Wake Up Dems! - John Kerry Was Helping the Party

[kerrygoddess]

Wake Up Dems!
November 2nd, 2006 @ 9:47 pm

Wake up Dems, because the numbers show that John Kerry was helping the party. But now some spineless want to cut him loose because he had the audacity and the courage to stand up and tell the truth. Well, that’s just the problem isn’t it? No one is supposed to stand up and tell the truth. And now members of the GOP-lite faction of the Democratic Party want to continue to cower and bow down to the Bush regime rather than grow a friggin spine and say like John Kerry has, “we’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore.”

Uh-huh that’s right — folks that were happy to have his help a few days ago are now hand-wringing instead of standing with Kerry. Yeah, we know we need to win the election. But, here’s the deal, John Kerry reached out to his 3 million strong JohnKerry.com community and raised buckets of cash for candidates and now some of those candidates can’t understand that he’s been swift boated again. Instead, of standing by him, we have Hillary Clinton doing BushCo’s dirty work when she says, what Kerry said “was inappropriate.” Well, Hillary, many of us are still waiting for you to apologize for your Iraq War vote. We’re not holding our breath though.

Now, it’s mighty clear to many Dems why Hillary won’t get Kerry’s back — she’s got her eye on ‘08. Well, I’ve got news for Hillary, John Kerry stood and spoke the truth to power when you wouldn’t. Rather than talk directly about Iraq, Hillary would simply rather “move on.” Hillary Clinton could take a few lessons from the junior Senator from Massachusetts, while she’s been fiddling with the notion of her next campaign before she’s even re-elected in the one she’s running now, John Kerry has been out there working to change “the direction of the country” — for candidates all across the country. So, here’s an idea — Let’s sideline him and “redirect focus.” Why? Because before John Kerry botched a joke he was all over the media, not just pissing off Republicans but also probably making more than a few potential ‘08 candidates just a little nervous. And, So What - he botched a joke. How many jokes has Bush botched (Where’s the WMD’s)?

But here’s the deal, there’s a lot of Democrats who are made as hell right now and I am one of them. Because the man who speaks for us, John Kerry — over and over again — is stepping back when he should be out there swinging for us. There’s a crop of new polls out today that show in the wake of John Kerry’s remarks, Democrats are sliding towards a victory next Tuesday.

Democracy Corps latest poll shows that Democrats are poised and ready to win, “Despite the increased titters about Senator Kerry, there is every reason to believe that this week has further contributed to making this election a referendum on Iraq.”

First, it keeps Bush on center-stage, and he is not popular in these Republican-held districts (45 percent strongly disapprove and only 24 percent strongly approve).

{snip}

The numbers in the Poll from Democracy Corps are self evident and yes, they concur John Kerry was actually helping to make “this election a referendum on Iraq.” So, what’s the problem? Some of you would rather he sit out the last few crucial days before the mid-terms — how dumb is that? We need John Kerry out there front and center — now more than ever. Why? Because he’s not afraid to stand and speak the truth to power. Why? Because, John Kerry is the Republican’s worst nightmare — he has topped their most hated list since the Nixon days.

Don’t bow down to the Bush regime. Wake up Dems — John Kerry was helping the Democratic Party. Stand with him — he sure as hell was standing with you.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4628

[Diane R]

1. Pleased to recommend this.

Few democrats worked harder in this election than John Kerry. And few were as generous (looking at you, Hillary).

John Kerry will get my support in '08 because he has integrity and honor.

[mary195149]

29. No one has worked harder than John Kerry during this campaign.

This wouldn't of gotten so out of control if the democrats would of stood behind him. Most of the dems run the other way, afraid to confront the repub party. There is no one who has fought for the military throughout the years more than Kerry. Kerry also signed up to go to war. That botched joke would of been totally out of character and the dems should of said it, "loud and crystal clear".
He has put his heart and soul out there campaigning and raising money and he should go back out until election day. The people who believe John Kerry said a derogatory remark about the troops, already were against the democratic party. How do we get our voice out there, demanding to bring Kerry out? His words are powerful and we need someone who is not afraid of the republicans.

[MH1]

30. You are so right.

The demoralizing part of this incident, to me, is not what the RW did - they will do what they will do, no venality is too low for them - but how some in the Democratic Party piled on and adopted the RW line, instead of closing ranks and stating the obvious that Kerry is the last person who would do what the RW said.

I don't necessarily blame the candidates in competitive races, even though some of them could have phrased their words better - they need to win and hopefully we all understand that, and I'm sure Kerry understands it. But those like Hillary, who could have been a big help to making this discussion about the RW's lowness to distort a simple sentence out of all proportion - no, instead they turn on their own? WTF?!? is up with that!

And for the record, even as the words came out of Kerry's mouth, to call it an insult to troops requires deliberate distortion (unless you are just adopting an interpretation you heard, which so many radio listeners do - hence the power of the RW). To say that someone who doesn't do well in school may end up with no better options than to join the military, is the simple truth. In no way does it say or even infer that the ONLY people who join the military are losers who don't do well in school. Yet that is how the RW twisted it, and the Benedict Arnolds of the Democratic Party were all too happy to jump on the bandwagon and use it to undermine our own, rather than calling the RW on their bullshit.

