Email From John Kerry: HE'S LAYING IT ALL OUT!

[Beetwasher]

In a few hours, I will deliver a major address at Brown University about what the rage and destruction of Katrina have revealed. I want you to be one of the first to read and reflect upon the text of this speech for a very simple reason.

It's time for each and every one of us to say what needs to be said -- with the full force of our convictions, with nothing held back. This speech is my attempt to do exactly that -- and your response to my call to action will define the work of the johnkerry.com community far into the future.

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2005_09_19.html

Natural and human calamity have stripped away the spin machine, creating a rare accountability moment, not just for the Bush administration, but for all of us to take stock of the direction of our country and do what we can to reverse it. That's our job -- to turn this moment from a frenzied expression of guilt into a national reversal of direction.

We've seen America at its best and our government at its worst. Millions of Americans are beginning to realize where they fit in our democracy under Republican governance: nowhere.

It's time for a fundamental debate about the choices we are making as a nation. Here is some of the language I will use later today to help provoke that badly needed national conversation:

The Katrina Administration

Katrina is a symbol of all this administration does and doesn't do. Michael Brown -- or Brownie as the President so famously thanked him for doing a heck of a job -- Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to "Mission Accomplished" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: the "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done.

This is the Katrina administration.

The Real Test of Katrina

This is the real test of Katrina. Will we be satisfied to only do the immediate: care for the victims and rebuild the city? Or will we be inspired to tackle the incompetence that left us so unprepared, and the societal injustice that left so many of the least fortunate waiting and praying on those rooftops?

Making the Gulf Coast a Right-Wing Laboratory

The rush now to camouflage their misjudgments and inaction with money does not mean they are suddenly listening. It's still politics as usual. The plan they're designing for the Gulf Coast turns the region into a vast laboratory for right wing ideological experiments. They're already talking about private school vouchers, abandonment of environmental regulations, abolition of wage standards, subsidies for big industries, and believe it or not yet another big round of tax cuts for the wealthiest among us!

Please take a moment right now to read the entire speech.

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2005_09_19.html

Let's be absolutely clear about the moment we are in. The weeks ahead will define our country's direction -- our understanding of ourselves, what we believe in, what we insist on creating, what we refuse to let happen.

The speech I will deliver in a matter of hours is about saying what needs to be said. In the weeks ahead, our entire johnkerry.com community must engage in doing what needs to be done. I know I can count on you to stand with me as we take on that challenge -- and I will be in touch in the days ahead about our next steps together.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

P.S. There is one thing you can do right now. Share this speech by forwarding it to as many people as possible. We're going to need all the help we can get in the days and weeks ahead.

[Der Blaue Engel]

1. He's got our backs, as usual

:)

[txindy]

128. I'd certainly say so

It's one helluva speech, that's for sure. :patriot:

[mom cat]

2. You beat me to it. I think he's got it!

[jobycom]

3. But that's IMPOSSIBLE! He's betrayed us, he wears a pink tutu

yadayadayada. None of the Democrats have EVER spoken out for us. So this must be more DLC lies, or else it just doesn't exist. :sarcasm:

[jus_the_facts]

4. talk is still cheap....sounds good....for what it's worth....

....we'll see what the future holds this time next week as another catastophe is loomin' LARGE with RITA...mayhap his words will resonate deeper with many...IF anyone hears through their tears? :(

[paulk]

10. it's more like - if anyone hears through the MSM filter...

keep your eyes on the 6 o'clock lies

[yy4me]

5. Finally, and I hope with a passion that he should have exhibited

during the elections. Lets hope this gets all the Dems off their butts! We are mad and collectively won't take it anymore!

[OneGrassRoot]

6. wow.........

will they send to media or do we media blast?

Do you think the media will even report on it?

Maybe they all had to sit tight for the first few weeks....see how much * would stumble on his own....and now it's time to no longer be silent. Hopefully it's the first onslaught, though I know other Dems have seemed to side with * in order to get necessary federal help, etc.

I don't know what to think any more.

[Hardrada]

12. Better media blast just to be sure!

[Roland99]

7. Just got the email myself

It's time for the Democratic Party to UNITE! The DLC needs to get its head out of its corporate ass and work to beat back the people ruining this country.

[katinmn]

8. He left out impeachment. Nothing changes until we boot out the

Bush Crime Syndicate.

[Horse with no Name]

9. I'm not an absolutist

IF a DLC'er can do the job...give them a chance.
What I don't care for is the DLC'er's who basically seek to fatten their coffers at my expense.
That being said--very nice Senator Kerry. Very nice.

[Mass]

11. It 'll never be good enough for some, but I am happy that he is doing that

and doing it in a public place.

We need as many voices as possible slamming Bush.

[babylonsister]

13. Amen to that, Mass! Maybe Kerry will be the spark

that might finally get other Dems fired up.

[mcscajun]

14. A meme that's a hangman's noose...if we shape it into one.

The Katrina Administration.

Wow, that's powerful stuff.

[Old and In the Way]

15. Excellent.....John Kerry speaks for me.

Now, how do we move from defining the problem to acting on it?

[mtnsnake]

16. I'll be very interested to see if his speech makes big news later tonight

A lot of it will depend on how forceful his delivery is.

[Dawgs]

17. I'm sorry, I love John Kerry, but when was the last time you...

saw anybody mention John Kerry in the mainstream media? The only Dems that anyone reports on are Dean and the Clintons.

[Generator]

30. Yes and what's this bullshit

"I need you to pass this e-mail along?" Oh my God. I really think my DU days are coming to an end. Because it's bullshit. It's all POLITICS. Just like Bill Clinton deciding now that's it's okay to speak about Iraq being a failure. Hello-wasn't the election last year or did I miss something. It's too late for e-mails and speeches no one will ever hear. We need a leader to lead us to something. Maybe another petition? Oh yes, that's the answer. Everyone here is in denial. This is joke. I don't know what Kerry needs to do-but this is just more pissing in the wind that will change nothing...yes good intentions.. a pure heart..a worthy man..but what will it do?? What can be done? Something outside the box, something that risks something..even gasp.. your chances at 2008. I don't know if they don't get or I what but I can't hide my head and pretend that it matters. It doesn't. Nothing will change.

[karynnj]

42. He says what to do make your issues voting issues

He spent a Saturday a little over a week ago in NJ - trying to use his email list to get people to participate as grassroots Democrats and to try to get volunteers for the Democratic party and Corzine in his run for Governor.

He could of course throw up his hands in the air, say he tried and live a privilidged live as a well off Senator. He did attack Bush on economic policies and Iraq last year. He lost with the media against him, a weaker party at the local levels to a sitting President in a time of war. He is trying to help rebuild the party. Here he is both talking about the Bush administration's failures and more importantly their wrong goals while suggesting their are alternatives that can be had.

[Clark2008]

78. Ah, heck, Clark supporters have been living without the benefit of

media since December 2003.

We're used to it - unless Clark's driver gets a speeding ticket or something.

[WildEyedLiberal]

95. self delete

wrong spot, sorry

[Der Blaue Engel]

134. Okay, well...buh-bye

:hi:

[LittleClarkie]

135. If you don't know what Kerry needs to do

how will you know if he's doing it?

How do you want him to lead? What kind of action are you looking for?

He is saying things publically. He's getting legislation passed. He has a PAC for grassroots organizing, and another to work on issues he considers important, like kid's health care. He's had op/eds in the NYTimes. He's been on some news shows, though not alot.

He's a Senator, not Superman. He's also not the President. There is only so much he CAN do. And he's doing more in calling out the president and the administration than several politicans are doing. It's a positive step.

What, exactly, would you have him do?

[laugle]

157. The only word that came to mind for me was

DRIVAL!! LOL

Same old carefully crafted, have to balance type script. Talking out of both sides.

I agree mostly with you, but calm down...you sound soooo angry.

No nasties please........

[LittleClarkie]

158. Good gravy, he blasted Bush a new a-hole

"Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to “Mission Accomplished” and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: The "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done"

I mean, how can you call this carefully crafted drivel? I wonder if we're reading the same stuff.

