Breaking! Kerry won't run for election!

[Auntie Bush]

According to MSNBC!

I like Kerry but I'm kind of glad!

[galadrium]

1. I'm with you... Kerry is damaged goods. nt

[Hoosier Dem]

2. I'm glad he's not running...

I think he saved himself a lot of embarassment. He just doesn't have the popularity to win the nomination again.

[BrainRants]

This Kerry '04 supporter agrees with you.

Time for new blood.
(unless Gore decides to throw down again, I'd back him again)

[MonkeyFunk]

3. That's probably wise

[Clark2008]

4. Hubby just emailed to tell me this.

[SoFlaJet]

5. damn shame

I saw him last night the first guy running out after the SOTU and said to my wife "It's too bad, he would have been 10 times the president this guy is" she said-anybody would

[smoogatz]

6. He made the right choice.

Lots of heavy hitters in the field this time around; he probably wouldn't have finished better than 5th.

[Tin Man]

10. Agreed. n/t

[Tellurian]

39. Glad he saw the light...

This race would have been an excruciating defeat for him to live with
and a huge physical drain on his health. We need him where he can do the most good,
right there as a Sr Senator. If Democrats get the chance to retake the WH, I'm
sure there will be an outstanding position open for him there.

[AtomicKitten]

84. I have not said anything negative

about Kerry dropping out - yet I'm being attacked on these boards today anyway, so I may as well, right? What's the point in trying to get along? All I see now is some turning viciously on Hillary. Even though I don't support her in primary, that's pretty shitty politics. DU can be such a not nice place sometimes. Is that what we have to look forward to? Feh.

[madfloridian]

7. I hope there will not be any gloating....

by some people here. I hope there will not be. I think it would turn a lot of people off.

Kerry is a good man and a good senator.

[benny05]

12. He is a very good senator

And his decision is pragmatic. He's doing what's right for the American people and abroad. His voice in the Senate is strong and good.

[Auntie Bush]

33. I don't think you have to worry!

We all voted for Kerry and stood behind him. I also think he makes an excellent senator and I'm glad to have him in the Senate fighting for us Democrats. I feel for ALL Kerry supporters. Clarkies know how horrible i t feels to have their candidate drop out...and it isn't pleasant. :hug: Please accept my condolences! I'm sure you'll do the same for us if Clark doesn't run or eventually drops out.

[ronnykmarshall]

41. I love John Kerry.

I was crushed in 2004 when he "lost".

[Tom Rinaldo]

76. I agree with you MF, completely. And I hope there won't be vultures either

I trust John Kerry to always do what he believes is right for our country. I do not say that about everyone in politics, whatever political party they are in. I think John Kerry would have made an excellent President of the United States had he been allowed to take the oath of office in January 2005. I like hearing John Kerry's voice in all of the important issues facing our nation, I find him both thoughtful and passionate and almost always right. He would have added much substance to the 2008 Democratic contest, there is nothing to gloat about about him not being part of it. Now I know that he will continue his efforts to be a leader for our Party and for us in the U.S. Senate at a time when we need leadership. We just gained a fragile majority, and several other leading Democrats are looking past their work in the Senate toard their own Presidential runs. John Kerry will be there, on the job, and I trust him to do an excellent job.

When the person I supported in the 2004 Primaries dropped out, I did not want to hear supporters of other candidates come knocking on my virtual door within hours telling me how welcome I would be to join them in supporting their own candidate. I kind of already assumed that, you know? But I wanted to reach that decision on my own timeline in my own way. For John Kerry's supporters who already have picked another Democrat to work for, fine, and good luck to them. For those who are not ready to do so, I respect them taking all of the time they need to decide where their political energies will be focused on next.

It may well not even be on another Democratic candidate. I only hope that they know that their own contributions, just like that of John Kerry, are still sorely needed by this nation. Actually I am confident that they already know that. I am confident they will remain an important part of the progressive political movement.

