Daily Democrat: A positive discussion about John Kerry

[Skinner]

In an effort to provide for some enlightening discussion, rather than partisan flaming, the administrators have decided to post regular threads about the candidates for the Democratic nomination which are reserved for positive discussion only. These threads will be called the "Daily Democrat".

Currently, we intend to post two Daily Democrat discussion threads per day. If a particular thread becomes too long, then the moderators will open additional threads as necessary. These discussion threads will be allowed to stay open until the next two Daily Democrat threads are opened at some point the following day.

THE RULES

The rules for these Daily Democrat candidate threads are as follows. (For the purposes of these rules, the candidate who is the subject of the thread is referred to as the "Daily Democrat".)

1. You are welcome to post anything positive about the Daily Democrat. You can explain why you support that person. You can dispel myths about that candidate. You can discuss that person's positions on various issues. Whatever.

2. You are allowed to favorably compare the Daily Democrat to other candidates, provided that you are not unnecessarily inflammatory or antagonistic to the other candidates.

3. You may not post attacks of any kind against the Daily Democrat. Furthermore, you cannot post criticism and try to pass it off as a compliment ("I enthusiastically support candidate X because he ruined his state's economy!")

4. You may not discuss the supporters of any candidate (that goes for the the Daily Democrat, or any other candidate).

5. Undecided voters are encouraged to ask questions about the Daily Democrat in order to better inform their choice. Note that criticism disguised as a question will not be allowed.

6. You may not start another discussion thread for the purposes of responding to comments made in the "Daily Democrat" thread. Sorry -- you just have to suck it up and let the positive discussion continue uninterrupted.

7. I will not babysit the Daily Democrat thread, because I believe it will not be necessary. It is the responsibility of every member to know and follow the rules. Deliberate disruption of the Daily Democrat thread, or efforts by opponents to influence the Daily Democrat thread, will result in the banning of the individual(s) responsible.

8. I reserve the right to change the rules as necessary to make this work.

TIMING

We will discuss two Daily Democrats per day, and cycle through the list of presidential candidates in modified alphabetical order.

12/04 - Wesley Clark ...... and ... Dennis Kucinich
12/05 - Howard Dean ....... and ... Joe Lieberman
12/06 - John Edwards ...... and ... Carol Moseley Braun
12/07 - Dick Gephardt ..... and ... Al Sharpton
12/08 - John Kerry ........ and ... Wesley Clark
12/09 - Dennis Kucinich ... and ... Howard Dean
12/10 - Joe Lieberman ..... and ... John Edwards
12/11 - Carol Moseley Braun and ... Dick Gephardt
12/12 - Al Sharpton ....... and ... John Kerry
12/13 - Wesley Clark ...... and ... Dennis Kucinich
12/14 - Etc...

LET'S GET STARTED

Here's your chance for some positive discussion of John Kerry! Who wants to start it off?

[curse10]

1. I love John

But we all knew that :-)

I think he is by far the best candidate for president. He has the knowledge and personam for the job. I have supported John since 2001 and I'm not going to stop anytime soon :-)

[XanaDUer]

9. What curse10 said!

:)

[JohnKleeb]

2. Well first of all

He is my second choice. Good overall solid liberal views on many issues. I also liked what he did this past week in that RS article, and of all the candiates I think, he would likely to give my dream secretary of the interior a job, its RFK Jr is who I mention, he's very dedicated to the environment, a 96% from the LCV in 18 years as a senator is a reflection of dediction to a big and important issue.

[AntiCoup2K4]

3. His now "controversial" quote in Rolling Stone....

...was right on the money. Junior did "fuck it up". Big Time (as Uncle Dick would put it)

[flpoljunkie]

36. Remember this 3/02 quote from Bush, "F--- Saddam. We're taking him out!"

It seems the media has failed to report this explosive comment from Dubya. It makes a mockery of his oft repeated claim that "War is my last resort" in the tunup to the war in Iraq. Sent this link to MSNBC since today they seem to be obsessed with Kerry's use of the word.