I'll suck it up and work my ass off for this election, but after the election I'll be doing some hard thinking about my relationship to the "powers that be" in the Democratic Party.

[karynnj]

31. I would post this on his blog -

What you said is so true. The truth is that even if Kerry hadn't left out a pronoun - they would have taken some joke or comment out of context and used it. Why Kerry? Who else is speaking out as often as he. I seriously doubt the Democrats would even have had an Iraq amendment had he not forced the issue. Having them has made it easier to fight the Republicans.

You are right we NEED Kerry out there.

[SouthernBelle82]

41. Exactly

Even people who took money from Kerry like Ford.

[kerrygoddess]

2. Thank you

I am mad as hell about this still. I was there Monday.

[beachmom]

42. Question, KG: did you think he made a gaffe when it happened?

Because it seemed like you didn't. This was a case of splicing and dicing, plain and simple. Meanwhile, with Allen, the more minutes of the tape they role of the M***** incident, the WORSE it sounds. When I watched a full 30 seconds of Kerry's speech on Olbermann, it didn't sound bad at all, because he was absolutely talking about Bush, even flubbing the joke (although, it seemed like the audience got it and laughed, since it was about Bush).

[kerrygoddess]

44. No I didn't

And no one in the room did either. Everyone got it.

[wisteria]

3. I am still spitting mad about this myself. Some in our party are

no good SOB.

[kerrygoddess]

9. Couldn't agree more. n/t

[FrenchieCat]

4. Maybe he is, but based on how the whole thing was spinned

I'm not so sure of whether the statement that Kerry helped with his boched joke just in time for the 2006 election, is accurate....and I'd want to see a bit more proof on how the numbers you are referring directly mean that somehow it was a good thing and happened at a great time!

You've got to remember that many Dems running have disavowed John Kerry and the statement that he made. It's not like they have embraced it. So Maybe it is the unfortunate way that many of these Dems have had to handle it that has gone over better than the GOP had hoped.

Just tonight, I was watching the Oklahoma Governor Debate....where a Democrat is standing for re-election. The question was asked of him; "considering Sen. Kerry's remarks of a few days ago, how can you justify your endorsement of him just a couple of years ago?"

This is a conservative state that does have a Democratic governor...

His response was to say that he didn't think that what John Kerry had said was correct.
Let's just say that he didn't "endorse" John Kerry this time!

My point? Regardless of "how" this Democrat could have handled it....maybe explaining Kerry's remark better (mentioning that it was never about the troops, etc...) it would not have gone over well in this debate in front of this particular audience. It was a hard moment for this Democratic incumbent......and it was sad to see John Kerry even being dragged into this debate, but he was.

What do you say about how Democrats who may be in states that are the states that will make a difference for us to regain control of congress having to even deal with this issue? What would you suggest they do, considering the media that they have to deal with in their particular conservative/swing districts? Are you suggesting that they should be embracing the John Kerry statement because it would "help" them just that much more? :shrug:

[kerrygoddess]

5. Check the link for the poll quoted

http://www.democracycorps.com/front.php?file=reports/analyses/Democracy_Corps_November_2_2006_Memo.pdf

[FrenchieCat]

6. OK, and? Those numbers don't show that John Kerry helped.....

although they may show that his statement didn't end up hurting.....

But that's not the same thing.

Again, the fact that it didn't hurt may have something to do with how various democrats in races are handling it, when asked about it by the media.

I understand what you are posting....but I don't quite see the coorelation between Kerry's statement and somehow that helping the party. Iraq is the issue that is hurting Republicans, which was the case prior to the media attacking John Kerry for his botched joke. Iraq was the focus for the majority of voters.....before and after John Kerry according to polls. Bush saying he was holding on to Cheney/Rumsfeld didn't help Republicans either.....

And yes, I am very happy to see this Kerry non-issue not having "hurt" the 2006 election candidates. Had it, it would have been really tragic. Guess that the public is smarter than for them to equate John Kerry's statement with Mark Foley's actions. Now that would have been a true indication that we are doomed.

[kerrygoddess]

8. it not just about the polls

It's about all the money he raised for candidates and the news he generated for them. Sorry you don't see the correlation between all of it. Kerry has been in the forefront of making the referendum on Iraq. Most of the netroots gets it by now and from what I have seen in the blogosphere many are pissed about all of this.

No one is saying that Dem sin tough spots shouldn't do what they have to do - but hello -- Hillary? We all know why she did it. That's the point.

[FrenchieCat]

10. Listen, I'm not disputing what John Kerry may have done for the party....

in terms of money and sweat equity......I just don't buy that what he said, the botched joke specifically.... and the time spent on that particular issue "helped" Democrats....that's all....at the same time, it didn't seem to have hurt...and that's a blessing considering how much the GOP wanted it to. That was my only point.

