The Vices of Nepotism

Even though it's now apparent Brandon and I do not disagree on the issue of nepotism, I still found this post by Glenn Greenwald interesting and relevant to our Caroline Kennedy discussion. In the radio feature, Greenwald interviews an Indiana University political science professor who has conducted extensive research on dynastic politics. Among his findings: one in four current senators have an immediate family member whose held high office; dynasticism in U.S. politics is growing; and, most surprisingly (and disenchantingly) to me, Democrats engage in this sort of nepotism much more than Republicans do.

The question of Kennedy's appointment becomes a sort of cost-benefit analysis for anti-nepotism New York Democrats: Are the political and campaigning advantages Kennedy brings worth the further entrenchment of our country-- and our party, especially-- in dynastic politics? It's a tough question, and I think both sides have legitimate points. There's little question in my mind Democrats would have a tougher time keeping the seat in 2010 and 2012 with someone other than Kennedy or Cuomo. Ultimately, though, I'm still riding the anti-Kennedy bandwagon. It may be a case of "killing yourself to live," yes. But hey, look what Dean's long-term outlook unexpectedly brought us in the short term in that situation.