http://www.counterpunch.org/madsen03312003.html

Bush, who fancies himself a "born-again" Christian, is actually a foul-mouthed and erratic alcoholic. For example, the "pretzel" incident had nothing to do with a pretzel. While watching a football game at the White House, the "leader of the free world" got so drunk he fell right on his face and blamed it on his inability to remember his mother's missive about chewing all one's food before swallowing. Such alibis and ruses are the trademarks of drunks. During the presidential campaign Bush called a New York Times reporter a "major league asshole." In 1986, a clearly drunk and disorderly Bush told The Wall Street Journal's Al Hunt, "You fucking son of a bitch . . . I saw what you wrote. We're not going to forget this." The rich frat boy was irate about an article Hunt wrote about Bush's father. Time magazine is reporting that during a March 2002 briefing for three senators by Condoleezza Rice, Bush poked his head into a White House meeting room and bellowed, "Fuck Saddam. We're taking him out!"

[Ellen Forradalom]

4. John's got more gravitas

than the entire Shrub administration put together. And he really knows his stuff.

[bryant69]

5. He's "French Looking"

Actually what started me looking at Senator Kerry was the oft repeated accusation that he was French Looking, because there's little I hate more about this administration than their willing to play up cultural hatreds against the French.

But I liked what I found when I started looking at him. He's got a good head on his shoulder and can challange President Bush on the national security issues.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

31. French-Looking?

How the hell does somebody "look" French? What? Is it the sporty beret John is always wearing, or is it that red-and-white stripped t-shirt?

I agree that the characterization is part of the right-wing's attempt to appeal the our nation's lowest common denominator.

[trogdor]

46. That and ze leetle Poirot moostache!

Kidding. I can't think of anyone who looks LESS French than John Kerry.

[IndianaGreen]

6. A long and distinguished liberal record

second only to Ted Kennedy's. Kerry is married to one of the most extraordinary woman and philanthropist in the country, Teresa Heinz. They are the closest thing to Camelot we have seen in politics since the Kennedy Administration.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[liberalhistorian]

7. I had to laugh when

Rushbot said he was "French-looking", whatever the hell that's supposed to mean! To his credit, he ignored the remark and didn't stoop to Rushbot's level. While I support Dean, Kerry is another top choice, with broad knowledge of and experience in both foreign affairs and policy and domestic affairs and policy, with plenty of class as well.

[bryant69]

10. Actually

While Rushbot did his best to popularize that notion, it originated in the White House, by one of President Bush's staffers.

[La_Serpiente]

8. Someone who served his duty to this country

and always had an appreciation for liberal values. Also has a keen understanding of foreign policy and small businesses.

[demnan]

11. Kerry is my #2 tied choice

with Clark. The man is incredibly intelligent, and has a strength that is well, Presidential. He served in Vietnam honorably then came back and served his country by speaking out against the war. His Senate record is very good on all the liberal domestic issues.

He married an intelligent, personable and independent woman so he must be supremely self-confident as well.

[quinnox]

12. I like Kerry

He would make an outstanding president. Sterling on the environment, and a real liberal.

He seems to have a fine family as well.

[wtmusic]

13. Environment

He is the best, hands down.

[HawkerHurricane]

14. Let's see...

He's a good liberal.
He's a veteran, and served his country honorably and well.
He was absolutly right to tell the world that Bush 'Mucked Up' in Iraq.

[Walt Starr]

15. He's not afraid to call a fuckup a fuckup

And that's what won me over to his side. He's my number one pick right now.

[quinnox]

17. A good choice

You seem to have come full circle!

[Walt Starr]

21. Not quite full circle

To close it off, Lieberman will have to move up to the number one position. Right now, I list 'em this way:

1) John Kerry

and in no particluar order:

2) Joe Lieberman
2) Al Shaprton
2) Wesley Clark
2) Howard Dean
2) Carol Mosley-Braun
2) John Edwards
2) Dick Gephardt
2) Dennis Kucinich

[Maeve]

16. Can you list two positions you agree with?

I'm undecided and shopping--can you give me reasons to buy?

Okay, good background of liberal voting, a vet, smart wife, pro-environment--good start. Can you give me more?

[Spider Jerusalem]

19. Two positions:

Out of many...energy policy. Kerry has called for a Manhattan or Apollo Project scale effort to develop sustainable energy policy based on renewable energy sources, in order to end our economic dependence on oil.