Kerry gave a hell of a speech that day after he was attacked....unfortunately, most of it was never seen nor heard by a great number of Americans. :(

Certainly Hillary didn't need to react as she did....cause her particular race didn't even call for it. For her, it was all about 2008 evidently! that's clear to me and to many others....and certainly, it has been noted!

[kerrygoddess]

11. Granted a lot of repubs

may not have watched his press coference the day after the attack, but it was on all the major new outlets and the transript was published on the NYT and the WaPo. And I would say just about every liberal blog had it too. People I know who don't go on the blogs were emailing me and calling me to talk about it. So I would disagree - a great number of Americans probably have seen it.

I'm sorry to say I think you are stilll missing the point. The man was swiftboated again by the repubs - because they hate him - he is threat to them and he's also a threat to Hillary and a few other Dem potentials for '08. Enough said.

[FrenchieCat]

14. Certainly John Kerry was "used" by the GOP as fodder again....

and yes, nothing short of that can be expected of them, can it? :shrug:

But also know that John Kerry realizes by now that this is the way politics work in 2006. Indeed, he has not been the only one who has been attacked by a lot more sides than required in times gone by. I remember the Dean scream! I remember that not only Republicans but Democrats "used" that whole "botched" rally cry to further then own chances and line up at Deans' political tomb! I also remember when Clark said something about the fact that he was a General when someone attempted to lower his rank, how that was "used" to make it appear that he had somehow "disparaged" the front line soldiers. Guess that's why politics is considered a blood sport, as Clinton would say....cause it sure ain't pretty, and it sure ain't honest!

And yes, John Kerry is surely a threat......he was after all the 2004 Dem Nominee...so of course the Repubs want to tear down one of the leading Democrats whenever the opportunity presents itself, and at times when it ain't even there.....

And in terms of the "mass" voters, I daresay that not as many as we want to think follow these issues as closely as we do, even those who plan on voting. They hear about the flap on TV.....read a couple of headlines in the paper, and they're good to go. That's why it is so easy to swiftboat someone, cause the rebuts and refutations don't reach all of those who may have heard about the initial flap.

I don't think we are holding different books....but it is very possible that we are not totally on the same page....but that's ok.....cause that may always be the case.

and with that I will bid you nite-nite.

[kerrygoddess]

15. Blood sport is right

Nite to you too! :)

[karynnj]

33. You can't make the case either way

What is true is that there was a distinct shift to Iraq as a concern. It happened at the same time - but correlation doesn't prove causality.

So, was it the shift from endless readings of Webb novels to Kerry and Iraq or did the continuing bad news suddenly click in? There was the story that the PM sided wwith Sadr over us. Given the media - I think it is more likely that the end effect was positive for us - because people like Murtha were brought out and after quickly saying he knew Kerry supported the troops, he turned the subject to Iraq. As Kerry himself did.

Kerry's first response helped to frame it that way and some followed. So, altough the joke itself was lame - it was a catayst that changed the topic.

[speedoo]

7. Recommended.

And I will never forget what democrats did after the rethugs pounced on Kerry's botched joke.

And I will work and vote accordingly in the future.

[pacalo]

12. I never closed my eyes! :)

I'm glad he got angry, I'm glad he spoke out, & this -- or anything else -- will not stop the Democrats' momentum for this election. People are sick & tired of the neocon, banana republic crap.

:hi:

[kerrygoddess]

13. Me too.

Inspiring moment. Probably should watch the press conference again!

[Sensitivity]

16. Agree. Kerry gave Dems the most inspiring moment of 2006 in the middle

of the "dust-up."

The aftermath was unfortunately a case-study in the disorganization and lack of
a united front in the Democratic Party.

A little group planning and the Party could have agreed on a detailed clarifiction statement and regret for any hurt from a misinterpretation of Kerry's intent --
immediately to go along with Blasting the Pukes for foisting their phony
interpretation on the world.

It could have been done. Kerry bears some responsibility, but the Party bears
some for its wilfull distancing from Kerry and the resulting rudderlessness.
The real criminals were those in the White House intent on a political slime
regardless of the disservice to the troops.

[kerrygoddess]

19. Most inspiring moment

Let's all work hard in the next few days to get the scum out of Congress. Clean House.

[Old and In the Way]

17. John Kerry scares the shit out of the corporate media and the Republican Party

They'd have hounded him incessantly if he hadn't apologized. "What's wrong with John Kerry...why does he hate the troops?" He gave a narrow apology to the families and what does the media/Republican spin machine do? They hound him incessantly with "why did John Kerry apologize?" He couldn't win this, but it did expose the media for what they really are...shrills for the Republican Party. They are trying to create the meme that he's not electable in 2008 now. WHy? Because they know he's the guy that'll put them away forever.

If I were John, I'd do a hi-profile add spend and put up a video of Bush doing his "Where's the WMD in the Oval Office" schtick. Demand that he apologize to the troops and the American people for a "joke" that was infinitely more disgusting and an affront to all thinking Americans. Let the media spin on that.

