Sen. Kerry is in line to be the next SFRC chair, but he would make a great Sec. of State

[ProSense]

Kerry has the breadth of foreign policy experience and knowledge on a broad range of international issues that would make him a perfect choice for Sec. of State:

Making America More Respected in the World

Helped Spread Democracy and Human Rights Throughout the World. John Kerry was a leading advocate for democratic elections in the Philippines, serving as an elections monitor as part of a Senate delegation that uncovered the fraud that led to the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos. He was a strong proponent of U.S. participation in the NATO intervention that put an end to the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. He worked with the United Nations and Cambodian government officials to facilitate the creation of the genocide tribunal in Cambodia that will prosecute key members of the Khmer Rouge. He sponsored the Code of Conduct of Arms Transfers Act, which prohibited U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to nations that do not adequately protect the human rights of their citizens. And he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation which imposed sanctions on Burma's military regime for detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and repressing her National League for Democracy party.

Fought Global HIV/AIDS. John Kerry authored major elements of the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000, legislation which at the time provided the most money ever for fighting AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world. He sponsored the bipartisan U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2002, comprehensive legislation that was unanimously approved by the Senate and became the foundation of the global AIDS legislation that was passed by congress and signed by President Bush.

Fought International Crime, Corruption and Drug Trafficking. John Kerry chaired the landmark hearings that uncovered the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) scandal - the largest banking corruption scandal in modern times. He led hearings which provided evidence that Haitian military officials were involved in drug trafficking to the United States. He also led hearings on corruption and drug trafficking by Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, and introduced legislation requiring the Reagan administration to cut off foreign aid to Panama because of drug-related corruption within its government.

Uncovered Government Corruption. John Kerry went on a fact-finding mission to Nicaragua and presented his findings to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Based in part on John Kerry's groundbreaking findings, the committee reached a consensus decision to investigate the Contra guerillas and their connection to drug trafficking in the United States. The resulting investigation uncovered the Iran-Contra scandal, a scheme that diverted profits from illegal arms sales to Iran to support the Contra guerilla fighters in Nicaragua.

John Kerry on Energy and Global Warming

John Kerry advocates a responsible, forward-looking energy policy that would reduce our dependence on oil; increase the energy efficiency of our buildings, homes, and appliances; increase the amount of clean, renewable energy used to create electricity; and make our cars and trucks go further on a gallon of gas. He has championed and introduced legislation on a number of measures to improve fuel economy and to require the use of more clean renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Kerry has been a champion in leading the fight to defeat the Bush Administration's polluting energy bill, which was hatched in secret by the Cheney Energy Task Force in 2001. In addition, Kerry has been a leading voice for the need to take immediate significant steps to combat global warming. He was a participant in the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio and a delegate to the 1997 Kyoto and 2000 Hague climate talks.

• Kerry Offers Post-Kyoto Global Climate Change Approach
  
  
• Senator Kerry, in Bali, Says U.S. Taking Lead on Climate Policy
  
  
• For U.S., Policy Discord Plays Out at Bali Climate Change Talks
  
  
• EU raises voice for higher ambition at Bali
  
  
• Bush signs bill repealing HIV immigration ban
  
  
• Sen. Kerry (D-MA), Lebanese P.M. Fuad Abdul Basset Siniora, Egyptian P.M. Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif and others discussed Iraq and the future of the Middle East. (Video)
  
  
• History Repeating Itself: Kerry-Brokered Cambodia Tribunal Set To Begin
  
  
• Washington at Work; The Senator Pursues 'Untold' M.I.A. Story
  
  
• Kerry Amendment, also known as U.S. moneylaundering laws and sanctions.
  
  
• As a senator, John Kerry was a tenacious investigator and exposed BCCI, an international criminal bank, and its murderous clients. The experience should serve him well in dealing with the international threats we face today.
  
  
• Iran-Contra

Still, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is a great position.

[beachmom]

1. John Kerry has an embarrassment of riches at the moment.

Two great options. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

Great post, Prosense.

