What's the biggest factor in Kerry's decision not to run in '08?

[derby378]

[LSparkle]

1. I think he's realized he can better serve the country in the Senate

and/or perhaps as part of another Democratic administration. Hillary's campaign may have also played a role, but I think it's more a question of him having had his shot, having realized the support just wasn't there (either in the public or in his gut) for a second run and his recognition that Teddy won't be in the Senate forever and Massachusetts is going to need someone to become the "Liberal Lion" of the Senate. (Senate Majority Leader Kerry?) If Gore decides to run, I think Kerry would make an excellent VP candidate, too.

[soothsayer]

2. Actually cares about the US, wants to see a Dem get elected

His heart wasn't in it last time (all astrologers knew this when he announced with the moon void of course).

[xultar]

3. I don't think people understand the toll campaigning takes on a family.

I can see not wanting to put your family through that crap. I'm not a Kerry supporter but I respect him. I also respect his reasons for not running. I'm just sad we'll lose his voice in the field.

But..we have his voice in the Senate.

Kick ass Kerry. Kick ASS!

[Adelante]

4. Rove!

Wins again.

[Graybeard]

5. Been there, done that.

...the electorate wants new...not recycled or repackaged or reinvented. Thank you Mr. Kerry, Mr. Gore, Mr. Edwards, Mrs. Clinton; you have all been great, but you have been on the stage too long.

[sallyseven]

16. May I suggest that your not

dealing with a full deck? What the hell do you mean recycled. repackaged, or re invented. are you a freeper? Kiss off.

[Blue_In_AK]

6. Only the senator knows for sure.

I would not presume to read his mind.

[BOSSHOG]

7. The swine that comprises today's republican party

and calls themselves "conservatives." They are evil, hateful, lying, disgusting humans and will slash and burn and pile on any good man or woman who seeks the white house. I salute Senator Kerry for his honorable service in the Navy and his honorable service to the citizens of Massachusetts. He had the stomach to go to Nam, but I do not blame him if his decision is based on not taking on the trash which today represents "conservatives" in America.

[Jackpine Radical]

8. I dunno about the biggest factor, but the last straw was the media play

given to his stupid bungled joke that they managed to twist into a supposed anti-troop insult. People close to him have now said that. I can just imagine him watching the spin machine in operation, thinking to himself "Fuck it," and deciding to walk away.

[yurbud]

12. Bernie Sanders speech at media reform conference tends to support that indirectly

he said before Iraq, his colleagues in the House were having press conferences everyday trying to get the truth out on Iraq, but you would never know it from reading the newspaper or watching TV.

Part of why the Democrats speak in mushy euphemisms is it's the only way they can slip through the filter, and hope people read between the lines. If they were as blunt as Republicans, they would simply be ignored by the media like Dennis Kucinich when he question Ted Koppel's stupid-ass horse race questions during the primary debates in 2004. The next day, they pulled the press team following him.

[AndyA]

9. I think John Kerry has realized there's a higher calling for him.

He has more important work to do, and he can't do it constrained by the prospect of running for President. As a member of Congress, not running for anything other than his seat, which seems to be pretty safe since his constituents love him, he can not be as worried about the things that are said about him.

I think he'll be an awesome Senator over the next couple of years, then he will make a great Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General...the list goes on and on.

John Kerry is multi-faceted, and I think we'll see very important and powerful things from him very soon.

I'm glad he's on our side.

[yurbud]

10. OTHER: rich folks said "sit down, Hillary will carry our water."

[bdamomma]

11. I am sure he will continue to kick ass while he is in the Senate.

[PAdem2]

13. His wife said "no more money on this"

[Totallybushed]

14. Other.

He knows he doesn't have a chance. The swift boat charges will come back and will have to be debunked again. Too many Dem activists are still furious with him because he did not fight electoral theft. Others, like me, think he had his shot, time for somebody else.

All in all, I don't think it is any one thing but rather the cumulative baggage of a failed candidate.

Now Clark, on the other hand.....:bounce:

[rock]

15. It's a sh*t for the next (Dem) president

And he currently has a position of strength where he can actually achieve some things.

[marlakay]

17. Terresa

I bet she said...I am not going through this again when the odds are against us. In fact she is such a straight shooter I bet she said "fuck no!"