If you got any pull with the Kerry camp, John ought to do this next week. It'd be a chance for some serious payback.

[kerrygoddess]

18. Old and Wise

should be your user name! On the money on all of this. Nice idea too...

[LittleClarkie]

47. The thought that REALLY keeps them up at night

is that he should get anywhere near the center of power. The investigator might FIND something. The horror.

Ask yourself why they had someone watching him so close they knew IMMEDIATELY that he had dropped a freakin' pronoun.

[bowens43]

20. He is prone to dumb ass mistakes.

His dumb ass mistakes gave bush the election 2004.

[Not a moonbat]

24. True

The guy can't ad lib or tell a joke to save his life. There is no way he meant to say what he did, it did come out badly and pissed off a lot of people. It may have fired up some true believers, but anybody who thinks that parading Kerry around after he said that will help us win in Wyoming, Tennessee, Virginia, etc is deluded.

[kerrygoddess]

35. Kerry can ad lib and has done so very well in the past

I've seen Kerry deliver plenty of jokes in the past three years and not botch them. Like this commencement speech:

John Kerry Delivers Commencement Address at Emerson

It really is an honor for me to be here. I heard you had a great choice of commencement speakers. I was told you wanted a wealthy guy with a full head of hair who is all over T.V. and who desperately wants to be president. But Donald Trump wasn’t available.

So instead you got me. I want you to know, running for president wasn’t pressure-trying to decide on the theme of this commencement address was pressure. On one hand I thought about giving an hour 20 minute speech on foreign policy, global warming, third world debt and the importance of public service. Then on the other hand, I thought if I keep this to 10 minutes we’d all have a lot more time to have a beer together.

Hour 20 versus 10 minutes. Hour 20…10 minutes and a beer. I’ll tell you what, let’s go with the short one. And if I see any of you opening up a red bull midway through, I’ll finish even sooner.

To start off, let’s take a moment right now and give a big hand to your parents.

You know, your parents remember that times were different when we graduated. The good news — we had a guaranteed job plan for immediate full time work after college. The bad news–it was called the draft.

But that was then and this is now and today we celebrate the fact you just finished 4 years at a great school. Each of you grew a lot-and I don’t mean the freshman 15. You grew as you learned about yourselves, and about life. You no doubt enjoyed the fact that college is a time to ponder the great questions of the universe, questions that there are no answers to-why are we here? What will the future be like? And why in the world does Heather Locklear date David Spade?

And I know your parents would be pleased to know you spend your time pondering the big questions. Like, is Tom Cruise’s career over? And why can a 10 year old little leaguer catch a fly ball but Manny Ramirez can’t?

What impresses me is that not only have you grown but the school is growing. Emerson is building a new gym to open up next fall. But then again, what else would you expect from a football factory?

Someone told me you take special pride in the fact you are the Emerson Lions. How many of you have stopped to think how the average lion spends its day? It spends 22 hours napping and the other 2 hours looking for food. Which pretty much sounds like the average frat brother at Alpha Pi Theta.

You know, it occurred to me that I have never had so much power as a Senator. I’m all that stands between you and your degree.

So here you are, just minutes away from that golden moment and I suppose it’s an appropriate time to ask yourselves, what has Emerson given you?

Well, in your four years here many of you have learned about honesty, loyalty, ethics and caring. You will become your parents pride and joy. A few have lost your bearings, become cynical and lost your moral compass. You will become political consultants

Which is a opportunity for me to bring you the latest update on what is going on in Washington DC…

–the front page is filled with allegations that CIA officials were partying at the Watergate with gambling, liquor and women. Just think, they could be charged with impersonating a Member of Congress.

–Finally, the Bush Administration has an exit strategy. 50 more members of the White House staff have exited their jobs

–I know you’ll be pleased we are continuing the much needed investigation into the election fraud and illegal voting. Hopefully, never again will we see what happened to Chris on American Idol

Tonight the president gives a major speech on immigration. That’s what I love about Washington-a president who has difficulty speaking English complaining about people who have difficulty speaking English.

So, now that you’re graduating, what’s next?

Well, some of you will leave here and become successful writers. Especially if you learn to copy, paste and plagiarize like Harvard sophomores.

Some of you will become teachers. Some soldiers. Some lawyers or doctors. And one of you could end up working for the most powerful person in the free world. Oprah.

Everyone knows Emerson’s great reputation in communications, and there are so many fields communication majors can go into-theater, TV, film…or you can just find fulltime work at the NSA tapping phones.

And for those of you who want to be journalists, you really do have a choice. The very top, the very brightest, the A students will go to the New York Times and the Washington Post. The B and C students, will start on smaller papers and work their way up. But the D and F students who are really attractive, you’re gonna make millions in TV news.

As every cliché in the world reminds you, today is a commencement, a time you leave here and take a step toward your future. What will tomorrow bring, what will life be like 10 years from now?

