Justin Solomon
You could say Senator Kennedy is caught in a club flub.
The Senator grilled Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on his membership in a questionable club at Princeton University. It turns out-- Kennedy has a controversial history at his own alma mater-- Harvard. The night team's Andy Hiller has the scoop in tonight's Hiller instinct.
Sen. Kennedy, last week
"I think we are entitled to this information...it deals with the fundamental issues of equality..."
Senator Kennedy led the Democratic charge against Samuel Alito last week...focusing on a group alito joined while he was a student at Princeton...quoting from a magazine the group published, to prove it supported inequality:
Sen. Kennedy, last week
"People nowadays just don't seem to know their place. Everywhere one turns, blacks and hispanics are demanding jobs just because they're black and hispanic."
But now Kennedy confirms he still pays dues to a men's only club he joined when he was at Harvard--the Owl Club.
The Harvard Crimson reports that, in 1984, the University severed ties with clubs like the Owl, citing a Federal law championed by Kennedy:
Andy Hiller
"Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Owl Club?"
Sen. Kennedy
"I joined when I...52 years ago, I was a member of the Owl Club, which was basically a fraternal organization."
Andy Hiller
"Are you still a member?"
Sen. Kennedy
"I'm not a member, I continue to pay about $100."
Andy Hiller
"And they do not allow women in that club?"
Sen. Kennedy
"That's what I understand."
Andy Hiller
"Why would you be in a club like that?"
Sen Kennedy
"I shouldn't be and I'm going to get out of it as fast as I can."
Kennedy offered a weak defense, that ignores the principles of equality...and time.
Sen. Kennedy
"Harvard was not co-educational when I got in--52 years ago--a lot of athletes got in it."
Andy Hiller
"And now you'll get out?"
Sen. Kennedy
"Yah."
Kennedy also all-but-announced today he'll vote against Alito, but--in Washington--speculation increases Alito is headed for the supreme court...an exclusive club Kennedy admits he couldn't get into:
Andy Hiller
"Do you think you could be confirmed by the judiciary committee?"
Sen. Kennedy
"Probably not...probably not."
Owls are supposed to be smart...but Ted Kennedy was dumb to stay in this club of their's.
Continuing to pay dues to a group that doesn't allow women...while advocating equality...defines hypocrisy.
The Senator has embarrassed himself, and his cause.
I'm Andy Hiller, and that's my instinct
(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