[FrenchieCat]

8. I respect John Kerry's Decision....and so Wes Clark must run, OR

We have 7 men and 1 woman on the Democratic side.

If Wes doesn't run, our candidates will be called a Disney Cartoon for an entire year....
they will be labeled.....SNOW WHITE AND THE 7 DWARFS! WATCH! :(

[patricia92243]

17. Hillary being call Snow White would be a good thing. Everybody loves Snow White.

[FrenchieCat]

32. Yep...good for her, bad for the others.....

and ridicule as a whole.

Sorry, but I choose not to have my candidates characterized as a Disney Cartoon.

Good for you if you are happy about this and find it fitting!

[noamnety]

49. and why wouldn't everybody love Snow White?

What's not to love about an empty-headed ditz with an exaggerated oversexualized figure and perfect features (including perfect "white" skin) whose sole ambition in life is to clean up after 7 men? And then is given away as a possession, while unconscious, to a man who wants her because she is "pretty" (and of course, can't talk back in that state).

Actually ... count me out.

[Auntie Bush]

43. Don't give the fools any ideas. They are foolish enough to really do it.

If they end up with 8 we can say the Rethugs are behind the 8 balls.

However, I hope your scenario doesn't turn out. I can already imagine the cartoons.

[FrenchieCat]

55. Don't worry, I got it from them.....

and they are chomping at the bit on this. Matthews just yesterday made it a point to say "there are 7 candidates, and then there's Hillary". The meme ain't a hard one to find, I'm just a bit ahead of the media dumbasses. But they will be coming up with it. Mark my word!

[Auntie Bush]

56. You so damn smart ...Frenchie! Very prophetic!

[Clark2008]

70. Sean InSannity's already using it!

I heard it on his show a couple of days ago.

[patrice]

9. I don't think he is any more damaged than HC. But this is an okay decision.

We just need someone who is more **Proactive** on our issues right now.

[LittleClarkie]

15. I think the field was just too crowded already

So now I push for Attorney General

[krispos42]

21. Secretary of State I think would be good for him as well. n/t

[patrice]

35. Oh, that would be excellent!

Though I have been a Deanocrat from the first time that the good Doctor spoke out, I think Kerry would have made a pretty decent President. He just wasn't a good candidate, because he didn't have the kind of "killer instinct" that a genuinely proactive candidate must have.

[FrenchieCat]

64. The field SHOULD be crowded......

winning by default is never good.

we have minorities splitting out the minority vote...cause we've got too much of a good thing; minority candidates who will cancel each other's votes out.

We need more candidates, not less....so that the playing field will be leveled instead of having only one White southern White guy in the group of "top contenders". There are more White guys are there voting....and to that include the votes from minorities who don't think minorities have a chance, so they'll vote for that white guy.

The way that the Democratic slate is lining up is a set up, if you ask me!

[quinnox]

11. that's what I figured

I salute Kerry for his wise decision. I'd love to see him get a top position in the next Democratic president's cabinet!

[LittleClarkie]

13. I don't know why I'm sitting here crying

But I am.

Maybe it's the menopause.

[halobeam]

18. I know how you feel

I think I'm mostly sad because he was robbed of the presidency. He is an excellent senator, I'm sure he will not let us down.

[mogster]

20. I always have liked him

Reassuring to have a guy like Kerry in US politics no matter where. I was so sorry he didn't get his presidency, he'd been up there among the greatest, for sure :hug:

[crispini]

27. I know.

I like him too.

I think it's sad too even if he wasn't my guy this go 'round. :hug:

[patrice]

46. May I commiserate with you on both issues?

I respected Kerry, so this makes me sad for him and us.

And, I F-ing HATE Menopause!!!

[Blue_In_AK]

59. It breaks my heart, too, LittleClarkie...

...and I'm 'way past menopause. :(

[Auntie Bush]

65. I KNOW how you feel!

You don't have to be menopausal to cry when someone you know. love and rooted for for years, drops out. It's almost like a death in the family....a real loss! :hug:

[Tom Rinaldo]

77. It is because of how much you care. It is a badge of honor. n/t

[KingFlorez]

14. Good

[krispos42]

16. CNN is reporting it as well n/t

[napi21]

19. That's a good decision. We NEED him more in the Senate

right now! He is a good Senator, and with the Dems only holding a thin, and dangerously fragile, lead, we need our experienced Senators on those committees!

