Few names loom larger than "Kennedy" in American politics.

From serving as president to holding various roles as senators, members of congress, and ambassadors, Kennedys have held high positions in US office for decades.

Now, we've got one serving in Canberra – the new US ambassador, Caroline Kennedy.

The daughter of president John F Kennedy, the ambassador has officially been in the job since late July after being appointed by President Joe Biden in December 2021, and she's settled in quickly.

"I've just had the most amazing introduction. Everyone's been so welcoming, and it's such an important time to be ambassador," she told ABC News Breakfast in an exclusive interview – her first with Australian media since her arrival.

But Ms Kennedy's posting comes at a fractious time in the United States, with an attack on house Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband currently dominating headlines, and crucial midterm elections just around the corner.

Here are some of the key takeaways from her interview.

Pelosi home invasion

Authorities across the US are now bracing for more political violence after the attack on Paul Pelosi.

Mr Pelosi suffered a fractured skull, and Ms Kennedy said the attack was an awful incident.

"Nancy Pelosi has been a friend of our family for my whole life, really. And her husband is really just a wonderful person. I was really shocked and saddened," she said.

"Any kind of violence should never happen, especially in a democracy."

However, she said she did not necessarily believe it was a sign of rising tension in the nation.

"I think that the vast majority of Americans condemn it. I think our democracy is strong, and most people in America are maybe not what you see in the media," she said.

"People still quote President Kennedy to me all the time in terms of public service and patriotism. I'm so proud of our democratic traditions, and I look forward to them becoming stronger."

Pacific power plays

The ambassador's interview came as Four Corners revealed the United States is planning to deploy nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to northern Australia, in a move some analysts see as a warning shot to China.

The US has a keen strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific region, as it continues to wrestle with China for geopolitical control.

"The region has faced increasing tensions. I know that, since I served [as US ambassador] in Japan," she said.

"But America has, for the past 75 years, worked really hard to support the rules-based order that's lifted millions of people out of poverty and really has supported peace and stability throughout this region."

Northern Australia is an important area for US interests – the joint US and Australian Pine Gap spu base is located near Alice Springs, and the US has committed more than $1 billion to upgrading its military assets in the Top End.

"We do it through diplomacy, we do it through dialogue, we do it through deterrence… we work with our allies and partners to make this safe," Ms Kennedy said.

Climate co-ordination

Combating global warming is another issue high on the agenda for the new ambassador.

She has long advocated for cleaner energy, and earlier this year she told students at the Australian National University that there were no issues more relevant to protecting the land than solving climate change.

Her comments came soon after attending the Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land, where she says she quickly learnt the importance of respect for the land.

"I think our two countries are aligned, and together we can really help to make progress toward this goal," she said.

"[It's] increasingly difficult, as people are feeling higher energy prices… but I think that this commitment is one that the entire world really has to stick with and accelerate."

Embedding into Australian culture

The new ambassador has only been living in Canberra for a few months, but she's already partaken in a staple of Australian cuisine – the humble sausage sizzle.

"I had the best time. The people that were selling the sausages were raising money for cancer, which is obviously something that's close to my heart. So, I was happy to support them," she said.

She wouldn't be drawn on whether she puts her onions above or below the sausage, though.

"I'm not revealing all my secrets."

And when it comes to Aussie Rules, she's yet to pick a team — as much as resident Western Bulldogs fan (and News Breakfast host) Michael Rowland might attempt to try to persuade her otherwise.

"It's always interesting being an ambassador. You learn as much about your own country as you do about the country that you're serving in," she said.