President Obama plans on nominating Caroline Kennedy, sole survivor of President John F. Kennedy, as U.S. ambassador to Japan, the White House said.
Kennedy has been a close political ally to President Obama, endorsing him in 2008 over Hillary Clinton, according to USA Today. She co-chaired his vice presidential search committee and went on to campaign for the pair.
Obama, who named multiple people for various positions on Wednesday, said “Our nation will be well-served by these individuals, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” reports the News International.
High-profile political figures have typically been chosen as ambassadors to Japan. Kennedy’s name and extensive experience in the political sphere make her an ideal choice for the position.
On top of her father’s legacy as president, Kennedy’s ancestors have also served as ambassadors. Grandfather Joseph P. Kennedy was ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940 and aunt Jean Smith was ambassador to Ireland from 1993 to 1998.
“For those who say she doesn’t know a lot about Japan, I say ‘sure,’ but neither did Walter Mondale,” said Japan expert Kurt M. Campbell, who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asian affairs, according to the New York Times.
“What you really want in an ambassador is someone who can get the president of the United States on the phone. I can’t think of anybody in the United States who could do that more quickly than Caroline Kennedy.”
Kennedy, if confirmed, would serve as the first female ambassador to Japan.
Image: WikiCommons
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