JOHN KERRY ANNOUNCES HE'S NOT RUNNING In '08

[The Cleaner]

Breaking news on WFAA Channel 8 Dallas (ABC).

[lvx35]

1. I hope he chooses a path like Gore

and stays active in something important. He's a brilliant man with so much to offer.

[Auggie]

16. He's written at length about reducing the use of imported oil and using

alternate fuels. That could be a great place to start.

[Renew Deal]

37. He is still a Senator so...

He can do great work and there will be no question about pandering. Kerry has the chance to acheive greatness as a Senator if he wants.

[jefferson_dem]

2. Right decision for JK. I admire him for doing that.

n/t

[Robbien]

3. Just think of all the good he can do with that $12 million war chest

He can be a real player behind the scenes.

[TayTay]

12. He can also keep it.

It's his money. This frees him up from fundraising for the Senate seat. Now he can concentrate on ending the Iraq War.

[Adelante]

46. This was him in person, TayTay?

Or a report. It's confirmed?

[Sugarcoated]

4. Good move

Glad to hear it.

[havocmom]

8. Me too. Rather have him as AG for next President

He would be most helpful going after the hooligans who have been running amok in high places for too long now.

[Sugarcoated]

13. Either he

or Patrick Fitzgerald.

[havocmom]

19. Nah, keep Fitz where he does the most good

And think how much good he could do with a decent AG backing him up!

[President Jesus]

39. You do know he's a Republican, right?

[havocmom]

98. Um, how does that affect my wish that he stay where he is?

:shrug:

[Jo March]

72. Sec of State would be good, too

With the General as Sec of Defense!! :patriot:

Can you imagine: Clark as Sec. of Defense, kicking major butt and taking names. Kerry as Sec. of State, representing the US around the world with his intelligence, common sense and ability to bring people together?

:swoon:

I love Kerry. I'm disappointed but feel that he'll keep speaking for us in the Senate. :loveya:

[DemKR]

5. That's the right decision

He will be an asset in the Senate. I would have hated to see him and Edwards compete for it again.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

6. That's Very Good To Hear! Thanks!

I respect John with every bit of it I can muster and wanted so badly for him to win in 04. But there was just no way it was going to happen this time and we will need to focus to be on others. I also think it would've been even more painful to him and I'm glad he doesn't have to go through that now.

Here's to you John, you're still one of the best senators we have and hope you will remain so for one hell of a long time!

:toast:

[lancdem]

10. I agree

[lyonn]

7. We need him in the Senate. eom

[lebkuchen]

9. Isn't he considering retirement?

[bdamomma]

27. has Kennedy retired yet? Kerry is in for the long haul.

[lebkuchen]

33. What does Kennedy have to do with it?

I saw a list recently of repub/dem senators up for reelection in 2008, those who were retiring (Allard), and those who were considering retiring. Kerry was mentioned as one "considering" retirement.

[bdamomma]

58. Nah, he won't retire he still has alot of work to do.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

43. No. Not from what I read.

He's going to announce that he's staying in the Senate and is going to recommit himself to removing the US from the Iraq war.

[Virginia Dare]

15. Agreed, he's a very good Senator..n/t

[El Fuego]

11. I'm glad to hear it.

I'd never thought I'd say that back in 2004, but right now it is the best, wisest decision.

[Nite Owl]

14. Kerry could have been one

of the very best Presidents this country has ever had but I think this is the right decision. He will do much good, we can count on that.

[HoneyBee]

17. Good.

We need a stronger candidate. I held my nose when I voted for him in '04.

[bobbolink]

31. Welcome to DU, HoneyBee!

:toast:

[blm]

38. Coverup wing of the Dem party has strong candidates that have great media access.

Enjoy their candidacies.

[HoneyBee]

64. "Enjoy their candidates"!?

um.... whatever, dude.

I know, asking for a strong Democratic candidate who doesn't give in to "swift-boating" and concede Ohio is so unreasonable.

Asking for such and expecting as much points me in the direction of the "coverup wing" (whatever the fuck that means, and it's 2 words, by the way)? :eyes:

[_dynamicdems]

66. Attitudes like that contributed to giving Bush another term.

Thanks a lot.

[HoneyBee]

83. I am a Democrat. I support Democratic candidates and vote for Democrats

I campaign for Democrats and support Democratic causes. I didn't in any way, shape, fashion or form "contribute" to any of the Bush's "terms".

Let's just be clear about that.

[_dynamicdems]

87. Have you ever heard....

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

Limp-wristed, wishy-washy support is no support at all.

[HoneyBee]

88. You don't know me.

Don't act like you do. Go find someone else to try to bully away. I won't budge.