Kerry also calls for the US to rebuild its standing in the international community through cooperative efforts with such international organisations as the UN, NATO, the EU, etc., in order to undo so far as possible the damage done by the current administration.

And on both of these issues, he has real and workable plans, not merely empty rhetoric. Kerry's solid experience on issues like foreign relations, military policy, and the environment gives him what I see as an edge over most of the field of candidates when it comes to putting words into action...of course, that's just my opinion; I could be wrong.

[Maeve]

20. Thank you!

Solid plans and a look to the future. Good reasons.

[curse10]

23. take a look at his education plan

he wants mandatory funding for schools- none of this testing bullshit.

a bigger tax credit for college education (this one personally helps me out a lot)

he wants to rescind the ban on gays and lesbians in the military- he's opposed to "don't ask don't tell"

and he wants to fully fund special education (something that was promised in 1975).

That's just off the top of my head :-)

[Maeve]

25. Education positions are a major plus

And one that resonates for me. Thank you.

[sandnsea]

43. I'll give you 25!!

One of the organizers of the first Earth Day in Massachusetts in April 1970. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Organized with Vietnam Veterans Against the War, led the Washington protest in April 1971 and testified to Congress that drew the attention of President Nixon who said “Apparently, this fellow, uh, that they put in the front row, is that what you say, the front the real star...Kerry.” and “Apparently the guy that's really good, the only good one of the damn veterans group, only good from a PR stoundpoint, is Kerry.” One of 4 founders of Vietnam Veterans of America who fought for veteran’s rights.

1977-1982 Prosecutor, Put the #2 Crime Boss in New England behind bars, organized one of the first domestic abuse and sexual assault units in the country.

1983 - 1985 Lt. Governor Massachusetts, began his work on acid rain which culminated in February 1984 resolution of the National Governors Association calling for cuts in sulfur dioxide emissions

1985 Author Civil Rights Protection Act to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.

1985 – Within weeks of taking office took his first fact finding trip to Nicaragua and began the investigation in what would become the Iran/Contra scandal

1988 – 1992 BCCI Scandal, Noriega and drug trafficking and its relation to U.S. foreign policy and law enforcement.

1990- Cosponsor Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

1990 – Clean Air Act Amendments

1991 – Chairs newly established POW/MIA Affairs Committee to locate missing Vietnam remains.

1994 Violence Against Women Act providing funding for shelters, hotlines, increased law enforcement and more.

1994 Crime Bill, cops on the street

1995 – Along with John McCain push for Normalization of Vietnam relations

1996 Women’s Health Equity Act

1996 Kennedy/Hatch Children’s Health Care $24 billion
Time Magazine's "Honest Man in Politics Award" for being only Senator up for reelection in 1996 to vote against Defense of Marriage Act
Sponsored 1997 Early Childhood Development Act,

1998 "Zero to Three" Association's "Achievement Award" for work on early childhood development issues

1999 Women’s Small Business Center Program

2000 Early Learning Opportunity Act signed

U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Act
led to the unanimous passage in May 2003 the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Act of 2003

original cosponsor of the Hate Crimes Prevention

presented a "Two Strikes and You're Out" bill, which would stipulate mandatory life sentences for two-time child predators who engage in the rape or sexual assault of children

marine mammal protection act

Oceans and fisheries act

Recently introduced legislation to repeal the worst parts of the Patriot Act.

Teresa is the most incredible, independent, sophisticated, and yet down to earth woman; she'll make the best First Lady we've seen in years.

[Maeve]

56. Nice list!

I like that "Honest Man" award--character is a major issue for a lot of voters. The environmental aspect is also very impressive.

[Butterflies]

18. Great record on environmental protection

and other liberal issues. His military service is important to many Americans these days, and I think he'd make a outstanding president.

[Maeve]

34. Considering the toxic approach the GOP has to environment

We need a protector in the White House ASAP

[kentuck]

22. A great Senator who would be a great President....

But he should have said Bush is a f***-up --rather than he f***ed it up. Oh well, nobody's perfect. Not even Howard Dean. :)

[Rowdyboy]

24. Kerry deserves better treatment than he's getting...

He has maintained a progressive record for decades, he has a long voting record that easily withstands liberal scrutiny, he has a keen grasp of foreign policy, and represents classic Democratic liberalism to a T. Yet he has been routinely dismissed by MANY because of one vote-IWR. Thats not right. It was a vote of conscience. I disagree with him, but he made the choice he felt best for America. Thats what a "representative democracy" is all about.

