That DOES it! Senator Kerry, you're just going to have to run.

[beachmom]

Before this, I felt uncomfortable telling the good Senator he must run. It's so tough and so nasty, and will be very hard on his family. The decision, I felt, was his alone, and I didn't feel I should be making any demands. It's still his decision, but I'm willing to join in the chorus and tell him to run.

Look at our current field -- PATHETIC doesn't begin to describe it.

Gore. Although not definitive, something must have been said to lead that Reuters reporter into discounting Gore for '08. I think that headline told the truth, but people are simply not willing to believe he's not running. I think he does not want to run, and I have accepted this.

Edwards. That anti-war speech he gave yesterday was beyond insulting and disingenuous. I do believe in forgiveness, I don't believe in forgetting the past. And Edwards is trying to say we must forget his VERY pro-war record in the Senate. Sorry, I can't do that. Secondly, he doesn't have a real foreign policy vision; Edwards only has a "what does the latest Democratic poll say" vision.

Obama. Green, naive, willing to just go along to get along. His video was a major turnoff to me, it was so empty. He was #3 on my list, but I'm beginning to think I HAVE no list as the more I learn, the less I am impressed about him.

Hillary. Well, we know what she's about, but she is clearly the best candidate of the pack, I guarantee you. She'll look like the grown up next to the above two. She is clearly a hawk, but based on that New Yorker article she seemed to at least grasp many of the complexities we face. However, she is soulless, will not be agressive enough on the environment, and will continue to make the same mistakes Bush has made by using the gun over other methods in this war. More Americans will die in Iraq if she is elected.


The rest. I don't see any of them gaining traction. No "Howard Dean" at the horizon.


See what I mean, Senator? You have just GOT to run. You're our only hope.

[blm]

1. I want the books opened up on BushInc and Kerry is the best bet to do it.

He has a long record of treating the public as CITIZENS who deserve real information and not just voters. He TRUSTS citizens with the responsibility that comes along with that information.

[_dynamicdems]

4. Amen!

He's not in anyone's pocket. He scares Washington for that reason. He will uncover all the dirty, little secrets of this Administration. The roots of corruption probably lead to places where nobody would even suspect. And Kerry is up the the job of unearthing them.

[ginnyinWI]

8. he really has never stopped being a prosecutor, has he?

Always going after the bad guys and seeking justice for the down-trodden. :)

[_dynamicdems]

10. Nope. Never has and never will!

He's my favorite super-hero! ;)

[beachmom]

5. Obama and Clinton absolutely won't. What do we know

about Edwards on this issue?

[_dynamicdems]

2. Here, here!

He has to run. America needs him. The world needs him. Period.

[Democrafty]

3. I feel the same way n/t

[karynnj]

9. same here

also look at the candidate you want least thead- although I hate the thread because it begs people to bash someone. There are real reasons for most of the others. For Kerry, it's that he lost. that the other side cheated - by lying, by traumatizing the country on purpose, by wiring the candidate, by threatening the media, and by suppressing votes and throwing out valid registations - doesn't matter - Kerry said he would win and didn't.

These people have the maturity one of my kids had when at 3 she had a nearly all afternoon temper tantrum because I told her I'd take her to the local lake - and didn't. It didn't matter that it was raining.

[ginnyinWI]

6. Amen.

I agree that the field without Kerry doesn't look good.

Hillary: will have a huge target on her back as far as the right is concerned--I think they can't wait to get started on her. Kerry's been there, done that-- so will be more skilled at deflecting and exposing attacks. And they have less to throw at him--it won't do for them to re-run the old ones. Hillary may think she knows what's coming, but she can't know till she's in the middle of it. It's too bad that "ability to defend against smears" has come to be such an indispensable skill for a candidate to posess.

Obama: yeah he's still too green. Hasn't learned everything he needs to know politically. "Smart" isn't enough; you need political experience too.

Edwards: don't trust him entirely. Is probably more conservative than I'd like. Not a problem as a vice-president, as long as the president is liberal.

Dodd: I'm willing to give Chris Dodd a look. I don't know much about him, but he's definitely experienced in foreign relations.

Biden: Only if there is nobody better! His personality grates on me.

