's name recognition with that of Jennifer Lopez, saying popularity
doesn't make someone qualified to be a U.S. senator.” Meanwhile, Caroline is trying to placate critics as she reached
out last week to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a top Dem who apparently isn't crazy about the idea. She's working
this harder than some folks might have believed.

If this last bit is true, Caroline must be interested in the job because Sheldon Silver is the Democratic powerbroker who blocked
Mayor Bloomberg's Olympic gambit.

"It's been a little vicious," said longtime Democratic strategist Joseph Mercurio of the backlash. "It's a little over the top."

The criticism followed days of praise of Kennedy - though no official backing - from political powerhouses like President-
elect Barack Obama and Mayor Bloomberg as well as members of the Kennedy clan... A number of elected Democrats said
the governor would be smart to pick Kennedy.

"How many freshman senators at the bottom of the seniority list can pick up the phone and get the President?" asked one
influential Democrat, who asked that his name not be used.

Mercurio, who listed Kennedy and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo as two of the most-qualified candidates, said New York
has a list of past senators, including Clinton and Kennedy's uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, who had no prior electoral experience.

It's a shame that old-style revenge/retribution politics is entering into this choice, but is anyone really surprised, given the
players? This whole election was about turning the page on such politics. While President-Elect Obama has exemplified this
healing post-election spirit of unity in his cabinet choices and general demeanor, evidently some in the NY delegation just
don't get it. Gov. Patterson, meanwhile, is playing his cards close to his vest.

Paterson has said he will take his time making a decision since Clinton doesn't plan to resign her seat until after she is confirmed.

The guessing game continues... predictions? comments? bets on who is chosen in the end? :)