2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumBob Kerrey
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/martin-bashir/46577791/#46582881Of course I knew of Bob, being of his generation, serving in the same war that cost him so dearly. When I heard of his announcement to return to Nebraska and run for the Senate seat now held by Ben Nelson, I remembered him being a Medal of Honor recipient and a liberal.
But I didn't remember his reputation as an honorable-serving Senator, his collegiality with Republicans and Democrats alike as described in the first of these two segments.
More to the point, I was totally unaware of the song he sang on the night of his election victory, shown in full in the second segment. I want this man back in the Senate. America needs more leaders like Bob Kerry.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)And it was so classy of LO to run it.
MADem
(135,425 posts)He is a very smart, interesting and passionate guy. He ran the New School for years, and has a full and rich life.
In his brazen youth, he was quite the "man about town." He dated Linda Rondstadt when she was the hottest thing on any stage, and he also dated Debra Winger when she was at the peak of her fame.
He even jumped into the presidential race twenty years ago--he got a bit of traction; he was liked. Of course, Clinton eclipsed all others before very long.
He looks very different now; he's older and mature looking; not the dashing chap he was in his youth. Still cuts a fine figure, though, moves well, and you'd never know he was short half a leg if it wasn't in his bio.
MADem
(135,425 posts)genna
(1,945 posts)I came here to find past discussions on his record. I watched that segment on Lawrence O'Donnell last night and cried.
It is one of the reasons I get upset when people who haven't served attack soldiers so bitterly because they can't do the same to the politicians who make policy. It takes a certain amount of fortitude to push forward with shoulder to the wheel knowing how close to death you can become. They go a little/a lot crazy pressing on in face of doubt, anger, and hate (sometimes).
Then to talk to arm chair generals (democrats and republicans alike) who haven't bled for whatever their ideals are, tell them: 'You should do it this way. I am an expert despite never haven't to practice any of my beliefs.' Or I will play with your paycheck to prove my point.
The part of the song that bothers me in that song the most is that no one is waiting for the cripple who comes back from war. His benefits don't cover the diminished earnings, the inability to meet significant others who can handle the severed limbs, the family who doesn't know what to say besides 'get over it.' It all makes it worth it when you know you volunteered to sign up to serve your country.
GoCubsGo
(32,100 posts)However, compared to Ben Nelson, he is far more liberal. From everything I have been seeing, he is probably the best bet the Dems have in keeping that seat. I am glad he changed his mind.
He was considered to be when he was In the senate a social Liberal and fiscal Conservative.In the 1992 democratic primarys he
was considered to be to left of Bill Clinton.He was considered as VP.Besides Glore reportly he and Lee Hamilton were on short list.
In 2004 he called the swift boat liars Swift boat veterans for Republicans.He endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2008 so hard to call him a
complete Obama tool.
GoCubsGo
(32,100 posts)Where did that come from? I didn't even mention him, nor did the OP.
What I meant was you didn't say It.That Is what some will call Kerrey.That Is what I meant.
progressoid
(50,011 posts)L. Coyote
(51,129 posts)"Santorum? Is that Latin for Asshole?"
A man light years ahead of his time!