The rest of them are veep material: Vilsack, Clark, Richardson, even Kucinich--but not for president.

[Dr Ron]

7. Edwards and Forgiveness

To me the real question in interpreting positions about Iraq is not a simple matter of forgiving or holding their position against them. It comes down to whether I trust the person to handle foreign policy in the future, especially related to deciding when to go to war.

In Kerry's case I easily forgave him for his IWR vote after reading his many statements on the war. There is no doubt that if Kerry had been President we would not have gone to war, and in a similar situatin in the future he is unlikely to go to war unnecessarily.

Nothing Edwards has said has reasured me about him in this matter. I understand why Kerry voted as he did even though I disagreed considering the politics of the time and the ambiguity of the nature of the vote. In Edwards case it was a more clear cut support for the war. While Kerry opposed the war before it started, Edwards didn't until the war was clearly a failure and opposition to the war is policially safe. I see nothing to convince me he wouldn't make similar mistakes in the future..

I haven't seen his video yet, but so far I rank Obama a bit higher than you do. That still does not mean he is ready to be President. I do see potential, but that could also be hopeful thinking, projecting more into him hoping he can stop Hillary if Kerry and Gore are unable to do so or do not run.

[karynnj]

14. I agree completely with you on both of them

and you said it better than I could.

With Kerry, I felt as you did in 2004. Now, I am even more sure because of his Pepperdine speech. That and the Ireland speech or the 2004 speech on foreign policy explain his belief and value system on this completely. That view hasn't changed - just matured since the 1970s.

I think Edwards would need some to ghost write his world vision.

[wisteria]

11. I have been saying this for a while. Tay said it yesterday. The current field sucks.

I really believe he has a better shot this time than in 04. We just have to get over that antiquated fifty year old rule that says we can't run a candidate who lost the Presidency more than one time.
I just know he will be even better this time out. And, no Rove machine. Only Hillary's rusty henchmen.

[politicasista]

12. I agree, but also

If he does run, He will have to find a way to get his message, record out to the urban media, as well as positive coverage. With Obama, (and possibly Hil) running, that won't be easy. :shrug:

There is still some bitterness from 04 (from the primaries to the concession) and Obama and Hil are liked by black voters, black leaders, and the urban press.

This is, despite the blogger friends not being enthused about an Obama candidacy.

[wisteria]

15. I am sure he will make his case. He has done a lot for the AA community

and any resentment from 04 seems unfounded. He had no choice but to concede. As for Hillary, that is residual Bill Clinton warmth. She is no Bill Clinton and the comparisons will be inevitable.

[politicasista]

18. But they haven't heard anything

positive about Kerry since 04. When election issues were brought up on a talk show. The people that called in said they didn't want to hear what Kerry had to say cause it was too late. He got bashed heavilly at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition while Edwards and Obama were well received.

And Tavis Smiley (who pushed Obama on November 4, 2004). I remember him saying on the Tom Joyner (He likes Hil) Show that the he wanted them to grill Kerry on why he didn't stand with the Congressional Black Caucus in 2000 when there were black voters disenfranchised, even though Gore asked that no senator stand with them.

I know this is all old talk, but it will not go away and if Kerry plans to run, his PR is going to have to find a way to get his message out to the urban community.

I know it won't be popular here, but black voters don't care about Clinton closing the books on Bush I and Bush II, despite them saying "it's the lesser of two evils." I heard that quote a lot in the real world in 04.

You're right, Hil is not Bill, but they still think Clinton is the best thing that happened cause he "knows how to win", and that Obama is the second coming of Jesse Jackson (and JFK/RFK).

And I apologize for being so strong, but the perception is still there, whether we like it or not.

[ProSense]

20. That's not true!

Kerry had tremendous public support when he decided to filibuster Alito. His withdrawal plan was well received, even by far left anti-war groups, when it was announced. He's has given several manificent speeches, including his TBA speech, his appearances on campaign trail for other Democrats were enormously successful, and it goes on.

The RW will continue to smear Kerry and other Democrat, and the media will continue to spin events, that doesn't mean no one has heard anything positive about Kerry since 2004.

