Kerry frustrated by GOP-postponed vote. WTF?

[tandot]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/22/kerry.senate.vote/index.html

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. John Kerry jumped off the presidential campaign trail Tuesday so he could vote for a measure funding health care benefits for veterans -- only to watch Republican leaders postpone the vote.
<snip>
For the past month, GOP leaders have engaged in political gamesmanship with Kerry over his dual roles as senator and candidate.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-South Dakota, charged that Tuesday's delay -- on a proposed Democratic amendment to a defense spending bill to fund veterans' health care -- was but the latest example.
<snip>
GOP aides conceded that even if Kerry had voted for the war profiteering measure, Republicans would have switched their votes to make sure it failed anyway
<snip>

Typical GOP: Dirty tricks and no morals.

[phillybri]

1. Kerry should be all over this...

The GOP supports our troops by postponing votes on vets' benefits for cheesy political purposes...:grr:

[SoCalDem]

2. Too bad they cannot "phone in" their votes

But of course if they coould do that, the public might catch on to the fact, that they probably don't even HAVE to be in DC..:)

Kerry needs to hammer this fact in.. The GOP is only about "show".. They are ALL show and NO go :(

[IronLionZion]

3. those assholes

and why isn't Daschle doing something about it? Kerry's VP should be a non-legislator so that person can continue campaigning while Kerry votes. Meanwhile, shrub campaigns 24/7 and sends the bill to the American tax payer.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

4. Matt Lauer was interviewing the whore Russert this

morning on Today and the whore Russert confirmed the whole thing somewhat gleefully. It's just hardball election year politics, don't you know.

[Racenut20]

5. If any of this surprises you, I guess you haven't been watching or somethi

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

6. No Racenut, it doesn't surprise me at all.

Just typical Repuke hypocrisy at work.

[Warpy]

7. Kerry missed 2 major appearances in a swing state

(mine, New Mexico) so he could be present for that vote. Taking care of vets is near and dear to his heart. It's clear this bait and switch vote was pure sabotage on the GOP dirty trics squad part.

NM isn't an important state, only 5 electoral votes, but this may be an indication of how they're going to try to sabotage Kerry's campaign appearances until Congress recesses later this summer.

[Frodo]

8. He's LETTING them "sabotage" it.

He needs to give up his seat or this is the way it will be till the election.

There's no reason to hold on to that Senate seat - unless he thinks he isn't likely to win. And people will see that.

[Submariner]

9. He wants to keep

that mormon whacko Gov. Romney from appointing a repig Senator.

[Frodo]

11. He can't be both President AND Senator

If Kerry wins the White House Romney will get to appoint a republican (probably himself??). But that appointment will now be for two years and the individual can become a popular incumbent BEFORE facing the voters.

If he quits NOW there is probably still time to have a race this November.

[Caution]

14. wrong

there is a measure in MA to change the law to allow the state legislature rather than the governor appoint the senate replacement. Kerry should not resign until this is resolved. We simply cannot afford to lose that Senate seat and as a MA citizen, nothing would piss me off more than to see some un-elected wingnut take the seat of one of the most liberal senators in the country. If Kerry misses some votes due to political reasons, this is simply the price we have to pay.

And btw, I believe that in MA if a senator resigns the appointment takes that senator's term. I do not think there would be an election for his seat in November under any circumstances.

[Frodo]

15. We're aware of the attempt.

We've been hearing this for some time now with no results.

It makes it appear that we don't have the votes necessary to override the expected veto.

"If Kerry misses some votes due to political reasons, this is simply the price we have to pay."

And if he loses the White House because he looks like he can't do his CURRENT job and doesn't deserve a "promotion"? Will that "price" be worth it?

If we have the votes to change the law... then change it NOW. Unless Kerry thinks he's likely to lose... in which case he needs that seat for himself.

[tom_paine]

23. Who is "we", Frodo, my deceptive firend?

Please, DO TELL.

