A fantastic Christian Science Monitor article on Kerry

[karynnj]

In 2004, what Sen. John Kerry wanted most was to become president of the United States. In 2008, after the election of Barack Obama, he wanted to become secretary of state. In this December week of 2010, the senator from Massachusetts has proven his statesmanship and value to the country without ever having had a crack at those two other jobs.

It took a full-court press from the White House to get the Senate to ratify the "new START" nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia today. But it also took much behind-the-scenes work from Democrat Kerry, who has exhibited the diplomacy, patience, and attention to detail of a skilled statesman.
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Those were substantive complaints that Kerry strove to address, but he also skillfully deflected political incoming missiles. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for instance, complained that debate was being rushed. Kerry pointed out that the treaty had been delayed at the request of Republicans and that more time was being devoted to this debate than earlier, more complicated treaties. His finger-tip knowledge of the details and history of arms control helped him push back Republican attempts to delay ratification and renegotiate with Russia.
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What seemed like an uncertain outcome just a week or so ago, has ended with a 71-26 ratification in which 13 Republicans broke from their leadership and backed the treaty. National interest won out over politics. That is indeed a contribution, especially in this political climate.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Editorial-Board-Blog/2010/1222/New-START-treaty-Sen.-Kerry-as-statesman





http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Editorial-Board-Blog/2010/1222/New-START-treaty-Sen.-Kerry-as-statesman