A rare article on this which actually centerpieces and *interviews* JK. Naturally, it must include the obligatory SoS reference!
Kerry blamed the Republican intransigence on a no-tax pledge promoted by antitax zealot Grover Norquist of Americans For Tax Reform. “We have a $1.2 trillion plan that’s sitting on the table, one that addresses the problem in a way that’s real. But they’re insisting now on giving another tax cut to the richest Americans," said Kerry. He continued: “Let me be clear: I’m in favor of tax cuts to the middle class, to people making up to $500,000 a year. All we’re asking is that the richest Americans pay their fair share."
When President Obama was elected, Kerry probably didn’t envision spending the better part of a year squabbling over deficit reduction and entitlement programs. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he had a schedule studded with trips to foreign capitals. A politician who has often seemed, bluntly, bored by parochial issues, he has never forcefully refuted the notion that he would love to be the next secretary of state.
Now he is mired in the most domestic of fights - how to balance a runaway budget, how to manage entitlement programs that may represent a looming fiscal nightmare, and how to negotiate with an opposition party whose first priority is making a point, not making a deal.
More here:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/21/chance-squandered/u8JuMmeGqJGoRJXgXub3JN/story.htmlI couldn't easily access this article without signing in -- not sure if that's the case for everyone...