Maybe if you pretend Dean or somebody you like is saying it, and you might realize it's good shit. I fear whatever feelings you have against Kerry are coloring your perception. Seriously. I'm serious. Pretend it's Dean saying the above. Then tell me if it's still carefully crafted, talking out both sides, drivel.

[laugle]

162. Okay I'll take out the drival part,

I guess I just have Kerry fatigue, last night it was late and I was tired.

I read it again today, it is a good speech. However, I wonder just how many people will ever get to see it. I think it would be good for him to be more visable.

My feelings about Kerry are of disappointment for what might have been, but I don't want to rehash the election. Best to move forward.

As far as feelings coloring ones perception, that's true, but it goes both ways.

As always, I respect and admire your commitment.

[LittleClarkie]

163. True, it does go both ways, thanks, and also a case in point.

Joe Biden makes my teeth itch, but I give him kudos for saying he's voting against Roberts. If I was letting my feelings about the guy color my response, he would not be getting kudos. But credit where credit is due.

I may be more inclined to give Kerry the benefit of the doubt. I guess I did my job a bit too well last election. I set out to go from ABB to Kerry supporter, since I didn't think I'd be a decent campaigner unless I did.

I, ahem, rather overshot the mark...

[laugle]

164. Now don't think you made a convert, LOL,

I just wanted you to know that I do consider others point of view and not afraid to say I'm wrong if someone has a good point.

Besides, there's just something I like about you. I told my husband I think it's because you remind me of me! LOL....uh oh...

[SillyGoose]

18. Wow - that was a terrific speech. He laid it all out there!

Reinforces my belief that he would have been a great President.

Thanks for posting that.

[henslee]

19. Hey, I was hoping he'd mockingly call Brown, Brownie.

[Rambis]

20. Maybe we should listen

I remember him saying on the stump (not that anyone covered it) "we guarded the Saudi Oil interests but forgot to guard 800 tons of explosives in an ammo dump".
Iraq will cost over 200 billion dollars-
Jan 1 2006 people are going to be dumped into the new prescription drug fiasco that is a giveaway to the the big drug companies.
The US has no leverage over China because they are our bankers who are financing the Iraq war. Forget civil rights and liberties-
The swift boat liars were just that lying!

The big thing I still can't get over is I voted for the 87 billion when it was going to come out of the bush tax cut. When he refused I voted against it. I loved what he said but we need an anti war candidate who was anti war from the start. I had someone (big older Dem who I had the up most respect for)tell me early on. Dean was our only hope in 2004. Now I agree- Of course we have to have fair elections or all this is just BS!

[Usrename]

21. Not a word about the criminal acts of the cabal.

Dissapointing. No message just whining.

[sandnsea]

31. What's this then?

"Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to "Mission Accomplished" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: the "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done."

And he mentions Rove and the CIA leak, and the corporate subsidies, he lists everything.

And lays out a vision, Americans should unite in a "common cause".

Your post though, says nothing. It's the only thing that I see that's just whining.

[Usrename]

40. How about this:

Two people have already been indicted for failing to predict the severerity of Katrina. They are the two nursing home owners in NO. They have been arrested, fingerprinted, and their mugshots were quickly released to the media. However, Brownie gets to walk away from the disaster to make millions on the reconstruction. Wasn't it HIS job to know and predict the awful effects of the storm. Wasn't it George W. Bush's job to protect and defend the United States. Isn't it a more crminal act for him to stuff FEMA with incompetant cronies when ANYBODY would know that this callous act would result in the loss of life?

[sandnsea]

47. They were offered evacuation assistance

They are a private enterprise who have been given a public trust to make money from their service to the sick and elderly. They were called and offered buses to evacuate, and turned it down. It's clear cut because private enterprise cannot be forced to do anything. They made a business decision that killed people. Don't make the mistake of blaming government when private enterprise fucks up and kills people.

There will be investigations and it will be up to the people to keep Bush from yelling "war on terror" and whitewashing Katrina. That's what Kerry said and it is something one person cannot do alone. What remains to be seen is whether the left can manage to do anything besides shit on the Democrats who are trying to hold Bush accountable, AGAIN.

[Usrename]

66. Yeah, you're probably right, they should have known....

<snip>
The nursing home tragedy had been described more than a week ago by Aaron Broussard, president of Jefferson Parish, who told a national television audience how an emergency official busy fighting the flood had lost his mother.

“She called him and said, ’Are you coming, son, is somebody coming?’ And he said, ’Yeah mama, somebody’s coming to get ya, somebody’s coming to get ya on Tuesday, somebody’s coming to get ya on Wednesday’ ... and she drowned Friday night,” he said, breaking into tears during a Sept. 4 interview on NBC.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9337631/

But placing Brownie in charge was somehow protecting the public trust. I don't get it. I just don't understand. I really don't.

[sandnsea]

67. Business makes a decision

And government is supposed to take the blame for their mistakes? That's exactly what Republicans want to have happen.

By putting these people on trial, the state has a mandate to legally collect evidence, issue subpoenas, etc. The very first time Democrats have had that power against this Administration. If others need to be put on trial afterwards, and we finally have some evidence, that will happen too. Some folks need to learn to think further than one step out.

[Q]

22. Kerry and other 'high-profile' Dems have to FOLLOW UP...

...or this will turn out to be nothing but another campaign speech.

They must LEAD BY EXAMPLE and follow up with deeds and action. Too many times we've heard great speeches by Democratic leaders...but nothing afterwards.

The follow up should be a call to action. Hearings. Investigations. Calls for impeachment...or at the very least ACCOUNTABILITY and consequences for breaking the law.

We'll see what happens next. Perhaps Kerry is following Gore's lead by throwing off the shackles of the DLC and is going out on his own? One can only hope.

[kerrygoddess]

23. Text of speech is here

For those who did not get the email yet, we have an advance copy -

http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=601

[OneBlueSky]

24. well, it's a good start . . . and miles beyond what most other . . .

Democratic "leaders" have been saying . . .

let's hope for two things: first, that he indeed follows up on this speech with specific proposals and, second, that other Democrats follow his lead and start speaking out and telling the truth . . .

because that's what's impressive about this speech . . . for once, a Democratic leader has decided to stand up and tell the truth, to become a Truth Teller . . . I pray that it is a sign of things to come . . .

congratulations, Sen. Kerry . . . sounds like you've "found religion" where it counts . . . good job . . .

[politicasista]

25. Thanks man

:hi:

[stevedeshazer]

26. That's a terrific speech. I love the "Katrina administration reference.

I'll share.

[BSDRebel]

27. whatever...

John, we needed you in Ohio and Florida with the fraudulent vote counts. We needed you to grow a spine and fight back when the Republican spin machine attacked your war record, while cowardly Republican draft-dodgers smacked your around.

Where were you?

I'm sorry, you lost your claim to leadership in my eyes. We need someone who will fight.

Next Democratic candidate, please?

[Mass]

28. Thanks for your insight.

But I will continue to think we need ALL the available voices, whether you like them or not.

[BSDRebel]

33. don't get me wrong

the more the merrier, but I'm just a little choosy among the voices.

Give me Conyers, Kucinich, or individuals like Galloway or Hugo Chavez. I've about had with Clinonesque types. all talk, no action.

[Mass]

36. Your choice - But then dont come and complain that Dems dont say anything.

I like Conyers and Kucinich, but this is not exclusive of other people speaking out.

Except of course, if the messenger is more important than the message.

[sandnsea]

35. You're right

I think I'll try that zzzzz thing too. :)

[Mass]

38. Absolutely. and for more than one here.

[LittleClarkie]

29. Fuck candidates

And he's involved in three different election lawsuits in Ohio. Hadn't you heard? Where were YOU?!

Next Democratic candidate my ass. Did you think Gore was running when he went into Louisiana? Is Snowe running for something? Her name is on the small business aid package.

Get your head out of 2008! This is now.

[BSDRebel]

34. i knew about the lawsuits

he joined them late, and they were initiated by men with more integrity, like the Green Party, Libertarian party prez candidates, and John Conyers.