Kerry's not my first choice, nor even my second, but he's an excellent Democrat and deserves a damned sight better treatment than he's getting so far.

[JohnKleeb]

26. Thats how I feel too

He really is great on many issues, he just was wrong on Iraq IMO but I like him, has pretty good all around views. I think if Kucinich wasnt in the race, I would support him.

[TheDonkey]

27. His love for science in America's future! I love it.

Kerry feels very strongly about energy independence and for America not to remain in the middle east's bed anymore for oil.

He also calls for American modernization in order for us to start inventing new jobs and new services and products to give to the world. It's a real shame that the US rarely pioneers any modern innovation or product nowdays and Kerry would change that if president.

[Forkboy]

28. He may be the most solid liberal of the bunch

His record,going back a long time,is impressive.We could do a lot worse than Kerry.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

29. It' be impossible to do better than Kerry.

He's the best of the bunch by a long shot.

[smirkymonkey]

35. My reason exactly

I have supported Kerry since the beginning and will work on his campaign if he wins the Dem nomination.

He is the only one I trust to even begin to fix and reverse W's f**k ups. He's not perfect, but I trust his committment to liberal values and his consistency on most of the issues are a matter of record.

Also, I think he would put together a great cabinet and I think he has enough clout in Washington and internationally to really make a significant difference.

[aldian159]

38. Why not work now?

We could always use more people!

[sandnsea]

44. Clout in Washington

That's another reason I support Kerry. He knows the people in Washington, he already knows everybody's personalities and pet projects, he knows how to get things done. He has the best plans and is also the one who can get Congress going on them the quickest. We'd see change FAST with President Kerry.

[On the Road]

30. Kerry is Learning How to Get Attention

and fight back, which are critical to next year's general election.

[salin]

32. He has a history of being willing to take on established powers that be.

He quickly was willing to fall in line with the liberals in the Senate (while there was a block of old liberals in the Senate in the mid-eighties), rather than taking the more "safe" less confrontational role that many younger (more cautious) new senators were taking. And after the debacle that led to Senator Metzembaum retiring (suspected activity of a staffer doing back ground work on the Thomas hearings... following a rumor of sexual harrassment led to finding Anita Hill), when more senators became more cautious (for an example, look at the change in Demeanor of Joe Biden between the mid eighties {more of a fighter} and today {more of a cautious politician}) Kerry didn't follow suit. Some might say this is because he comes from "safe" Mass. However during that same time the state was electing Republican Governor after republican Governor, so it doesn't hold that all seats were safe.

We need a candidate and a president willing to take on the current status quo - that is far to the right, and tipped even further to the advantage of HUGE corporations than it was when he arrived in the Senate. We need a president that will not only stem the tide of the torrent to the right in government policies, but who will be able to start reversing the tide. Sen. Kerry has demonstrated the will to do this through his Washington career.

Count me as one who was VERY disappointed in the IWR vote. Not just for the war issue, but for a big lack of recognition in DC that such a move (opening the door for preemption) could very well lead to a long-term geopolitical realignment that would be harmful to the US and to the world in the long run. I have, however, always viewed his vote (and that of Edwards) as in a very different category than that of Lieberman, Gephardt and Bayh - who actively took a stand with the President in the Rose Garden that worked to subvert all ongoing efforts in the senate (bipartisan) to put more conditions on the resolution. I also recognize the hard intel sell (made even more clear in Hersh's StovePipe article in the New Yorker - if you haven't read it - go to the NewYorker- archives - War in Iraq section and find it) - made in the last moments pushed many waivering senators over. And finally I make a difference between Kerry and Edwards in terms of the rhetoric they gave just prior to the invasion. Kerry was challenging the move while Edwards was challenging only the situation (eg I would have first gotten more international support) but was actively supporting the move to topple Iraq - with no recognition of the complexities involved (and the hypocrisy of using this particular excuse while leaving many brutal dictatorships firmly in place - and even giving $$$ to some of them that enable their continuation of repressive regimes.)

