Kerry endorsement of anyone but Edwards was really low class move

[Proud2BAmurkin]

Edwards worked his ass off for Kerry's campaign and Kerry endorses somebody else. Hit me as low class.

[quinnox]

1. Oh bull

Kerry can endorse whomever he likes, maybe he wasn't too happy with Edwards not adding a damn thing to the ticket in 2004. Couldn't even pick up his home state.

[Bicoastal]

2. Gore didn't endose Lieberman--was that low class?

[Kucinich4America]

41. Lieberman had become a raging fascist lunatic by 2004

Bit of a difference there.

[Bicoastal]

49. But that's not my point--

--my point is that being someone's running-mate does not (and should not) automatically guarantee you an endorsement when you yourself run for President.

[dugggy]

99. Baloney...Lieberman is nearing 70. Nobody changes

suddenly at that age. Ask any psychiatrist. This is the same doggone
Lieberman that Gore chose.

[Clark2008]

3. Actually, the Kerry campaign believes he DIDN'T work his ass off.

Never went after the Bush cabal like a pit-bull VP nominee is supposed to do.

[ellacott]

Edwards didn't do this either

He let Cheney roll over him at the deabte.

[Dawgs]

4. Even if Kerry thinks Obama is better for America?

And who said Kerry doesn't think Edwards could do a good job. He didn't say anything about Edwards. He just thinks Obama is better for America.

BTW, jealousy is not a good trait.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

9. yup because he knows it won't make much difference and if he thinks JE would be good prez

then the classy thing to do would be to endorse after the primary.


Not jealous, don't think it will sway more than 10 votes.

[Dawgs]

17. If you don't think it matters, why are you crapping on Kerry for not endorsing Edwards?

Why is it classy to endorse after the primary. If Kerry supports and wants Obama as our next President, and he thinks this endorsement will help now, why should he wait?

[JanusAscending]

98. No.............,

it will only make a 3 MILLION donor list available to Obama........maybe?????? That's nothin' to sneeze about baby. Kerry still has STRONG supporters here on DU,... the LARGEST forum!!! Go figure.

[liberalla]

108. I thought there was a disagreement between them after the 04 concession.

John Edwards let it be known that he didn't agree with Kerry's decision, and Kerry didn't like it. I think the rift began there. I wasn't surprised Kerry backed Obama over Edwards... disappointed - yes, but not surprised.

I'm for Edwards and I'm not giving up until John Edwards does!

Have you read the article by Brent Budowsky today?
http://pundits.thehill.com/2008/01/11/the-last-stand-of-john-edwards/

Very good for Edwards supporters to read. It's also here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4036153

[MethuenProgressive]

5. Edwards lied to Kerry more than once. Big lies.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1626498-2,00.html

Edwards had told Kerry he was going to share a story with him that he'd never told anyone else—that after his son Wade had been killed, he climbed onto the slab at the funeral home, laid there and hugged his body, and promised that he'd do all he could to make life better for people, to live up to Wade's ideals of service. Kerry was stunned, not moved, because, as he told me later, Edwards had recounted the same exact story to him, almost in the exact same words, a year or two before—and with the same preface, that he'd never shared the memory with anyone else. Kerry said he found it chilling, and he decided he couldn't pick Edwards unless he met with him again. When they did, Kerry tried to get a better personal feel for his potential number two; as rivals for national office since 2000, shortly after Edwards had entered the Senate, the two men hadn't spent a lot of time together. Kerry also wanted a specific reassurance. He asked Edwards for a commitment that if he was chosen and the ticket lost, Edwards wouldn't run against him in 2008. Edwards agreed "absolutely," as Kerry recalled him saying.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

18. I remember that story and thought it was low class for Kerry to bring that up too

about the son. On running against him in 08, JE isn't running against him.

[terisan]

30. Is Edwards running against John Kerry in 2008? Do you feel comfortable quoting Bob Schrum ?

Alas Schrum has always backed the losing candidate in presidential politics.

Do I believe Schrum's version of the dead child comment. It is difficult for me to take him at his word or his implication.


Obama promised "abolutely" to not run for president in 2008. Is he not running.

Clinton promised to finish her first term in Senate and not run prior to completing that first term. She kept her promise.

