BMG post by Kerry after Setti Warren's withdrawal from the Senate race

[Mass]

http://bluemassgroup.com/2011/09/setti-warren/

Some quick thoughts on something I know you’ve been discussing here today, Setti’s decision to end his campaign for the Senate.

First, I know it was a tough decision, but Setti showed a lot of guts and determination when he put himself on the line as a candidate in the first place, and he showed equal judgment, class, and sense of purpose in the way he ended that campaign today. People run for all kinds of different reasons, but I think all of us who ever have taken that plunge have huge respect afterwards for just what a commitment it is, and what it requires of your family, your friends, and those closest to you. We ought to thank folks who climb into the arena.

Second, just something about Setti because we’ve traveled a lot of miles together: He’s a special guy, who comes from a special family. I’ve seen him tested in life, in ways people know about and in ways Setti to his great credit doesn’t talk about much, but every time he’s been tested he’s demonstrated character, loyalty, and integrity. He’s got one hell of a “compass,” and if you knew his Dad then you know one of the reasons why.

Third, I can tell you that Setti cares deeply about Newton and his work as Mayor. He’s sat in the armchair in my office and talked to me about what it’s like to be Mayor and he just lights up talking about Newton in a way that frankly is more powerful than me just reciting his record. He’ll keep doing that job with all the heart, fire, leadership, pride, and energy that defines him.

Lastly, a lot of endings can be beginnings. In 1970, I pulled out of a race for Congress and backed Father Drinan instead because the cause was bigger than me, and in 1972 I ran in Lowell and got blistered and battered and knocked on my butt and man did I learn some lessons from it. Some people thought my career had ended before it began. But I put my head down and I did a job I came to love as Prosecutor in Middlesex County. Years later, I got another chance at elected office and I was a better candidate and better public person for lessons learned early. I don’t know what Setti’s future holds — that’s up to Setti and Tassy and life itself — but I know he’s an enormously talented, capable person — the sky’s always been the limit for Setti, and trust me, today it still is.

Classic Kerry, classy and everything.

[MBS]

1. this is perfect.

As you said, classyPitch-perfect,straight from the heart. And full of life wisdom.
I wish Setti the best, and I'm sure his compass will keep him on a good track. (JK's own compass also seems to be in pretty fine shape these days).

TWO special guys here.

[Inuca]

2. I don't know much about Setti Warren, but

even without the context this is a wonderful statement.

[karynnj]

3. The Boston Globe printed the transcript of Setti Warren's eloquent speech

It is very nice that Kerry made these public comments supporting Warren at what has to be a tough moment. From his own speech, I hope that he does have a chance some time in the future for higher office. It may be that after more time as a mayor, he will be a stronger candidate than he is now.

link - http://www.boston.com/Boston/politicalintelligence/2011/09/full-text-setti-warren-speech-announcing-will-quit-the-senate-race/0nIPY2txjznd50dKWTXivN/index.html

As Setti Warren speaks of his own call to duty, the man he intended to defeat is going for a new title "Funniest Celebrity in Washington competition" Could be he takes the obnoxious Democratic nick name of "clown boy" too seriously. If he reads the jokes that will be written for him like he reads the speeches written for him, he will not be all that funny.



http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=newssearch&cd=11&ved=0CCcQqQIwADgK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com%2Fnews%2Fstories%2F0911%2F64606.html&rct=j&q=scott%20brown&ctbm=nws&ei=XLqFTuy9N4nW0QGS9ez3Dw&usg=AFQjCNE3P-YD3_sDOBgbzBrtwBdfW5RHRQ&cad=rja

[Mass]

5. Brown will not have to make an effort for that. All he has to do is to be himself.

But people will laugh at him, not with him. His latest embarrassment being that he apparently thought Mass had passed a transgender right bill and giving this as an example for the reason there should not be a federal bill on this issue or ENDA.

As for Setti Warren, he will succeed, but this year was not his year. His candidacy was already in trouble before Elizabeth Warren entered the race and he was wise to cut his losses. What is however sad is that the media decided to ignore people of this quality (not only him, but others) in the hope that a celebrity enters the race (Elizabeth Warren is a good addition to the race, but unfortunately, media and political establishment would have done the same thing as long as the person was a celebrity that would allow them to make money). At this point, I guess the nomination is for Warren to lose, but I think it is fair to say everyone of these candidates would have made a great senator.

[Luftmensch067]

4. I agree -- perfect

You've all expressed what I feel about JK's post. This is a man who knows how to support people he respects and cares about.

I was very impressed by Setti's campaign, similarly classy and he was working HARD at the grassroots and local level. I don't think he was able to get enough media coverage without more name recognition, but I bet those communities and organizations he took the time to spend quality time with will remember him favorably should he undertake another statewide campaign in the future. I think he made some good friends. I do believe he loves being Mayor of Newton and they're lucky to have him!

[MBS]

9. " " " " " n/t

[ObamaKerryDem]

6. Wait, hold the phone..Setti withdrew? Aww man! :(

This was the first I'd heard about this. Excellent, thoughtful, classy and eloquent remarks from JK (as always), on both a professional and personal level. They embody and exemplify just why JK is such a huge inspiration to me! Both his personal journey (not so much the specific details though they matter very much and are in and of themselves inspiring..but I am moreover referring to the general attitude and message from and about them..about getting right back up when knocked down, rising to the challenges presented, sticking to and fighting for what you believe in) and his wisdom. And it seems Setti has learned much from his mentor. He should be proud. :)

It looks like Elizabeth Warren is now the front runner and I will be glad to support her. I really feel she (and we, collectively) can take back Teddy (and "the People"'s) seat! :)

[Mass]

7. Any of them can take back MA's seat. I'd be happy to support whoever is the nominee.

[ObamaKerryDem]

8. Me too--Anyone but Brown! :) n/t