He conceded the election when there was evidence of fraud. I lost respect for him there.

No offense to anyone, that's just my opinion. We live in America, right?

[fedupinBushcountry]

44. Show me proof

of evidence of fraud as of Nov. Dec. Jan. I don't think you will have it. Until we can get in the machines and hopefully a few more whistleblowers come out, fraud has not been proven yet.

Yes we all have opinions when opinions are based with no facts to back them up, they turn into Monday morning quarterbacking, and that does not win a game.

[BSDRebel]

46. ok, I'll give you that

but my opinion is that Kerry is too connected to the Democratic establishment elite, that he lacks the balls to fight back to Republicans, and that he's just plain boring. He's just not the type of leader I envision. ANd even if he did win, I'd doubt he'd enact the policies I'm thinking about.

You guys may want something that is palatable to the American public, but I not constrained by such boundaries. I know what I want, I'm also calm and confident that I'll probably never have that type of President in this country, and so I'm tranquil with that.

Kerry never was my candidate, though I did give him the vote against Bush.

Kerry types sure don't like when others decide for themselves that they are not satisfied with whatever the Democratic party dishes out as a candidate. Sorry. I don't tow the line.

[LittleClarkie]

52. Just expressing our opinion of your opinion

Sorry. This is America, right?

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

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[LittleClarkie]

65. Oh please.

Your average Kerry supporter takes that and more, most of the time without the drama routine. "Thank you sir. May I have another?" (SLAP!)

[Name removed]

69. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LittleClarkie]

73. Do what? Express our opinions. Yeah, that's okay.

Would seem to be what the place is for.

All I basically did was express that I thought bringing up 2008 was bull, as well as bringing up Ohio when the man still has lawsuits pending in Ohio that nobody ever wants to give him credit for. Oh. The horror.

I've been called an apologist, a bot, a sychophant, a paid shill, a Kerry staffer, a DLC operative, among other things.

Generally, with a few exceptions, as nobody's perfect, I've not resorted to becoming a drama queen and crying about how my I guess I'm not allowed to express my opinions and such.

And I will defend other supporters and their chosen pols when they are being criticized unfairly as well. Bullshit is bullshit, regardless. Dean isn't a waffler, Clark isn't a Republican in Dem's clothing, and so on.

[Name removed]

103. Deleted message

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[Crunchy Frog]

102. Actually, I've found Kerry types to be among the more tolerant

on this board. I don't tow the line either, but I've never had any problems with the Kerry people here. In general I've found that they are respectful towards people who are respectful towards them. A little respect can go a long way. You should try it sometime.

Kerry's not my guy for '08, but I'm glad that he's speaking out. I'm glad about anyone speaking out strongly against the Chimp Administration right now.

[LittleClarkie]

105. Right on

And I've found Clarkies generally the same, as long as a person shows they're not replaying the primaries with Kerry good, Clark and Dean and Edwards and anyone else bad.

I've been pretty proud of all of them lately.

I think it boils down to each of us knowing our particular guy pretty well, knowing why they do what they do when they do it. So when somebody is unfair to them, we pounce. We're not apologists. We just know our guys.

[WildEyedLiberal]

117. Right on, Crunchy!

:hi:

ALL OUR DEMS fighting these EVIL FUCKS are WONDERFUL in my book.

[BL611]

32. Yes to hell with Clinton and Kerry!!!

Screw nuanced discussion to try to build bridges to those who don't subscribe to the Nation, what the dems need is more self aggrandizing hyperbole to make the lefties feel better while this country goes to hell!!!

CHOMSKY/LAROUCHE '08!!!!

[BSDRebel]

37. i appreciate the sarcasm

and I had a good laugh with yoru post. I'm not your enemy.

Nuanced discussion these days seems to be catchwords for "bend over and take it up the butty". There are ways to be standing firm on your values without being a Fidel Castro-type firebrand. Surely we can find a way to do it. Kerry's just not the man. He didn't show the leadership qualities that I thought he should show. He buckled under attacks from the right-wing. He conceded the election early. And guys, in case you haven't noticed, he's real boring...REALLY boring.

But, I'm from another country, so what do I know...

[BL611]

41. You're entitled to your opinion

however mine is not that Kerry "buckled under attacks from the right wing", but that (much like any other fairly recent dem Presidential nominee) he had to twist himself into a pretzel to appease the lefties, the narrow interest groups, and to try to still look acceptable to the 75% of the American public that doesn't fall into those categories. Clinton did it, (with more then a little help from Perot), Kerry's not Clinton nor are many others. So either the left should find a way to clone Clinton (who many on this site don't like anyway) or cut out the circular firing squad crap, and try to find a coherent platform palatable to the majority of Americans. You can't fault Kerry for that.

[BSDRebel]

43. well, I agree

Better a clinton.

But, Kerry's no Clinton. I still say, "next candidate". I would have said John Edwards was better, if the Clinton "look" is what you're going for.

[Mass]

45. So how do you know he is boring, though I disagree totally with your

assessment of Kerry.

But everyone has the right to be wrong, but repeating Rovian talking points is not going to bring you anywhere.

[BSDRebel]

48. jesus...

did you see him on TV?

Clinton had thousands of times more Charisma! John Edwards had better charisma! Dean had better charisma. Even Al Sharpton had better rapport.

Come on, the guy's called "Lurch" for a reason. When I saw Kerry, I saw the same old "lather, rinse, repeat" catch phrases given to him by his advisors. "Opening firehouses in Iraq, closing them down here", etc. etc. etc.

Can't a person think Kerry's boring on DU without getting assailed? My god!

I also resent that you're comparing me to Rove fanatics. I'm a bonafide, Latino progressive with socialist bents, and who admires the likes of Malcolm X, Che Guevara, and Hugo Chavez. No right-wing admiration for people like Rove here, thank you very much.

[Mass]

51. That may be your opinion. but that does not make it a general truth.

And sorry, whether you are a progressive or not, you are repeating Rove's talking points repeated by a RW media. And Lurch is a RW talking point.

Cant people see a little farther than repeating these things.

[BSDRebel]

57. ok,

what's an acceptable description of boring for you?

I'm not the only one who thinks that way. I went to vote with 6 other people I personally pulled to go vote (they weren't going to, they were watching TV). I personally pulled 6 more people to vote Kerry in my neighborhood. And even THEY thought he was boring.

Not all Democrat party supporting people just blindly worship their leaders.

[Name removed]

92. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[karynnj]

54. Clinton may have more charisma - but is there a single line from

any of Clinton's speeches that you remember now. Kerry has one that is still remembered from 1971! Somehow, Kerry did beat Dean, Edwards and Sharpton pretty badly in Iowa (where people got to know them) and in the other primary states.

Your use of a RW slur doesn't improve your argument. As to boring, the author of Tour of Duty mentioned that Kerry's work on the POW/MIA committee would make a book itself. How many pages would it take to tell the story of your life and how interesting would it be. When Senator Kerry ever retires he could well have the most interesting biography of his generation - and he writes beautifully.

[mtnsnake]

56. BSDRebel, I agree with everything you've said. Kerry most certainly

is boring and not only that but he's as unclear as he is boring. During his pathetic campaign, not only did the swing voters not know what he stood for, but even his own supporters couldn't figure it out from his speeches. Hazy as all hell.

Having said that, Kerry is a good man. I just hope to all getout that he never runs for president again. We DO need someone with WAY more charisma than he had, just like you mentioned. Kerry reminds me of a taller version of Pat Paulsen, that oldtime straight-faced comedian who spoke in monotones during his routines.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[wisteria]

156. Wow, what John Kerry were you following? Were you actually

listening? Not every politician or even every president has been in the mold of Clinton or Bush. Clinton came with some baggage we found out about the hard way, and many people have issues with both Sharpton and Dean. Edwards just does variations of his "Two America's" speech. Frankly, I want a president that is available 24/7, is smart and articulate and attracts attention based on his policies and ideas not his bad behavior.

[LittleClarkie]

81. If you could perhaps find a way to express your opinions

that didn't sound like they came from the right, perhaps folks wouldn't jump down your throat. Semantics, probably.