[MethuenProgressive]

37. Edwards certainly has True Believers lining up to apologize for him.

Good luck on that.

[terisan]

44. ...just trying to cut through the crap. nt

[philly_bob]

93. When did Obama promise not to run in 2008? I never heard that. /nt

[robbedvoter]

60. Edwards urged Kerry to stand by his IWR vote - only to turn around a year later

and apologize himself
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADwjvAs9J-0
The rumor about his wanting to fight (never followed by any action to lend it credibility), was a bit of backstabbing too.
I am sure Kerry relished the moment today - as much as he did paying some debts to the Clintons.

[LittleClarkie]

82. And this sort of thing is the exact reason, though I lean Edwards

i find it really hard to embrace him.

I'm going to have to read Kerry's speech and give this a good think.

The only thing holding me back from Obama is the McClurkin thing, and not wanting to betray some of my gay friends who are offended by him.

[midnight]

88. Kerry found that story chilling? Hmm Some people find his

alliance to the same club that bush is in chilling too. Now we don't know for sure if either story is true, but they have been circulated for a reason.

[cali]

6. Gore endorsement of anyone but Lieberman was really low class move

Lieberman worked his ass off for Gore's campaign and Gore endorses somebody else. Hit me as... his own goddamn business and privilege. Same thing with Kerry.

[Kucinich4America]

43. Joe Lieberman was only mildly annoying in 2000

By 2004, he had become an intolerable warmonger. Edwards has done the opposite, returning to reality from DLC fantasyland.

[tsuki]

7. Hit me as stupid. nt

[DrFunkenstein]

8. What About Edwards's Shots at Kerry in Bob Shrum's Book?

The two were never particularly close, but Edwards did little for his character by sniping about past campaign decisions.

[terisan]

32. Are they Shrum's recollections or actual quotes by Edwards?

[theoldman]

10. I am not so sure I would want an endorsement by Kerry,

Maybe Kerry is looking for a job.

[quinnox]

14. thats insulting

Kerry has a job as a US Senator, and he is still a powerful man.

[nashville_brook]

91. that's what i thought -- simultaneously the s/o asks "is he running for VP"?

[aquart]

11. Yuh think?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

12. ...

:nopity:

[ProSense]

13. And you forgot irrelevant!

Or not! LOL!

[polichick]

15. We can't know everything that went on between them...

I trust Kerry to give his honest assessment ~ seems to me he thinks the unity message is important.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

23. He's also slamming his own judgment for picking JE. It's odd

nt

[polichick]

29. That's quite a spin you've got going there...

He chose JE as his veep four years ago ~ he's choosing Obama as president today.

[oasis]

16. I know Kerry can get it wrong. But, so many times now.

Sheeeesh.:banghead:

[ProSense]

22. What did he get wrong?

Endorsing the candidate of his choice, but not yours?

[oasis]

31. In this case, the timing. You already know about his previous blunders.(eom)

[ProSense]

47. Was it bad timing when Clark endorsed Clinton? n/t

[oasis]

57. Clark's HRC tab was ok, so was (Rep) Shelly Berkeley's endorsement (yesterday) and

all other endorsers of that strata. Kerry and Gore were standard bearers for the Democratic party, their endorsements carry much more weight and significance.

But then, you already know that.;-)

[ProSense]

59. "Kerry and Gore were standard bearers for the Democratic party"

Yeah, I know!

That's why this endorsment is significant!

[oasis]

76. I didn't say it wasn't significant. I questioned the timing. Remember?

:shrug:

[robbedvoter]

65. Depends what he wanted . If his intention was to kick Edwards out of the race

the timing was excellent. he gives Obama the activists, money Edwards was mooching off and pays back for some backstabbing that must have rankled him. You know..."he wanted to fight" rumor and "admiting mistakes is a sign of weakness"
Had he waited until SC, no one would have even remembered Edwards' name - less enjoyable.

[Liz7]

Agreed.

And perhaps Gore didn't endorse Lieberman because he knew that Lieberman was a conservative in disguise.

[Kucinich4America]

45. What disguise?

Holy Joe was pretty much unmasked by then.