[madfloridian]

25. I know some other senators running who need to attend to business.

We have too many senators running, and when running they stick their fingers in the wind too often.

[napi21]

54. You're right. However, this is one reason I think it's a good thing

this campaign has started so very early! I can't say I was quite ready for all these political bar fights so soon, but it should also eliminate a whole lot of the wannabes very early, thus putting a lot of these people back in the jobs they're supposed to be doing.

[w4rma]

22. He would have been better than Hillary. (nt)

[Tellurian]

50. I hope he throws his support TO Hillary..

This game is going to get nasty, down and dirty. I hope all the Dem candidates
unite behind the strongest candidate. The Republics are up to no good.
You know it, or maybe you don't, but they are going to try to retain control
anyway they can. It's coming, so brace yourself.

[Blue_In_AK]

60. I have a hard time imagining that, actually...

...but I could be wrong.

[Tellurian]

63. I have vowed to myself not get emotionally involved in personalties

or my personal preferences.

What I am looking for in a candidate, as I've said before, is a Democratic candidate STRONG enough to foil anything the Republics throw at us. Someone that has spent years cultivating all the aspects necessary for a successful campaign. Like firming up municipal alliances nationwide, testing the loyalty of their friends who may be critical to the success of the campaign process. Networking throughout the country forming a network of tried and true supporters who feel as I do, the country is going done the path of death and destruction and are willing to put themselves out to assure a Democratic Presidency.

There is only ONE that I see that has put the necessary time in to THWART any dirty tricks the Republics throw at us. Only ONE.. STRONG enough to stand up and fight. Someone we can follow if all Hell breaks loose and everything falls apart before the elections, because Bush refuses to relinquish power and has declared martial law throwing the country into complete chaos.

ONLY ONE, and that is Hillary. I trusted Bill before and he didn't disappoint. With Hillary we get Bill, and thats the way it has to be, IF we are to SURVIVE.

When you step back a little from the message board. Think to yourself, would I really want all responsibility thats involved here. You have to realize whoever undertakes this job, this job becomes their life.. Would anybody really want to trade places with the person willing to do this OUR way?

I can tell you right now, I would not!

[Blue_In_AK]

66. Well, I'll keep my eye on her,

but she was/is far down on my list. I'm in the camp of do we really need or want more Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton, and I'm afraid that if Hillary wins, as I've said before here, she will pull a "Jerry Ford," and in an effort to "heal the country," let George and his cronies off the hook. I want these people to PAY for what they've done to our country.

[Tellurian]

68. would you spill your plans..

to the public if your weren't going to pull a Gerry Ford?
What do you think those recipients would do to stop you?

[Blue_In_AK]

71. Of course she wouldn't spill her plans...

...it's just an uncomfortable feeling I have given the way that Bill let the BCCI thing sort of fizzle out after Kerry worked so hard to bring it to light. Hillary has not earned my trust yet ... but, of course, I would vote for her if she ends up being the nominee (something I can't necessarily say on behalf of my husband, who really doesn't like her).

[Tellurian]

79. My thoughts are..

we never really know what goes on behind the scenes. Whatever is public knowledge is nothing more than the tip of the iceberg, 3/4 of that berg is buried beneath the ocean. We don't know how big and expansive it is, what is involved, what intricacies exist that we are not aware of... Or question, do the means justify the ends.
I try not to Judge, unless I know ALL the facts. I try not to worry about things like that because I'm not a vindictive person, it's not my thing. What I do worry about is "our" future and the future of our children.

Some people on this board have a myopic view of the World like their pursuits are of the only importance on this earth. They never grow, they just dwell in the external pursuit of power. The power to inflict revenge or they call it justice.. Theres nothing positive about that energy and not something I'm interested in pursuing.

