Eric Alterman: Meeting Candidate KERRY

[liberalpragmatist]

Here's an interesting take on Kerry -- it's a nice article, interesting perspective. Personally, I disagree with him slightly - though I can't say I've met him in person, from what I've observed in town hall meetings and whatnot, Kerry is actually quite personable in groups and quite good with people (though he could definitely smile more during speeches, debates, and forums).

Good perspetive nonetheless. NOTE: Dean supporters, PLEASE don't take this as a Dean slur or a Dean flame post, just because Alterman happens to criticize Dean a few times (that goes for vociferiously anti-Dean kerry supporters too)...

http://www.msnbc.com/news/752664.asp?0cv=CB20
> I went to an off-the-record fund-raising breakfast with John Kerry yesterday. I can’t quote him or anything. But I came away with the strong impression that he’d make a first-rate president in every way but I have trouble imagining how he’s going to get there. He is articulate, intelligent, well-prepared, thoughtful and has some really good ideas, particularly on health care. But he has zero personal charisma and jes’ folks communication skills, which Bush has in abundance. (Don’t let’s even bring up Clinton.)...

[emcglynn]

1. Bullshit

I am sick and tired of the prevarication that the poor innocent Democrats made their decision to vote with Bush on Iraq because of faulty intelligence. Now I hear their destinctive plan that now we are in Iraq we can't leave. It was either stupidity or solidarity that motivated the decision of many Dems to go to war. And they are not stupid people. Hey! Hey! Johnny K how many kids had to die today?

[sandnsea]

2. Beat up the Democrats...

let Bush walk free. Good plan. I like how it's working out so well. Has Bush answered Dean's 16 questions yet?

Bush chose to launch that war. Some Democrats supported it 100%, like Hillary Clinton. Others implored him not to rush to war, to let the inspections continue, like John Kerry.

And even if we put the whole thing under UN authority, do you think that would mean we could leave? Would it mean we wouldn't be pouring billions of dollars into Iraq? Nope. We'd still be stuck with Bush's war. Put the blame where it belongs. Bush lied, Bush circumvented the UN, Bush disparaged the inspectors, Bush went to war without a plan, Bush created this mess. Why people prefer to blame Democrats while Bush walks away unscathed is beyond me.

[DrFunkenstein]

3. Kerry Has Been Calling For Disarmament Since 1997

Saying he voted out of expediency is either ignorant or a lie. Based on your nursery rhyme, I doubt you are lying.

Kerry did not vote based on the imminence of the threat. He voted "yea" because after 9/11 we could not afford to let Saddam go unaccounted for. Kerry did not feel that war was in any way necessary. It was Bush's incompetence that made it so.

Do you think we should leave Iraq? How do you feel about Iran-based fundamentalist wack-jobs taking over inside the power vacuum? I would like for the war to be over, too. But you can't live in lala land forever. There are unfortunate realities to deal with.

PS - Nice use of "prevarication." 5 syllables! I'm impressed!

[DrFunkenstein]

4. I like Alterman, although his latest book was snarky and drawn out

He usually does nice work at The Nation. Which makes me surprised that he's reinforcing the "infantile political culture." Nevertheless, I am glad he does a better job than Schell and Pollitt in recognizing that "Kerry is far better prepared for the job and probably more progressive on most issues." I want to see a real progressive in the White House. Not some guy who sounds like one.

I'll take a moderate-sounding progressive over a progressive-sounding moderate any day.

[blm]

5. Alterman didn't care for Gore's charisma either...

and Gore won.

I think that anyone who falls for that "frat boy is too likable" crock is in for an awakening. I think the American people have had their "fill" of Bush's style and claim to "likability."

[xequals]

6. IMO, Americans are sick of the "personality politics"

of Bush, and Clinton to some degree.

I'm pretty sure that this election will be more about substance, i.e. the experience, record, leadership abilities, and intelligence of the candidate. In dark times such as these voters usually demand more from the candidates. We need to present a stark contrast to the stupidity and inadequacy of Bush. This is why I think that Kerry (among other reasons) is the best of the current crop of candidates.

[ProfessorPlum]

7. That's a lovely wish

Would that any election were actually about substance.

Who is going to bring them this substance? The press? The press wouldn't know how to analyze substance if their jobs depended on it (ha ha).

The press will talk about how Kerry has a funny face and is actually Jewish. The press will say he gets the wrong kind of cheese on his sandwich. The press will happily repeat any Kerry "war crime atrocity" stories or "post traumatic stress" fantasies that Karl Rove cooks up in his twisted little brain.

As much as the public might demand it (which will be unfortunately very little), the press will be unwilling and probably unable to present useful information. As an example, I present Gore, who was one of the most qualified people we have ever had run for president, and who was also one of the architects of the longest stretch of peace and prosperity this country has enjoyed. And they couldn't say a nice word about him, letting "Little Boots" get close enough to steal it.

This election, like so many others before it , will also be about personality, and Kerry had better be polishing his up so that it shines - and be thinking of good ways to show that Bush's is warped.

[ProfessorPlum]

8. This is exactly my concern about Kerry

"But I came away with the strong impression that he’d make a first-rate president in every way but I have trouble imagining how he’s going to get there. "

There is no doubt he is a strong and experienced statesman. I hope he can campaign like a demon, because he is going to need to.