Kerry, in New Bedford on eve of N.H. primary, stays away from fray

[Mass]

Interesting read. I guess this solves the issue of an imminent endorsement.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080107/NEWS/80107008/-1/NEWS10

Kerry, in New Bedford on eve of N.H. primary, stays away from fray (11 a.m.)

NEW BEDFORD — U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry was having nothing of the New Hampshire primary this morning as he visited a waste-to-energy prototype plant near the Shawmut Avenue landfill, a two-hour drive from the epicenter of American politics at the moment.

Asked why he wasn’t in the Granite State, stumping for a Democrat in tomorrow’s primary, the party’s 2004 presidential nominee answered simply, “because I haven’t made a decision yet.”

His fellow senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are wrapping up their New Hampshire campaign without him — as is his former running mate, John Edwards.

“Having been through it,” he said, “it’s an interesting experience to watch it. And I miss the discussion of the issues.”

Yet, he said, “I had a vision in ‘04 which I’m glad to say we still talk about: energy independence, health care, and restoring America’s reputation in the world.

“These are all things I put forward. And I hope we’re going to wind up with a candidate who can carry them out,” he said.

Accompanying him was Mayor Scott W. Lang, who once worked for the Democratic National Committee, and who was likewise unwilling to endorse anyone in the Democratic race, although he said he discussed the issue with Sen. Kerry earlier in the morning.

Mr. Lang noted Sen. Obama’s surge in popularity, and said that at the very least, “we’ve got to make sure that the person we’re nominating is electable. And the next three weeks will determine who is electable.”

[MBS]

1. good statement from JK, and I'm glad he's holding off on endorsement n/t

[beachmom]

2. Glad to see he is keeping his eye on the ball: coming to solutions

to combat global climate change. SOMEBODY needs to be working on it to prepare our next president for what can be done in the Congress.

It's really too late now to endorse in order to impact NH, anyway. I won't comment one way or the other (to endorse before a nominee is picked); Kerry will do what he thinks is right.

[ray of light]

3. Great statement. I too am glad he hasn't endorsed yet.

I think it gives his endorsement more weight when it does come. I also think that when/if he endorses that candidate may ask for his email list and I don't think he should give that up--particularly not give it. Maybe just send out an email to his list asking us to sign on with _____________. That way it gives us the choice of receiving spam from the future nominee or not.

[globalvillage]

4. Cool. There are two videos at that link

One about the endorsement, and another of him touring the facility.

[politicasista]

5. It's a wise decision, but it is drawing criticism

which is to be expected. Every decision will not sit well with everyone. :)

[Mass]

6. Whatever he would have done would have drawn criticism. It does not matter.

Really not. It is up to him to decide what he wants to do and f*k the whiners.

[MBS]

7. yup, that's the way I see it (and him) , too n/t

[politicasista]

8. Went back and edited

Your last line sums up! :thumbsup:

[ladym55]

9. People criticize Kerry???

Surely not. :sarcasm:

What I REALLY appreciate is that in his statement Kerry focused on ISSUES and what is important to us as a country. It is SO nice to hear someone in all the noise discussing issues. Apparently none of us pays attention to such minor details when going to the polls in the primary. :sarcasm:

[politicasista]

10. No, I am glad he is focused on the issues n/t

[ladym55]

11. So am I.

He is just so classy. And I am so hungry to hear about the issues instead of crying, polling, war chests, bounces, percentage points ...

The coverage of the primaries is so empty. Kerry took his moment to remind us what IS important in the election ... the issues that affect the people of this nation.

And sadly, the whiners are getting all twitched because he hasn't endorsed someone. :shrug:

[politicasista]

12. Yep

That's just the way it is. And this is coming from someone with good skin.

[Mass]

13. However, people love Kerry when they can find commun traits with their candidate

that could explain why their candidate will win the primary (or is beaten by the media, or whatever else). Sometimes, GDP becomes hilarious.