[democrattotheend]

9. Well-deserved, IMO.

After all, if it weren't for Kerry, I can't imagine Obama would be where he is right now.

[ProSense]

29. Yup, and they include

an awesome President-Elect and a Democratic majority.

Yay.

[karynnj]

2. This list shows why Kerry's history fits with Obama's call to change

Imagine what message is sent in Central and South America, that the SoS rejected the support of the RW Contras guilty of atrocities and rejected the School of Americas. Add to that, that he was against the destruction caused by illegal drugs - and did not think it right to ignore drug dealers for political reasons.

Imagine Southeast Asia, knowing that he stood against the President as a 27 year old when he knew a war was wrong. This helped him when he worked on the MIA/POW work.

If he opts for SFRC, he has the ability to insure these same values are adhered to - and he can investigate.

[dailykoff]

3. I hope he gets it

but I guess it depends on how Rahm feels about it :puke:

[jwirr]

4. Not to mention his book "The New War: The Web if Crime That

Threatens America's Security". He understands the dangers that we face.

[ProSense]

18. Yes, thanks. n/t

[LittleClarkie]

36. I read that. He predicts 9/11 or something like it. And the book came out in 1997.

I hope he gets SOMEthing.

[blm]

77. Democrats and Republicans were busy in media discussing Monica while NO ONE paid attention

to Kerry's warnings about the growing problem of global terrorism.

Shame on ALL.

[Muttocracy]

5. I hope Senator Kerry gets to do whatever he wants the next 4 years. nt

[politicasista]

21. Yep n/t

[xxqqqzme]

6. We need to keep the senators we have.

We can't give them away to the Obama administation.

[stevedeshazer]

8. I'm not so worried about losing Kerry from the Senate

He'd make a great Secretary of State, and we really need one right now.

Besides, I kind of like the sound of, say, Senator Barney Frank.

:)

[Muttocracy]

23. except Frank would have lower seniority as a Senator, wouldn't he?

though higher than most newbies 'cause they do count other experience toward it.

Who else is there in MA - Rep. Markey?

[stevedeshazer]

32. True

He'd lose seniority.

Yeah, Ed Markey would make a nice choice, too.

[leeann1317]

93. I've heard that GOP Bill Weld could run (and I think he'd win).

[babylonsister]

7. I hope Senator Kerry gets what he wants the most, because he's been

a tireless, honest, hardworking, liberal Democrat for so many years. :loveya:

[wisteria]

10. You have out done yourself with this post. It is just wonderful. n/t

[wisteria]

11. Oh, did I mention that I think we could not do better than John Kerry as SOS,

I am all for it. I will be disappointed if he doesn't get asked, but being chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is not bad.

[BrklynLiberal]

12. Craig Crawford, of the Congressional Quarterly, said on Countdown tonight

that there may be no rule in the Constitution that would prohibit John Kerry from being in the cabinet while still holding his Senate seat. He said it would sure be unusual..but it would not be illegal.

[karynnj]

14. I would assume that with the problems in the world - each could be more than full time jobs

Kerry works hard - but how could he do sufficient travel and hold summits - without missing a ton of vote?.

But does that mean that Kerry as head of SFRC would have oversight over Kerry, SoS - that might make for some interesting hearings where he moves from his chair to the one before him. He did argue with the Cheney staff who argued that Cheney was not just in the executive branch - both he would be here.

[Muttocracy]

25. but I doubt he could be SFRC chair then, since SFRC has oversight over State? nt

[ProSense]

67. Now is the time to

separate the three branches of government and reverse the damage caused by Bush/Cheney.

[Tiggeroshii]

13. Keep him in the Senate.

Please!

[ProSense]

15. Why? n/t

[Tiggeroshii]

16. I feel like he can do a lot more good there, having been there for so long, than he could

as an executive official. Richardson has experience already as an Ambassador with overseas experience. He's a much better choice. Also, I think that KErry will have more power as a Chairman of the foreign RElations committee and get more things done there than he can as SOS

on edit: I really like the idea of a Kerry Chairmanship than I do of a Kerry Secretary of State. It's much more fitting and effective, in my opinion.