Folks may think Kerry was inconsistent as well, and expressed intelligently, I may disagree, but I won't jump on them. But if the same sentiment is expressed with the words "flip flop" I blow a gasket.

We all heard too many things during the campaign that we NEVER want to hear again. It was hard enough to hear them from the Right, let alone what's supposed to be our own side. Maybe you're not aware, but you're pushing certain buttons by using words like "Lurch". I never saw a Lurch graphic come out of our side. Just from the Freepers. Use their terminology, and people will jump on you.

That's just the way the cookie bounces.

[BSDRebel]

91. well, I'm not attuned to Kerry campaign imagery

so, I didn't know much about the Lurch thing. I admit, I read it first at the Freepers site. But still, I mean, at least to me, on this point alone, I thought the right-wingers were right. The guys body shape, facial features, and personality traits seemed so Lurchish to me. Skinny, tall, almost scare-crow imposing, and he was boring.

Still, I thought he was millions of times smarter than Bush, I respected his war time service and his after-war protests in Vietnam, and thought he'd be a better leader. But, I never was totally entranced with him. He was just the lesser of two evils for me.

[LittleClarkie]

93. I didn't start being that way

I thought of him as "Ol Styrofoam Personality", but as I got more disgusted with Bush, I tried to find things I liked about Kerry, so I could un-ABB myself and campaign properly. I didn't think ABB was the way to go about it, as I'd seen that tactic fail before (Dole was nothing but the anti-Clinton, and it wasn't enough.) I was also driven by the fact that my dad had just died, and I desperately needed something to keep me busy.

So I read his books, looked for articles, read books about him, listened to speeches (fell asleep -- see I know what you're talking about). Somewhere around September he got pissed off, and suddenly wasn't boring to listen to anymore. The speeches got better, the debates were great. Then I saw "Going Upriver" and that was all she wrote.

It didn't hurt that the more the right wing attacked his Navy record, the more protective I got of him. My dad was Navy, you see, and I took criticism of him and Max Cleland to heart. Oh my God, I used to be in tears when folks were joke about them and their service, I got so mad. (I hate being such an emotional girlie sometimes).

So, in my fight to de-ABB myself, I sorta overshot the mark. I'm quite fond of the big lug. I know he can be boring as hell, but he's a good man. And great fun when he's pissed off. He's been quite pissed off as of late. One of these days his head is going to explode.

[saracat]

136. I find posts such as this really boring.

Odd. Kerry gives one of the most tremendous speeches of his career, says everything people have been wanting him to say, and some call it "boring"? Some will never be satisfied especially those that do nothing but criticize the good works of others. I am proud of the Kerry speech today and I am proud of the recent Gen. Clark appearances. Dammit, I am even proud of Clinton and I had really been pissed at him recently.I think it is time to encourage all good Dem's to support speeches like Kerry's .And if more Dems would be as proactive as Kerry we would see a real change!
And another thing, if you think actions such as this are "boring" and keep attacking the integrity of those Dems you personally don't "like", without any factual foundation for doing so, you may not be my enemy, but you are NOT on MY side.

[whometense]

50. If we could rate comments here

I'd give that one a ten! :D

[seabeyond]

39. damn good hting there is a lot more of us not into cutting off nose

to spite face huh

kerry has been kicking as for months as dems on this board whine. oh, that is attractive isnt.

curl in a ball,.....

i will say thanks kerry. kick some ass

[Dr Fate]

49. He needs to go on TV and say this to red-staters & non-internet people.

Great speech- but if a tree falls in the woods...

You know the rest.

Kerry and other DEMs need to do more to get these talking points on TV.

A speech to a room full of supporters & transcripts of it on DEM websites is just more preaching to the choir. Great speech John, but WE already know this stuff.

I'd like to see Kerry say some of this on TV-where red-staters and moderates will hear it- Dean, Edwards, Obama & Hilary have had no problem getting TV interviews as of late.

[shance]

53. Im sure he would love to, if only the Republican media would allow it.

Bring back the Fairness Doctrine.

[Dr Fate]

55. Bullshit.Dean, Hillary, Obama, Bill & Edwards have all been on TVrecently.

I call bullshit.

Are you telling me that all the DEMs I listed are "allowed" but Kerry is banned?

More unconfirmed conspiracy BS- sure, the media is stacked against us, but Kerry could go on Larry King, morning news shows, Wolf Blitzer, etc and make his points just like all the DEMs I listed did.

[Dr Fate]

58. ABC website picks up Kerry's quotes:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1140178

[mtnsnake]

61. If Kerry ever said on TV what he says in those emals he sends us,

MSM would be all over it like flies on shit. WTF good do his emails do when they only go to his supporters? Like you said, Dr Fate, he needs to pick his time when the whole world can hear the tough rhetoric coming from him, and that means saying it during a prime time interview. In that respect, he's failed miserably. I don't even bother reading his emails anymore. He doesn't have to convince me, he has to convince Joe Sixpack.

[shance]

125. Don't blame Kerry, place the blame where it belongs.

The Republican media.

[melissinha]

60. JEEZ quit the bickering!!

My God.... we have GOT to stop turning on each other!!!! For heaven's sake! yeah yeah he looks like Lurch, wasn't as charismatic as Clinton, blah blah, blah... but combine his voice with the voices of otehr like Dean, the Clintons, Kennedy, Conyers and the rest of the CBC, AAR.... it could really coalesce if you'd stop the characterizations and look FORWARD!

Ir really liked this speech I think that that the primary argument that really gave weight to the Katrina disaster is that he is showing that in the aftermath of disasters we aren't "go at it alone" people and that this is just the beginning of the "what's in it for all of us" because the disaster exposed all the ugliness.... "No, our challenge is greater - it’s to speak out so loudly that Washington has no choice but to make choices worthy of this great country - choices worthy of the sacrifice of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast and our troops all around the world. "

The wise choice is the way of the Democratic party.... we have always been right we just need to show it carefully and starting framing the damn issues and quit the bickering!

[Wordie]

64. You are absolutely right, melissinha, after all, there isn't going to be

another presidential election for more than three years from now. In the meantime, we all need to pull together. There's too much to do.

We can begin bickering again in '07.

[karynnj]

74. He doesn't look like Lurch (if you want to say something to that effect -

at least use Lincoln) He actually was identified for years as charismatic. Clinton was charming, but in many ways Kerry could be more inspiring. He has a moral clarity that Clinton never will have.

On the other hand, Kerry will never have the exuberant bubbly presonality Clinton had. Although, having seen Kerry in NJ a few weeks ago, he does connect with people and was just a very very nice person - even wading through a crowd of over 500 people to see a woman who had fainted from the heat.

Between the two, there is no doubt in my mind who is more trustworthy. Kerry is a far more honest, decent person. Clinton actually has hurt the party - how many people do you think still vote against the Democrats because of the Monica mess. I don't understand - but that's the answer people gave.

[grasswire]

62. nothing held back, eh? nothing held back?

I'm sorry. I can't believe that this is the full measure of the grievances against George W. Bush by John Kerry.

The real test of John Kerry would be to acknowledge his wife's belief that the election was stolen from him. I'll never get over it. Never. I'll never stop feeling that Skull & Bones loyalty trumped the will of the voters.

[Wordie]

63. We can debate his motives or whatever, but this is an EXCELLENT speech.

Worth reading and disseminating. And he is so right, this is a defining moment for our country.

[welshTerrier2]

68. Iraq?

anything yet?

[karynnj]

70. He said that he will be talking about

several issues including Iraq, national security etc in the weeks to come. (From earlier threads, you might like parts of this speech - though they're not to the level of detail you were spelling out.)

He did say:
On the other hand, if they are up to another "accountability moment" they ought to start by admitting one or two of the countless mistakes in conceiving, "selling", planning and executing their war of choice in Iraq.

I obviously don't expect that to happen. And indeed, there's every reason to believe the President finally acted on Katrina and admitted a mistake only because he was held accountable by the press, cornered by events, and compelled by the outrage of the American people, who with their own eyes could see a failure of leadership and its consequences.