In spite of the persecution suffered by the Clintons, they still managed to take care of the people in this country. They gave us undeniable Peace and Prosperity. In fact, last night, a certain poster here asked me to provide a link proving when Clinton was in office, he destroyed the WMD in Iraq in 98'...and therefore, Hillary had no business voting for the War in Iraq.. because SHE was supposed to have some kind of clairvoyant power, that 4 yrs later Hussein, couldn't have manufactured WMD because Hillary knew they were destroyed in 98'... So, therefore, Hillary was trying to curry favor with Bush by voting for the War and she should apologize for selling us out!

Can you believe someone saying this when they are privy to vast amounts of real information coming through this board?

This is the stilted thinking that exists on this board..from the sublime to the ridiculous in one breath.

In closing, what struck me was the transcript from President Clinton, announcing (to the people,) the need for the the US to challenge Hussein's resolve once again and if he chose to remain out of compliance with the UNSCOM protocols, we have no choice than to protect the people of this country sending our armed forces with air-strikes to destroy any possibility of WMD harming the people of the United States.

With the Clinton Administration, we were always made part of the process. I think, I miss that most of all.

Here is a look back at the government we used to have run by the Clinton Administration:
..

Transcript: President Clinton explains Iraq strike

CLINTON: Good evening.

Earlier today, I ordered America's armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces. Their mission is to attack Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors.

Their purpose is to protect the national interest of the United States, and indeed the interests of people throughout the Middle East and around the world.

Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons.

I want to explain why I have decided, with the unanimous recommendation of my national security team, to use force in Iraq; why we have acted now; and what we aim to accomplish.

Six weeks ago, Saddam Hussein announced that he would no longer cooperate with the United Nations weapons inspectors called UNSCOM. They are highly professional experts from dozens of countries. Their job is to oversee the elimination of Iraq's capability to retain, create and use weapons of mass destruction, and to verify that Iraq does not attempt to rebuild that capability.

The inspectors undertook this mission first 7.5 years ago at the end of the Gulf War when Iraq agreed to declare and destroy its arsenal as a condition of the ceasefire.

The international community had good reason to set this requirement. Other countries possess weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there is one big difference: He has used them. Not once, but repeatedly. Unleashing chemical weapons against Iranian troops during a decade-long war. Not only against soldiers, but against civilians, firing Scud missiles at the citizens of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran. And not only against a foreign enemy, but even against his own people, gassing Kurdish civilians in Northern Iraq.


http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/16/transcripts/clinton.html

[Blue_In_AK]

82. Tellurian, thank you for being respectful. n/t

[Tellurian]

85. welcome...anytime..

[Tellurian]

69. If I were him..I'd do it now..

or as soon as feasible. This is going to be the Battle of the Century.
The Dems need to be united rather than one upping each other.
There is nothing ordinary about this forthcoming election.

[havocmom]

23. Kerry for AG in next DEM administration!

[LittleClarkie]

51. Right ON!

And I'll support him for Senate all the way from Wisconsin.

[havocmom]

57. Think of all the world problems we could eliminate by resuming BCCI investigations!

Kerry should be unleashed back on THAT project. The world could be a better place on that one alone.

[Zynx]

24. Good. That would have bogged down our primary campaign.

[Skip Intro]

26. A shame. A success for the rw smear machine.

I wouldn't have thought so, but there it is. Had it not been for the swiftboating - dispicable attacks from the rw on a decorated veteran, and had it not been for the media blowing way out of purportion the "botched joke" (as they did with Gore's sigh and Dean's scream) - I can't help but think he'd make another run.

Just a damn shame.

[madfloridian]

28. Not just the rw smear machine.

We have one on the left as well. We can bring down our own very effectively.

[blm]

61. Yep - the RW lie machine didn't tell Hillary, McAuliffe to pile on the lies with them did they?

Hillary and Terry are all about protecting BIll Clinton and Poppy Bush from a Kerry presidency that was sure to open the books.

