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.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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.”
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.
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.
More Coverage
Originally published as Caroline Kennedy set to come to Canberra as new US ambassador