[welshTerrier2]

106. withdrawal ...

i'm hoping that Kerry will finally call for unequivocable withdrawal from Iraq ... no terms, no conditions other than the safe withdrawal of ALL American troops ...

i appreciate that he criticizes virtually everything bush has done in Iraq ... but some still believe we need to continue the occupation in spite of that ... Kerry's criticism of bush is dead on the money but it is nowhere near the message i'm hoping he delivers when he next addresses the subject ...

[butterfly77]

71. Too bad

He didn't lay out a plan when he was running for Pres...He didn't say shit,he was afraid of telling the truth. I say Clark for President like Clark said... I'll beat the shit out of them.

[globalvillage]

75. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

You're wrong.

[butterfly77]

148. Your're wrong

Kerry says what he thinks dems want to hear he didn't say anything about everything that is going on now,these things were going on then but he wouldn't talk about them and if he did, he didn't stress the point no matter what Bush said he should have stressed his main point over and over like Edwards did, even though I got tired of hearing it said the same way. The things are Education,jobs,housing,homeless,
healthcare. As far as the war is the concerned the situation changes everyday so the Repubs would say what is Kerry or the Dems plan and if they said something, they would send out their operatives to a talk show take some of their points and expand on them. As long as they were and are in charge of the war in Iraq they can change things around and lie. Also a long a we keep having these punk ass reporters, media, newspaper people etc... The truth will never get out the only way they will say something is if it effects their money or family, and I mean in that order. These people believe in money before God, family or their country.

[blm]

88. He didn't lay out a plan for what? What campaign did you watch?

The one reported by the corporate media, or the actual campaign that the media only allowed to be seen on Cspan...where, oddly enough, Kerry laid out policy plans on every major issue.

In fact, if you check into all Clark's statements before and after he enetered the race, he aligned with Kerry on just about everything. It was pretty cool...but, then, they were friends for many years, so it's not too surprising.

In fact, Clark was one of the few to back up Kerry after he advocated to congress to allow gays to serve openly in the military.

[Crunchy Frog]

108. Welcome to DU.

You're right about Clark.;)

[Name removed]

113. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[butterfly77]

149. Shut it for me ..

Kerry talks a lot of nuance bullshit! This is why the Repubs portray themselves as winners,when they lie,cheat and steal to get what they want. You want someone who is going to act like a polite nice guy,who
is afraid to tell the truth like Dean does fuck being politically correct! There are no rules when it comes to these dirty evil bastards

[butterfly77]

72. Don't run again Kerry...

A complete waste of time and money,we need a fighter.

[New Earth]

76. yeah sure

and he's sitting on the sidelines at this moment, as we post. :eyes:

[butterfly77]

151. Correct

Clark 2008

[Der Blaue Engel]

137. This is your brain on Fox

But welcome to DU anyway. Stick around, read a bit, and perhaps you'll discover what the fight is truly about and who is fighting for you.

:hi:

[butterfly77]

150. To hell with fox...

I sure would like to know who is fighting for me, I sure haven't seen it. Just because I just began posting here dosen't mean I just becoming politically aware, wake up and get off of fantasy island.

[Goldeneye]

141. Hi you have reached the Democratic Underground.

Unfortunately all our phones are busy right now so we will not be able to take your call. Please leave a message after the beep.


*Beep*

[OzarkDem]

77. Talk is cheap, ante up John

I'll be more than happy to support him when I see him doing something substantive about these problems.

[globalvillage]

79. Like what?

Seriously. This is what he's done re Katrina. Some talk, some action. I'll let you sort that out. There's a trip to Iraq in there somewhere.
What, exactly, are you looking for him to do? Better yet, who has done more?
This is the Democratic Party, isn't it? As yet, I haven't heard from half the invitees.


8/29-30?
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands of families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Katrina's unprecedented devastation has cost those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi their homes, their loved ones, even their lives. Our great nation must come together to comfort and bring relief to those in the Gulf Coast suffering from this blow. Local leaders and National Guard forces have bravely started the effort, but they need all of our help. Please visit the link below to learn how you can help our fellow Americans affected by Hurricane Katrina.
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/home.cfm

8/31
Dear XXXXXXXXX,
This is a time for all Americans to pull together and do everything we can to assist people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
If you haven't acted already, I urge you to join in delivering immediate help to the people who need it most. One way to do that is to support the relief and recovery efforts of the Red Cross with a personal donation.

8/31

"Hurricane Katrina devastated significant portions of the Gulf Coast and disrupted millions of lives but she didn’t and couldn’t destroy the spirit of endurance, bravery, generosity and compassion we have been witnessing during the relief and rescue operations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as they struggle with the aftermath of this devastating storm, and to their loved ones and families viewing the disturbing photos coming out of the region. Now is the time for all of us to come together to help the evacuees, refugees and survivors and rebuild the communities that have lost so much.
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2005_08_...

9/2
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as they struggle with the aftermath of this devastating storm, and to their loved ones and families viewing the disturbing photos coming out of the region. I also would like to commend the brave men and women who are leading the rescue operations; from emergency service officers to health care professionals to the power and water crews working around the clock to save lives.
“Hurricane Katrina devastated significant portions of the Gulf Coast and disrupted millions of lives. The situation in New Orleans is heartbreaking.
www.johnkerry.com


9/2
JK has been in Iraq - He is on his way home
"Senator Kerry was in Iraq in January and wanted to go again to thank our troops for their service, talk with military commanders about the situation on the ground and meet with Iraqi government officials as they work to establish a democracy in Iraq."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...


9/6

LOTT : John Kerry called my wife Tricia and me at our home -- I don't remember -- two or three days ago and said he and Teresa wanted to help. And I identified what we needed and he said, "Where can we land the plane?" And I told him. And I assigned a staff member to coordinate with him.
http://lott.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleas...

9/7
Dear XXXXXXXXX,
"More tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans are off the table." Those are the words that America is waiting to hear from President Bush. At a time of crisis and enormous need, it should be an easy decision for him to make. He could make the announcement tomorrow.

There is hurt and suffering all around us. Estimates are that it will cost as much as $150 billion to help the hard-hit people and communities of the Gulf Coast get back on their feet following Katrina's devastation. And the Bush administration's failed policies in Iraq are draining billions of dollars from our treasury every month.

But still, Republican leaders refuse to abandon their obsession with granting still more tax cuts to the wealthy and well-connected. Don't let them get away with it.

Sign our "Don't You Dare" petition right now.

http://www.johnkerry.com/petition/taxcuts.php

9/8

Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., center, speaks as Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., left, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., second right, and Sen. Harry Reid,D-Nev., look on at a news conference at the Capitol, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005, in Washington. Congress hurried toward approval Thursday of an emergency aid package that would spend well over $1 billion a day for recovery needs of victims of Hurricane Katrina. Democrats and Republicans agreed that much had gone wrong
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/pl/021103kerry&c...

9/8
And Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, said in an interview: "It's a summary of all that this administration is not in touch with and has faked and ducked and bobbed over the past four years. What you see here is a harvest of four years of complete avoidance of real problem solving and real governance in favor of spin and ideology."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/08/national/nationalspec...

9/9
John Kerry Offers Major Package of Legislation to Help Small Businesses, Others Devastated by Hurricane Katrina
WASHINGTON - With estimates that more than 400,000 jobs will be lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Senator John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) today unveiled a package of emergency economic aid and federal assistance for small businesses and others reeling from the destruction in the Gulf Coast.
“It is clear that our government failed the people of the Gulf Coast. In time, those responsible will be held accountable for what has gone right and what has gone wrong. Right now, we need to make up for lost time and help any way we can, and that means targeting the fastest relief possible,” said Senator Kerry. “Every small business we can help will help a hard-working family start to put the pieces of their lives back together. We should help small businesses rebuild themselves and these communities.”