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/111106.html

[rockymountaindem]

62. Yep

I blame the right for 2004, and the far left for this.

[Ninja Jordan]

29. Gore next?

[OneBlueSky]

34. I hope not . . . this country (and the planet) need Al Gore in the White House . . . n/t

.

[Ninja Jordan]

37. hard to envision him gaining traction vs. Billary and Obamarama

[ronnykmarshall]

42. Billary?

Wow! Where have I heard THAT before?

[Ninja Jordan]

45. Don't go there with me.

[ronnykmarshall]

53. Oooooo I'm scared!

[k_jerome]

73. do you mangle their names out of...

ignorance or disrespect?

[Ninja Jordan]

75. Neither of your choices is correct.

I don't generally respond to dishonest posts, so I'll stop now.

[crispini]

30. I'm sad even though he wasn't my guy this time.

:patriot:

[ripple]

47. I feel the same way

Kerry is a true patriot who has served our nation honorably. It must be very difficult for him to acknowlege that the highest office will probably forever be out of reach to him, despite his years of dedidated service.

He wasn't my candidate of choice in 2008, so maybe the relief will come later. For now, I'm sad for Senator Kerry.

[crispini]

58. He did his best; he will still have a place in history

and in the hearts of all of us. It is always a consolation to say that you have done your best.

[rosesaylavee]

31. I love what Kerry has done and does for our country.

I hope there is a role for him in the future democratic administration - whoever wins the 2008 election.

He is a true patriot and doesn't get enough credit for the difference he has made for our country.

:patriot:

[eleny]

36. He can still do a lot of good in the Senate and on the campaign trail

I'm sorry he's not in this, though.

[ronnykmarshall]

38. Is he still going to run for re-election to the Senate?

Isn't he up in 2008?

[LittleClarkie]

40. MSNBC says yes

He will

[ronnykmarshall]

44. Oh good.

We need him in the Senate.

But I still can dream of President Kerry and First Lady Mama T !

[PresidentObama]

48. I respect Senator Kerry's decision

But it makes me incredibly sad and frustrated. Life goes on, and I'll find my new candidate. But right now, I want to say John Kerry is one of the best leaders our party has ever seen.

[Auntie Bush]

74. Agreed! I happily voted for him...but it's now time to move on with

so many good contenders. We'll never get to know the full extent of our loss. However, he's going to be one hell of a Senator and as he said... he'll be telling the truth and not playing politics. We can depend on John Kerry in the senate to FIGHT for us Democrats.

[LittleClarkie]

52. The Senate office is not answering their phone

I can't say as I blame them.

[Superman Returns]

67. Told you!!!!!!!!

[PresidentObama]

78. Told us what?

You didn't KNOW Kerry wouldn't run Superman Returns.

I could easily say Hillary Clinton won't win, and thats a 50-50 statement. It's opinion, that could go either way. Doesn't mean if I'm right I should go HA! TOLD YOU SO!! And demand her supporters stroke my ego's because they believed their leader would run and win!

Grow up, get some therapy. Do something. Pathetic!!

[Snivi Yllom]

72. good

He had his chance and blew it.

Plenty of possible contenders who can prove they have what it takes. By the same token I'm not sure how I feel about John Edwards taking a stab.

[TheDonkey]

80. I'm a JK fan, I think this was the right decision for him

elections are very tough and I just don't see him getting the votes to win with Edwards, Clinton, and Obama fighting over the money and media attention. It would have been a nearly impossible challenge for him and I think he realized it's best to focus on his amazing Senate career now than waste energy and time battling Hillary.

Best of luck to him, still have my Kerry/Edwards banner hung on the wall!!

[ElizabethDC]

81. I like Kerry a lot

and while I'm somewhat sad to see him make this decision, I think it was ultimately inevitable. We're lucky, though, to continue to have him in the Senate - he's a good guy.

[AtomicKitten]

83. self-delete