Democrat Kerry Would Name Top Envoy to Mideast (Post-Speech/New Info)

[Khephra]

By Ellen Wulfhorst

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry said on Wednesday he would quickly appoint a special envoy to the Middle East peace process -- tossing out a handful of names including former President George Bush -- if he won the 2004 election.

The Massachusetts senator, one of nine Democrats vying for the right to challenge President Bush as he seeks a second term next year, said he would consider past Democratic Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, former Secretaries of State James Baker and Lawrence Eagleburger and former national security adviser Brent Scowcroft as well as the father of the current president.

snip.............

CLARK DENOUNCES BAKER CHOICE

The campaign for retired Gen. Wesley Clark, one of Kerry's Democratic rivals, promptly issued a statement denouncing the suggestion of Baker.

"Sen. Kerry's suggestion that he might use Bush family consigliere James Baker as a special envoy to the Middle East is offensive," Clark's spokesman Matt Bennett said, referring to Baker's role in the 2000 presidential recount vote in Florida which led to Bush's election.

more..........

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=3933710

[mikehiggins]

1. Wow! Nothing subtle

in the Clark reply to that one.

Baker, indeed.

What is going on with Kerry, anyway?

[blm]

4. Try to get it. He's highlighting Bush2's ineptness by referring to Bush1

and Baker. It's a shot to conservatives to look more closely at Bush2's failings.

Wasn't that what Dean was doing when he said that Bush1's foreign policy was "excellent" on Hardball Monday night? Did he really mean it, or was he using it for contrast?

[Kahuna]

8. Kerry wants Baker and Smirk, Sr. Lieberman wants McCain...

Edwards seeks counsel from Hugh Shelton. What the hell is going on with these guys? When you get this desperate it's time to drop out.

[ima_sinnic]

2. well I guess we know who the BFEE candidate is now

Kerry is so toast

on edit: meant to say, and Clark's calling James Baker a "Bush family consigliere"--WOW! thank you, General, from this Dean supporter :hi:

[w13rd0]

3. Good for Clark...

...I think it's great that I find things to applaud candidates (other than my own) for on a daily basis. Won't find that happening in a Republican primary...

[Forkboy]

5. Great...a veritible who's who of shitheels

Kerry is being a dipshit.

Great repsonse from Clark....I think he actually get's it,which is more than we can say for John "Get over it" Kerry.

I got over Kerry being a serious candidate shortly thereafter.

[pistoff democrat]

6. Hi, just posted on similar thread; want you to see it as well:

I wrote to Kerry's campaign about Baker and, although first getting the standard automated response, just received one from an aide which was closer to my question.

In other words, he ducked my questions about Kerry & Clark and sent me links to lots of Kerry press releases on foreign relations.

So, before loggin on again here, I shot off a note to the Kerry aide stating:

1. Thank you for not responding to my questions;
2. I don't want a republican first wife in the WH;
3. Kerry is soooooooo over.

(mature, ain't I?)


P.S. BIGGIE: another DU member on that thread reminded us that Baker represents the Saudis against the 9/11/01 victims' families - Kerry must have excellent researchers - what a dork!

[dusty64]

7. This is a really bad idea.

I no longer understand Kerry or his motives. Sounds like his new campaign team is out of touch and have no clue why this plan would touch a nerve with the Democratic base.

[FredScuttle]

9. Crying in my teacup

Baker?!!! Baker???!!!

Senator John "Get Over It" Kerry - you are the weakest link....GOODBYE!