Sen. Edward Kennedy’s death last week left our nation’s quintessential political family without a clear torchbearer. One may still emerge, but no dynasty lasts forever. With that in mind, we examine the fortunes of America’s foremost political families:
Stevensons
Most prominent: Adlai E. Stevenson (I, II and III)
Highest office: Vice presidency
Star power: “Stevenson Expressway” much preferable to “I-55”
Current
torchbearer: Adlai E. Stevenson IV, business executive/former journalist
Skeleton factor: Low
Rockefellers
Most prominent: Nelson A. Rockefeller
Highest office: Vice presidency
Star power: Center, oyster dish both named after them
Current
torchbearer: Jay Rockefeller, U.S. senator from West Virginia
Skeleton factor: Low
Kennedys
Most prominent: John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Edward M. Kennedy
Highest office: Presidency
Star power: Out of this world
Current torchbearer: TBD; Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg? Joseph P. Kennedy II? Patrick J. Kennedy II?
Skeleton factor: There’s not a closet big enough.
Adamses
Most prominent: John Adams, John Quincy Adams
Highest office: Presidency
Star power: Did they have stars in the 1800s?
Current torchbearer: None
Skeleton factor: At this point, that’s all that’s left of their secrets.
Bushes
Most prominent: George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush
Highest office: Presidency
Star power: Father and son both known for their spectacular free falls
Current torchbearers: George P. Bush, attorney/real estate developer; Billy Bush, “Access Hollywood” host
Skeleton factor: Medium, generally written off as “youthful indiscretions”
Roosevelts
Most prominent: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore D. Roosevelt
Highest office: Presidency
Star power: “It’s all about the Roosevelts, baby …”
Current torchbearer: None
Skeleton factor: See Adamses
Daleys
Most prominent: Richard J. Daley, Richard M. Daley
Highest office: “Boss”
Star power: You wanna see stars, do ya?
Current torchbearer: Richard M. Daley
Skeleton factor: Skeletons? What skeletons?