Just think, the world has changed so much in your 4 years here. Four years ago the longest jinx in Boston was the Red Sox, now it’s Democratic presidential candidates.

But even without a crystal ball, there are certain things I am absolutely sure of.

First, in the year 2016, the average member of Congress will serve 12 years. Actually 10-15 depending on the sentencing judge.

In 2016 we will still face the same tirades from the world’s longest reigning dictator as he presides over the collapse of a failed empire. But this is neither the time nor place to talk about George Steinbrenner.

Gold will cost $725 an ounce. So will oil. And both will still be cheaper than Starbucks coffee.

Sadly in 2016 the price of gas will continue to skyrocket. And that means Anna Nicole Smith will be trying to marry Texaco dealers.

In 2016 there were still be too many guns on the street. In fact there will still be too many guns in the hands of Dick Cheney. Actually, that’s the only good news to come out of Washington, DC — it’s been two months now and the vice president hasn’t shot anyone.

But I digress. In ten years, young people will be electing their own candidates. I have 3 words for people who think this is a good idea-President Jessica Simpson.

In 2016 I will be retired from the Senate. Ted Kennedy will be promising just 3 more terms.

And finally, one thing for sure, in 2016, you will all still be paying off student loans.

So we’ve touched on your career options, and we’ve looked into the future which means there is only one thing left for me to do. It is to carry out the most important duty of a commencement speaker. It’s to give you a little practical advice for the life you’re about to begin. Because to be honest, college is good for a lot of things but in the end you don’t get the real advice you need to prosper. So here they are-a few rules for succeeding in life.

Rule #1…anyone can grow up and be president. That’s what I keep telling myself every night.

Remember always, peace is better than war, try to avoid fighting and never ever ever get into an argument with a guy nicknamed Killer, Lefty or Paulie Walnuts.

Here’s the key to making real money. Hold on 17, hit on 16 and split aces eights and nines. Or, if that fails, take my advice — marry up.

Stop talking when the audience is snoring. If only I had remembered this in 2004

Remember the 12 3 rule: never propose marriage after 12 beers or after 3 a.m. Look what happened to Brittney Spears.

—and never believe the evidence from the CIA.

That’s it, that’s all you need to succeed in life. - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=2993

[politicasista]

38. Who would have fared better than Kerry?

Just curious.

[Dosaybe]

21. Kerry, a professor of grammar per Molly Ivins-Commondreams.org

She writes: "If Kerry had been given as many breaks for misspeaking as George W. Bush has, he’d be a professor of grammar by now. And this all shows what the Bush regime has: attacks on Kerry, Clinton, Kennedy, Pelosi, liberals! ... but not any actual policies to help it."

[ChiciB1]

82. It's HOW A Person Thinks That's A Key To How they React...

Many many times in day to day life people react to certain situations and I used to find myself amazed by this. Until I finally figured out that devious minds think in devious ways. Or perhaps a suspicious person will say something that you yourself might never have even thought of, and then you realize that it's because of THEIR suspicious nature.

I had this happen in my life many many times, even with members of my own family and I just kind of shake my head and think.... Gee, I'm so GLAD I don't think that way.

I think that's why it's taken me so long to become so completely cynical when it comes to these DOLTS and corrupt evil doers who are running this country into the ground. I just NEVER thought those devious thoughts. These past 6 years have taught me more than I want to know about this kind of stuff! They are so EVIL!!!

[ProSense]

22. Excellent!

November 02, 2006

TIMES FORGETS KERRY RAN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2004. Okay, that's not exactly what happened, but still, this is pretty amusing. Check this out from today's New York Times piece on John Kerry's botched Iraq joke:

Mr. Kerry’s advisers were trying to figure out the damage as he considers a 2008 run.

The long-term problem was not so much that he appeared to be insulting the troops — although that did not help, when his message rests so much on his military service and concern for veterans. It was more that his remarks left a segment of his own party, and perhaps the electorate, wondering if he has the agility and political skill to compete at the highest level.

Did anyone in Kerry's party really tell the Times this? It sounds a lot more like the reporter set out to hear this -- and then when something resembling it came along, went ahead and paraphrased it in the above manner. But it's just silly. Have we already forgotten the 2004 Presidential election? Kerry got over 59 million votes, second in history only to the current resident of the White House. Okay, he was an imperfect candidate and he lost, but still -- there's no question whatsoever that his run demonstrated the skills to at least "compete at the highest level." Sheer idiocy.

Sheer idiocy is right! The way these assholes believe they have the right to insult Democrats makes me ill!

I want an apology from the GOP/RW criminals, who pulled every trick in the book to steal the last election, and the opportunitic/timid Democrats who joined them, either by standing by or piling on!

[kerrygoddess]

45. Thanks for this

Had not seen it.

[OzarkDem]

23. I still support him

but he has to be more careful. He has to get some discipline in his public communications skills.

[sqarebis]

25. He was really on a roll too!

It sucks that he got caught up in such a petty issue - oh, well - he can sit back and enjoy the next 4 days.