[Inuca]

19. But hey, who cares about what Kerry

says or does? He is nothing but a has been who cannot get a joke straight and an embarrassment to the party :sarcasm:

I simply cannot believe the amount of venomous BS I have been reading in the last couple of hours!

[quinnox]

27. I'm getting sick of people insulting Kerry

I agree, WTF is this, Kerry almost won the damn presidency and he is a good man.

[Inuca]

64. Thank you quinnox!

Very nice to see this kind of sanity coming from a non-Obama supporter. You are by no means alone, but unfortunately in the minority among those who have posted today.

[robbedvoter]

66. Not "almost" - he did win it. Then BOTH faded away.

[surfermaw]

106. better not come down south, I have never heard a person in N.C say a good workd about Kerry

That is why his endorsement for Obama, may hurt more than it helps.

[Renew Deal]

20. Edwards worked his ass off for himself

Then he blames Kerry for not fighting on.

[terisan]

36. I blame Kerry campaign for rejecting previous evidence of Bush voter machine fraud a

during the campaign and then not making a strong stand in Ohio.

[Carolina]

54. especially since he knew what

the Bushbots were capable of after his invovlement in the investigation of Iran Contra.

Another reason I still can never forgive Kerry for his IWR vote, HE KNEW BETTER. But I held my nose of 2004. Won't do it again, however. EVER.

[Skinner]

21. Um, in case you missed it...

...he endorsed Senator Obama. Not "anyone but Edwards."

[Frogger]

24. Whatever his reason,

this HAS to be a big bump for Obama

[Proud2BAmurkin]

25. i doubt it will be worth more than a quarter of a point for Obama nt

nt

[ProSense]

28. That much huh?

LOL!

[Frogger]

83. I take it that you

are not a huge Kerry fan??

[itsrobert]

26. Big Backllash against Obama

Backlash.

[zulchzulu]

33. Will Gore endorse Hillary?

:rofl:

[krabigirl]

35. I hope Gore stays out of it until after Super Tuesday.

[Kucinich4America]

51. Gore will endorse Hillary the same day that vegans endorse Outback steakhouse.

That would be the official end of the Democratic party right there. :puke:

[krabigirl]

34. Kerry and Edwards weren't exactly friends

[Proud2BAmurkin]

38. Even if true Kerry still said at one time JE was the most able to serve as president

.

[tammywammy]

50. At one time he said that

He obviously doesn't think so now.

[BringBigDogBack]

39. Get over it.

He didn't endorse your guy. He'll be fine.

[Double T]

40. Kerry is a sour grapes loser and he has just confirmed IT!!

Can't wait for US to elect a winner like Edwards or Clinton. Battle onward.

[Big Blue Marble]

42. That's politics.

[Occam Bandage]

46. He didn't endorse "Anyone but Edwards." He endorsed the best candidate.

[Darth_Kitten]

116. He endorsed an over-hyped empty suit.

Establishment loves the establishment. Yawn.

[dionysus]

48. so let's get this straight again....

kerry does *edwards* a favor by picking him for VP, okay. now it's kerry's responsibility to endorse edwards for all eternity?

where did you score the hash you smoked before you wrote this gem? i'm running low...

[Carolina]

52. Actually, I think running as

Kerry's VP hurt Edwards.

Edwards today is the same Edwards as in 2004 BEFORE he signed on as running mate to Kerry -- the ever too careful and cautious. He was thereafter muzzled, and so today, to some, it looks as though he's reinventing himself.

A good analogy is this. In 1952 JFK ran for VP and had he not lost to Estes Kefauver, he'd have sunk like a stone with Adlai Stevenson who lost to Eisenhower. JFK later said that loss was the best thing that ever happened to him because his star was not tarnished by such a defeat (or, I might add, being paired/linked with the bright but lackluster Stevenson).

[robbedvoter]

67. Explain "he was thereafter muzzled" - who muzzled him, plucky fighter?

[Carolina]

70. he couldn't be himself

I saw him here in SC in 2002 repeatedly, then in 2004 BEFORE he was Kerry's running mate. He was fired up and populist then

Afterwards, he had to tow the careful, restrained Kerry line. He was visibly different.