I look forward to a silence as predictable as as Klan Member infiltrating B'Nai Brith being asked the same question.

However, please do not construe the analogy as an accusation. Of course, I would NEVER accuse a fellow DUers of being ANYTHING but WHAT THEY ARE.

Having said that, Frodo...who is "we"?

[Frodo]

25. "We" would be regulars at DU.

alright - I have seen this a number of times without any followup. "Our legislators are looking in to changing that law", but I haven't seen any votes, have you? Is there some reason to postpone that action for later? Doing it now would show confidence that Kerry is goin to win.



On edit - Nice "tea party" pic. Did you do it yourself?

[tom_paine]

30. No. I wish I did. Feel free to use it

At least we agree on SOMETHING!

[Frodo]

32. I can't

The other fr@@p@r$ would kick me out of the club. lol



Maybe just this once.

[tom_paine]

35. Ok, you got me.

But man, you should consider stopping watching TV "News". You seem to fall for a lot of the Pravda, then repeat it here to the distress of all.

Think about it. And my apologies for getting so angry. These are angry times.

[Frodo]

16. MA law

calls for an appointment only until the next statewide election.

The only question is whether filing deadlines (etc.) allow for a race to be run for THIS November - or if it's already too late to get someone on the ballot.

[Caution]

39. the legislature takes up the measure regarding appointments in MA

today.

[wtmusic]

36. xactly

Kerry knows what the hell he's doing. He was aware they might stall the vote yesterday--but went anyway just to get some press on an obviously petty, partisan tactic.

[SoCalDem]

10. When was his term up?? This year or 06??

If it's this year, then he does need to give it up.. but who knows what crazy schemes * & the gang have in store for us via the DRE's?? Maybe he is just trying to run out the clock in either case.. If he wins, the seat woould not vacate until January...and if he loses, and his term is not up, he would have handed the seat to a repube for nothing..

This is the ONE reason why sitting senators are rarely elected to the presidency.. they have a hard time campaigning, AND fulfilling their senatorial duties....(and there's the "baggage thing" too).

[Frodo]

12. That is certainly A reason... but not THE reason.

Remember that Senator is a legislative, not executive, position. Senators rarely win the Presidency because they are perceived to lack the qualifications a Governor would have. They are different skill sets. A congressman in a leadership position is a little closer, but Governor or VP is preferred.

Not that we have any choice at this point.

[Killarney]

34. his term is up in 2006

if he resigned now, Gov Romney would appoint a Republican to the seat.

NO FUCKING WAY.

[Blue_Roses]

19. he's "letting THEM sabotage it"

it's EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL for them to play these kind of games with the constituents who elected them to that spot in the first place. Not everyone plays by the GOP playbook...

[Frodo]

20. Gambling!?!? I'm shocked!

Welcome to the NFL kid. That's the way they play the game. Who shows up and who doesn't show up are almost important as how they vote.

Remember a few legislators in TX???

It's simple enough for them. Frist can say "What's the problem? <b>I's</b> going to be here doing my job tomorrow. We'll hold the vote tomorrow." And they can point at literally hundreds of procedural shenanigans both sides play every year.


Kerry should give up that seat and concentrate on the White House. He should have done it as soon as it was clear he had the nomination.

[tom_paine]

24. You do a very good job, you know

You are not a run of the mill Fr(COMMENT REDACTED)r.

not at all.

I am guessing you are a Professional Man.

What profession, pray do tell?

Lawyer? No, no, not a lawyer.

Salesman? Well, you do a lot of selling here for the mysterious "we" (just WHO is "we" again?), so perhaps that is it.

Though I would lean more towards a job in the Public Relations Industry.

What is your profession, sir?

[Frodo]

26. What's your problem?

I'm a banker.

What does this have to do with the issue?

You think Kerry is going to get a lot of headway publicly claiming the other side is being unfair because he want them to hold votes on days that fit his campaigning schedule?