9/9
Senator Kerry's office just called me! Someone is listening!!!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

9/9
John Kerry Offers Major Package of Legislation to Help Small Businesses, Others Devastated by Hurricane Katrina
WASHINGTON - With estimates that more than 400,000 jobs will be lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Senator John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) today unveiled a package of emergency economic aid and federal assistance for small businesses and others reeling from the destruction in the Gulf Coast.
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=245483


9/10
Kerry set to deliver supplies
By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | September 10, 2005

WASHINGTON — Senator John F. Kerry has chartered a plane to deliver supplies to the New Orleans area tomorrow and is accepting donations in Boston to make deliveries in the coming weeks.

Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, has coordinated local and national corporate donations that will be part of tomorrow’s delivery to a supply distribution center in Baton Rouge, La.

http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=493


(?)
Yesterday, I traveled to Louisiana to deliver emergency supplies to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to generous contributions from many Massachusetts-based and national corporations, a 757-jet was sent full of food, water, children's shoes, toiletries and other emergency items for the people of the Gulf Coast. The jet -- donated by the UPS for the relief flight -- took off from Logan airport and arrived in Lafayette, Louisiana, where the goods were loaded up and distributed to centers in New Iberia (near Lafayette) and Baker (near Baton Rouge). The UPS said the payload of the plane was 48,000 pounds.

http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/home.cfm

9/12
Senator John Kerry on Resignation of FEMA Director
BATON ROUGE - Below is a statement from Senator John Kerry on the resignation of FEMA Director Michael Brown.
“Long overdue. Too little, too late.”
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=245622

9/12
Hurricane Katrina raises concerns over transition to digital
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/12/2005

A massive breakdown in communications after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast—nearly four years after the devastating mishaps following 9/11—has brought the issue of emergency communications into the spotlight on Capitol Hill.
“I am closely following the communications failures in Katrina-hit areas,” says Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.). “As Congress soon tackles the DTV transition, we must be mindful of these challenges and ensure public safety, emergency response and interoperability remain our paramount focus.”
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6255754.html...
Adding:
Communications in a Disaster
Full Committee Hearing
Thursday, September 22 2005 - 10:00 AM - Dirksen 562


9/13
“This Administration still hasn’t figured out the difference between spin and leadership. The President has done the obvious, only after it was clear he couldn’t get away with the inexcusable. President Bush has accepted Michael Brown’s resignation and admitted the buck stops in the Oval Office. But there are a lot of survivors who want to know whether this will change anything. Does the White House even understand the problem? The Administration had four years after September 11th to get this right, and they were caught unforgivably unprepared to deal with a major emergency here at home. Do they now understand that our government’s efforts and resources have been going to the wrong priorities? What are they doing to make sure this never happens again other than talking tough talk?”
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=245659


9/15
WASHINGTON - Today the Senate passed legislation proposed by Senator John Kerry (D - Mass.) that will provide financial support to National Guard and Reservists through immediate tax relief to their employers affected by Hurricane Katrina.

http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=245857

9/15
"Leadership isn't a speech or a toll-free number. Leadership is getting the job done. No American doubts that New Orleans will rise again, they doubt the competence and commitment of this Administration. Weeks after Katrina, Americans want an end to politics-as-usual that leaves them dangerously and unforgivably unprepared. Americans want to know that their government will be there when it counts with leadership that keeps them safe, not speeches in the aftermath to explain away the inexcusable."
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=245870


9/19
Senator John Kerry's Speech at Brown University
<snip>
The administration is recycling all their failed policies and shipping them to Louisiana. After four years of ideological excess, these Washington Republicans have a bad hangover - and they can't think of anything to offer the Gulf Coast but the hair of the dog that bit them.
And amazingly - or perhaps not given who we're dealing with - this massive reconstruction project will be overseen not by a team of experienced city planners or developers, but according to the New York Times, by the Chief of Politics in the White House and Republican Party, none other than Karl Rove - barring of course that he is indicted for "outing" an undercover CIA intelligence officer.
Katrina is a symbol of all this administration does and doesn't do. Michael Brown - or Brownie as the President so famously thanked him for doing a heck of a job - Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to "Mission Accomplished" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: The "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done.
This is the Katrina administration.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/091905E.shtml

[OzarkDem]

80. Sorry

As much as I would like to see some substantive action in there, it just hasn't happened.

How about some hardball tactics in the senate to push for a fair investigation of Katrina or push for Dem influence on the spending bill that was passed?

How about some hardball tactics to stop the screwing of sick elderly people who will lose prescription drug coverage under Bush's new plan?

When Kerry and others decide to get out the baseball bats in the Senate to get some real work done, I'll be behind them all the way, as will everyone else on this forum.

Bush is weak and unpopular right now. Dems have nothing to lose and everything to gain by fighting to preserve our country.

[globalvillage]

82. Sorry, too.

I see legislation, appeals to supporters, aid to the gulf and a trip to Iraq in there. Kerry is not our only Dem senator. What have we seen from our other Dem Congress people?
I have heard from a few, but nothing near what Kerry has done.
I did not list trips to NJ to stump for Dem candidates (last weekend, I think four campaign stops). I left out what he's said and done in Mass.
Why bust on Kerry when there are so many who are doing so little? Kerry is not the only member of the Dem party.

[OzarkDem]

83. Its tough love

[globalvillage]

87. I used that on my kids.

It works. But when did something really, really good, I gave them a cookie and a pat on the head.
That works, too.

[OzarkDem]

153. Try to remember

When Dems stood for ideals, made tough choices and took the heat for those choices, even if it meant they wouldn't win or get what they wanted.

When we start to see our Dem leaders in Congress vote against Roberts nomination, for instance, knowing it won't matter, but taking a stand anyway - then we'll be on our way to getting the majority back in Congress.

I'm beginning to wonder if any of these Dem leaders could have stood strong through the passage of the Civil Rights Act in Congress, for example.

I realize these are all old fashioned ideas of leadership - standing on principle regardless of the outcome; speaking out on tough issues, etc. But I guess I'm an old fashioned Democrat and I believe in strong leadership.

Its truly sad to see that leadership has become a matter of convenience for so many Dems these days. Its sad that the best strategy our leaders can come up with is to wait for the other team to fail badly enough for Dems to win by default.

[fedupinBushcountry]

89. Oh really

Do you realize that we are the minority with only 44 votes. Give me a break.

Did you watch as the admendments of every Dem were turned down the other day. Did you watch as Kerry and Landreiu had an admendment for Small Businesses and that the only way it was passed was to put a Republican name on it and take out a few of the things Kerry wanted to improve things in New Orleans. Did you watch as on party lines they turned down the admendment for an Independent Investigation on Katrina?

Did you watch the Gas gouging Hearing that the Dems put on today, and that not one Republican attended and also not one Energy person who were invited, what are they afraid of?

Please don't speak for everyone in this forum, you surely do not speak for me.

This is not about "we" it is about "us".

2006 is very important, so instead of putting down Dems how about backing them.

But for those who still believe in the great tradition of Americans doing great things together, it's time we started acting like it. We can never compete with the go-it- alone crowd in appeals to selfishness. We can't afford to be pale imitations of the other side in playing the 'what's in it for me' game. Instead, it's time we put our appeals where our hearts are - asking the American people to make our country as strong, prosperous, and big-hearted as we know we can be - every day. It's time we framed every question - every issue - not in terms of what's in it for 'me,' but what's in it for all of us?

[globalvillage]

90. It broke my heart

that they had to put Olympia Snowe's name on that amendment to get it passed. After a good floor speech the day before by Sen Kerry.
I guess he had to do it because it was the right thing to do, but still...
It's just sad that it takes an 'R' to get legislation passed.

[LittleClarkie]

96. And when they do

people say "Oh, so they thought it was safe to jump on the bandwagon now. Pathetic!"

Same difference really. I hope in some ways they don't pay attention to us.

[zulchzulu]

116. B-R-A-V-O!!!

Whenever I hear mealy-mouthed circular firing squad doofusses say Kerry hasn't done anything, I always conclude they haven't gotten a jackshit idea of what Kerry HAS been doing.

No, they don't interrupt TV reality shows to say what Kerry has been doing...maybe that's why a lot of people are so damn lazy and clueless.

[butterfly77]

152. Another loss

Between Kerry and Diebold another loss is what your going to get. This is no time for the same old, same old nuance garbage.