[politicasista]

21. I just haven't heard all this mentioned on urban radio

since there is no BET news anymore. AA get their news from cable networks and newspapers. I don't think AA understand the power of the corporate media. The times I mention this problem, it's like ok or whatever. Case in point: Obama in swim trunks and Hussein (his middle name).

[ProSense]

22. Here is an example from the campaign trail

Though state candidates were mentioned only indirectly, a visit by Kerry meant a lot to the local party, said state Rep. Kenneth Hodges, D-Green Pond.

"This certainly does a lot to motivate Beaufort County Democrats to go to the polls," Hodges said after Kerry's speech.

Hodges, who is up for re-election, said Kerry's visit is an indication of the interest the party's national candidates are showing in local elections.

Beverly Smith Dore, chairwoman of the county party, said her home phone, cell phone and the organization's office phone have been ringing off the hook since word of Kerry's visit came out a few days ago. Every available seat was sold, and calls still were coming in Friday afternoon for tickets.

link

photos

[politicasista]

23. Those photos and stories were nice

He should do those kind of events more often. :)


I guess the problem I have is that stories like this aren't covered on CNN or MSNBC. Though it made the local papers, people nationally aren't seeing the Real Kerry. This is why I had to quit spreading the word. Every time I posted something Kerry did good, it was just like GD/GDP? "Where were his balls in 04?" or "if he hadn't waffled (a RW talking point) on the ______ in 04, he would be in the WH." And they voted for him in 04, even loved his acceptance speech. (I kid you not).

I corrected them saying be careful, that is a Rovian talking point, to no avail. The person did like Momma T though.


I am with you, they will smear Kerry or any democrat, but do people know and understand the power of the corporate media? :shrug:

[politicasista]

26. Delete. wrong spot n/t

[beachmom]

17. You're right that there are obstacles. Sometimes they seem

insurmountable. But, for me, Step 1 is to look at the field and decide who is the BEST PERSON to be president. And, I know that's Kerry. The others are WAY below him, WAY subpar.

The biggest attack on him will be the 2004 campaign. That's all they've got. Everything else, he's way better than them. That's where he needs to concentrate for the primaries -- his vision and explaining why he should be given a second electoral chance.

[politicasista]

19. I agree with you

2004 (Swifties :shrug) is all they have. Others can be debunked.

And I hope I am not sounding Anti-Obama. I like Obama. I really do. I am glad he (and Al Sharpton) bring diversity in the race, but I also think he is too green. And I would hate for him and his family to be visciously smeared by other candidates, GOP and the media.

But there have been those in DC pressuring him to run, but at least he is getting his feet wet. He will make a good president one day, but again, he is too green.

[politicasista]

29. And attacks like these

is what I am talking about. And these are people I like.


Snip:

Kerry Urged to Do More to Get Black Votes
Lack of Diversity Among Top Campaign Officials, Absence in Community Are Concerns

By Darryl Fears
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 29, 2004; Page A04


A month before Sen. John F. Kerry is to accept the Democratic presidential nomination, African Americans who are experienced in getting out the vote say the candidate has done little to energize a constituency that could help ensure his election.

Although the Massachusetts senator has many black supporters, civil rights leaders and academics are grumbling about his absence from black communities and a lack of top black officials in his campaign.

"You pick up the paper . . . and you see a picture where he's surrounded by all whites," Ronald Walters, a University of Maryland political scientist who helped run two presidential campaigns, said of Kerry. "That's sensitive to black Democrats. It raises questions about the lack of blacks and Hispanics in his inner circle."

"What usually do is wait until the last minute and try to stir up interest in the black community, which would be a serious mistake," said the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta and current chairman of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda. "They tend to take us for granted."

"As I travel around the country," he said, "I sense great frustration in the black community with this president, and they want to express their frustration at the ballot box. But I don't see Democrats taking advantage of that."

Lowery and other civil rights leaders questioned Kerry's familiarity with black voters. Over the years the Massachusetts senator has received high marks from the NAACP and National Urban League for votes that supported the civil rights agenda on such issues as welfare reform, judicial nominations and affirmative action, but he hails from a state without a significant black population, unlike Gore, who is from Tennessee, and former president Bill Clinton, who is from Arkansas.