[_dynamicdems]

97. LOL! You could try holding your breath and turning blue while you're at....

but that only works with your mommy. Where is your nuclear feline persona tonight? Ah, never mind. A rose by any other name, still smells as...

[Crunchy Frog]

79. Not a classy post at all,

especially considering that there are many here on DU who deeply admire the man, and are in a state of grieving over this news. As a new poster here, I would hope to see you demonstrating a little more respect towards the active and committed Democrats on this board who support Kerry.

It's perfectly alright if Kerry was not your preferred candidate, but rubbing people's noses in it, at this particular time, is very unattractive behavior.

Welcome to DU.

[HoneyBee]

84. Huh, I am not not entitled to voice my opinions?

I am hardly the only one in this thread to hold this opinion, yet I am the only one you chose whose "class" you called to question and claim that I am "rubbing people's noses it". And... "grieving"... over a candidate not running in '08??!?!? Get a grip.

Thanks for the warm welcome... a prime example of "attractive behavior". I aspire to be more like you.

[Crunchy Frog]

86. You are are entitled to voice your opinions.

I simply reserve the right to voice mine as well, and that includes my opinions of the things you choose to post. If ya got a problem with it, you know where the ignore button is.

[HoneyBee]

90. I repeat, I aspire to be as "classy" and "attractive" as you.

:thumbsup:

[Crunchy Frog]

92. I would hope so, as I am a genuinely classy poster.

I try to treat other posters the way I would want to be treated, and if I disagree with someone, I try to do it in as civil a fashion as possible, and make it about the issue and not about the person.

If you genuinely aspire to be as classy as me, you can consider that your first lesson.:D

[HoneyBee]

93. Ah, but the only Kerry critic you attack is a "newbie".

Classsssy!!

[Crunchy Frog]

96. I wasn't attacking you, I was offering you constructive criticism

to try to help you better fit into this community that you have just chosen to join. I hope you were being honest when you stated that you aspired to my level of classiness. I hope you will spend some time ruminating on the advice I have given you to try to help orient you as a new DUer.

I'm glad that you feel my approach with you was classy. I do hope you will take it to heart.O8)

[_dynamicdems]

85. Thank you for your post.

You obviously have some class. I didn't realize how rare a thing that was till lately.

[Crunchy Frog]

89. Thank you, but it's kind of sad

that there are so many posts that are so awful that they make mine look like the epitome of class. I'm kind of dreading what this place will look like if Wes announces that he's not running.

This place can really be a cesspit sometimes.

[_dynamicdems]

95. It is sad.

What hurts so much is not that Kerry isn't running as much as the way this decent and honorable man has been treated by the very people he is still committed to helping. That breaks my heart.

Your kindness is sincerely appreciated and it will be returned should you find yourself in the same position. I can't imagine a Kerry supporter kicking anyone when they're down, so you can trust that we will have the general's back too if that time comes. I truly hope it does not. Clark, like Kerry, is one of the few decent souls left in this dirty business. They are both from the old school when an officer truly was a gentleman.

[AtomicKitten]

100. welcome HoneyBee

sorry for the bad manners of those espousing "classiness"

[HoneyBee]

101. Thanks!!

We can't all like the same candidates... can we?

Oh well. I refuse to believe that stating we need a stronger candidate signifies a lack of "kuth" or "class" or inappropriate behavior. I am also taken aback by the statement regarding those "grieving" the news.

There are PLENTY of reasons to grieve these days... dead and maimed soldiers, tens and thousands of dead civilians, wars across the world, death of our civil liberties, etc... Kerry choosing not to run and (get this) focus on ending the war is NOT one of them, in my book. Nor is that the top of the list for anyone that I would dignify as "classy".

[UTUSN]

18. As his supporter from Day One in '04, I say, Good decision, John n/t

[WI_DEM]

20. I hope he will stay in the US Senate where he is one of its finest members

[LittleClarkie]

23. They say he's running for his seat

according to MSNBC

[rocktivity]

21. I am truly relieved.

Which isn't to say that he wouldn't be a bad choice for a VP slot!

:headbang:
rocknation

[graywarrior]

22. Awesome. Have him on the impeachment committee.

[LittleClarkie]

24. And I'm sitting here crying like I did when he lost

Shit.

[adigal]

34. I really liked him too

I was a republican, coming over, when I watched him at the Convention, giving him a chance to break the stereotype of all Dems are crazy, wacky loons.

I liked him so much, I trusted him, because of Kerry, I am a diehard Dem, now and forever.

AG would be great, but I would rather see him on the Supreme court.

[_dynamicdems]

67. He's still working to end the war. After than...

who knows?

