Journalism: the new politics position

Over the weekend, the AP reported that the former first daughter is joining NBC's "Today" show as a correspondent. Jim Bell, the show's executive producer, says Mrs. Bush Hager won't be covering politics, but will focus on stories that are close to her heart, like "education, urban education, women and children's issues and literacy."

Politicians and journalists have always had a rocky relationship, but with her new monthly appearances, Hager joins an ever-growing list of children of prominent politicians who are trading their guest spots for press passes — Meghan McCain, Alexandra Pelosi, John F. Kennedy Jr., Ron Reagan, just to name a few. Here's a look at some of the political children who opted for covering, rather than entering, politics:

John F. Kennedy Jr.: In 1995, the "Sexiest Man of the Year" proved that he had the brains to match those stunning looks, launching the political magazine, George. With the tagline, "Not just politics as usual" and sexy covers, George attempted to put a hip, celeb-driven spin on politics. The magazine eventually folded in 2001, almost two years after JFK Jr., his wife Carolyn, and sister-in-law were killed in a plane crash.

Meghan McCain: The daughter of Sen. John McCain, 24, has a blog on the The Daily Beast and has appeared on "The View," "The Rachel Maddow Show" and other network and cable TV shows. McCain's blog covers everything from the GOP's lack of Internet savvy to Congressional "hotties." McCain makes headlines as often as she writes them; so far, she's already publicly rumbled with fellow conservatives Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin and Laura Ingraham.

Alexandra Pelosi: Daughter of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Alexandra, 38, has made a name for herself with her political documentaries. She won an Emmy Award for her 2000 documentary, "Journeys with George," in which she chronicled George W. Bush's campaign to his eventual victory. Other notable documentaries include the HBO specials "Right America: Feeling Wronged," "The Trials of Ted Haggard" and "Friends of God: A Road Trip with Alexandra Pelosi."

Maria Shriver: OK, so she's the current first lady of California (and member of the vast Kennedy clan), but she boasts a journalism career that has spanned more than 20 years. Shriver started out as a news writer and producer for Philadelphia's KYW-TV in 1977, eventually working her way up the ladder to co-anchor several top network shows. Shriver was a reporter for NBC's "Dateline NBC" from 1989 to 2003.

The Reagans: With a former actor for a father, it's not a big leap for Ronald Reagan's children to feel at home in front of the camera. Michael Reagan hosts a nationally syndicated radio show on Radio America, while younger brother Ron hosts his own show on Air America. Ron has also served as a political analyst for MSNBC, written for several national publications and co-hosted Fox's "Front Page" news magazine in the '90s.

Sister Patti, the "black sheep" of the family, has been in front of the camera in various forms — as an actress and a Playboy cover model. She's also written several books and writes magazine essays on a variety of subjects, including her own family.

Ethan Axelrod: You may not know his name yet, but you're sure to recognize his father's: David Axelrod is Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, having served in that capacity since Obama's 2004 Senate campaign. Before hitching his wagon to Obama, Axelrod Senior was a political writer for the Chicago Tribune. Axelrod Junior, 22, was recently hired to edit The Huffington Post's upcoming local Denver site.

In the wake of Sen. Edward Kennedy's death last week, speculation inevitably focused on which of the younger generation would "pick up the torch" for the legendary political dynasty. But as more political children who are writing the headlines, instead of making them, maybe it's time for the new generation to start their own dynasty.

— Lili Ladaga