[ProSense]

17. Obviously,

I disagree with you about Richardson. I do agree that the SFRC position is a great opportunity. Kerry is in a great position.

[YvonneCa]

19. Is he...

...EVER ! :7

[politicasista]

27. But he has no charisma or temperment

:sarcasm:

I think Susan Rice should be considered too.

[YvonneCa]

69. No, no charisma...

...at all.:sarcasm: :7

[politicasista]

81. Right

:)

[marimour]

97. wow a lot of anger here tonight. Kerry is well qualified but not the only choice IMO.

[politicasista]

98. No anger, people are just tired of RW, media lies and ignorance about

a good Democrat like Kerry. He isn't perfect, but he continues to take kicks at this site when he has done more than most Democrats in the last 4 years. It's an insult to Obama that people are trashing his best surrogate and supporter just because they don't like that Kerry is being considered as SOS.

[davidpdx]

20. I think Obama has to becareful how many strong D's

he takes out of the US Senate. They are many other people that could be just as good in that position. Kerry just won reelection and he should continue to represent his state. Pulling too many people from the US Senate is going to possibly screw us when it comes to getting legislation through.

[Essene]

22. Kerry really does not strike me as the Sec of State type... at all

That post needs to be either an extremely charismatic diplomatic or a very charismatic sub-ordinate.

In either case, they should be a fresh face...

[politicasista]

26. He and Obama have similar views when it comes to foreign policy

And Kerry did have charisma in 2000, but didn't in 2004. Interesting we complain about the media, yet buy into everything they fabricate.

Kerry has a lot of respect from foreign leaders. He is loyal to Obama, one of Obama's best supporters. I don't understand why people are so afraid of Kerry being considered in Obama's cabinet.

It's Obama's decision period. He shows more respect for Kerry than most DUers do, which speaks volumes for Obama, in fact, I remember during the primaries the hate here at DU that Kerry received for endorsing Obama. Many were hoping that it would be the kiss of death. Looks like Obama (and Kerry) got the last laugh in a big way.

[blm]

30. Baloney - do you GET how serious the global terrorism and financial crises? Global water issues?

You didn't really read ProSense's post or the links. There isn't a lawmaker ALIVE with Kerry's level of expertise in all those areas.

You bought the load of crap from American media that the rest of the world doesn't believe - they have respected and heralded Kerry's efforts in other countries since the 80s. BCCI was an INTERNATIONAL crime wave. Kerry helped world leaders CRAFT the Kyoto Protocol.

Thankfully leaders around the world don't watch the same TV news channels for their information that YOU do. The same channels that convinced Americans they wanted to have a beer with an ASSHOLE like GWBush.

[TayTay]

31. Really? Funny, I do not have a problem with that image

But maybe it's because I expect actual work and diplomacy out of my Secretary of State, not a dog and pony show that is designed to showcase sparkle and glitz over the real and difficult work of realigning America's interests and image in the world.

Gee, somehow I don't think Gen. George C. Marshall, American Secretary of State, Nobel Peace Prize winner and architect of the Marshall Plan for post WWII Europe was chosen for his "charisma." Listen to the recording of his history-changing speech laying out the Marshall Plan and tell me if you start to feel a tingle up your leg: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/georgecmarshall.html

Okay, I do feel that tingle, but it's not from some silly "charisma" thing, it's because this was an unique moment in human history when the victor in a war reached out a compassionate hand to the losers in order to advance peace for all. For that, this man was red-baited, his patriotism called into question and he went through hell.

Sorry, not buying the silliness argument here. The situation in the world is too critical. We need a brilliant thinker and that may be Sen. Kerry or it may be someone else who has also advocated for a more diplomatic approach to foreign policy that respects our laws and respects the sovereignty of others. We need people with experience on the world stage who can represent America, not poster and pose in front of TV cameras.

[ProSense]

33. Excellent point.

The Kerry lacks charisma talking point is not only BS, but also the exact kind of nonsensical distraction the Republicans engage in when they want to avoid serious discussion. Let's talk about beer...ridiculous. I'm sure there are people who voted for McCain-Palin because of her perfomance on SNL or because they thought she was attractive. Clearly, most Americans have better sense and others have learned from the past.