[AtomicKitten]

35. sorry for the bad news

Shelby :)

[Renew Deal]

41. Look at the bright side.

He can be an incredible senator now. Just focus in on working his ass off for people. And it's not bad for you either. You get to enjoy the election as an undecided voter. That's exciting! :pals:

[Adelante]

44. Aw, please don't cry

You're making me cry :cry:

[Der Blaue Engel]

47. Me too

And I really didn't expect to take it this hard. :(

:hug:

[Crunchy Frog]

81. I'm sorry LC.

:-( :hug:

[LittleClarkie]

82. Thanks guys

But hey, think of the bright side. Maybe my username will suddenly be appropriate. Here's to hoping the General enters the fray.

[Crunchy Frog]

91. Here's hoping that you and I aren't crying on each others shoulders

in another few days or weeks. :(

[sandrakae]

25. This abosolutely breaks my heart.

[bdamomma]

26. this is too bad, but I am sure Kerry will use his expertise

in another forum, he is an articulate and passionate man. I think he is still my President.

[porphyrian]

28. I agree with a bunch of people here that he'll probably be able to kick more ass in the Senate. -n/t

[blogslut]

29. Can't blame him

I am just very glad he's there, in the Senate, doing his thing. You gave light to BCCI and Iran/contra Mr. Kerry. Shine on, sir. Shine on.

[nolabels]

30. Hillary attended YALE maybe she has the fast track for Skull & bones.........

Really at this time i only see presidents as chief crooks in the running of an outlaw nation. Our country exists by force and force of threats to others. Our biggest and increasingly our only bragging is we can bomb the shit out of you if you don't cooperate.

Frankly and mostly i feel ashamed but have never given up hope.

Yea John Kerry got shot up in Nam and then found out how stupid of a war it was, whined about it to congress who mostly did nothing, than after that he became one of them. If you ask me that's not an accomplishment that just sounds like more stupidity.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

32. Hillary went to Wellesley as an undergard

They don't let grad/law students into Skull & Bones.

[nolabels]

59. Or women ( I hear anyway) for that matter

It was just a :sarcasm: cynical vent. I believe any conversation about H or J wouldn't probably even carry water if it wasn't for corporate owned media pushing them back into left leaning peoples faces.

Corporate owned media and the rest of the establishment says, you guys want a woman to run for president, will give you H for your candidate :shrug:

On the other hand K showed he had sold out to money grippers quite long ago when he married into it. Yet these, that seem logically be the most imperfect choices is what is being pushed at every possible turn.

Nobody is perfect but some things are just more obvious than others

[Tyrone Slothrop]

61. FYI, S&B began inducting women in 1992

Also gays and other minorities.

Point taken, though.

[Renew Deal]

36. Wow, well good for him.

I think this is the right move. Keep kicking ass in the Senate. :patriot:

[Glimmer of Hope]

40. Aww. He would have been a great president. I wonder who he will back?

Maybe Clark since he was his advisor during04' campaign? (Assuming Clark will run.)

[Renew Deal]

42. That's a great point.

His endorsement will be sought after.

[WI_DEM]

50. my feeling is that it won't be his '04 running mate.

[Blue_In_AK]

45. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I still honestly believe he would have made one of the best presidents in our history. Back to the drawingboard, I guess. I'm not too impressed with anyone else who has entered. I hope to see Wesley Clark or Al Gore fill the void. :(

[nashville_brook]

48. he is needed in the senate right now.

[_dynamicdems]

70. That's quite true.

Otherwise there might not be a world left by 2008. Bush and nukes are a combination that scares the bejesus out of me.

We need someone fighting to end the Iraq war and keep Bush from getting into a war with Iran, N. Korea or anyone else. The man is unhinged and we need strong leadership in the Senate now.

[Old and In the Way]

49. Too bad....he would have been a great President.

But I'll be happy if he takes point on corruption hearings in the Senate. Perhaps he'll end up Attorney General for the next Democratic administration.

[elehhhhna]

51. He'll be an even BETTER Attorney General, IMO.

It's the CABINET, people! We need a dream team cabinet, stat!

[Renew Deal]

53. He used to be a DA right?

i kind of remember that.

[New Earth]

52. aww

:(

[Diane R]

54. This is sad. He won the presidency, and it was stolen by voter machine fraud.

[Generator]

57. Thank you for saying that so simply

Kerry will always be the one that got away-however imperfect and many mistakes he made-I will never forget that year of hope in a time of horror. I am sad too and did not expect to still care.

[Meshuga]

55. John Kerry is my man!

And I am sad to hear this since I would support him this year. I'm the new undecided voter for the primaries. I am really undecided and it is weird! It's going to be tough picking a candidate on Super Tuesday'08 here in Maryland! This is the first election I might go in undecided in the last minute!

