The real strength of legendary political families
- Source: Global Times
- [22:24 August 30 2009]
- Comments
Almost no one dealing with American politics in an intensive fashion can avoid the Kennedy family, and I am no exception.
Having covered Washington for years, I remember fondly the unique laughter of Senator Edward Kennedy in the congressional building and his great communication skills at press events and congressional debates, and still keep close the picture book signed for me by Maria Shriver, the First Lady of California, on behalf of his mother Eunice Eunice Kennedy Shriver, for her recognition of the work I did for the Special Olympic Games.
It is heart-breaking to these two crucial figures, one in politics, and the other in the public sector, go within the same month, leaving behind the legacy of the most glorious generation of the Kennedys.
With the extravagant memorial services for Ted Kennedy in Boston and Washington DC during the weekend, the biggest question is: will the dominant political dynasty of the 20th century continue its legacy among the next generation?
The answer might be definitely positive for some. After all, coming from a powerful political family, the younger generations might have a free ride to the top by inheriting a treasure chest of contacts, campaign workers and often endorsements.
But others disagree, arguing if that were the case, it would be hard to explain as to why among the children of all powerful American political families, only two presidential sons have followed their fathers to the White House (John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush), and only the Bushes has sent their sons to governor's mansion (Jeb Bush in Florida and George Bush in Texas).
In fact, some members of the current generation of the Kennedys have had a hard time equaling the political achievements of their parents. In 1997, then-Rep. Joe Kennedy II, son of New York Sen. Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, bailed out of the Massachusetts gubernatorial race due to a string of bad headlines.
A few years ago, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Kennedy's older sister, also failed in her attempt to become Governor of Maryland due to lack of support against her Republican rival.
Family legend and fame can be a double-edged sword. While it certain resources, it also set a bar of achievement and level of public anticipation that is hard to reach. What exactly are the most important factors for success?
By looking at the stories of Chinas legendary Soong Family, we probably find some answers. It all started with Charlie Soong, the father of the three Soong sisters, who returned from the United States and became a rich businessman with strong ties to the Shanghai underworld. With the family-sponsored western education and enormous social connection through their marriages, the three Soong sisters all became legendary figures in modern China history.
Soong Ai-ling directed the family's affairs and innumerable money-making ventures with the help of her husband, H.H. Kung, a scion of one of China's wealthiest banking families. Soong Qing-ling was the wife of Sun Yat-sen, China's first president after the last emperor was toppled in 1911. Soong Mei-ling, or Madam Chiang Kai-shek, rose to power after marrying the Nationalist leader.
The Soong Sisters desired and indeed, played an enormous roles in China’s modern history. Soong Qing-ling, after Sun Yat-sen's death, carried his banner for decades in the fight against Japanese invaders and the devastation of the country’s civil war.
Meanwhile, Madam Chiang Kai-Shek, with her powerful speeches and personal charm, electrified a joint meeting of Congress in Washington and won over numerous Americans, raising billions of dollars in aid for Chinass war against Japanese aggression during World War II.
Besides the family fame and a spirit to fight, what else did the Soong Sister had that guaranteed enormous respect for them in China’s history? It must have to be the fact that though the sisters were not in the same camp and at a lot of times were fiercely opposed to each other politically, they remained amazingly close as sisters.
No wonder in President Obama’s eulogy to Senator Edward Kennedy, the story that touched people the most was of a note from Jackie to Ted, shortly after he walked Caroline down the aisle and gave her away at the altar, "On you the carefree youngest brother fell a burden a hero would have begged to been spared. We are all going to make it because you were always there with your love."
That family bond is now once again being demonstrated near the Eternal Flame at the Arlington Cemetery as Ted joins his two brothers John and Bob.
Tian Wei is the host of “Dialogue” on CCTV's English Channel, and the main anchor of CCTV's special coverage of important domestic and international events. Previously, Tian worked in Washington D.C. as a correspondent, and covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her blog is http://blog.cctv.com/html/09/960109.html. Reach her at tianwei.gt@gmail.com