On to victory!

[ClassWarrior]

26. He helped nationalize the election, put the focus on Iraq. And that benefits...

...US.

:woohoo:

NGU.

[zulchzulu]

27. Absolutely...the Botched War is now front and center in headlines

The Repugs took the Bait and overstepped again. Hillary overstepped. It's absolutely apparent the mainstream media takes orders from the GOP and asks real questions later.

I've never been more proud of John Kerry's efforts and character.

[kerrygoddess]

34. The botched war IS front and center in the headlines

And no one has been out there talking more about the botched war than Kerry.

I too have never been more proud of him.

[CarolNYC]

28. I'm glad to see that the whole ridiculous affair...

hasn't hurt...I do think that Dems all over the country really had the momentum before this diversion and it's good to see the momentum hasn't been slowed...We'll need it in these last few days.

I don't understand, though, the contention that this somehow brought the focus around to Iraq. From everything I saw, read and heard, the focus was on Iraq and then, during the 3 days of 'the debacle' it was all about Kerry, Kerry, Kerry...and NOT what Kerry had said about Iraq but whether he apologized or didn't apologize and how he apologized and who said what about his apology and did he insult the troops or did he not, was it really a joke, blah, blah, blah...That seems to have died down now so, hopefully, we can get back to what really matters....

[Imagevision]

32. Then why did Kerry make such a stupid comment?!! huh? why now?!!

[kerrygoddess]

36. Funny no one in the room thought it was stupid

I was there. Everyone got the point and laughed. Maybe you should watch the video - http://video.johnkerry.com/video/flash/103006_ca.html

[blm]

50. What stupid comment, Imagevision? You mean a dropped PRONOUN becomes a comment?

Who is showing stupidity? Someone who drops a pronoun or someone who PRETENDS that a dropped pronoun is a scandal?

[ChiciB1]

37. Poll States Independents Moving Toward Democrats... So Why Not

Lamont??? Guess CT Indies are different! This is a race I so fervently wanted Mr. Lie to lose!!!

[Mass]

39. He certainly did not botch the joke on purpose, but the reaction from many

papers are helping by showing the double standard and reinforcing the focus on Bush.

Too bad the Democrats are not ready to fight back efficiently. Nobody is saying the joke was not lame and botched. It was . But they focused on blaming Kerry rather than Bush and made the story last longer than it should have.

[kerrygoddess]

40. There's all been supportive reaction in the news

Bush - The Great Divider - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4620

Truth in Kerry’s Remark - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4623

More Defense of Kerry - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4624

Jimmy Tingle on John Kerry: So John Kerry Had A Slip of the Tongue, So What (Audio) - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4626

The Sentinel: John Kerry Was Right Mr. Bush - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4627

Mr. Kerry Wasn’t Disparaging the American Troops in Iraq - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4631

John Kerry’s Remark: Right Either Way - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4634

Tom Friedman: Insulting Our Troops - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4635

** I'll have more to add to the list today as well **

[MADem]

43. Short term, the GOP got in a dig. Long term, they fucked themselves.

The issue has already devolved from TROOPS to where those troops are...and it ain't garrisonned in a sunny American state.

You can't say troops without saying IRAQ.

[Dr Fate]

46. Kerry will come out smelling like a rose as far as I'm concerned.

He stood up to the GOP & media- the only people who lose are those few DEMS who decided to go along with Karl Rove's lies instead of Kerry's inspiring retort.

When we all look back on this a few months from now- it will be with a shrug of the shoulders: "yeah- Kerry was trying to tell the truth and once again the media, GOP and conservative Democrats attacked him- what is new?"

The American people did not buy that spin and those idiot Democrats who had Rove's back instead of ours better KNOW that the base did not buy it either.

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

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

[blm]

51. I think you have GOT TO BE KIDDING - 61% of the people want WITHDRAWAL

from Iraq. Kerry's withdrawal plan is what MOST AMERICANS WANT.

[sandnsea]

55. Oh I get it - Joe-y Girl

No Dems represent your values if you're a Joe-y Girl.

The only people I know who want the troops to stay 'until the job is done' are hard core Republicans. Maybe you need to meet some new people if that's what the people you know are saying. :shrug:

[rep the dems]

49. I don't know; I think he had good intentions, but he should have

realized that the GOP was going to attack him if he said that and it has forced him to go on defense and make it clear that he does not think the troops are stupid. In addition, democrats running for office nationwide are bound to be asked what they think about his statement, something they'd rather not be doing if they're in a close race.

[blm]

53. He should have realized he DROPPED A PRONOUN? Are you serious?

That's ILLOGICAL. How many times A DAY do you drop a pronoun?

[ItNerd4life]

58. He didn't just drop a pronoun.

He dropped a couple of words which changed the entire meaning of the statement he was trying to make.

If he would have actually apologized and restated what he meant in a meaningful manner he could have turned this into a huge win for Democrats, instead it's a call-to-arms for some Republicans.