[politicasista]

34. Yep. DM (Dear Mom's) co-worker was one of those people

that voted for McCain/Palin because he loved Sarah and thought Obama was a socialist. :puke:














edit for word

[beachmom]

35. Well said, Tay. Shuttle diplomacy is not for the glamourous. It is for

those who have a clear vision of what needs to be done, and then going out there and doing it. Plus, I think Kerry once said he and Obama "share the same DNA" when it comes to foreign policy. LOL. They're practically TWINS! :)

[nam78_two]

73. Excellent points

:thumbsup:

[karynnj]

82. Let's look at past Secretaries of state

Did Rice, Shultz, Breszinski, Albright etc have charisma? NO

Kerry actually is very charismatic and he is a very good diplomat - see the OP, and those are things done without the position!

Ask yourself this? How did Kerry EASILY win the nomination in 2004 with almost NO media support and little party support - until he was winning? I've seen Kerry in person several times in the last few years - he is a very compelling speaker - and other than Obama the most compelling candidate for the nomination in decades.

Bill Richardson never polled more than 5% for the 2008 nomination - Kerry was above that the entire time until he opted out. This in spite of constant negative press and continuing smears for Kerry and high media praise for Richardson. I wanted to be impressed by Richardson after Kerry pulled out - but he was beyond awful in interviews.

[Sensitivity]

89. Kerry is unmatched in qualification. Problem is latino block strongly backs Richardson

Strong rumor is that latino pols feel that the deal is set.

[karynnj]

90. That may be true - but that is no reason to give anyone a job that important

It's insulting. It is also ridiculous as the Richardson fans have been claiming that if Kerry gets it - it's pay back. I hope that IF Kerry wants he - he gets it - because he is unmatched. The fact is that Kerry was accepted by nearly enough people to replace a President in a time of war and foreign policy is his strongest suit. On every level, he is more impressive than Richardson.

There has to be a Latino who is best qualified for something - SoS is not an affirmative action job.

[GetTheRightVote]

24. I hope he gets the position. He has the experience and is loyal to the nation.

He desires it for all he has done behind the scenes as well. He never stops fighting for us.

:kick:

[chill_wind]

28. K & R for his honorable service and to his deserving rewards

in whatever new capacity he might find himself in.

[surrealAmerican]

37. You're right, but it would be a shame to lose him in the Senate.

[politicasista]

38. Yep. Keep those evil Skulls and Bonesman out of Obama's cabinet!

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :rofl:

[Mass]

52. Uh? I may have missed something, but you must be answering the wrong poster.

[politicasista]

55. No, I was just being sarcastic

Saw that reply in LBN, so thought I could use that as biting sarcasm.

Apologies to the poster I responded to, but it's just too weird today.

[surrealAmerican]

68. Actually, I was just thinking that the people of Mass. ...

... are about to lose one senator. Can they afford to lose both.

[politicasista]

80. It's all good. At this point, they really can't

With Uncle Ted being ill, I don't know if how MA would do if there were two junior senators.

Good point. (Forget the sarcasm. :hi:)

[Lumpsum]

39. Richardson > Kerry nt

[ProSense]

40. Kerry > Richardson.

What does that mean?

Kerry's record speaks for itself.

[politicasista]

41. Good question n/t

[Lumpsum]

42. It means I'd rather see Richardson than Kerry hold a job in Obama's administration.

I want to see real change. It's what Obama promised. Giving Richardson the job comes off as change. Bush's cousin? Not so much.

[politicasista]

43. It's not up to us. It's Obama's decision period

And I am glad Obama respects Kerry and doesn't need to listen to any garbage as a reason to not look at him for a cabinet job.

Thankfully, Obama is smarter than that.

[Lumpsum]

46. Richardson has the diplomatic chops.

I know Kerry is beloved here, but he's a terrible campaigner and I just don't think he'd do too well.