[OzarkDem]

154. Agree, its time for bold action

not apologies and excuses.

[zulchzulu]

155. So basically you're suggesting anyone and Diebold is pointless...

I tend to agree.

Who would you suggest that would make a difference and who did you vote for in the 2004 primaries...

[butterfly77]

161. I would suggest that...

these so called Democrats get off their asses and fight right now to change these voting machines. I also suggest what in the hell are they waiting for to find someone to go against these repugs in the 2006 election. I believe they should also find someone to go against these repugs who win year after year,in so called red states. They may be surprise at what they might win. Bush is vunerable and so are the keystone cops in the congress,senate and other repugs. Let's go get em! I voted for Clark.

[LittleClarkie]

85. Like legislation to help the small businesspeople down there?

Nah, that can't be it...

[alfredo]

84. Liked his opening joke

Brown, a "Football Factory"? Love it.

"It's rare for me to speak at a university like Brown. Usually I don't speak at a football factory"

[NNadir]

86. I keep getting emails from Kerry too.

I supported him heartily and heavily when he got the nomination. One gets the feeling he is still running for President, though.

He's not my first choice for the 2008 nominee, assuming that the 2008 nomination can over-ride Diebold.

[fedupinBushcountry]

94. Did he mention 2008?

Seems to me that he wants "us" to keep our voices loud, and demand answers. To bad you are to interested in 2008 to pay attention to what is happening in 2005, and to get votes for Democrats in 2006.

[INdemo]

98. Hes gonna run again

I did'nt look at it like that..I think he is doing very well about keeping us informed and of course he will run in 2008 and I cant think of anyone more qualified.....(After all technically by rights he should be running for reelection then)And yes he will be a great help for those running in 2006..

[LittleClarkie]

100. Indeed, when folks say "He's running for 2008" I feel like saying

GOOD!

[NNadir]

101. I AM interested in now. I just don't need Kerry to repeat what I know.

I think he's also thinking about 2008.

I am certainly thinking about 2006, when I'm hoping for an impeachment ready congress. I just don't think that Kerry is a good candidate any more. It shouldn't have even been close, Diebold and everything.

I'm sorry, but I don't think you get it. It doesn't happen to be true that hanging on John Kerry's every word is the equivalent of caring about your country.

Bush should have been like his immediate superiors in the Presidential ranking, James Buchanan and Franklin Pierce, a one term wonder. It is a disgrace that he is still in the White House, and like it or not, Kerry is involved in that outcome.

[fedupinBushcountry]

107. Hey listen

you have your opinion and I have mine. So don't tell me I don't get it. Common sense tells me I do. Please don't tell me how I choose to care about my country, you don't know me and you have no right to question my support of someone, this is America right?

The blame game is getting pretty tiresome here.

[LittleClarkie]

109. Neither is letting one's bitterness toward an individual

color how they react to the words of that person.

I don't care who says it. Clark, Kerry, Dean, Edwards or even Hillary, whom I do NOT care for. The one I know the best is Kerry, but any Democrat moving in the right direction has my support. They've all been saying good things this past week and making noise. Good for them.

Put your bitterness aside and join me, won't you? Pretend it's somebody you like. The words are good, even if the guy saying them annoys you.

[NNadir]

110. Fair enough. The words are indeed good.

I am very, very bitter about every event in the Bush era.

I feel that my country has been destroyed and that there was no one, including myself, who was able to stop it.

Look, I never really got over the 2000 election. Give me some time. I will not be supporting John Kerry in 2008, but if he is the nominee, I will do my best for him, just as I did in 2004.

[WildEyedLiberal]

97. THIS IS THE BEST DEM SPEECH SO FAR.

AND SOME OF YOU IDIOTS HAVE THE GALL TO BITCH.

This speech, these ideas, these hopes, these beliefs, are WHY I AM A DEMOCRAT. ANYONE who said these remarkable words should be praised from every rooftop by every liberal in America. If Dean had said them, I would still have a lump in my throat; if Clinton, if Clark, if Boxer, if Conyers, if any of OUR DEMS had said this, I (and you all) would be weeping with joy at the TRUTH. But SOME of you petty assholes - and I don't know if you're trolls at this point, or just chronically stupid - refuse to applaud ANYTHING, no matter how good it is, if it comes from the mouth or the office of John Kerry. Well, FUCK YOU. If you cannot recognize a BRILLIANT SPEECH for what it is, then you are beyond all hope.

Some of you hate John Kerry as much as you claim to hate Bush - that is evident. Those of you for whom that is true, feel free to do everything in your power to oppose every good work he does. Justify your actions however you want; you always do. I, and the other Democrats on this site who are committed to restoring America to what it is capable of being - a force for good in the world - will resoundinly praise any and every good liberal who will help us get to where we want to go. And when we claim victory, when we win America back from the fascists and the thugs and the jackboots, you will try to claim the victory as your own as well, and I will reject you as coldly as I will the former fascists who will scramble and plead for forgiveness once they are out of power. If you oppose the words and works of those prominent Democrats who are fighting the neocons, then you are aiding and abetting the neocons. Period.

[TayTay]

99. Yeah, what she said

And that was a wicked good speech. Honest, that was a really good ass-kicking for people who should have their asses kicked.

Nice job, Senator. Nice job.

[globalvillage]

104. WEL...

You rock. I swear, you do.

[sandnsea]

111. You Go WEL!!!

That's givin' 'em the old one-two.

[Hailtothechimp]

112. Well said. I agree completely.

I'll take Kerry over Hillary in 2008. But I still think Obama can shut them all down. We'll see.

[rockymountaindem]

114. Woo hoo!!!

:toast:

[politicasista]

115. Amen WEL!

:yourock:

[zulchzulu]

118. Cheers!

I really don't get Kerry bashers. OK, I get it. They are too lazy to figure it out.

[fedupinBushcountry]

122. Thank you

:patriot:

[Firespirit]

124. Say it like it is

If you have to take something like this and dissect it and lessen it, then you're just as cold-blooded as the Rove brigade who put everything in a partisan context. If you say "he should back it up with DEEEEEDS" then either you don't know what he has BEEN doing, or you are doing a 180 on the earlier criticism ("who cares what bills he sponsors; we need people SAYING IT LIKE IT IZZZZ") in an increasingly desperate attempt to justify hating him.

What he said should transcend party and touch everyone who wants to make the country better. If you have to tear it to pieces in order to make it into something you can understand -- something with no deeper meaning, merely well-crafted political rhetoric -- then that makes you no different from the neocon spokespeople who will also attempt to dismiss it as such.

[txindy]

130. Wow. Amen! Just.... Amen!

Well put! :applause: :yourock:

[ultraist]

119. I have quite a lot of respect for Kerry...

But...

Katrina is a symbol of all this administration does and doesn't do. Michael Brown -- or Brownie as the President so famously thanked him for doing a heck of a job -- Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to "Mission Accomplished" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: the "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done.

WTF? Sorry, but he still sounds like an old wind bag. It's no wonder people felt they didn't really know him. He always takes the looooong way to get there....zzz

[WildEyedLiberal]

121. What??

I think naming *each and every example* of Republican corruption is brilliant. How many times in the past week have you thought about Tom Delay? Take that divided by 1000, and that's how many times average, non-political people have thought about Delay since he's been out of the 6 o clock news. This part just brings back all of the GOP's grandly corrupt fuck ups, and I loved it.

[Mass]

123. Well, this is excellent.

Sorry you dont like it, but at least, it reminds people that BUSH IS RESPONSIBLE, and this without any ambiguity.

[LittleClarkie]

126. Yer kidding. That was the best part to me

You just pulled out what I considered the best part.

Eh, to each his own I guess.

[txindy]

129. And if he left a single one of those out, there'd be complaints, too

I'm sorry you don't like information. I do.

[ultraist]

143. I didn't say I don't like the info, did I?

I said I think his style of communication is not one that reaches the masses. Granted, he kicked ass in the debates, thank God for the little red light and timer. lol

But really, who can deny that Kerry took the long way to get there? That has to be the longest run on sentence I've yet to see in an email. It's NOT an effective way to communicate to the masses.