Many people still don't understand where his apology went wrong. I think the easiest way to describe it is he apologized like a Republican. He blamed everybody else for misinterpreting him.

Here is an example: Person 1 walks around a corner and bumps into person 2 knocking person 2 to the ground.
If Person 1 was a Republican their apology would be: "I'm sorry you bumped into me, you shouldn't have done that".
If person 1 was actually sincere: "I'm sorry I bumped into you, I didn't mean to do that. Here, let me help you."

[blm]

60. He dropped ONE WORD - "us"

Get real - your argument has been proven false.

Go watch the Olbermann clip. No HONEST person would cling to that piece of crap LIE that BushInc created because they know the only people who believe it are STUPID people. Tom Friedman even made that point in his column today.

Bush thinks voters are STUPID and would believe his lie about Kerry.

[sandnsea]

57. If he said "Bush got us stuck in Iraq"??

He wasn't even thinking about anything but Bush when he said it and it's clear by the AP story that was initially run that nobody else did either. Until Rove spun it and the sheeple CHOSE to believe Rove instead of our 2004 Presidential candidate.

Our party truly sucks ass sometimes.

[Joe Chi Minh]

52. I'm sad to say, Hillary looks as if she's become just another

professional politician.

John, on the other hand, has always remained a professional human being, for whom substance will always mean more than presentation; so as long as he remains the powerful politician he is, he won't be able to do it all on his own. He needs other professional human beings, fighters for truth, fighting with him and for him.

The services of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, echo-chambers of the Republican smear machine, reeds bending in the wind, "to be found in palaces" and "wearing long silk robes", will no longer be required. Don't let yourself down, Hillary. We can all make mistakes in fraught situations, but you're much too good for that. No person of integrity would have a long enough spoon to truckle to that crew and prosper in any real sense.

[musiclawyer]

54. This was a good thing......

on multiple levels. I like Kerry. But it did reinforce how any slight error of his will be magnified a thousand-fold by the MSM. He's effectively no longer in the running for 08. Next, it showed why so many of hard-core dems, not to mention Pubs, despise Hillary. She's a backstabbing opportunist politician who will never get enough votes to be president of the United States. All her cash nothwithstanding, it's over for her. This incident won't be soon forgotten. All the other serious candidates remaining (Edwards, Obama, Clark, even perhaps Gore, can win). A good thing happened.

[politicasista]

59. One election at at time. 06 is what matters

No one isn't going to decide who is running until after Tuesday. I would not count ANYONE out.

[blm]

62. Think again - Guess who can call hearings on Corporate Media come January?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2562798

[robinlynne]

79. cool! can't wait!

[kerrygoddess]

91. Sweet!

Very sweet.

[WildEyedLiberal]

65. Any slight error of any Dems will be magnified a thousand fold.

If you think the GOP media will somehow go easy on Obama, Edwards, Clark, or Gore should any of them get the nomination, you are just fooling yourself. The GOP media will try to pull this shit on any Dem who gets our nod in 2008. Bank on it.

That's why ALL DEMS have to come out in support of Kerry or whoever they are attempting to swiftboat - because next time, it'll be THEM - hear me, Hillary?

I wouldn't be so fast to count out Kerry. The media's been declaring him DOA, irrelevant, and hopeless since 2003 - because he refuses to play by their script and meekly go away. He fought back against this smear, and in the ensuing debacle several Dems were exposed as GOP enablers. Meanwhile, the tide has fully turned onto Bush and Rove for their swiftboating lies. No, don't be so quick to discount Kerry for this. Their attempt to magnify his error blew up in their faces and has made them look like desperate, pathetic, immoral scumbags.

[sampsonblk]

56. Showing up in GOP campaign ads

According to CNN, John Kerry's comments have showed up today in campaign ads (radio) in Indiana. The Dem candidate is 'accused' of accepting campaign donations from John Kerry. Wow.

[AtomicKitten]

61. Providing fodder for opposition ads attacking Dems isn't good

by any stretch of the imagination. The best we can hope for is that it will have no effect, and it is certainly way too early to declare the ultimate outcome.

[sampsonblk]

63. Agreed-nt

nt

[ProSense]

67. Yes, that's what Democrats should fear most!

http://www.gop.com/Multimedia/MediaPlayer.aspx?ID=1033&TypeID=2

Courage, show some!

[AtomicKitten]

68. A comparative analysis of the political atmosphere

involves intellect and has nothing to do with courage (or cheerleading).

[ProSense]

70. Intellect

without common sense is dangerous! There are plenty of intellectuals cheerleading on the Iraq war, and they can spin comparative analysis.

Courage and common sense, priceless!

[AtomicKitten]

71. bias + courage = fanaticism

eom

[ProSense]

72. bias + intellect = denial!

I'd rather be a fanatic for truth, than in denial for fear of spin!

[AtomicKitten]

73. You mean your "truth," right?

Not recognizing that and insisting that one's POV is the way and the light is an age-old source of tunnel vision that fuels acrimony.

