Dec 22 media coverage of SoS appointment

[MBS]

Mixed bag, as always. I know, I shouldn't be surprised after closely following the usually maddening coverage of Sen. Kerry over the last decade or so, but, nevertheless, I continue to be astonished how Beltway and Media "wisdom" (not) continues to base judgments on superficial criteria, and how many still don't get who this man is. I'm especially frustrated and befuddled by the number of people who misunderstand and mischaracterize John Kerry's reserve and dignity as "aloof", and mistakenly conclude, from his civilized demeanor, that he is less "progressive" than more raucous voices. That's why I was so happy to see the David Ignatius article and its approving citation in the American Prospect article. (See other threads in this group). But it's still all too rare. In the 2000 election, some commentator (was it Hendrik Hertzberg?), noting the superficial issues in the Gore-Bush race, said something like , If Bush wins, the election of the president of the United States would be reduced to the superficiality of the presidency of the Student Council. That pretty much summarizes (with a few welcome exceptions) the press corps these days. And it's adults like Kerry who suffer from the junior-high press coverage the most.

Today's Globe coverage . . http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/12/22/kerry-familiar-face-the-world-stage/qGcu9Az4zk21O5HkZE6VlI/story.html
(There are also more stories on Globe website on the senate, race, etc)
Italics are mine.

The five-term Massachusetts senator has spent his entire congressional career on the Foreign Relations Committee, the last six as chairman. He has traveled extensively both as intrepid lawmaker and administration emissary. . . .
While Kerry has tamped down diplomatic fires for Obama, he has stepped ahead of the administration on a handful of crises. He joined McCain as an early proponent of a more aggressive policy toward Libya, pushing for using military forces to impose a ‘‘no-fly zone’’ over Libya as Moammar Gadhafi’s forces killed rebels and citizens.He was one of the early voices calling for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down as the revolution roiled the nation last year.That independent voice may be tempered once he takes over as the administration’s top diplomat.
. . .
During his tenure, Kerry has pushed for reducing the number of nuclear weapons, shepherding a U.S.-Russia treaty through the Senate in December 2010, and has cast climate change as a national security threat, joining forces with Republicans on legislation that faced too many obstacles to win congressional passage.
He has led delegations to Syria and met a few times with President Bashar Assad, now a pariah in U.S. eyes after months of civil war and bloodshed as the government looks to put down a people’s rebellion. Figuring out an end-game for the Middle East country would demand all of Kerry’s skills.
. . .
But Kerry (during 2004 campaign) was pounded by the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth, a group that made unsubstantiated claims challenging Kerry’s war record of a Silver Star, a Bronze Star for combat valor and three Purple Hearts. His candidacy also was dogged by his anti-war stance in April 1971 when he testified before the committee he would later chair and famously asked, ‘‘How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?’’
. . .
‘‘I arrived in Islamabad, I think, five days after Ray Davis had been taken into a jail in the Punjab and was at very real risk of being hauled out of the jail and lynched,’’ Coons (Sen. Coons, DE) said. ‘‘Sen. Kerry was about to show up and negotiate on behalf of the administration. And it was clear that both the diplomats and the military folks we met with viewed him as a real man of credibility and experience who was likely to contribute meaningfully to those negotiations.’’

[MBS]

1. And here's today's WaPo coverage

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/if-confirmed-john-f-kerry-could-bring-his-face-to-face-style-of-diplomacy-to-state-dept/2012/12/21/ab6d2c58-4ade-11e2-b709-667035ff9029_story.html?hpid=z2
in addition to the usual, predictable memes, these bits were interesting.

headline: If confirmed, John F. Kerry could bring his face-to-face style of diplomacy to State Department

Within four months of becoming a U.S. senator in 1985, John F. Kerry had traveled to both of that year’s foreign policy hot spots. In Nicaragua, he sought a deal he hoped would end the Reagan administration’s “contra” war. In the Philippines, he concluded that U.S. support for the decades-long dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos had to end. Marcos was out within a year, thanks in no small measure to Kerry’s efforts. The demise of the contras took considerably longer. Kerry, 69, has tempered the approach he adopted as a freshman firebrand. But he has continued to practice personal, face-to-face diplomacy, often in the service of President Obama’s foreign policy. . . .

. . .
At home, Kerry also served as point man for passage of the nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia that Obama signed last year, and he has been a consistently strong voice for U.S. and international action on climate change.In the months since Clinton announced she would not serve a second term, Kerry has been particularly careful to allow little daylight to emerge between his own views and those of the administration. But he is known to be frustrated with what he sees as the need for more assertive U.S. leadership in the world. He is expected to push for more aggressive, direct U.S. involvement on the interconnected challenges of Iran’s nuclear program, upheavals in Syria, Egypt and other Arab Spring countries, and dim prospects for an Arab-Israeli peace.