Kerry has made traditional approaches to black voters, such as appearing at African American churches and giving interviews on black urban radio programs, including the popular "Tom Joyner Morning Show." But activists said he needs to do more. A source close to Kerry's campaign said his closest advisers do not understand the political dynamics of energizing black voters. They "haven't been sensitive to making him more visible in the black community," the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

But the second-guessing continues. It started around April, when Kerry seemed to be assured the Democratic nomination. At the time, Jadotte was one of the few black Americans in a senior position in the senator's campaign.

Most black politicians and strategists backed the campaigns of former Vermont governor Howard Dean, retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark and Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (Mo.), said David A. Bositis, a researcher for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

"The election is still five months away," he said. "I have no doubt that Kerry in his campaign is going to mobilize the black vote."

Bositis said some of those who are critical of Kerry, such as Lowery, are dependent on money candidates spend on get-out-the-vote efforts. Whatever Kerry does during the campaign, black activists might not be satisfied, he said.

"There's one thing about this campaign that isn't going to be satisfying to black voters," Bositis said. "The war is going to be the underlying issue of this campaign. There's not going to be a lot of talk about the kind of issues that African Americans would rather hear about."

After so many Democrats were swept out of office in the 2002 elections, a number of black pundits blasted Democratic candidates for waxing conservative and not embracing a campaign message that appealed to black voters.

"The issue is not whether black voters will choose a Democrat, it's how many will turn out to vote," Lowery said.

Jackson -- the nation's most widely recognized black American, according to polls -- said he is ready to get off the bench and into the game for Kerry, but no one is asking.

"I'm not very close to the campaign," said Jackson, who was traveling throughout Appalachian states in an attempt to interest people in Democratic causes and register them to vote.

Arthur Blackwell II, a member of the Police Board of Commissioners in Detroit, said he is a ground soldier for Kerry. Critics of the candidate, he said, are overly fond of Clinton and his centrist formula for capturing the White House.

"We need to be a little more sophisticated this time," Blackwell said. "Clinton was a good president, but Clinton nearly destroyed the Democratic Party. not a warm, fuzzy guy, like maybe a Bill Clinton. You can't reinvent somebody. He's a very personable guy, very smart, but he has his own personality."

Personality is not the issue, said Felicia Davis, executive director of the Benjamin E. Mays Educational Resource Center in Atlanta. It is Kerry's low profile in black communities. "Mr. Kerry shouldn't have any problem at all finding qualified, tremendous black people, and yet there were none around his campaign," she said.

Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said Kerry must move now, because Republicans appear eager to compete for black votes.

"The most important thing for African Americans is that our votes are vigorously competed for," Morial said. "The complexity of the African American vote is going to make a big difference."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13190-20...

[Mass]

31. I do not know if Kerry did something different, but he did as well

with the AA vote than Clinton did and nearly as well as Gore did.

This is typical from the WaPo and an Inside The Beltway culture.

However, on this issue like on many others, we certainly agree that Kerry needs to put his record in evidence. There is a lot to do there.

[politicasista]

32. That's all I am saying

Even though Rev. Lowery and Tom Joyner are not Inside The Beltway, they and other said more negative, then positive. I read and saw it during the 04 election.

I am glad that Kerry did as well as Gore did, but if it came down to them, people would pick Gore. I posted that Gore article (though it's now bogus), the responses I received were that they wished that he was running again cause he was robbed in 2000. Nothing about Kerry cause there is still bitterness from 04.

I am just saying that the PR need to find a way to get his (and Momma T :)) record out there. You can bet Hil, Obama, and Edwards will try to use that (and the concession, though he had no other choice) against him.

[karynnj]

37. Kerry seems to have done many AA things since 2004

from the Jackie Robinson award, one of the better Rosa Parks speeches, with Jesse Jackson Jr he got Rosa Parks the honor of a statue, he marched with Lewes in Boston, he went to the VA Democratic event (near Beachmom and Fedup) to honor a black congressman. Don't forget in 2004, he chose an unknown Illinois state senator as the Key note speaker.

I think it beyond courageous that Teresa as a young woman had the courage to march against appartheid in South Africa. I loved the speech by Alston (the AA guy on Kerry's boat.) It sounds to me like he definately had a bond with Kerry - that could not have happened if Kerry were the cold elite snob the Republicans made him out to be. Considering how young Kerry was he was incredible with those guys.