[robbedvoter]

72. You mean when he advised Kerry to stand by his war vote? That populist?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADwjvAs9J-0

[Carolina]

77. as if Kerry was gonna repudiate that ghastly vote of

political cowardice, which he cast against the resounding wishes of his MA constituents. He couldn't appear to be a flip-flopper and to prove that he went so far as to say in late August 2004, when asked if knowing then (in 2002) what he knew now (2004), would he still have voted for IWR. He said YES. It didn't matter what JE advised. JFK, the lesser, the ever so careful, didn't even fight back against the swift boaters. Sheesh, what a quisling.

Look, I don't give a rip about Kerry or Edwards. I held my nose to vote for that ticket in 2004 precisely because of BOTH their IWR votes, so I don't really give a rat's ass who Kerry endorses now.

I am only addressing what I observed personally, up close, directly with my own eyes when they tag-teamed SC in 2002 while putting out feelers for their individual presidential bids and then in 2004 when they were actively campaigning.

Let it rest, they're both has-beens.

[robbedvoter]

78. "Let it rest, they're both has-beens." - I think I'll follow your advice.

The whole thing had stirred some old passions, but you're right.

[Carolina]

80. peace

:hi:

[robbedvoter]

81. Back acha

:hi:

[Inuca]

68. "Edwards today is the same Edwards as in 2004 "

Really?

[robbedvoter]

73. Only the accent - only he doesn't forget to sport it like he did in 2004

Everything else.....:wtf: :nuke:

[Carolina]

79. WTF back at ya ...

in 2002 and in 2004 while running for POTUS, Edwards was a fiery populist. Here in SC we saw it directly (I guess playing to the hometown crowd) That changed when he became nominee for VP. That's all I am saying. Sheesh. I really don't give a rat's ass about him or Kerry or all the endorsements for Obama or HRC. Give it a rest.

BTW, I have yet to choose a candidate.

[Carolina]

53. And the Gipper never endorsed Poppy

but that was a good thing. LOL

Of course Mommy Nancy loathed Babs... now we know why!

[Thrill]

55. Edwards was weak VP candidate

Didn't help win either of the Carolinas and was a wimp in the VP debates. How do you get owned by Dick Cheney?

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

56. Does his endorsement mean he doesn't like Edwards?

Or does it mean that he honestly believes that another candidate is better?

But we wouldn't want him to express his true beliefs, now would we?

[robbedvoter]

62. It cuts Edwards from his donors, activists- gives them to Obama (the rollodex)

[Blue_In_AK]

58. This isn't true...

Kerry can endorse whoever he wants to, and as many here have already pointed out, presidential and vice presidential candidates often are not the best of friends. These selections are made for political purposes only and Kerry needed a southern VP.

I was a Kerry supporter and am now an Edwards supporter. It would have been nice to have Kerry's endorsement, but it's not the end of the world.

[robbedvoter]

69. It kinda is. You'll start getting mail from Obama now - and most will switch...

Kerry had the ket to Edwards' "netroots" and he gave them to the competition.

[Blue_In_AK]

74. I have a delete button.

:)

[JanusAscending]

101. Are you shitten' me ?

You've got to be jesting, right??? KERRY WAS the "netroots", and he didn't give anyone any "key", yet. That wasn't JE's donor list.... it was Kerry's and I think Edwards has been benefiting from it up to now,'cause I keep getting emails from him, and keep deleting them. I can't wait to start getting e mails from Obama!!!

[Essene]

61. You assume Edwards is in this to win it...

And that Kerry didn't discuss this with Edwards.

Edwards is clearly playing Robin to Obama's Batman... and it's helping BOTH of them get their messages out.

Edwards is about his message not about winning.

[robbedvoter]

63. Nice try. I think after Iowa he is in it for VP. His resume just imploded today though.

Not a very good reference from past employers...

[Catchawave]

71. Edwards comments here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4022085&mesg_id=4022085

Now let's all move on :D

[LoveForPeace]

75. Absolutely Proud2BAmurkin

[Bluerthanblue]

84. You just don't quit do you? I'm sure glad

John Edwards has shown the kind of class you appear incapable of.

You aren't doing anyone any favors with your repeated attempts to trash John Kerry.


Give it a break eh?