. . . .
In the late 1980s, Kerry used his position as a foreign relations subcommittee chairman to enlist staff investigators to look for links between the U.S.-backed Nicaraguan “contras” and drug smuggling. An investigation of money laundering involving Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega and the Pakistan-based Bank of Credit and Commerce International, while derided by many of his colleagues at the time, led to BCCI’s collapse in 1991. Many other investigations followed over the years, including more recent inquiries into U.S. policy in Afghanistan. Kerry has frequently referred to his decorated Vietnam service as a “swift boat” officer patrolling the waters of the Mekong Delta. “The question of being ready and certain is important to many of us of the Vietnam generation,” he said in opposing the first Persian Gulf War in 1991. “We come to this debate with a measure of distrust, with some skepticism, with a searing commitment to ask honest questions and with a resolve to get satisfactory answers so that we are not misled again.”

. . ..
He has almost always ended up in close proximity to Obama’s foreign policy positions, although not always at the same moment. Kerry pushed for establishing a no-fly zone in Libya, and called for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down from power before Obama took those positions. Even when relations with countries such as Egypt and Pakistan have gone through difficult patches, he has been a leading voice for the use of economic assistance as a primary foreign policy tool. . . .

[Mass]

2. MBS, this is not the Globe coverage. This is an AP release.

[Mass]

3. Globe coverage

Glen Johnson

http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2012/12/21/president-obama-nominating-john-kerry-next-secretary-state/EH4d4K7rchANNo6d62ofeN/story.html

I think the comment of his independent voice being lost is not off mark. Just as Hillary Clinton was fairly subdued and supportive of the president in public. However, there can be no doubt that it is what Kerry wanted, so congratulations.

Here is another article behind the firewall for anybody who has a subscription (I dont)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2012/12/21/roots-john-kerry-secretary-state-ambition-lie-wake-defeat/kBhd57q7n0LZVY4GYLIeOO/story.html

http://bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2012/12/22/obama-taps-kerry-secretary-state-term/Q9uGx24T8lEimZy5nFpXGO/story.html

[Mass]

4. Here is the Springfield Republican coverage

(and, for non MA readers, they are not a Republican paper. They endorsed Obama and Warren last election cycle).

http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/12/editorial_sen_kerry_right_man.html

Editorial: U.S. Sen. John Kerry right man for nation's top diplomat

For the moment, let’s put aside the political ramifications for the Bay State and focus on the good news for the nation: Massachusetts’ Sen. John F. Kerry is President Barack Obama’s nominee for Secretary of State.

In naming Kerry on Friday, President Obama noted that the job is a perfect fit for our senior senator. “In a sense, John’s entire life has prepared him for this role.”

Indeed, Kerry’s qualifications for the job are virtually unmatched.

The son of a diplomat, a Vietnam War veteran, former lieutenant governor, Democratic presidential nominee, and 27-year member of the Senate and its Foreign Relations Committee, Kerry, 69, will be ready for the job of Secretary of State on Day One.

[Mass]

5. Now, a really Republican paper

http://www.enterprisenews.com/topstories/x1671797983/Kerry-to-get-expensive-gift

Kerry to get expensive gift
Senator already has accumulated sizeable pension

If he becomes the next secretary of state, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., will leave Capitol Hill with a hefty going-away present courtesy of taxpayers.
Kerry, a Democrat first elected to the U.S. Senate 28 years ago, is already eligible for an annual pension of nearly $80,000, according to data compiled by the National Taxpayers Union, an advocacy group.
And that’s only if he leaves government service right now. If he takes over as head of the State Department, his pension will grow accordingly.
Republican Sen. Scott Brown, who lost his bid in November for a full, six-year term in office, isn’t eligible for a federal pension, yet. Members of Congress must be in office at least five years before they qualify for a pension.


Read more: http://www.enterprisenews.com/topstories/x1671797983/Kerry-to-get-expensive-gift#ixzz2FmyvogMY

Frankly, I thought a US Senator with 28 years of seniority would get more, not that Kerry needs that, but for somebody who does not have a personal wealth, you can understand why some cash out after a while.

What I like is that we are invited to cry on Scott Brown's fate. Poor baby, he does not get a pension. I guess the idea is that it is unfair.

[karynnj]

7. What an odd perspective

But even going with their idea that this is important, how is this different than the corporate world?

Would they question the likely larger pension of a top executive in a corporation where he had already worked for 28 years and was continuing?