I haven't firmly chosen a candidate. But Sen. Kerry is up there, in spite of my concern with the war vote. I know that no candidate will shine for me on all fronts - and whoever I eventually support (and I will work like the dickens in the end for ANY candidate to defeat Bush), I will likely have reservations about - or areas around which I have concerns. That is just reality.

In sum, Sen. Kerry is a strong candidate, and has demonstrated the gravitas to understand complex issues and has had a career demonstrating the will to go against some of the monied powers that be. That is very important.

[robbedvoter]

33. He was an awesome guy - going to war then opposing it - how can

you beat that? Did lots of other good things. It's the present I have to stop writing about - off topic here.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

37. Kerry is the candidate most likely to prevail in a debate with Bush

HANDS DOWN!

He is capable of keeping his composure and was present to almost EVERY policy matter the past three years whether it be medicare, Kyoto, energy talks, the war, or the fight against terrorism.

He is capable of not only rebutting Bush and UNDERSCORING the damage of Bush's policies but is also capable of presenting the more workable plans the Democrats had that were given short shrift, thereby likewise rebutting the claims of some that the Dems have no message or that the message is NOT a positive one.

He has the wife most likely to aid in international affairs thereby lifting our status in the eyes of the world as the benevolent nation our citizens WANT us to be regarded as.

I haven't chosen a candidate yet and have been dismayed that Kerry has not done better and that a candidate as qualified as Bob Graham could not make a better go of it.

I can only hope the changes in his campaign staff have addressed his tepid response thus far and that he will do better in the future.

If the vote were held today, he would get my vote.

[PurityOfEssence]

40. The true embodiment of noblesse oblige, he's truly decent and effective

The man's a class traitor of the stature of a Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and for this, his praises can't be sung enough. With an unflinching liberal heart, he has fought long and hard for years for the betterment of all and the effective containment of the forces of hate and selfishness.

In a world of ridiculous oversimplification, he steadfastly stands to address the complexity of issues for what they are. Not one to take the easy way out, his much derided war powers vote (I hate this too, mind you) was made as reluctantly as it was sincerely, based on the information at hand. Not stopping there, he has spoken and acted on his convictions about the blank check given with the $87B madness, and although not renouncing his vote, has been brave enough to reassess this complex issue sincerely. This, in the face of screaming demand for simplistic yesses and nos of today's world is to be commended.

This man has more understanding of the world situation and foreign policy of anyone on either side of the race, bar none, period. He's smart, kind, honorable and has a soothing and low-key way about him that, although it doesn't have the glitzy pizzaz of a rabble-rouser, is truly valuable when dealing with the stodgy elites of the right and the formalities of foreign diplomacy. Many rank-and-file voters also like the comfort of a gentle and trustworthy persona; this is huge and bears repeating.

He's fought an ethical campaign, and is trustworthy and reassuring.

Although not my first choice, he is tied for second and I'm proud of my country--shambles though it's now in--for having created and nurtured such an individual; he is cultured and incisive, unlike many of the uncouth bomb-throwers who often rise to positions of power on both sides of the aisle. If that sounds elitist, then so be it; he's head and shoulders above a McCarthyite like Tom DeLay.

He is also quite electible, although not by the same demographics as some others. Besides all that, of the four whom I consider electable at the moment (Edwards, Clark, Dean and him) he is the most truly liberal, except for Edwards; this, to me, is very important.

[mb7588a]

41. I thought I'd post some pictures,

since so much emphasis is put on image in today's world. American's like their TVs spotted with pretty people. Kerry is a good looking guy for his age. In fact, he's smug.

[Blitz]

42. smug?

eom

[Lindsey]

45. Great idea to post the postivives!

We've got to "come together" wherever that is. John Kerry is an honorable and true patriot who served his country and is not afraid to call it how he sees it. I'd be thrilled to have his as our president!

[mdmc]

47. Where is that Kerry / Lennon pic?

How can I paste pics into my messages? Love hippy Kerry! Wish he would catch fire. #3 behind Dean, Kucinich.