[Mass]

50. That you do not know anything about Kerry is not an excuse, you know.

[karynnj]

85. How idiotic - Kerry won the 2004 nomination, Richardson didn't come close in 2008

There is no way he is a better campaigner - Kerry came within a small percent in Ohio of becoming President in a year when only 47% said the country was on the wrong track. (Consider that in the 2008 race, Kerry polled far more than Richardson until he said he was not running.)

In addition - the Secretary of State IS NOT A POLITICAL FIGURE and is not ALLOWED to campaign for anyone. (It's against the Hatch Act)

[blm]

94. That terrible campaigner won every matchup he was charged with. RNC stole that election for Bush and

McAuliffe's pisspoor stewardship of the DNC made sure RNC had all the room it needed for the steal.

[ProSense]

44. "Bush's cousin?" WTF? So does that mean Kerry would be joining Cheney's cousin?

Ludicrous. You can express your support for Richardson without spouting bullshit.

[politicasista]

45. Thank you n/t

[Lumpsum]

47. I've expressed my problems with Obama being related to Cheney.

Change?

[Mass]

49. LOL. In this case, you are really something else. You are probably a cousin of both cheney and

Bush, by your standards, as is probably Richardson. Did you check?

[fedupinBushcountry]

66. I've got 2 words for you

in fact I have 6 words for you, Grow up, and Get Over It.

You show how clueless you really are.

[Mass]

48. Richardson is no real change either, if this is what you mean, He was a member of the Clinton

cabinet.

If real change means having somebody competent for the job, both are REAL change though. And Kerry is no more Bush's cousin than Obama is Cheney's cousin.

[Lumpsum]

51. That is true.

Meh, I'm just tired of seeing all the former Clinton people coming back from the grave. Doesn't smell like change to me.

[Mass]

53. So, why do you want Richardson in the job. Kerry is definitively NOT a Clinton person.

Richardson is. This does not make sense to me, given the narrow scope you give yourself.

[Lumpsum]

54. Because out of all the other people in the running for it

He's the only one I remotely care for. I know he was Clinton's Secretary of Energy, but he was a UN ambassador - a job Albright held. I know people can espouse on all the different credentials Kerry has, but I really do think out of all the people in the running, Richardson could do the best job.

With that said, there could be other people in the running that we don't know about. Only time will tell.

[Honeycombe8]

71. Richardson has a track record of negotiating with foreign leaders. Kerry does not. nt

[blm]

78. Bullshit - you're playing in area where you know little. You never read the OP did you?

Or any of the links....did you? Kerry knows many of the world leaders VERY WELL and has for many years.

YOU are the one showing a lack of qualifications to even reply to this thread. You make statements that have NO BASIS IN REALITY.

[karynnj]

86. Read the OP - there are times when he did - with the permission of the President

In addition, last year, Kerry went to Bali as the entire Congressional delegation. Here is praise from an earth day SFRC hearing: Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, a member of the official US delegation (around 4 minutes in) said:

"The fact that we had a treaty was significantly due to the fact that Senator Kerry was there. He was a virtual part of our negotiating team, without his day and night support and lobbying of the EU. we would not have gotten a treaty."

http://www.kerryvision.net/2008/04/in_defense_of_treehuggers.html

Kerry has spoken of his role in speaking to ME leaders - that he can listen to engage in discussions of possible actions, but he can not negotiate - unless he is working with the President.

[blm]

56. Bull - REAL CHANGE is having the lawmaker who KNOWS THE MOST about global terrorism,

global financial crisi, and global water issues. Richardson is a an OK guy but he was also part of Clinton's cabinet that CONTINUED Bush1 policies AND protected Bush1 throughout the 90s on all the serious matters in IranContra, BCCI, Iraqgate, and CIA drugrunning UNCOVERED by JOHN KERRY.

You don't know much about your nation's REAL HISTORY the last few decades, do you?

[Lumpsum]

57. What exactly does the secretary of energy have to do with..

Iran-Contra and CIA drug running?

