Lively forum at Harvard on Friday.

[TayTay]

Looks like protestors were outside and in. Sounds like it was an interesting exchange.

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=512063

One man, who was sitting inside the forum, called out to Kerry after the documentary.

“Stop this war, John, grow some balls” the man said. “You can do something, John.”

The man was taken out of the forum, but his message did not fall on deaf ears.

“I wish that young man who stood up was still here because those of you who know me, know that I don’t shy away from any conversation on any subject,” Kerry said. “I understand the anxiety and the frustration people feel here in this country.”

I kind of wish they hadn't removed the guy either. You can't have a genuine discussion without all the parties present. If not at a University, then where?

[Mass]

1. Trying to make sense of that

Kerry said that he had exceeded his goals in every precinct of America in the last election. “That means we have to set bigger goals,” Kerry said, stressing the need for the Democrats to gain control of one of the Houses of Congress.

I imagine he is not talking about votes as he obviously did not get enough to be elected (or I am missing something).

[fedupinBushcountry]

3. Yes he is talking votes

He got more votes then any Democrat presidential nominee. He got more but they got a handle on the machines and the disgraceful ways in which Republicans suppressed the voters.

[karynnj]

5. They didn't anticipate that the Republicans would increase

their numbers as much as they did. (I think Gore/Bush were both under 50,000,0000 - where Bush got around 59 million this time - an enormous increase for both. Kerry targets were in terms of votes they hoped to turn out.

[ProSense]

2. Definitely interesting.

Glad Kerry address it.

Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz, spoke briefly in a meet-and-greet with the Harvard College Democrats after the forum. The former presidential candidate expressed his gratitude and urged his supporters to continue their efforts in the 2006 midterm elections.

Kerry said that he had exceeded his goals in every precinct of America in the last election. “That means we have to set bigger goals,” Kerry said, stressing the need for the Democrats to gain control of one of the Houses of Congress.

[politicasista]

4. I agree, very interesting exchange

“Bush Lied. Kerry Complied. Bring the troops home now,” they chanted outside the Kennedy School.

Unfortunately, that's the consequence of voting for the IWR. It's good that he welcomes dissenting opinions unlike Blinky.

[WildEyedLiberal]

8. No, not really

It shows a dishonest and childish understanding of the IWR for people to protest like that. They have the right to protest, but that doesn't mean they are right or have a point.

[politicasista]

9. Maybe the Dems should explain what IWR is. n/t

[WildEyedLiberal]

10. Kerry has, again and again and again

At some point it is not his fault when the same dishonest people with an agenda refuse to listen.

[TayTay]

11. I seriously would have liked to have heard that exchange.

This person in the audience was affiliated with the Military Families Speak Out. They have moral standing and I should think that Sen. Kerry would have enjoyed talking with them and airing out their differences. (Ahm, have you ever seen Mr. Kerry debate. He can be quite good at it you know.)

This was a forum about the effects of war on the troops that fight it. What better place to debate Senate votes and stances. (Again, Kerry is not unable to defend himself in an open debate, I think.) Have at it.

[politicasista]

13. Understand now..

after reading Pro-Sense and sandnsea's replies. :)

[jillan]

12. I don't think that would bother Kerry.

I get the feeling that Kerry looks at these exchanges as an opportunity.

[karynnj]

14. He also likely remembers that he challanged the senators

in 1971 - though more politely and intelligently. He also knows what he did and why he did it and knows that he has been using his intelligence and position to try to re-direct an administration that doesn't want to be redirected.

[karynnj]

6. Interesting that the protester sees Kerry as someone who could

help - clearly not happy with him, but the comment suggests a more complicated relationship as opposed to the hatred that Bush would get.

[TayTay]

7. I agree with that.

I'm also sorry that the protestor was ejected. I would rather have had a free exchange. If the protestor wasn't interested in a free exchange and insisted on disrupting the forum with slogans alone, then I would have tossed him. But a US Senator is supposed to take questions and dissent from constituents. (Even if they are rude dissents. The Constitution doesn't have a provision that says that people have the right to petition their government for a redress of grievances, except for rude people.)

Lively exchanges are good for people. One of the most disgraceful and unAmerican things this Admin does is suppress free speech at their 'rallies.' Bush would be much better off if he heard a little dissent, even rude dissent, every now and then. That's American and it's good for you.