Former ambassador Wilson endorses Kerry

[Snellius]

Oct. 23, 2003 | CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who accused the Bush administration of manipulating intelligence to exaggerate the threat from Iraq, endorsed Democrat John Kerry for president on Thursday.

In a conference call with New Hampshire reporters, Wilson said he and Kerry have shared the experience of challenging their government -- Wilson when he questioned the "rush to war'' with Iraq, Kerry when he challenged America's role in Vietnam.

Speaking from Washington, Wilson said Kerry's actions, coming when he was a 23-year-old Vietnam War veteran, makes him stand out in the Democratic presidential field.

"John Kerry did the same thing after he came out of Vietnam, I did it at the age of 53 ... with a long and distinguished career behind me,'' Wilson said. "John Kerry did it at the very beginning of his career.

"I know how these sorts of things test one's mettle,'' he said. "To have stood up and said what he did, at the time that he did, in my judgment, sets him apart from the other candidates.''

http://www.salon.com/news/wire/2003/10/23/wilson/index.html

[Flying_Pig]

1. Thta is a good endorsement, and one I am sure Kerry will make

good use of. But, I am concerned, now that Wilson has made this endorsement, that he may back off in the pursuit of those who exposed his wife. At the least, it may compromise his message, where media hacks may try to write off his statments as politically motivated. Hopefully, this will not happen, and the case will once again become front page news, adding to Wilson's creditabiity, rather than detracting from it.

[Occulus]

10. But then again

perhaps Kerry will push the Plame affair and make it into a campaign issue. Perhaps Wilson, via his endorsement, has just done exactly that.

Wilson claims to be in pursuit of the truth, and it only follows that he would not give his endorsement to a candidate who is obviously unwilling to do so. Perhaps Kerry even promised Wilson he would make sure it at least remained on the radar in exchange for Wilson's endorsement- the obvious message being that a Kerry administration will not allow these kinds of extremely damaging and possibly life-threatening leaks to occur.

I'm still learning how to read between the lines, but it could very well be a situation like I described above. I'm not trying to argue, you understand- only trying to point out another plausable truth.

[0007]

12. You have a valid point!

I do trust Wilson's judgement however, but I don't agree with his choice.

[Algorem]

2. did kerry question the rush to war with iraq?

there's one republican endorsement for kerry.

[DJcairo]

5. Wilson is a registered Democrat

[gdgibson]

3. How many battalions does the Pope have?

n/t

[goforit]

4. Well, whatever!!!

Dean/Kucinich/Clark are the ones behind the people's choice.

[DJcairo]

6. You mean teh internet junkie's choice

Why do DUer's think they represent the people. They most certinaly do not. In fact, they are almost all spoiled rich white kids.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

7. I'd like all the foreign policy pros behind Dean to debate Kerry's lineup

and explain why their man is better for America's national security.
I have a feeling the Dean camp would be a little short on expertise.
Maybe Rob Reiner and Robin Williams could pitch in their 2 cents... yeah that'll reassure the public!

[Algorem]

9. Robin Williams and Rob Reiner wouldn't bomb enough brown people to

reassure the public?

[RowWellandLive]

8. Kerry's OK

but I have yet to decide on a candidate as there are several that appeal to me on different levels.

Having said that, this endorsement is meaningless. Who cares who Joe Wilson supports? Most endorsements are based on past relationships and "who knows who."

I'll make up my own mind based on issues and electability, thank you. I trust my own judgement more then Wilson's or any other insider.

Guess I just hate the fact that they think this endorsement stuff should sway us "little people".

Sorry for my mini rant!!!

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. "who knows who" translates into effectiveness in office.

and helps define a candidate better.

[IndianaGreen]

13. Once again, we are commending Kerry for the man he was

and not for the man that he is. The Kerry that opposed the Vietnam war would have never voted for the Iraq War Resolution.