I am neither in denial nor in fear of spin by simply commenting on the today's news cycle and how this is evolving. The fact that you don't like the analysis and would prefer to spin the Kerry gaffe as a plus is based on your own fear of the perception that he might have fucked up.

You should be content in knowing we all hope it proves to have no detrimental effect at all and let it go.

I will leave you to your spin.

[ProSense]

74. No, this truth:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2925015&mesg_id=2925015

[AtomicKitten]

75. You do realize an op-ed is an opinion piece and not "truth," right?

Apparently not.

[ProSense]

76. Do you disagree with the piece?

Do you believe Kerry insulted the troops? Given the statements, delivered and prepared, do you believe Kerry intended to insult the troops?

[AtomicKitten]

80. of course not

And it wasn't Kerry's fault that the Republicans jumped on his misstatement to fuel their fake outrage. They traditionally spin something out of nothing for political purposes. And it is precisely that that I was commenting on.

The only thing most people here are concerned about is how much damage they will be able to inflict with this bullshit. And that has yet to be determined.

[blm]

64. Like Tom Friedman said in his column - Bush believes his voters are stupid and

would believe his lie.

[sampsonblk]

66. They are!

They have believed his lies this long. Why not now?

This WMD thing would have caused any other president to be impeached - and rightfully so.

[blm]

69. Doesn't mean Dems should prop up his lie.

.

[kerrygoddess]

84. Exactly. n/t

[YvonneCa]

77. Way to go, KG ! !

I totally agree. :7 We would not be doing so well going into this election, if not for the TREMENDOUS effort and commitment of Senator Kerry. Thanks, Senator! :patriot:

[kerrygoddess]

92. Exactly. n/t

[robinlynne]

78. who? just Hillary and Ford, as far as I know.

Don't worry, we're not giving Hillary our votes. NOT gonna happen! As for Ford, he is terrible, but right now, in this election we have to vote for him, only to get the dem majority back in the house and senate. but we will not let Hillary be the dem candidate, not to worry! We KNOW who the good guys are! And Kerry is on our team.

[Clarkie1]

81. Kerrygoddess, you are wrong about one thing, and Kerry would tell you so.

I agree with most of your post, but you say "We need Kerry out there now."

Kerry disagrees with you, and as one his strongest supporters, I would expect you to respect his judgement. He has stated that the election isn't about him, and he does not want to be a distraction.

I proud of Kerry for standing up to the administration, and putting what's good for America before himself in this case.

[kerrygoddess]

83. The point is only

if people - candidates want to be out there. I respect JK's judgement, but I also feel that he would like to hear that even in respecting his judgment, his supporters would like to see every stand with him and have him out there fighting for us. If everyone stood with him then it wouldn't be about him - would it. That's the point.

[Clarkie1]

85. Eh....disagree.

I don't think it would serve a lot of our candidates well, particularly in certain races and regions of the country that are critical, to say, as I THINK you are implying that they stand with John Kerry. That would redirect the focus to Kerry and the lie the right is spinning about him, which unfortunately many believe.

We both agree Kerry is a good Democrat. Kerry is doing what he thinks is right and I agree. The election is bigger than Kerry.

[kerrygoddess]

86. Do us both a favor

Don't try to read my mind. Silly thing to do. The lie is already starting to spin down and plenty have spoken up in support of him. Thank you for sharing.

[Clarkie1]

88. O.K., then we don't disagree...Kerry needs to be silent the next four days.

Publicly, Dems shouldn't be mentioning his name (at least not voluntarily) until Wednesday. If forced to discuss Kerry, Dems should redirect the issue to the failures of the administration, point out it was just a verbal flub, and emphasize that the election is not about Kerry.

[Trajan]

87. I love John Kerry .... but ....

He blew the delivery, and altered the subject of the 'joke' ....

Cmon ... He admitted he flubbed it, so why cry about the reaction so loudly ? ...

Yeah ... sure .... the naysayers jumped on it and rode it like an old horse but why wouldnt they ? ...

Dont EVER give them an opening .... Kerry did ....

I love that man, but he FLUBBED it ....

[Jim Sagle]

89. Fuckin' A.

[kerrygoddess]

90. Fuckin'A Right!

[TankLV]

93. Beautiful - well written...

He may not be my first choice - but he's part of my "family" and NO OUTSIDER better disparage my family!

[kerrygoddess]

96. Thank you.

He should be part of everyone's "family" regardless of future choices. :)

[gulliver]

94. I'm grateful to him for taking himself and Clinton out of the running.

Kerry failed to respond in a timely, effective manner to the single lowest political act by a sitting president ever made.

Clinton backed Bush.

[wisteria]

95. Kerry respond immediately-period. The lies you are repeating

are coming from the out of touch Dem insiders and the media trying to cover their tracks for aiding and abetting a smear.

Oh, and don't count Kerry out. Many people are beginning to realize that he is the one voice in the party willing to speak the truth and take the licks for it, then bounce back. I still say, Kerry 08!!! Truth to power and power to the people.