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Caroline Kennedy set to come to Canberra as new US ambassador

Caroline Kennedy - the daughter of former US President John F Kennedy - is reportedly in line for a new job as Joe Biden’s ambassador to Australia.

Is Kennedy cool about to come to chilly Canberra?

That’s the word from the US, where Joe Biden is said to be seriously considering appointing Caroline Kennedy – JFK’s daughter – as America’s next ambassador to Australia.

If the rumours pan out, experts say it will be a major boost to Australian-American relations, which many thought were taken for granted during the Trump administration.

According to US website Axios which broke the story, “With JFK’s daughter … Biden would be reaching outside of his pool of core campaign donors. He’d also be putting a spotlight back on America’s most famous political dynasty — and honoring a late friend and mentor.”

A young Caroline Kennedy (L) with her father, former US President John F. Kennedy and the rest of her family at Christmas 1962. Picture: Getty Images
A young Caroline Kennedy (L) with her father, former US President John F. Kennedy and the rest of her family at Christmas 1962. Picture: Getty Images

American ambassadorships are often given to political supporters as rewards for loyalty, and Ms Kennedy would be no different on that score.

Ms Kennedy was an early Biden backer, and gave him her endorsement in a Boston Globe op-ed that said he “radiated American optimism and generosity of spirit.”

But Ms Kennedy is also a serious diplomatic player who served as the US ambassador to Japan under the Obama administration.

While at that post she became close friends with Yoshihide Suga, who would go on to become Japan’s prime minister. Along with India, Japan, the US and Australia make up the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue which is seen as crucial for countering China’s expansionist ambitions.

Caroline Kennedy, potential next ambassador to Australia
Caroline Kennedy, potential next ambassador to Australia

Ms Kennedy is not the only member of the dynasty being considered for a prominent role in the Biden administration.

Joe Biden is also said to be considering Vicki Kennedy – widow of Senator Ted Kennedy, best known his role in the infamous car accident at Chappaquiddick that took the life of campaign worker Mary Jo Kopechne – for an ambassadorial role somewhere in Western Europe.

Originally published as Caroline Kennedy set to come to Canberra as new US ambassador

Read related topics:Joe Biden

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/nsw/caroline-kennedy-set-to-come-to-canberra-as-new-us-ambassador/news-story/d18e8741aa17355d7664e2099fa6df2b