[txindy]

144. As if the masses actually paid attention or had access to this speech

But they don't and they won't. Even if they did, the masses need to learn what is happening in this country without having to rely on someone who talks like Tarzan. "DeLay liar. * bad. KKKarl traitor. Impeach. Ugh." :eyes:

[ultraist]

145. Talk like "Tarzan?" Did Bill Clinton talk like Tarzan?

I think not. He spoke in such a way that the large majority of Americans HEARD and UNDERSTOOD what he was saying.

A strong candidate MUST be able to reach the people. PERIOD.

[txindy]

146. Any candidate must have a forum. Period.

And Senator Kerry isn't a candidate, anymore, so the M$M is ignoring him completely, except in Boston.

Clinton was the President. He had the attention of the media and the people. Apples and oranges.

[karynnj]

147. The sentence was part of a speech

As such, it was meant to be read and reads beautifully. If he were writing something that was not to be spoken, he would have written it differently.

Bill Clinton often had laundy list type parts of his speeches - the structure is not that different. Kerry was speaking primarily to Brown students. The speech is an impressive call to becoming actively involved in demanding alternatives to the Bush agenda in addition to a scathing indictment of the Bush administration. Out of all the Democrats he gave the most positive vision of what we should try to get in the future.

[bluedawg12]

120. This frames the issues superbly and lasers them

with the hot light of truth.

Wether or not you agree that Sen. Kerry is right for '08, is not the point, we need words like these and we need ideas like these to start to get a cohenrence to our thoughts about such fast moving world events.

I say Bravo!

[wisteria]

127. If we all sit back and do nothing then we get what we deserve!

How can we allow the Bush administration to make gains and use this tragedy to their advantage? They shouldn't benefit from their own blunders and lying statements claiming they were the party of security. I'm tired of this administration making statements they know aren't true. I am tired of Bush and other repubs benefiting from 9/11. I intend to do all I can to help John Kerry. I want everyone to see what we have know for over four years now, the Bush administration has it all wrong and is following a crooked path.

[Independent_Liberal]

131. Kicking for Kerry!

[welshTerrier2]

132. Dear John and his supporters ...

There are many things right about Kerry's speech ... the most critical point he made, and this needs to become the central core of the Party's campaign themes, is that not only did Katrina expose a "broader pattern of incompetence and negligence" but it exposed "a truly systemic effort to distort and disable the people's government" ... the distinction here is that Kerry is saying bush and the neo-cons have INTENTIONALLY disabled our government ... the conduct he's talking about is TREASON ... there's a famous saying attributed to Napoleon: "never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence." ... Kerry ascribed BOTH to the bush administration ...

Kerry also got the post-Katrina plans right although i think Democrats should also point out that bush is "just throwing money at the problem" without building the necessary infrastructure and citizen oversight to ensure New Orleans is rebuilt with the best interests of the citizens in mind ...

and Kerry was right on again when he focused on "special interests" ... this included his comments on "a few oil companies", windfall profits taxes and lobbyists writing environmental laws ...

which brings me to that magic place that Mr. Kerry seems to understand but thus far has been unwilling to go ... the US policy in Iraq has always been policy written by and for the sole benefit of "special interests" ... does Kerry believe that the only issue that needs to be addressed regarding Big Oil is a windfall profits tax? i know that he doesn't ... just as he complained about lobbyists writing environmental policy, so should he complain about the oil industry writing our foreign policy ... Iraq is about oil ... it is using American lives and American taxpayer dollars to do the bidding of the oil industry and they have been raking in the dough in the tens of billions ...

neither Mr. Kerry nor the Democratic Party will succeed if either refuses to engage this battle INCLUDING THE FALSE OBJECTIVES bush has for Iraq ... it is NOT enough to say bush lied to get us to go to war ... it is NOT enough to say that bush has mishandled the war and alienated our allies ... it is NOT enough to talk about a diplomatic process that could still save the day ... nothing good can be achieved in Iraq because those with their greedy paws on the levers of power are there FOR FALSE OBJECTIVES ... you push one policy when you really want an end to the violence; you push another when you want to prolong the occupation ... you push one approach when you really want to build a democratic government; you push another when you want to install yet more US puppets ... the US has failed in Iraq, and must fail in Iraq, because of the very things Kerry demonstrated an understanding of with regard to the abuses of big oil and the abuses of special interest lobbyists ...

if Kerry is willing to label the crimes against our democracy and the treason against the best interests of our country on domestic issues, as he did in this speech, he should have the courage and the understanding to take the next step of extending bush's modus operandi to Iraq ... and if he does, if he gives a face to the candidateless anti-war MAJORITY, he will truly have put himself back in the game ...

[karynnj]

138. I like your analysis of the speech

This really seems the strongest, most coherent speech any Democrat has given on what Bush and all are doing. To me it seems (on the domestic issues) to have a parallel to his 1971 speech - where in both cases he makes very strong comments on where the government is doing wrong, then appeals to listeners to try to change the course we are on. (It is ironic that he will get considerably less coverage for this speech as a Senator and former Presidential candidate than he did as a kid.)

I really wonder what he will say on Iraq - he's said that we have one last chance to get it right - at least twice - and each time his stated plan for how to stabalize things and get out has become more complicated as the situation worsened. The July plan seemed to try to make our presence less obvious probably in recognition that we are the focus and cause of much of the rage. I hope he at least spells out that Bush's actions have never been consistent with his stated goal.

I think we're lucky to have Kerry to articulate these things. It is very hard to portray him as an angry lunatic , because he manages to sound reasonable and rational even as he makes tough charges.

[welshTerrier2]

140. time to declare war on those supporting continued occupation

i am patiently waiting to hear what Kerry has to say on Iraq ... and trust me, my patience on Iraq ran out more than three years ago even before the IWR ...

the American people are now strongly against continued occupation and yet most Democrats refuse to represent them ... what kind of democracy are we running here???

so my "drop deadline" is October 15 ... any candidates who have not called for either immediate or near-term (less than 3 months) withdrawal by that date will become the opposition ... i cannot continue to "tread softly" with Democrats who allow this war to go on any longer ...

people are dying in Iraq everyday and enough is enough ... the policy makes no sense to anyone ... the whole thing is madness and still we have "representatives" who don't represent us ... there is no tap dancing allowed anymore ... you're either for getting us the hell out of there or you are for CONTINUED OCCUPATION ...

and those who refuse to represent us by calling for more war will be our enemies ... it is time to stop the madness; the majority can no longer be denied ...

[blm]

159. Very thoughtful analysis.....really deserves its own thread...

but should be addressed to ALL Dems.

His charge against their plans for New Orleans has not received much notice, and I think the corporate media will downplay it or outright ignore it.

[DemBones DemBones]

133. Will the media cover this?

Or will it be back-to-Aruba again?

[TheDonkey]

139. You know the MSM! Let's have some specials about Brad & Angelina

because real news makers are boring.

[lateo]

142. Booya!

I love this quote.

The Katrina Administration

Katrina is a symbol of all this administration does and doesn't do. Michael Brown -- or Brownie as the President so famously thanked him for doing a heck of a job -- Brownie is to Katrina what Paul Bremer is to peace in Iraq; what George Tenet is to slam dunk intelligence; what Paul Wolfowitz is to parades paved with flowers in Baghdad; what Dick Cheney is to visionary energy policy; what Donald Rumsfeld is to basic war planning; what Tom Delay is to ethics; and what George Bush is to "Mission Accomplished" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The bottom line is simple: the "we'll do whatever it takes" administration doesn't have what it takes to get the job done.

This sums them up perfectly.

[second edition]

160. He seems to be saying that we have to do some of the work

ourselves if we want change. We have got to get motivated, stay motivated and fight for our America. I'm with him! The Neocon/Bush philosophy prominent in the US now has got to go. It is bad for America. The Republican welfare for the rich and capitalism (fend for yourself- we don't care) for the poor has got to go.

[burythehatchet]

165. been here for about 4 years John

glad you decided to join us.