[ProSense]

38. There is also

the tremendous support Kerry gave to Deval Patrick, who I think is incredible.

[Mass]

40. Tremendous? Not really. To his credit, Kerry realized that

Deval did not need it and went somewhere else!

Edwards and Clinton supporting Patrick was really pure 100 % opportunistic. They would have been more useful with LaMont.

Nobody is denying that Kerry has promoted a lot of good things for minorities, many of them through the Small Business Committee.

The problem is that that they REALLY need to improve their communication strategy in order to make things known. During the 04 election, they basically ignore Kerry's record in the Senate to focus on other aspects. Since, they are struggling getting things through the media. Some of the bills and actions that get positive action for are some ponctual actions, such as the Cunningham Amendment, or the Rosa Parks statue. But, without a communication policy that links everything, it is forgotten quickly. This is ALL that PA is saying.

[ProSense]

43. What?

Tremendous support, yes. Support is not just money. Kerry was in Deval's corner all the way.

As far as the African American vote goes, the media spin and what actually happened are two completely different things.

I will find the article, which I've posted here before, that counters everything that WaPo article states. Until then, there is this.

[MBS]

44. it WAS tremendous, and most importantly, support when it mattered most

Kerry signed onto Patrick early in the primaries, way before it was politically expedient, way before Patrick was considered a favorite. And he kept up the support through the general election, and through his inauguration.
Kerry was a clear, consistent supporter of Deval throughout. He went on to campaign for other candidates across the country, but his support for Patrick was clear, consistent throughout the election.

[karynnj]

41. Patrick has backed him over Hillary and Obama

giving Kerry at least one AA vote. :) I think Patrick and his wife (if she is also pro Kerry) could be amazing. (In fact, I bet the reason Obama is going for it is that if he didn't, Patrick has a far more amazing life story than Obama. He actually lived on the SOUTH SIDE of Chicago. ("the meanest side") His wife is an amazing speaker as well.

Mass,
From what I read here, Kerry did help him in a very real way, but not by campaigning for him. Although didn't Kerry do a lot of party bulding stuff? (Tay help!) Weren't Cam Kerry and Dukakis very involved in trying to push the Democrats not to kill each other in the primary. He also gave the MA Democratic party a huge amount of money. From the numbers directly after the primary, there was no

[Island Blue]

27. I'm just curious Sista,

what has Hillary Clinton done for the AA community? (Not what has BILL done, what has Hillary done.) I'm honestly curious because I don't know a lot about her record in that department.

[politicasista]

28. According to vote smart

It looks like her civil rights record is pretty good. (for AA, hispanics, and other minorities in general).

2005 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 95 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2005.

2004 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 25 percent in 2004.

2003-2004 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 88 percent in 2003-2004.

2003-2004 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003-2004 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003-2004 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 0 percent in 2003.

2003 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2003.

2003 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2003.

2001-2002 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 88 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 50 percent in 2001-2002.

2001 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2001.

2001 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2001.

2001 Senator Clinton supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 91 percent in 2001.

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=WNY99268&type=category&category=Civil%2BRights&go.x=10&go.y=6

I think people like her cause she is Bill's ticket to getting him back in the White House. :shrug:

[ProSense]

30. But even there Kerry a much better record across the board

Civil Rights
(Back to top)

2005 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2005.

2004 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 100 percent in 2004.

2003-2004 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003-2004 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003-2004 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 33 percent in 2003.

2003 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2003.

2001-2002 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 81 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2001-2002.

2001-2002 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Arab American Institute 75 percent in 2001-2002.

2001 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2001.

2001 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 2001.

2001 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 82 percent in 2001.

2000 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the League of United Latin American Citizens 100 percent in 2000.

2000 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 93 percent in 2000.

1999-2000 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 100 percent in 1999-2000.

1999-2000 Senator Kerry supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 94 percent in 1999-2000.

