I just returned from a funeral

[paineinthearse]

At least it seemed that way. It was held at the Westin Copley Plaza. In attendance were Kam Kerry, his wife, Ted Kennedy, Teresa Heinz Kerry, and John Kerry.

Do I sound depressed?

There must have been 2000 screaming dems in the ballroom, but that did not lift my spirits.

Kam introduced Ted and announced he would be running for re-election.

Kennedy spoke of the campaigining he and Teresa did in upper NY state and throughout the country. His big line was "the Kerry 2008 campaign starts tonight" Hoots and hollers.

Teresa thanked the crowd and said how proud they should be.

JK said Massachusetts was going for a tripple play (Partiots Super Bowl, Red Sox World Series and his win) but "we fell a bit short". He did mention that one state with 18 electoral votes made the difference. He made absolutely no mention about electoral fraud or insuring fair elections. He did speak strongly about saving social security. Not one word on Iraq or imperialistic policies. Regarding healthcare, he told a heartjerking story about a man who had heart surgery, then lost his health insurance; his wife prayed he would remain healthy. JK said "I believe in faith based initiatives, but don't believe we should have to pray for healthcare". Seems he has partaken of the kool-aid as well.

I restrained myself from screaming "YOU CAVED IN ON NOVEMBER 3".

JK stayed for a good hour after speaking shaking hands. I told him "you're my president"; he looked me in the eye and replied "thanks, pal". He seems very genuine and sincere. Good, firm handshake for having already shaken a couple hundred.

The media was there, you can read a professional's version in tomorrow's Globe. I wish I had taken notes or had a better memory, but I attended more on a personal level than as a DU'er. So I'm glad I went, it was like going to a burial. I have closure and can get on with my life.

Highlight was to buy a bumper sticker on the way out from a private source. Red "W" with a circle and line through. To the right: "God Help America".

edited typos and grammar.

[BamaLefty]

1. Good News

No he did not let you down... even if there was election fraud, it would have looked horrible for him to whine about it and could have possibly hurt our party in the future.

John Kerry '08 sounds great to me!

[Goldeneye]

2. wait, wait, wait! Is he officially starting to campaign for 08?

Or was that just Kennedy being a buddy?

You are fricking lucky as heck to get to see all those guys. I'm jealous.

[paineinthearse]

3. That's what Kennedy said.

There were no media video cameras, lots of press/still photogs as well as personal camcorders and cameras.

[Goldeneye]

4. Do you think he was serious?

Did Kerry say anything about it?


Sorry, I don't live in Massachusetts...saw this on the latest page and had to ask.

[paineinthearse]

5. Kerry said nothing about 2008.

Just that he and Kennedy would be fighting for the middle class, and that our help was needed to defeat Romney and help other states with the mid-terms.

[paineinthearse]

6. Keep on fighting, caring, Kerry tells campaign workers

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/kerry/articles/2005/02/05/keep_on_fighting_caring_kerry_tells_campaign_workers/

Keep on fighting, caring, Kerry tells campaign workers
Thanks volunteers for 'amazing job'
By Janette Neuwahl, Globe Correspondent | February 5, 2005

A rousing revival of "Johnny B. Goode" swept through a third floor ballroom at the Westin Copley hotel Friday night, as Senator John F. Kerry asked 200 of his volunteers to use their enthusiasm for his presidential campaign to volunteer for other Democrats in Massachusetts. "We did an amazing job -- you did an amazing job -- and I want you to leave here today convinced that if we keep on working, keep on fighting, keep on organizing, and keep on caring nobody has to redefine the Democratic Party," said the unsuccessful presidential candidate, to cheers and digital camera flashes. "I was lifted up and I think you were too by a common effort to change things."

The cocktail party was hosted by Kerry's campaign to thank Massachusetts volunteers who canvassed the country for the campaign. After about 30 minutes of remarks from Kerry, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and Teresa Heinz Kerry, volunteers lined up to shake Kerry's hand. Some said they felt Kerry might run again for president based on his wife's comments that the campaign was "a wonderful trip."
Kennedy and Heinz Kerry sought to motivate Kerry's volunteers to help reelect Kennedy in 2006. The two Massachusetts senators also urged the volunteers to work to elect a Democrat to the governorship next year.

"It's important to have continuity and to be able to explain a vision for the next two years," said Susan Simone, 33, an attorney who lives in Back Bay, but traveled to Florida to campaign for Kerry. "Tonight was a good time to energize people who had worked on the campaign and to focus that energy into the next step. . . . They've prepared us to start thinking about putting someone in the governorship who understands our positions." Although 2008 appears far away, Brookline Democratic organizer Cindy Rowe said that if Kerry does decide to run again, he will have plenty of support. "Certainly he is a favorite son here and folks in Massachusetts would be enthusiastic to see him run again, but it's an awfully big and personal decision," she said.

[BamaLefty]

7. 2008

Would be a much better campaign. This time we were basically talking about the front page everyday and slamming the other candidate instead of bringing up our ownselves.

Kerry is a great candidate for '08. I will throw my support behind him if he wins.

[rox63]

8. Kerry's not officially running yet

But I know he probably will run in 2008. He likely won't say anything official until some time in late 2006 or early 2007. The Dems first have to concentrate on gaining ground in the 2006 midterms.

[TayTay]

9. And getting rid of Mitt

Did anyone see his press today for the 'kids having to walk in the street at school and getting hit by a car' incident. Have the Environmental Sec take the blame for not getting the plowing done and then ask for her resignation. Everyone knows Romney underfunded the budget. What a jerk.

[paineinthearse]

10. EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! KENNEDY ANNOUCES FOR KERRY 08

There is a new post that has 4 "greatest" votes spouting Kennedy has announced support for Kerry in '08.

Big woopdeedoo. That was reported here on February 6.