Politics
Jack Schlossberg ‘Is Reminding Voters of His Last Name’ by Using Mom Caroline Kennedy in Campaign Ad
Jack Schlossberg is leaning on his mom, Caroline Kennedy.
As John F. Kennedy‘s grandson continues to campaign for his bid to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District, a Thursday, June 18, report in journalist Rob Shuter‘s Naughty But Nice Substack claims that his mother’s appearance in a new ad was very strategic.
“The campaign’s message now seems to be that the Kennedy name is the selling point,” a source told Shuter, claiming that “Jack wanted to prove he could stand on his own” at first.
However, as seen in a campaign ad posted to his Instagram account on Wednesday, June 17, Schlossberg had his mom singing his praises.
“I’ve been around politics for almost 70 years, so I can tell who’s in it for the right reasons,” said Caroline, whose father was the 35th president of the United States.
The campaign spot also included clips of Caroline’s father — who was assassinated on November 22, 1963, at age 46 — and her mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
One of Shuter’s sources said that while “other candidates are talking about accomplishments,” the 33-year-old candidate “is reminding voters of his last name.”
“In today’s political climate,” the source said, “that’s not always an advantage.”
Schlossberg — a member of the Democratic Party — announced on November 11 that he would be running for Congress.
“The name still attracts attention,” a political operative pointed out. “But attention and votes are two very different things.”
According to a political insider, the “issue” with Schlossberg’s latest approach “isn’t Caroline. It’s what bringing her in signals. Campaigns usually lean on family when they need a boost.”
The son of Caroline, 68, and Edwin Schlossberg is running for the seat being vacated by incumbent Jerry Nadler, who is retiring.
“I’m not running because I have all the answers to our problems,” Caroline’s son wrote in the caption of his Instagram announcement. “I’m running because the people of New York 12 do. I want to listen to your struggles, hear your stories, amplify your voice, go to Washington and execute on your behalf.”