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=S0421103

[politicasista]

33. But did the Congressional Black Caucus and left leaning pundits help get it out there?

I don't remember them other than former Congressman Harold Ford Jr., Congressmen Cummings and Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (strong Kerry supporters), and Al Sharpton (though he isn't a member) being out there defending him when the Swifties made there rounds? (there may have been more, but I don't remember them being out there)

What about the botched joke? :shrug:

[ProSense]

34. What does that have to do with

African American support? The smear?

The fact is Kerry, like Gore, did much better than Clinton among African Americans. This is not 2004, and these are issues every candidate will face: gaining the support. People expected Barrack Obama to have a lock on the black vote and he doesn't.

[karynnj]

35. True and they expected Hillary to have a lock on the woman's vote

- at least among Democrats. (Oddly I hear more men, wanting to sound non-sexist, excited about her than women.)

[politicasista]

36. Nothing, the PR just needs to erase the media perceptions

that are out there right now. It is now true that neither Obama or Hil have the AA vote lock up, but there are pundits and AA leaders (i.e. Oprah) that may push them soon.


I am not attacking Kerry. He should run because he brings a lot to the debate (either way as a candidate or a senator). :)

[sandnsea]

13. I hated Howard Dean, but...

I'd be delighted if he decided to run now, lol. That IS how pathetic the field is. That's the main reason I was giving Obama a bit of leeway, who else is there?? JK is the only true leader in the bunch, you've got that right.

[Mass]

16. We agree! Time to run.

Time to propose a rational for a Kerry candidacy, not only about whether he can win or not, but more importantly why he is running and what his vision is.

A good example why a well designed and courageous program about energy (that would both assure independance and national security on one side, and preserve our planet on the other side) is an idea that would really tempt many people. This country needs a great plan to succeed, and a plan that is based on the national interest and not the interest of one region or another. It is always hard to ask people to change, but NOW is the time for a change on these issues.

http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0116-29.htm

[ray of light]

24. I'm stuck on your word "souless" to describe Hillary. before she

became Senator, I really felt she had a soul. It shone through her love and affection towards Chelsea. It was there when she defended people and her health plan and the 'right-wing attack machine'. But after she became Senator, she just seemed more calculating. You could see it was a plan...one foot in front of the other. She's very good. Very smart. And very goal oriented. But I'm sorry...when she was maternal towards Chelsea, she looked less coniving.

[karynnj]

39. I wonder if it were not becoming Senator, but the events a few years earlier

You are right that there was a pretty big jump in how she came across. I wonder though if it wasn't being absolutely embarrassed world-wide - when your husband not only cheated and everybody knew, but you were lied to (along with everyone else) for six months. Hillary went on TV defending him. That had to be as emotionally hurtful as anything other than a death of someone very close. Maybe some of the hardness is necessary scar tissue.

I think of all the MA people here who have credited Kerry's new ability to open up to the relationship he has with Teresa. Maybe it's an openness and vulnerability he can afford because he trusts who he is more because of the love, respect and support he gets from her and the rest of his family and friends - who he knows are exceptional people.

For Hillary, the reverse happened. The man she most trusted betrayed her on many levels.

[sandnsea]

42. I never thought about that

Maybe what is perceived as calculating is really just a wall to hide all the hurt because I can't imagine many people being in more emotional pain than Hillary. Arkansas wasn't always kind to her either. Maybe I'll reconsider that point, but still don't like the triangulating politics.

[MarjorieG]

46. Fear Hill's friends more.

She made a pact with the devil. Amazing in her own right, the people around her are conniving. Approved by her, so what does that say? I think she is always playing the part of her next job, never letting her guard down publically, projecting for a shorter person, as her ambitions have always been bigger.

Low blow hit team, but not necessarily better at getting someone elected in this climate. We can certainly take apart Bill's competition as third party or lesser opponents, and different media cycle.

My bigger beef is the dynasty aspect, the triangulation of never knowing what we'll get with her, and, frankly, unresolved anger that the whole Clinton crew did less than they could to secure it for Kerry, instead waiting for Hillary. McAuliffe's lack of Dem infrastructure and Carville's pillow talk with Mary before we had to concede (State if Denial book), and more.

[ray of light]

48. I thought Hillary did a great job in 04 working for Kerry--even if her

'lackeys' didn't.