[wisteria]

85. Excuse me? Edward's gave Kerry nothing but a hard time.

He didn't even take the natural position of the VP candidate and defend Kerry when he should have.
Senator Kerry endorsed whom he feels will lead this country forward.
I am a Kerry supporter, but I remain undecided and have no horse in this race. I consider his endorsement nothing more than Senator Kerry's personal opinion and he is entitled to that.

[politicasista]

86. Kerry must have done something good cause, people love the throw trash

at him whenever he makes news, especially positive.

[FredScuttle]

87. Edwards laid down like a mangy dog to Cheney in the VP debate

Based on that debacle, I have no problem with Kerry picking Obama.

[calteacherguy]

89. Edwards worked his ass off for Edwards so he could be V.P., the President later. nt

[K8-EEE]

90. Yep.......Kerry FOLDED with OH in 2004

so he disappoints me again

[wildflowergardener]

92. Kerry's Endorsement

Kerry's endorsement makes me want to look more seriously at Obama. Kerry would be in a pretty good position to know Edwards pretty well I would guess by the end of the campaign.

I trust Kerry so therefore I value his opinion. If Kerry had Endorsed Clinton it wouldn't have made any difference to me because I wouldn't vote for her, but since for me it's between Obama and Edwards,it does make me want to give him a second look.

After all, I wasn't able to spend all that time with Edwards getting to know if he was the same as he appeared on TV.

Meg

[Tektonik]

94. I'm respect Kerry as a senator

Although any time he talks about politics I have to roll my eyes. He abandoned his right to the presidency in '04 and the gaffes continue in '08.

Just for appearances sake of party unity, he should have waited until either Edwards dropped out or until the nominee was named to come forth with an endorsement. His endorsement does not hold much weight in the upcoming states of the primary, and it creates a controversy in blacking the eye of our political party.

[tinrobot]

95. Politics is not a high class occupation.

So, what's your point?

[Schema Thing]

96. er.... what if he thought someone else was a better choice?

He should have a pretty good idea about such things, after all.

[dpbrown]

97. My thoughts exactly - very low class

No wonder he didn't inspire people.

[EndElectoral]

100. Very low class move by Kerry prior to SC primary where Edwards has his best chance

[Pachamama]

102. Kerry still has Thousands of Dollars I donated to him for "Legal" challenges on the election...the

challenge he never led....Edwards wanted to and Kerry said No. I lost respect for Kerry, felt lied to by him and his word doesn't mean much to me. (And I say that as someone who went around the country for him and was even working in Ohio on election day '04).

When I heard the news that he was supporting Barack, I shrugged with little surprise. Barack is great and worth supporting, but I agree, I think it was very low class to not support Edwards or stay in the background for atleast a little while longer as we are further along in the process.

But, like I said, I lost respect for Kerry a long time ago....atleast I know my money is going to Barack and not someone I dislike. But it would have made me happier to know that the money I gave for election protection to Kerry would be going to Edwards or say KUCINICH!!!!!

[Cornfields_4_Peace]

103. Doesn't suprise me.

I believe John Kerry turned his back on many "friends".

[ProSense]

104. Imagine that "low class" Bill Clinton was begging him for it:

That Kerry Endorsement

Posted by Karen Tumulty

The Washington Post sees former Democratic nominee John Kerry's endorsement of Barack Obama as a setback for his 2004 running mate John Edwards. But a source close to Kerry tells me that the person who had been working hardest to get it was Hillary Clinton--to the point where her husband had personally lobbied Kerry's brother Cam and his former brother-in-law David Thorne.

Kerry has never been particularly close to the Clintons. He thought they could have done far more to help him in 2004, and hasn't forgotten that Hillary Clinton was one of the first to criticize him over what he called a "botched joke" about U.S. troops in Iraq in 2006. (This, of course, was when Kerry was still considered a contender to be running against Clinton in 2008.) It helped, too, that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is supporting Obama, and that much of Kerry's fundraising network has already migrated to the Obama campaign.

link

[LittleClarkie]

122. Now why would they be clamboring for such a worthless endorsement

Don't they know that Kerry is just so yesterday?

