The XX Factor: What women really think.

Redefining Political Experience

Am I the only one who sees Caroline Kennedy's "lack" of political experience as no big deal? At least Lisa Belkin mirrors this point of view in "The Senator Track." Instead of spending the past several decades of her life walking the "traditional" political career paths of her forefathers before her, this Kennedy wrote books on civil liberties, raised millions for public schools, and reared three children. Many have declared that privilege and a last name catapulted Kennedy into the spotlight as a senatorial candidate, but these knee-jerk reactions overlook the finer nuances of what Kennedy may bring to office, not to mention the idea that a life spent outside of politics might serve the public better than a professional glad-hander. In Obama's case, claims that he lacked sufficient political experience to win the presidency were drowned out by a nation that demanded change. Personally, I thought we were done judging candidates by their political track records the day Reagan was elected. Then again, I hail from a state that elected the Terminator its Governator.