[ProSense]

58. Secretary of Energy? n/t

[Lumpsum]

59. That was Richardson's job under Clinton.

To lump him in with Iran-Contra and all the other Bush Sr. fiascos that apparently Clinton "continued" is absurd.

[karynnj]

87. That was one of his jobs

in the Clinton cabinet - and likely the least successful. This points out that it is Kerry who has the longest and the most recent foreign policy experience.

Richardson's experience was only from 1993 - 1999 - and part of that time he was Energy secretary. Kerry has 24 years on SFRC up till the present. A lot changes in 8 years. Kerry is the one who could step in immediately. (In addition to his Senate experience, Kerry's 1971 testimony makes him stand out in Asia and his 1980s work against the Contras does the same in Latin America. - BOTH represent standing up against the US policy of the past. Give an example where Richardson did.)

[blm]

60. He was part of Clinton's inner circle back then, and US oil policy WAS the US energy policy

then as it is still today. Protecting Bush1 thru the 90s led directly to Bush2, 9-11 and this Iraq war.

And there isn't a lawmaker IN ALL OF DC who knows more about global terrorism, global financial crime and crisis, global water issues AND global envornmental issues - all of which figure GREATLY in the future of this nation and the world. Plus, Kerry has the know how to craft DOABLE withdrawal plans for Iraq AND the chops to prevent unnecessary wars.

Why on earth would any citizen not want the most knowledgeable progressive mind this nation has on ALL those pressing issues to be in a position to flex that knowledge?

[Lumpsum]

61. Because like I said in another thread

Kerry will be more valuable in the senate to help Obama pass progressive legislation. Especially health care reform.

I don't doubt that Kerry is a qualified man for the job.

[blm]

62. he's HIGHLY QUALIFIED. You prefer Richardson on terrorism and global financial crisis when

Kerry is the lawmaker who UNCOVERED the global terror networks and tracked the funding. Heis investigations into BCCI uncovered the world's biggest terror bank and criminal financial network and even led to discovery of the S&L crisis.

Kerry worked with world leaders for 10 years crafting Kyoto....he's highly respected by them.

You really don't want the MOST QUALIFIED person to get the job.

[Lumpsum]

63. Like I said, I know he is very qualified.

But I just don't think he wants to leave the Senate. He has said he doesn't.

[blm]

64. You say a lot of baloney - and I've read your posts about Kerry. Inconsistent when you get caught

on your spoutings by those who HAVE paid attention to this nation's REAL MATTERS over the last few decades, and don't rely on corpmedia or spindoctors for that information. Try a trip to the National Security Archives and stil claim that ANY one would be more equalified than Kerry. Kerry would be a MILLION times better than Bill Clinton. Because Kerry can process all the information and come up with an HONEST SOLUTION and be honest with the American people.....Clinton's first job was always to protect Poppy Bush and Jackson Stephens and the Dubai and saudi Royals....and he did so many a time by ignoring what would be best for the American people.

[Lumpsum]

65. When did I say I want Bill Clinton to be SoS?

I said Bill Richardson...

Calm yourself down.

[blm]

79. My point is that EVEN Bill Clinton would be a pisspoor choice next to Kerry based on

Kerry's extensive and HONEST dealings FOR the benefit of this nation compared to Clinton's tendency to protect BushInc first while the nation suffered in the long run with the consequences of his decisions.

[karynnj]

84. Kerry is Not Bush's cousin

Kerry has fought the RW FAR more than Richardson even thought to do

1) Vietnam
2) the Contras - and the school for Americas
3) BCCI

Kerry has spoken of change in foreign policy since 1971. The Clinton administration, which Richardson was part of, did very little to change the foreign policy they inherited.

[karynnj]

83. By what criteria?

Kerry beat Richardson in polling for 2008 even after losing in 2004. Richardson was beyond awful in talk shows and even in terms of defing their foreign policy world view Kerry was FAR FAR better than Richardson. (In fact, Kerry's 1966 speech, chosen as one of the speeches highlighted by Albright in her fp book, given as a 22 year old college student showed enormous political insight and even then he spoke of understanding other cultures.)