Would they even bother to note that an employee who was there for about three years was not entitled to a pension? One observation on Brown is that if he runs and wins, then loses in 2014 - even if they bridge service, he will STILL not be at 5 years - only 4 1/2! Then they will really be unhappy!

[wisteria]

14. i agree, and odd perspective. n/t

[wisteria]

12. Doesn't every job offer perks?

And, I agree with you on the pension, 80,000.00 is not a lot of money to live on yearly. I guess this is a feel sorry for Brown piece.

[Mass]

15. it's more than most people have, but it is low compared to what people with this level of

responsibility get in the private sector (not that I would want the tax payers pay such huge golden parachutes to our lawmakers).

[MBS]

6. I liked the concluding sentence the best:

Kerry has been a great senator, and we expect he will be an even greater secretary of state.

[wisteria]

11. Yes, it was my favorite too. n/t

[wisteria]

10. Thanks for posting this. It is wonderful they are pleased with the Senator.

[Mass]

13. I think all papers I read from MA newspapers see it positively.

including the Boston Herald

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/opinion/editorials/2012/12/editorial_kerry_heads_state

Sure, they are wary of again another election, and I think we all are, whether we have expressed support for this nomination or not, but the general feeling is that it is good.

A recent poll was showing Kerry's popularity in MA above 60% and nearly 60% of people supporting the nomination (There are not 60% of people in MA who are Republicans, so this is not about Brown having a chance to get a seat).

[wisteria]

16. Good to read, especially from the BH. n/t

[wisteria]

8. You have it right when you say the media does not cover JK fairly.

They rely on old talking points from the 2004 election and do not do the real work to understand his opinions and true personality. In some cases the ignorance is astounding. But, it is to be expected, to a point, to hear nothing but the negatives on any pick that the President makes. W know better, and they will to, soon. It is a shame that being a gentleman and statesman like are atributes that some in the media have a hard time comprehending. I would like to know what their idea of a diplomat is.

[Mass]

9. HRC commends nomination of John Kerry for Secretary of State (Human Rights Campaign)

http://sdgln.com/news/2012/12/22/hrc-commends-nomination-john-kerry-secretary-state

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) on Friday praised the nomination of U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) to be Secretary of State during President Obama's second term.

Obama formally announced the nomination Friday at the White House

Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would replace Hillary Rodham Clinton if confirmed by his fellow senators -- he is not expected to face much resistance in the Senate for confirmation.

“We commend President Obama’s decision to nominate Sen. John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State," said HRC President Chad Griffin, in a statement.

"Sen. Kerry has been a trailblazer in the fight for LGBT equality, both domestically and internationally. His leadership in repealing the HIV travel ban, as well as his steadfast support for employment non-discrimination protections and addressing the needs LGBT homeless youth demonstrate his dedication to equality and to the rights of LGBT people worldwide.

“The State Department’s unwavering commitment to LGBT people around the world under the leadership of Secretary Clinton has been exemplary. We look forward to even more progress, including growth of the Global Equality Fund and continued support for the human rights of LGBT people, as Sen. Kerry takes the helm.”

[wisteria]

17. +1 n/t

[MBS]

21. terrific. n/t

[ginnyinWI]

18. NPR/All Things Considered

They had to remind us all that Kerry is "aloof" but reckoned he'd still be a good enough Sec. of State. Thanks so much for that original comment, guys! (sarcasm)

[Mass]

19. Not sure it is the same show, but one of the shows on NPR

called our governor "Patrick Deval". Really? He has only been governor for 6 years.

[wisteria]

22. +1 n/t

[wisteria]

20. "support within the administration was moving toward Kerry even before Rice pulled out."

A revised AP article. Very fair IMO.

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-nominates-kerry-secretary-state-185444917--politics.html;_ylt=AleEeXNY5AAv4dtiWrwsAmms0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTUyNG9tcjA2BGNjb2RlA2dtcHRvcDEwMDBwb29sd2lraXVwcmVzdARtaXQDTmV3cyBGb3IgWW91IDUgU3RvcmllcwRwa2cDYTA2MTc4NjAtNjcwZS0zM2NiLWE5YmQtOTcxZGIwODZkMzU0BHBvcwMxBHNlYwNuZXdzX2Zvcl95b3UEdmVyAzNiYTgyOGUyLTRiYmItMTFlMi1hYTU3LTk4MDNmODJjNjliNw--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3


"At times, Kerry has been more forward-leaning than Obama on foreign policy issues. He was an early advocate of an international "no-fly zone" over Libya in 2011 and among the first U.S. lawmakers to call for Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak to leave power as pro-democracy protests grew. Obama later backed both positions."