I'll say it again. If he's confident of victory then we need to deal with that seat in the next six months. Why not do it NOW??? And drop this monkey business of part-time legislating.

[tom_paine]

33. My problem is defeatis, red herrings, and repeated Bushevik Talking Pts

We dare not allow a Bushevik to occupy that seat. We have seen how difficult it is to pry Totalitarians out of power once they've seized it.

And ALL Bushevik Loyalists, now by definition, I am sad to say, are Totalitarians and Fellators of Tyrants.

And I'll say it again. NO MATTER WHAT Kerry does (as with Clinton and Gore bfore him), they will smear him.

Like the Bloodless Coup of 2000, when the Busheviks drew up plans to contest it if Gore won Electoral not Popular. When the opposite occurred, they just too their old plan and drew up a campiagn against it, accusing (as usual) Democrats of doing what THEY planeed to do all along.

Showing these people WEAKNESS of any kind, like the Nazis before them, is an invitation to get whomped with a Large Stick.

Just WHO exactly do you think we're dealing with here? Eisenhower? Teddy Roosevelt? We are dealing to the closest thing to Totalitarian Tyrants of Orwellian Lies that ever has existed in all of American History, bar none.

Yeah, show weakness to these kind of people and they will SHOW you (as they always have, both here and in Nazi Germany) just how much they respect Librul Weakness.

"The only recognizable Law is that of the Superior over the Inferior."
--Jewish "Nazi" Leo Strauss, the Mentor and Guiding Philosopher of the Imperial Family.

Either you are a sucker for the trap or your actions are purposeful.

that you have fallen for one of the many Bushevik Lie/Distraction/Pravda traps is quite plain for all to see.

Is it intentional?

(now we have come full circle)

[Frodo]

40. Correction to my previous

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x641001

Looks like they ARE trying to do something. I guess the vote in the House will decide it. Is there a majority to override a veto?


If it passes then I redouble my call for him to resign NOW.

[tom_paine]

22. Oh Jesus Christ, Frodo, don't you know that NO ONE buys what you are

selling?

NO ONE.

So, are you going to be participating in the Super Fr(COMMENT REDACTED)p on November 3rd?

You should. You have put much work and effort into your persona. It would be a shame to waste it, eh?

For now, it will be enough for you to spread doubt, nonsense, red herrings, and of course, repeat Bushevik Talking Points endlessly.

Is your job a good job? Does it pay well? Are their medical benefits? You get your own desk and phone (obviously you have your own Company Computer)?

Not that I know what your job is. No idea what you might do for a living.

But everyone else on DU knows what your job is, if not then your job then your hobby.

EVERYONE. They just can't say it because it will get them banned, Totalitarian Fr(COMMENT REDACTED)r!

But I know the strategy of you types (gosh, what type could that possibly be??? :silly: I don't know and of course am accusing you of nothing) is to continue with the lies and dception no matter how many see through you.

Have fun. Hope the pay and benefits are good.

[Frodo]

27. "Talking points"

We're GIVING them this "talking point" for free. And there are plenty of other Democrats saying the same thing.

Just because I plan on voting for the guy does not mean I have to agree with every decision he makes.

You have proposed no solution. Just worthless attacks. What do YOU think he should do?

They're going to do one of these votes every week - especially since two thirds of the Senate is not even facing election this year and doesn't need to campaign - and half of those who ARE running are "safe". There will be budget votes, and stem cell votes etc etc etc that will only pass or fail by a planned "one vote margin" (with three or four republicans set to switch votes to "create" that margin). What should he do?

What would a none FR(whatever)r do?

[tom_paine]

29. He should keep campaigning. This is a typical Bushevik distraction method

Eyes on the prize. The Bushevik Sub-media will smear him and lie about him (without any interfernce from the "Liberal Media" debunking said lies) NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES.

