Politics

NEW YORK (CBS) ― The Rev. Al Sharpton took Caroline Kennedy to lunch Thursday at the famed soul food restaurant Sylvia's as she continued her quest to join her uncle in the U.S. Senate.

Wearing a black down coat, Kennedy smiled as she and the civil rights activist made their way through a throng of media and into the restaurant, whose walls are lined with photographs of visiting politicians including the Clintons.

Yet for a place that specializes in gooey ribs and fried chicken, Kennedy dined like a member in good standing of the Upper East Side social set – garden salad (dressing on the side), grilled chicken, green beans and collard greens.

Sharpton and Kennedy talked about education and what she can bring to the job of U.S. Senator if she is picked to replace Clinton. Whatever she said, she seemed to impress Sharpton.

"This is not a campaign stop. The governor and I are old friends and I respect his choice," Sharpton said. "Obviously I think there a lot of qualified and good candidates, but the unique candidate, the unique person with some unique skills is Caroline Kennedy."

Campaign stop or not, it sure seemed as if Kennedy was planting some more seeds that she hopes will blossom into a Senate seat. She only answered a handful of questions, including why she wants to run for Senate after decades of living a very private and quiet life in New York City.

"I come at this as a mother, a lawyer, an author, an educaution advocate and from a family that has really spent generations in public service, and I feel that commitment," she told reporters. "This is a time when nobody can afford to sit out and I hope that I have something to offer and plan to work hard on the issues that affect New York."

She also showed she does have her family's legendary political chops. When asked if her political philosophy was similar to Hillary Clinton's, she said:

"I feel like I'm a Kennedy Democrat, a Clinton Democrat, Chuck Schumer, Barack Obama -- these are all leaders whose values I share."

A sit-down with Sharpton seems to have become a requirement for up and coming politicians these days. Sharpton has become a major power broker in New York City and Kennedy knows she has to kiss his ring.

President-elect Barack Obama did the same thing when he started out on what was then an uphill battle to beat Clinton. 

"I told her this was an a lot of the reason he won the election," said Sharpton.

Kennedy has about a month to convince Gov. David Paterson to name her to fill Hillary Rodham Clinton's Senate seat. And she's trying to touch all the bases.

"I have quite a bit to learn, but I feel like I bring a lot with me," she admitted.

Wednesday she talked with several upstate mayors, including Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who has also been mentioned as a contender.

"Ms Kennedy is a very strong candidate. She's a candidate who would fight for the entire state of New York," said Brown.

After taking heat for refusing to answer questions in Syracuse, Kennedy opened up a bit in Buffalo, seeming more comfortable with the spotlight.

She made her case for getting the job, saying she and her family have a life time of public service, and being Senator is something she wants to do.

"Now its time with all the problems we have for me to step forward and do more," said Kennedy in front of reporters after her meeting with Mayor Brown.

Abortion Rights Advocate Kelli Conlin has worked with Kennedy for over ten years.

"I see a similarity to Hillary Clinton in as much as both of them enter a room a celebrity and they leave a room as a friend," said Conlin. "They have a disarming way about them."

Although Kennedy has lived in New York City for decades, she has tried to live out of the spotlight, doing significant public service quietly. Why the move into the limelight now?

"A lot of that has to do with her kids growing up. I think when you have really small children and you come from a very famous name household, there's a tendency to really want to protect them and have them lead a normal life," said Conlin.

Kennedy's emergence as a contender has generated both buzz and controversy. She comes from a Democratic dynasty but has never held public office, and some Republicans and Democrats have criticized her lack of experience.

Paterson has said he won't make an appointment until Clinton is confirmed.

CBS 2's Marcia Kramer contributed to this report.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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