Bloomberg, Um, Defends Caroline From Speech Critics
Caroline Kennedy has come under fire for speaking vaguely
Updated 3:39 PM EST, Wed, Dec 31, 2008
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is defending Caroline Kennedy from critics who faulted her for using numerous "ums" and "you knows" while giving interviews recently.
"If there's anybody who understands the pain and suffering of having the press criticize how you speak, it is me," Bloomberg told the New York Post.
"But as my oldest daughter once said when she said, 'They're laughing at you,' I said, 'Emily, the only way I know to make it better is to go out there and do it every day.' Today, you tend when you write about me not to start out, the ill-spoken or malaprop-spoken person."
Kennedy gave interviews over the weekend to NY1, the Daily News, the New York Times and the Post in her bid for Senate seat that Hillary Clinton is expected to vacate when she's confirmed as Secretary of State.
Critics have repeatedly called Kennedy’s lack of political experience into question.
Kennedy said "you know" 130 times in an interview with the Daily News and more than 200 times in a 40-minute interview with the Post. This led to criticism of Kennedy with media outlets saying she came across as inarticulate and vague.
Bloomberg's defense of Kennedy was aimed at the press for putting her under a more scrutiny than other possible Senate candidates.
Gov. David Paterson will not announce his decision on Clinton's Senate seat until after Congress confirms her.
First Published: Dec 31, 2008 8:35 AM EST
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