[JohnKleeb]

48. Hes my number 2 behind Kucinich

[Rowdyboy]

49. I agree, Lindsey

These Daily Democrat threads are a pleasant diversion from the as-biting that goes on in normal threads. I like learning positive things about all nine of the candidates. The negatives leave me cold. The Republicans will do enough Dem bashing next year.

[Iverson]

50. tryin' my best

Although John Kerry isn't my top choice, he is clearly an intelligent man. He also deserves credit for not backing down on an irrelevancy of contrived right-wing outrage over an expletive he used recently.

[ModerateMiddle]

51. What an excellent idea, Skinner

We have an amazing crop of Democratic candidates, and speaking up about their positives is something that we should all engage in more often.

I strongly believe that John Kerry would be the absolute best man to be President in these times. As he said on his Hardball interview, "Life is complicated sometimes." His nuanced approach to so many things - considering the alternatives, and the needs of the parties "at the table" make me believe that he is the one person who could heal this country from the partisan rift that has been so damaging these past years.

Here is a snippet from the American Windsurfer magazine, that to me, describes perfectly how John Kerry would be as President, and the astounding contrast with our current cowboy in chief:

Senator JOHN KERRY sat at the head of a conference table. I watched from the side of the room. To his left was Governor Tom Carper of Delaware and surrounding them were lawyers, lobbyists and various representatives from Amtrak. They were gathered at Kerry's senate office to discuss issues that were holding up the passage of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997. Kerry listened intently. I saw him pick up on the words, but more importantly I knew he heard the sounds, catching weakness in subtle hesitations or strengths from the voices of the lobbyists. (I know this because in the many conversations I've had with John Kerry, he has exhibited an uncanny ability to catch vocal tones that reveal one's true disposition. He picks up on tones and verbally questions or reflects upon them with profound accuracy.) When the arguments were presented, Kerry spoke with authority. His voice has a deep resonance of intelligence and weight; it's a voice that commands attention. He pinpointed the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments and in a shepherd-like manner, he masterfully synthesized the opposing arguments to a point of seamless balance. "I have never seen anyone grasp issues as quickly as this man," said Gregg Rothchild, one of Kerry's many legal aides. "It is amazing how he can bring people together to a common denominator." I watched in awe. A room full of hard core politicians and lobbyists with vested interests were brought together to a point of sensible compromise. The Amtrak bill passed a week later.

The thing that first caught my attention about John Kerry was his position on energy independence. He recognizes that the US will never ever be able to drill its way to energy indepedence, it must invent its way out of dependence on middle east oil. This is playing to what is best about America - its innovation and technical know-how.

I find myself disappointed when I read so many democrats refer to Kerry's IWR vote as "politically motivated". I believe that he did what he felt was best for this country. And I don't believe for a second that he "voted for war". I believe he voted to hold Saddam accountable, and that was a necessary thing to do.

I believe that John Kerry presents the starkest contrast to W., and represents the best chance the dems have of removing the interloper in 2004.

On edit: close my html tag.

[oasis]

52. Kerry has presidential credentials a mile long.

[VolcanoJen]

53. Kerry is an icon of the Democratic Party, and an American Hero to boot!!

GO KERRY!!!

[GalleryGod]

54. I Stood With Kerry in April,1971 & I'm Still With Him

Brains,Compassion, and above all,Courage Under Fire; Not FOP in Fools costumes with A Mocked-Up Banner arranged for by ChickenHawks and Traitors.

[meow mix]

55. voted against ashcroft

i like kerry! =)

especially his environmental record. *smooches kerry*
which is normally my #1 issue.
except when were out knocking down nations like they are dominos.
(then it slips to #2)

[sweetheart]

57. he's brilliant... my #2 vote

I think kerry is an outstanding human being and wish him all the best that he might achieve his dreams in american politics.

Only because Dennis exists do i not vote for kerry, and i hope the lot of them form a unity administration after the primary and campaign together as a team to demonstrate a distinctly democratic future where we can see the presidency as a great coming together instead of a horrible division of the american people.

I think John's difficulties come from his position in the senate where he is "part" of the very establishment that some candidates (HD) have separated themselves from... and when the candidate for president is running on a non-establishment platform, then of course those who are part of the government machine, even as opposition are marginalized.