[surfermaw]

105. Cartoon in Charlotte Observer showes Edwards with knife in back from Kerry

I think it will help John Edwards, most democrats voted for Kerry while holding their noses. Some voted for him only because Edwards was on the ticket, if he had let Edwards fight in the southern states he may have won. Gerald Ford did the same thing in the primaries with Reagan, I think primaries? Reagan came in with his Hitler like style and Ford stayed home, I have always thought Gerald Ford would have won if he had only campaigned in N.C

[beachmom]

107. Edwards had the knife out during the CONCESSION. He practically

sprinted outa there to start his 2008 presidential campaign. He couldn't even wait 2 weeks to mourn the electoral loss. I think Kerry has shown unusual discipline by saying NOT ONE UNKIND word about Edwards (while the Edwardses trashed the Kerrys in subtle ways from Nov. 2004 and onward). And if you read his speech that he gave when endorsing Obama, he praised ALL THE CANDIDATES in the race, that they would all move the country forward. He just thought Obama was the best, not that the others were bad.

[HooptieWagon]

109. Its not until death do us part

Once the 2004 election was over Kerry can partner with/endorse whomever hw wishes, IMO.

[fishwax]

110. I hardly think he owes Edwards his endorsement

Doesn't strike me as indicative of class at all.

[robcon]

111. It's surprising Kerry endorsed anyone.

He's made an enemy of someone who may the next president, Hillary Clinton. Most active politicians avoid endorsements, except for favorite sons/daughters within the state.

[Horse with no Name]

112. Yep. My respect for him dropped a few notches.

He had nothing to gain by endorsing Obama--except petty political payback.

[politicasista]

114. Out of all the good things Kerry has done, you want to lose respect for him over that?

I never thought people could be so bitter, which is unfortunate because Kerry has thrown more crums to the liberal base the most of our representatives.

[Horse with no Name]

115. But the problem is...I am tired of the crumbs

Kerry had his moment--he promised to fight for every vote, then folded like a cheap card table.
Edwards wanted to go all the way, but it wasn't his campaign.
Sad thing is...Kerry earned the Presidency in 2004. But he let the bullies snatch it out of his hands and was unwilling to fight for it...for us.
Ohio was rigged. That is a fact. It has been proven.
Had Kerry stayed in, things would be a lot better than they are now.
I'm just done with him. If he didn't want to support Edwards, he should have just shut up because Edwards gave HIM his support list--and instead of Kerry giving it back to Edwards, he gave it to Obama.

[politicasista]

117. You never saw the facts of what really happened

Right here

Kerry also spoke out against election problems in 2005 and got bereated for it. Where was Edwards? Do they have proof?

Did you have a problem with Mrs. Edwards smearing Teresa Heinz Kerry in her book, or her husband constantly dissing Kerry for 04. It's easy to be biased, but I noticed how none of his supporters ever talk about that. Or mention how the Kerry have had nothing BUT class and respect for the Edwards.

But tearing Kerry down to promote Edwards does not help Edwards. It only stoops to the Republicans level.

[Horse with no Name]

118. There is proof that the elections in Ohio were rigged.

Educate yourself.

[politicasista]

119. I have

a good DU has posted the facts over and over again, but they still go ignored or unanswered.

Have it your way. Your hatred of Kerry will not stop him for helping to make America better. I can appreciate that he and Teresa have shown nothing but respect, class and integrity to John and Elizabeth. And Edwards' letter is classy.

If Kerry (or someone other than Kerry) had endorse Edwards, this thread would be less flamebait and the OP would be singing a different tune.

[Horse with no Name]

120. I never said I "hated" Kerry

I said "I am done".
I see your farewell post--and if it is in response to the 3 lines I posted, then I am sorry.
However, I AM still entitled to my opinion and STILL entitled to like or dislike any stance ANY politician makes.
I supported Kerry--financially and emotionally.
My support of him is done. Honestly, in the scheme of things, I doubt he'll miss it--he has plenty of "new" supporters now.

[politicasista]

121. I understand

Best of luck to you. :hi:

[Vektor]

113. Disingenuous claim. He did NOT endorse "anyone but Edwards."

He chose Obama. There's nothing "low class" about that. He did not say a single negative word about John Edwards.

He never said 'anyone but Edwards." This is a false statement. You can disagree with Kerry's choice if you want to, but please do not post inaccuracies.

He is under no obligation to endorse a single person, he, like you and I, is entitled to support whomever he wishes.