Really Stand with Ned (John Kerry post on DKOS)

[fedupinBushcountry]

Really Stand with Ned
by John Kerry
Thu Aug 17, 2006 at 10:26:53 AM PDT

Yesterday I sent out an email asking Democrats across the country to support Ned Lamont, Bob Menendez, and Dan Akaka -- three candidates this fall who share my belief that the time is due, long past due in fact, to face the realities of George Bush's botched strategy in Iraq, and set a timetable to put Iraq in Iraqi hands and get our heroes home. I'm sending another email today.

I'm proud to support my Senate colleagues Bob Menendez and Dan Akaka, who stood with me, Russ Feingold, and Pat Leahy when we offered an amendment to change course in Iraq. They had the courage of their convictions.

But today I wanted to add a personal note about my support for Ned Lamont. I believe that it's usually the right thing for elected Democrats not to choose sides in a primary in another state. When I went to bat for Jim Webb in Virginia I did so because he's the kind of Vietnam veteran the Senate needs right now, and every day that Jim speaks out and George Allen rubberstamps the Bush Iraq policy, I'm reminded why I did what I did.


John Kerry's diary :: ::
But I also believe, even more strongly in fact, that once a primary is decided, we've got to stand up and be counted. In Connecticut, Democrats chose Ned Lamont, and we need to stand with Ned as he challenges the broken policy in Iraq. I mean really stand with him - put our money where our mouths are. No half hearted endorsements. It's gut check time for Democrats. Connecticut chose a Democrat who will go head to head with Don Rumsfeld and fight for a policy that makes Iraqis stand up for Iraq.

more>
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/17/132653/514?detail=f

edited to add emphasis to a very strong statement.

[Dhalgren]

1. We need more of this from Mr. Kerry and from all of his colleagues

Time's a wastin'!

[Bretttido]

3. Kerry and a few others have done a fine job.

If the other complacent bastards would get off their ass instead of watching the polls to see where they stand, we might get some progress.

[fedupinBushcountry]

2. Senator Kerry answers questions

UPDATE:
The fun stuff - questions and answers.

A few of you have asked if I will travel to Connecticut to campaign for Ned - the answer is yes, absolutely. We're scheduling a trip and I'm looking forward to it.

Bigspoiledbaby asked if I think George Allen's explanations are credible for his remarks this week - no, his explanation isn't remotely satisfactory. The differences between George Allen and Jim Webb are huge. Jim is a genuine war hero, he is standing up on Iraq, he's fighting for health care and for Virginia's future while George Allen stands by President's failed policy in Iraq, on health care, on energy almost 100% of the time.

Buffy Orpington asked about the wiretapping decision today. Today's decision proves one important thing: no one is above the law. We all know this administration is good at hiding the truth and spinning the politics and sorely lacking when it comes to making us safer in the world.

Next, Red Sox asked if he can count on me to work hard for other candidates this cycle - the answer is yes -- I'm not letting up, absolutely yes. I've already supported over 165 candidates across the country, from country chair to United States Senate races. And I mean support - we've raised or given away something like 10 M dollars. And I've made supporting veterans as candidates a personal mission this fall. So, yes - we're not letting up. Was it Warren Zevon who wrote "I'll sleep when I'm dead?" Sounds about right.


Thank you all for your response and your help and your support of our candidates - let's get out there.

[Dhalgren]

5. I'll give Kerry this: when the fire is in his belly he is a wonder to

behold!

[wisteria]

4. I went over and posted a comment. i am happy Kerry is helping

lamont out.