[MarjorieG]

25. Obama will be divisive

Coming off a divisive congressional campaign of one white against four AAs, people of color, whatever the PC term, there were pivotal issues of how qualified that rarely got aired above race. This is in Brooklyn, and a Voting Rights Act district. Just think of what the corporate media, trying to salvage the GOP chances with maverick McCain, can do with instigating that polarization. Turning Democrats on themselves, which is very easy to do. All those apologies of it is and isn't because of race. Media will never even have to deal with issues.

Joyner may be for Hill, or Bill3, but frankly, what has Clinton done, other than the very important showing and talking about equality. Certainly not policy like Kerry all these years, who feels real comfort, I might add, maybe from sharing a different kind of fox hole battle.

I wish the country were ready and color blind. They might be if coaxed by the media to their better angels, or we weren't still so affected by the confederate shall rise again movement by Bush.

Obama is still searching for how to visibly be for all the people, and looking for center. Good, fair policy shouldn't even be party specific, and needs to be promoted expertly. The public still doesn't understand how the world works, and how big our dangers.

Apologies for even mentioning race, as I thought Obama's Take Back America speech went beyond it, into parables and storytelling that worked for everyone. I could see how he connected. Guess I'm more cynical, because when I saw the bit lip, a la Clinton, I felt here we go again. Anyone else tired of televangelism?

If this takes off and moves, will Obama be able to keep at bay all the different groups wanting a piece. I remember Bill having a terrible time first term with all those pent up expectations, and voters stayed home (or were told to) in 1994 and shifted Congress. Typical Democratic unity.

[babylonsister]

45. Yes, jump in soon while pandemonium runs riot! I agree! nt

[Klimmer]

47. Senator Kerry is the one . . .

If all the planets aligned, Gore and Kerry IMHO would be the team from heaven. However, Gore is doing good work on Global Warming awareness, and we need him as an environmental czar to work with Kerry as President, and the Kerry administration.

Kerry is attacked so viciously by the GOP and Neo-cons because he is such a threat and they know it. Just look at what Kerry has going . . . in no particular order:

1) He's absolutely honest and trustworthy

2) He's a real war veteran/hero

3) He's an anti-war activist

4) He has a charismatic presence

5) He is a thinker, a damn good writer, and public speaker

6) He's a prosecutor. He hates and doesn't put up with corruption.

7) He has challenged corruption and the Neo-con Rethugs through bringing down BCCI and his investigations into Iran/Contra and has even challenged those in our own party caught in the corruption. He has put them all on notice.

8) He's an environmentalist

9) He is a committed and loving father, husband, and expresses personal faith

10) He loves adventure and is willing to take risks

11) He's a pilot

12) He loves outdoor adventure sports

13) He keeps himself fit and can run circles around many athletes much younger

14) He is unbelievably hardworking, and often fore-goes the spot-light for all he does behind the scene

15) He is humble

16) He cares about the people, and he listens

17) He is all about the good intentions of what originally our great country was founded upon by our founding fathers

18) He is international and knows the world views, and he listens to what the world has to say

19) He seeks advice from others who know better and he listens

20) He speaks truth to power, and feels dissent is patriotic when the right thing must be done

21) He is brave

Now I could go on and on, but perhaps you can add to the list . . .

Bottom line, Kerry is the one and I agree he must run.

On-edit:

He has already won once, and he can do it again with an honest and fraud-free election. I have no doubt about that. The people cry for what we could have had.

[Island Blue]

49. Beautiful list Kilmmer.

This is why I love Senator Kerry and want him to be President Kerry. He's not a one-dimensional, one-note character. He's a well rounded person with the proven experience to get the job done.

Run John Run!

[karynnj]

50. Great list - He is a pretty remarkable candidate

and in addition to him, we would have a first lady who is his equal as a moral, caring person

1) Teresa had the courage and morality to march against apartheid in South Africa.

2) is an environmentalist in her own right.

3) has worked on issues like health insurance, pensions.

4) Teresa is as intensely honest as her husband

5) Teresa is kind and genuine and that shows in her beautiful writing (I love her author's note.)

[MBS]

51. thanks from me, too

I felt energized just reading your list. No other candidate (declared or otherwise) comes close!

[ProSense]

52. Awesome list.

Thanks Klimmer. Agree.

Run John, Run!