No matter what happens in the primary, i hope Mr. Kerry sees right to take his concern for america further, as indeed he is a hero, and I trust his integrity absolutely.

[Logansquare]

58. He served his country during with Vietnam war with valor

and he's an intelligent, erudite politician who is able to see the complexities of issues.

[Octafish]

59. Sen. Kerry would beat Bush & BFEE like drums!

Sen. Kerry is the real deal — a Liberal Winner! While that's good enough for me, to convince others I must provide a few reasons, based on Sen. Kerry's record, to show why he would make the best President:

1. John Kerry wants to take out Bush Organized Crime Family as much as I do, which is almost as much as ANYONE who can remember back to November 22, 1963. Most people who remember what life was like before that date will say that the country has not been the same since.

2. Kerry is able to excise the criminal elements in power who have since benefited from this treason. Kerry is willing to do it and as President would be in a position to do it. He's also said he'd appoint an honest Attorney General, one "so different from John Ashcroft it will maky your head spin." Kenny Boy Lay would look sharp in prison jumpsuit orange. So would Dick Cheney and George W. Bush.

3. Kerry has a track record of going after the BFEE — from BCCI to Iran-Contra to Ollie North & Contra Drug Running — while in the US Senate. These conspiracies feature players that can be linked from Dallas in 1963 to Selection 2000 to 9-11, including many with the surname Bush. GOOGLE Kerry and Ollie North or Iran-Contra or BCCI or CIA drugs, you’ll see Kerry is a fighter with the good guys.

4. From Day 1, Kerry would know what to do as President. Unlike the current resident, Kerry would need no on-the-job training. Kerry has a 100-day plan, the “Real Deal,” he’d implement to hit the ground running, addressing issues from government corruption to national health care.

http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/100days/index.html#plan

5. From Day 1, Kerry would also know what to do as Commander-in-Chief. Kerry is tested under fire in combat, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts for courage. He wouldn't order any American into harm's way without there being a damn good reason for it. And Kerry would never be asking an American to do something he had not done himself.

6. Kerry’s the last true Liberal since Bobby Kennedy who has the “Credentials” needed to attract voters from the middle and, thus, win the Presidency. Who knows what he can do, given the chance. I think the majority of all voters would feel the same way, they would be backing a candidate who understands the issues from creating a strong economy to the importance of being the strongest nation in the world.

7. Most of all, as a Liberal Democrat , Kerry would use the office of President to make this a better country for ALL citizens, doing all he can to improve public education, make higher education accessible to all who want to go to college, as well as help ALL kids get a great start in life. His entire career, Kerry has seen and demonstrated what government can do to protect the environment, create a rational national energy policy, improve the quality of life of all citizens, and make the world a better place through public service.

Add up what Sen. Kerry has done and what he plans to do and he could build the United States into a whole different country. It would be a most Americans haven't seen in their entire lives.

[CMT]

60. Kerry has had an impressive career

and life story.

[Maeve]

61. This is the sort of thread I've been waiting for

I have avoided the "Candidate Wars" here in GD because they tended to make me say "A plague on ALL your houses!" and feel like none of the candidates was worthy of a vote (or even a second look). This thread format encourages thoughtful responses and reasoning--something we're going to need to win next November.

Kudos to Skinner and all the participating DUers!

[ModerateMiddle]

65. Amen

we need to be proud of all of the candidates.

[DeepModem Mom]

62. Wish we had many more John Kerrys --

war hero, leader of anti-war movement, distinguished Democratic Senator. (And husband to a great wife!)

[Cocoa]

63. Kerry rufuses to dumb it down

What a great contrast to the Bushies, who assume everyone is as big an idiot as Bush is. Kerry knows we're not.

The whores furrow their brows at Kerry's nuanced Iraq policy. They act like it makes no logical sense, which is a lie. You may disagree with it, you may question his sincerity, but to say it makes no sense is just not true. The whores are lying, they're telling us the war can only be criticized by pacifists. Thanks to Kerry, we know this is false.

[UrbScotty]

64. John F. Kerry (JFK) would be the first President from Massachusetts...

...since the other JFK.

Plus, his speech at the Convention implies that he's feistier than I thought!