All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.
Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.
We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama.
-Caroline Kennedy, "A President Like My Father," New York Times
If 50 truly were the new 40, then Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg wouldn't be eligible for membership in the AARP. Thankfully, the expression is devoid of actual meaning, and the former first daughter will be dutifully honored by the non-profit organization of choice for quinquagenarians. The AP reports:
Caroline Kennedy turned 50 Tuesday, becoming eligible for membership in AARP. But the nonprofit organization for people 50 and over has bigger plans for Kennedy…The former first daughter is featured on the cover of the January/February issue of AARP The Magazine, on newsstands next month, and will receive the magazine's Inspire Award next week.
The aging mother of three (who has reportedly raised "tens of millions of dollars" for New York City public schools and was active in the provocatively named "Advancement of Colored People's Legal Defense") is said to be thrilled that her lifelong efforts at evoking political, racial and socio-economical change have finally been recognized.
Meanwhile, inside sources claim they've always known Caroline to be inspirational, noting that this pivotal life achievement was "almost as exciting" as finding out she "inspired" the Neal Diamond song, "Sweet Caroline."
• Even the bachelor on The Bachelor doesn't buy that one man choosing from 25 desperate women is a recipe for longlasting love. Much like the 90210 when Kelly Taylor "chooses herself" over a relationship with rivaling suitors Dylan and Brandon, America's most eligible suitor chooses…no one. And saves himself a bundle on roses (and a lifetime of regret) in the process.
• Neil Diamond ruins "Sweet Caroline" for Boston Red Sox fans by admitting the song was really about Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg's over-privileged youth.
• Gayle King's huge rock is just one of nine rings that Oprah gave out, which proves that Oprah is actually dating nine women right now. [R&M]
• It's hard to imagine Zack from Saved By the Bell as a dad. Whatevs, we're just thrilled it isn't Screech. [People]
• OMG! Caroline Kennedy leaving the Hamptons would be, like, the end of all social order everywhere. Stock in Pink Elephant just went down a notch. [Page Six]
• In other baby news, Adam Sander's wife had a kid. Let's hope he's better at being a Big Daddy this time around. Throwing newspaper under the kid and hoping for the best never works twice. [ET]
• Oh, big surprise here: Tom Cruise is wearing heels now. [Lowdown]
Editorial Director