[Honeycombe8]

70. I don't think he'd make a good SOS, but he'll probably get it as payback for endorsing Obama...

early on.

[blm]

74. Really? He wouldn't get it for his expertise on global terrorism, global financial crimes/crises,

global water issues, global climate change, and his ability to craft withdrawal plans doable for military AND diplomatic corps?

Are you sure? Who can you name who tops Kerry in ALL those areas?

And...when has Obama or Kerry demonstrated themselves to be political opportunists? If Kerry was a political opportunist then surely he would have been president long ago by choosing to side with the protection of BushInc instead of the PURSUIT of BushInc. You know....like Bill Clinton did.

[Honeycombe8]

75. I gave my opinion. He wouldn't even be in the running had it not been for the endorsement.

You know that. I know that. Everybody knows that. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Nothing in your post states any experience he has in negotiating with foreign leaders.

I'm sure Obama will make the best choice. He seems to have a gift for picking the right person for the job. If he picks Kerry, then that's it.

The gobbledygook about political opportunism....don't know what you're talking about. That has nothing to do with performing the SOS job, one way or the other. Maybe that's a reason you LIKE Kerry, but your liking Kerry is not a reason for him to be SOS.

[blm]

76. Kerry worked with world leaders for 10yrs crafting Kyoto. LED Vietnam reconciliation negotiations,

and from an earlier post by ProSense:

Kerry has the breadth of foreign policy experience and knowledge on a broad range of international issues that would make him a perfect choice for Sec. of State:

Making America More Respected in the World

Helped Spread Democracy and Human Rights Throughout the World. John Kerry was a leading advocate for democratic elections in the Philippines, serving as an elections monitor as part of a Senate delegation that uncovered the fraud that led to the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos. He was a strong proponent of U.S. participation in the NATO intervention that put an end to the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. He worked with the United Nations and Cambodian government officials to facilitate the creation of the genocide tribunal in Cambodia that will prosecute key members of the Khmer Rouge. He sponsored the Code of Conduct of Arms Transfers Act, which prohibited U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to nations that do not adequately protect the human rights of their citizens. And he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation which imposed sanctions on Burma's military regime for detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and repressing her National League for Democracy party.

Fought Global HIV/AIDS. John Kerry authored major elements of the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000, legislation which at the time provided the most money ever for fighting AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world. He sponsored the bipartisan U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2002, comprehensive legislation that was unanimously approved by the Senate and became the foundation of the global AIDS legislation that was passed by congress and signed by President Bush.

Fought International Crime, Corruption and Drug Trafficking. John Kerry chaired the landmark hearings that uncovered the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) scandal - the largest banking corruption scandal in modern times. He led hearings which provided evidence that Haitian military officials were involved in drug trafficking to the United States. He also led hearings on corruption and drug trafficking by Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, and introduced legislation requiring the Reagan administration to cut off foreign aid to Panama because of drug-related corruption within its government.

Uncovered Government Corruption. John Kerry went on a fact-finding mission to Nicaragua and presented his findings to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Based in part on John Kerry's groundbreaking findings, the committee reached a consensus decision to investigate the Contra guerillas and their connection to drug trafficking in the United States. The resulting investigation uncovered the Iran-Contra scandal, a scheme that diverted profits from illegal arms sales to Iran to support the Contra guerilla fighters in Nicaragua.

>>>>>>>>


What makes you claim Kerry is UNQUALIFIED for Sec of State position when he would have more qualifications on so many levels needed intoday's world than any Sec of Statte in HISTORY?


Your post sounds EXTREMELY narrowminded and very much like a corpmedia talking head with no background whatsoever in actual historic or government matters.

You can't NAME one person with more expertise in so many areas than Kerry. You also can't name one lawmaker in modern history who has done more to uncover and expose government corruption in this country and AROUND THE WORLD. But....you are welcome to try.

[karynnj]

88. That is simply not true

Even before he ran for President - and nearly won - he was one of the most highly thought of foreign policy people in the country.

In addition - if you want to speak of what he did for Obama start with 2004!