Giving his Senate seat to an Imperial Loyalist is an unacceptable solution.

If you don't actively and purposefull propogate Bushevik Talking Points, you sure are a sucker for falling for them.

Not sure which would be more pathetic. I report, you decide, eh?

Your damned right I sent some "worthless attacks" your way. But they weren't worthless. If it wakes ONE PERSON up to what you are (or the one of two choices I outlined 2 paragraphs above), then I have done good.

You are right. My apologies. You just might be gullibel and a TV Watcher.

My solution: Ignore the Bushevik Sub-Media and the Corporate TV Pravda that floats lazily in it's filthy wake. They will smear Kerry NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES. In fact, he should publicly call them on it.

Though he seems to be reluctant to publicly call them on most things except the safest.

How's that?

[Frodo]

38. For the record.

I called on him to give up that seat long before the shubbites picked it up as a talking point (as soon as it became obvious he was the candidate. I only backed down when talk of this legal change first came up - but there's been no action on it so it must have been a balloon).

Again - If he WINS we lose that seat anyway. And NOW it becomes a two year seat instead of just till November. It isn't like we're going to get a lot of power from that seat since they'll make sure Kerry is busy any time they schedule a big vote. If we REALLY have a shot at changing the laws in MA then please explain why we have to wait till after November to do it?

Frankly, I want him to WIN in November. If he loses I don't care if he has a "fallback" plan.

[Killarney]

13. They're such assholes!

[THUNDER HANDS]

17. you know what I don't get

Republicans criticizing Kerry for not showing up to vote against them.

Essentially, they're saying - look at Kerry, he can't even make it here to stop us from cutting Veterans Benefits.

I mean, are they even listening to themselves?

[gasperc]

18. he should make a statement predicting the GOPs actions

before he goes to DC, poke a stick in their eye. I go to DC knowing the GOP will delay the roll call vote and when there is a vote rethugs will switch their vote so that the measure fails,

Make it a press conference!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TexasBushwhacker]

21. Great idea!

Journalist: "Senator Kerry, will you be in Washington for the vote on the shaking hands and kissing babies bill?"

Senator Kerry: "Of course! I just hope that the vote doesn't get delayed. If we aren't going to be voting on Thursday, I was planning on being in Utah."

[JayS]

28. Have a press conference complaining about having to go...

...to work? I don't think that will go over well.

[gasperc]

42. not complain...but predict what they will do

I am on my way to Washington to vote for the XX bill scheduled tomorrow knowing full well that Frist may delay the vote or allow some to switch their votes

[JayS]

43. I know the response here would be something along the lines...

...of "You should be going to Washington as that is where you work and where the taxpayer is paying you to be."

[AngryAmish]

31. GOP has Kerry in a bit of a trick bag

It is my understanding that there are many, many ways to delay or speed up votes in the Senate, especially if you are in the majority.

He is going to get hit with this over and over.

[FlemingsGhost]

41. They sure do. Remember when he missed the UI benefits vote?

They rigged it so, it would fall one vote short.

Not much Kerry can do about it, either.

[progressivebydesign]

37. Kerry's campaign needs to buy large ads in the towns affected..

Kerry needs to quickly run a nice display ad apology in the local papers in the areas affected by his no-show to rush back to vote (only to have it postponed by the ruthless GOP Assholes). He should explain his absence relative to the local event, explain exactly WHY he did not attend, and he needs to address the fact that it was postponed... Kerry's people need to bring to light ALL the dirty tricks... Especially THIS one, because it can also highlight the fact that the GOP is fighting AGAINST health care for Veterans.

[ibegurpard]

44. Democrats should be ALL OVER THIS!

I've criticized Kerry missing important votes in the past and have had people tell me about situations like this and it DOES change my mind about the issue. If more people knew this then the "he can't even be present to vote on things" argument could be squashed.

[ibegurpard]

45. kick

:kick:
:grr: