About Pelosi's remarks and why I am not bothered by it

[Mass]

If I understand correctly, Pelosi's remark was "Oh, he speaks for the senate democrats." I am not bothered by it and here is why.

First, she was right. During this press conference, Kerry was speaking for the Democrats in the Senate and not on his own name (Hence a few awkward formulations when it came to timetable and withdrawal). This actually explains why he was so subdued not attacking Bush (I was quite surprised he took the time to say that he thought Bush did what he thought was right for the country until I read Pelosi's remarks). I do not see anything wrong with her remarks. If anything, she may have been defending Kerry (that she likes) and it may mean that she knows Reid well and knows he does not want to make too much waves.

This said, the issue for me is more why is the Senate so silent. Even the most ferocious critics of the Iraq War (Kennedy, Boxer, ...) have been restraining themselves to call for a fixed timetable for withdrawal, ... No way they actually agree with the very mild proposition that the Senate Democrats have put for a vote (we know Kerry thought it was not strong enough), and certainly no way that Boxer agrees with the Warner proposition she actually voted for.

So I am really wondering if we dont see here the effect of Reid trying to hold a coalition together and to try to keep a position that both Nelson, Lieberman, and Boxer would find comfortable defending on TV. I am not sure I do not prefer Pelosi/Murtha's approach to say "This is what I think, but other dems can disagree".

I know I am ranting, but seeing how the Senate has been behaving, I have the feeling the more progressive senators are being pushed in the back in order to keep the more conservative more happy, and that Kerry is one of those.

[karynnj]

1. This definitely makes sense

Reid may see it as nationalizing the election for 2006. The first step would be very vague policy statements on important issues. They have to be vague because of the range of opinions but they have to have enough content to contrast with Bush.

That Kerry was speaking for the Senate Democrats explains why he talked about the Warner amendment as he did, even though he voted against it. The funny thing about this "kertuffle" is that if correct, it might mean that Reid is wanting the moderate - conservative wing of he party representing it - but aren't many of these people the dreaded DLC.

I also really don't get the whole "I don't understand Kerry" or "He's boring" or "Kerry never says anything that could be a sound bite". This was a dignified low key response, but Kerry easily was more colorful than Reed. They both spoke their case well and were gracious and polite to each other and to the press. People who saw Kerry thought he was inspiring and articulate.

[Noisy Democrat]

2. Yes

I thought Kerry did a good job. I would've liked to have seen a bit more of the wolf-on-the-attack side of him, but I thought he did a fine job, and I didn't notice Reed doing any better. Understanding that Kerry was helping to give the Senate Democrat response explains more of why he wasn't as pointed and aggressive as he was, say, on Hardball and Situation Room. Of course, there's no point at all in trying to explain it to the raving bashers on Kos -- they're far too caught up in ranting to even slow down and try to understand anything that's going on.

[MonteLukast]

15. But it's not the right time for that, ND. *wink wink* (n/t)

[Noisy Democrat]

18. ROFL

I should've known you would get that! :)

[MonteLukast]

11. My conclusion.

I also really don't get the whole "I don't understand Kerry" or "He's boring" or "Kerry never says anything that could be a sound bite".

I've come to a definite conclusion from reading the Kerry-bashers over there, and seeing that they often parrot these same old memes.

They're no better than the Bush supporters. They're equally lazy-minded, soundbite-addicted, and overly fond of convenience.

They're couch potatoes. They expect to just plop on their Barcaloungers and wait for the world to captivate them.

They're also repetitive and blind.
"Waah waah, Kerry isn't clear".
Kerry gets clearer.
"Waah waah, Kerry isn't clear".
Kerry gets even clearer, and more punchy and forceful to boot.
"Waah waah, Kerry isn't clear"....
Ad nauseam.
Unless, of course, they say "Kerry is bogarting the limelight."

They're imagination-deprived, and as such they will never be forces of change in this country.

[TayTay]

14. Boy, do I ever agree with that.

But, then again, I think Sen. Kerry has had to put up with this for a very long time. There are always more naysayers than people who want to be positive. It's easier and there's no risk involved. Sigh!

[Mass]

3. Here is the video

Certainly, Stewart's question was irrelevant at best, but Pelosi's answer was fine. She smiled (what was she going to do?), states the obvious (that he was speaking for the Senate) and goes on saying that the Senate is more reserved than the House on that (which is probably more a kick to Reid than to Kerry himself) and talk about the House.

http://www.canofun.com/blog/videos/pelositdsnov3005.wmv

[jenndar]

4. The only thing that bothered me about

what the Congresswoman said was that after saying the House had acted before the Senate, she went into criticisms of the war that sounded a lot like lines Senator Kerry has been using, notably during the presidential debates. So it seemed a little weak to claim innovation without kind of moving the debate, if that makes sense. But I understand the position she's in, so she's forgiven.

[jillan]

5. I personally thought she came off a little too pissy sounding.

C'mon women - you know what I mean. We all do it.
She sounded more like she was be-atching, rather than giving a rebuttal speech. Her words were great. It was just the delivery.

Maybe I noticed it because I caught her on CSpan immediately after they showed Kerry and Reed. And they were awesome - sounded like a Prez and his VP, and then . . .

[Mass]

6. Your point is excellent

The pb is that many of the people who do not like Kerry's style (and actually would not like Reed's style either if it was not for Kerry-bashing) do not want to hear presidential style.

They want to hear Democratic leaders who speak like Rush Limbaugh. (not that Pelosi is either - I think that somebody like Kerry, Reed, Feingold, or Durbin are excellent at giving this type of response (other too that I miss here) - Pelosi or Reid may be excellent at organizing the caucuses, strategizing , and all that, they are not good at delivering these types of speeches).

[ginnyinWI]

7. and the Reed-Kerry combination was good, too

Kerry--Foreign Relations, and Reed-Armed Services Cmte--right? The two main components of this problem--military and diplomatic.

[jillan]

9. That was a great combo

What I liked is how Kerry was very respectful to Reed, he didn't overshadow him at all.

[ginnyinWI]

10. a gentleman

A really tall guy has to be extra careful not to seem to dominate over a shorter guy; Kerry handled it with his usual finesse.

But with * we see a little more of that alpha-male stuff going on--the firm handshake and looking straight into the eyes. At the first debate, JK held the grip longest and made * break away first. And from then on, it was all downhill for the chimp. I saw the same thing in that Rosa Parks signing pic.

[MonteLukast]

16. That's what happens...

... when you put a palooka against a kung fu master. ;-)

[jenndar]

8. I know what you mean. n/t

[TheDonkey]

13. Pelosi isn't the best at speaking

she stumbles over words and does get a little squeaky haha. But either her or Ford Jr. at the time, I understand why the House went with Pelosi.

[TheDonkey]

12. I didn't mind it much. She deflected a stupid question

no need to bother answering it. I would have liked her to defend Kerry but it wasn't necessary.

Reid could never come up with a plan that Lieberman, Boxer, Nelson, Kerry etc could agree upon. The egos are bloated and everyone thinks HE or SHE has the best plan unaltered. This is the problem with not having a true national leader.

[sandrakae]

17. Nancy is looking pretty chummy whith him here.

[Vektor]

19. I WANT TO BE HER.

Right there - in that pic...OMG.

[_dynamicdems]

20. The only problem with that would be....getting you to

LET GO of him afterward. hehe

[europegirl4jfk]

21. Don't be so impatient, my friend ;-)

I'm sure you will be her in a little more than a week from now. And I hope these photos will be posted here too. :9