Just this year, here is praise from an earth day SFRC hearing: Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat (around 4 minutes in) said:

"The fact that we had a treaty was significantly due to the fact that Senator Kerry was there. He was a virtual part of our negotiating team, without his day and night support and lobbying of the EU. we would not have gotten a treaty."


http://www.kerryvision.net/2008/04/in_defense_of_treehuggers.html

He did this with NO official role.

[nam78_two]

72. He would make a great SOS

Man we would be losing all our best people in the senate if Kerry, Feingold etc. get tapped for these posts...but its all good.

[ProSense]

91. Democrats are in a great position.

It's a wonderful thing.

[Essene]

92. The ideal SFRC chair. He's overqualified for SoS and i'd rather see him stay in the Senate

He's brilliant. He's insightful. He's got a strong moral compass.

HE IS BORING. :)

I want him to be the strongest & most powerful voice on foreign policy outside the White House for many, many years to come.

I do not think he'd make a good surrogate for Obama abroad (and respectfully disagree with those saying his being a surrogate during the election is comparable). I think his having been the candidate in 2004 is understood abroad as making him a challenging voice for Party leadership because that's how it works abroad... with cabinets being filled entirely by "party bosses" to control factions.

I think Richardson is an ideal candidate, although I respect there may be others who could do a great job as well.

Personally, I would prefer Kerry as an elder Senator.

[blm]

95. Intelligent folk don't find brilliant and insightful people boring these days do they?

It's no longer 2000, 2002 and 2004 - and post Katrina, post Iraq Civil war and post Record Home Foreclosures, they find themselves BORED with government leaders who are NOT brilliant and NOT insightful and don't KNOW HOW TO FIX THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS.

[politicasista]

99. Obama might disagree n/t

[ProSense]

100. Wow!

LOL!

[MessiahRp]

103. Wow...

:shakes head:

I don't even know where to start here. Boring is a subjective thing. The media narrative was that he was boring so many people believed that without even listening to the man speak. I worked for his campaign, attended his speeches and there was always energy in his crowds. He never bored any of us.

Also this line makes me wonder, "Did you even watch anything during this campaign at all?":

I do not think he'd make a good surrogate for Obama abroad (and respectfully disagree with those saying his being a surrogate during the election is comparable).

He was by far Obama's best surrogate on the campaign trail but he was so because of his ability to take the very worst ideas and innuendos our opponents had and turn them around on McCain/Palin with facts that made him look foolish. It was his deep grasp of the issues and ability to handle even the hottest potato topics that made him so good this time around. He was knee deep in handlers in 2004 who didn't let Kerry be Kerry and it cost him the election.

This time around he showed why he's been so successful beginning with his role in ending the Vietnam War to uncovering the BCCI scandal to everything else.

He's already worked with these foreign leaders and has their deep respect. He'll speak for President Obama and with the built in respect and goodwill he has with other foreign leaders, he'll command greater attention and respect for our President and his positions.

Rp

[politicasista]

105. Thanks for the real world perspective

Interesting. :)

[ProSense]

106. Excellent points. Thanks for posting. n/t

[blm]

108. What this discussion is proving is how LITTLE so many Dems know even STILL

about their last Dem presidential nominee. This is EXACTLY what the DC powerstructure wanted - a nation IGNORANT of its true heroes in government.

[Forkboy]

104. Oy vey....

[KakistocracyHater]

96. when the crunch came he folded

so I'm not sure if he's a good choice. I also feel that ALL wannabe pols get a psych evaluation from here on out, they ought to pass a law-no religous tests but a profile of the person.

[blm]

101. Kick for the MORONS spreading rumors about cronyism.

.

[TheKentuckian]

102. Kerry is not only qualified to be SoS

but is a wonderful fit for almost any top level position including President. Richardson is a very respectable candidate as well but to pretend he is a better qualified than Kerry is reaching.

John Kerry is arguable the top politician in the nation on either side of the aisle and I haven't a clue why so many are down on the man. Who has been a better advocate for the people or the rule of law than John Kerry?

America lost out big time when Kerry was not elected.

[ProSense]

107. Agree. n/t