Schlossberg’s Kennedy Legacy May Not Be Enough
In Washington, left-handed influencer Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, is stepping into the spotlight as he campaigns for the 12th Congressional District seat in Manhattan. However, according to Lawrence Riemer, a longtime biographer of President Kennedy, his famous lineage alone won’t secure him the position.
Riemer stated, “First of all, the Kennedy name is no longer magical.” This comes as Schlossberg, 32, known for his sharp critiques of the Republican Party, launched his campaign on Wednesday.
The young candidate has been leaning on his renowned family heritage, even featuring a photo on his campaign website that channels a likeness to a classic shot of his late uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., posing on a bicycle. But Riemer pointed out a crucial reality: “He’s going to have to win this on his own.” He also recalled how Schlossberg’s mother, Caroline Kennedy, briefly considered a Senate run in 2008 but ultimately stepped back due to the pressures of public scrutiny.
While Caroline, now 67, was exploring a potential Senate seat held by Hillary Clinton, she withdrew shortly thereafter. On the other hand, Jerrold Nadler, the current Congressman at 78, has confirmed he won’t be running against Schlossberg, supporting New York State Representative Mika Lasher as a contender for the vacant seat.
Nadler, reflecting on the situation, remarked, “Well, there’s nothing particularly good or bad about Kennedy holding my seat. But unlike Schlossberg, Kennedy should be someone with a record of public service and public accomplishments, and he doesn’t have that.” He further noted, “He’s certainly not going to be the leading candidate. There will be leading candidates.”