[pdrichards114]

56. I admit I like him better than Bush, but IMHO this is a good thing. There are better canditates!!!

[blm]

68. Name one with a better record of exposing government corruption than Kerry.

Name one with a better record of siding with open government than Kerry.

Name one who helped to end more wars than Kerry.

[pdrichards114]

74. The late Paul Wellstone was one for starters,

Cynthia McKinney, Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich are definitely better, hell even Al Gore or Howard Dean.


Like I said, I liked him better than Bush, but at that point, anybody was better. He ran a lousy campaign. He let that whole Flip-Flop bullshit stick, as well as the swift boat garbage. None of which is true, but he still ran the campaign like somebody trying to lose. I'm sorry he had the election stolen from him, but he put up the fight of bowl of Jello-pudding.
I'm not sorry to see him not run in '08. The senate is better with him than without. But, he had his chance, and blew it!

[blm]

75. You are wrong. No One came CLOSE to uncovering and exposing more

government corruption than John Kerry did. You can add all those people you named together and it would not add up to Kerry's record of exposing corruption.

What a shame that you never bothered to learn that about the last Dem nominee.

The DNC and Terry McAuliffe had the job for four years to secure the election process for Dem voters and Dem candidates. Kerry did his job and won the debates and won the votes that Terry McAuliffe failed to secure.

[pdrichards114]

76. Name some corruption he exposed!! and source it so I can read it

Show me the evidence of Kerry's record on exposing corruption, let me read it, and if it changes my mind, I will concede I was wrong about him. Otherwise, I still see Kerry as better than Bush, but he voted in favor of this Iraqi quagmire, he voted for the patriot act.

Unlike the people I listed who all voted against this war, and against the patriot act.

He is better than Bush, but in my mind, Kerry is part of the corruption as you are advocating he is against.

Oh and by the way, you wrote.

The DNC and Terry McAuliffe had the job for four years to secure the election process for Dem voters and Dem candidates. Kerry did his job and won the debates and won the votes that Terry McAuliffe failed to secure.

This has absolutely no bearing on the fact that he won the election but caved in after ONE Day!!!!, despite rampant voting fraud in Ohio. At least Gore put up a fight, that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

[blm]

77. Ever hear of IranContra? Illegal wars in Central America? BCCI?

CIA drugrunning?

That was John Kerry's work. He uncovered it, and went up against the entire DC powerstructure to expose it, and he did it almost entirely on his own.

Most of the crap we know about the Bush Family Evil Empire was because of Kerry''s dogged work. That is also why the establishment Democrats that McAuliffe works with never wanted Kerry in office at all. He happens to be an open government Democrat who thinks the books should be open to the citizens and to historians.

You can start here with a short article that gives an overview, but there are thousands of articles and more than a few books that tracked IranContra, BCCI and CIA drugrunning.

http://alternet.org/election04/19608/

[Cha]

69. Big deal..a piece of shit

is better than bush.

[Name removed]

60. Deleted message

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

[AtomicKitten]

99. I'm sorry you found the condolences I offered so lacking.

Yours is just another demonstration of the lack of grace of those that espouse being "classy," always finding an imperfection in the fabric and tugging away at it.

And now that you've had your little snit I would offer you your own advice: Drink your juice, Shelby.



On edit: You were not blocked and are not blocked; nice theater though.

[JacksonWest]

62. You're a good dude Kerry. Thanks for your past attempts, and please kick some ass in the Senate.

Frankly, I like having you in the Senate.

[cynatnite]

63. Sad to see it, but not surprised. Kerry is a good man...

He'll go on to accomplish great things and I look forward to helping him with his continued fight against bush and his minions.

[IndyOp]

65. Mixed emotions. Gratitude. Sorrow. Thank you, Senator.

Now -- HILLARY? See how Senator Kerry did that? Read the transcript, then call a press conference, then do the same.

[nam78_two]

71. :-/ One less potential candidate that I actually like.nt

[Eurobabe]

73. Kerry much more effective as a Senator

Good choice to not run.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

78. Ah well. I think he'd have made an excellent candidate, but so will lots of other people.

And there's an awful lot of good he can do as a result of not needing to focus on campaigning for the presidency.

[Beelzebud]

80. Great to hear it John! Keep kicking ass in the senate. We need good people there.

[july302001]

94. I think he's better in the Senate

Better to let someone else take the reins. Kerry can be very effective in the Senate.

We need a shoo-in Winner in '08. i'm still up in the air about whom to back. I like Edwards or Clark or...