JK to deliver major national security speech in prime time on the closing night of the DNC!

[Luftmensch067]

Article here: http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2012/08/28/obama-taps-kerry-give-national-security-speech-democratic-convention/hSKZvE7ddi4OlkqfiQXrzO/story.html

TAMPA - President Obama is tapping Senator John F. Kerry to deliver a speech focused on national security issues during the closing night of next week’s Democratic National Convention.

*snip*

Kerry is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has served as an unofficial administration envoy to troublespots in the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and Afghanistan.

*snip*

He will speak in prime time, shortly before Obama and Vice President Joe Biden accept their respective nominations during an outdoor session of the convention at the football stadium used by the Carolina Panthers. It will be the main national security speech of the convention.

*snip*

“He will contrast the president’s strong leadership in this area with Mitt Romney, who has embraced the go-it-alone, reckless policies of the past that weakened America’s place in the world and made us less secure here at home,” the official added.

[Drunken Irishman]

1. Go Obama! Go Kerry!

[JI7]

2. JK will give a better speech here than ROmney will during his acceptance speech in a couple days

[karynnj]

3. Well, that's an easy bar to jump - any speech by Kerry will be far better

This is an important speech for Obama - that lets Kerry credit Obama for all that he has done on foreign policy. Kerry's speech for the 2008 convention was excellent.

I watched the RNC and am amazed that almost all the politicians spoke more of themselves than on Romney. The selfishness was shocking. (Brokaw's comment that Obama spoke mostly of himself ignores most of the second half of Obama's speech which was filled with praise for Kerry. The comment made me look up Obama's excellent speech - http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanrhetoric.com%2Fspeeches%2Fconvention2004%2Fbarackobama2004dnc.htm&ei=lqk9UI7wK4fg0QGPuYHoCw&usg=AFQjCNHKdhxQRbryTvCyu7ZXNi4Nnc_QtQ&sig2=ughoQdGUjiWg0godTnxK_g

[JI7]

5. brokaw has bee horrible and uninformed in reporting this election

he did the same "both sides do it" when Chris Matthews brought up the racism with the welfare thing the republicans are doing.

[MBS]

7. yes, I saw this clip on Morning Joe

and I also was shocked by Brokaw's "both sides do it", especially in contrast to Chris Matthews' impassioned comments on Romne's birther "joke". When Brokaw spoke, I thought: What the ___?

[YvonneCa]

4. I agree. Let's just hope...

...his views garner the respect they deserve.

You know, lately, there is a lot of talk about our economy (and rightly so) and how we have a clear choice going forward. What has lately been out of the spotlight...or uncovered by media...is the stark choice we also face on foreign policy. GWB dug us into a financial hole, which will take us YEARS to dig out of. But he and Cheney also dug us into a foreign policy hole. President Obama, together with Biden and Kerry are moving mountains to turn this country around since GWB's foreign policy caused so much damage. Rebuild trust around the world...as JK said "We need a few friends in the world." Going back to Bush policies under a Republican administration would be DISASTROUS...for our country and the rest of the world.

I am grateful that the Senator continues to give voice to our foreign policy and national security issues. I just hope people will finally start to listen to him.

[JI7]

6. and the 2 issues are connected

if you go to war it's expensive . a stable world and effective foreign policy helps us economically.

i always thought JK did a great job connected those issues and of course the envirnment.

imagine if JK had half the positive media that Romney is getting . says a lot about how horrible Romney is that even with the media propping him he is unpopular. the opposite was true with JK.

[YvonneCa]

11. I agree with all you...

...have said here, especially the part about how JK connects the issues. I always loved how he connected climate change to our foreign policy and as the way forward to improve our economy (as does Al Gore). A WIN WIN WIN...

I hope he does that in his speech. It will totally clarify Obama's vision for the country going forward if he does. It is SO different than that of the GOP.

It frustrates me when Republicans keep trying to co-opt little parts of the Dems plan as their own...but then twist it around so that it's unrecognizable and, if ever implemented, accomplishes the opposite of what the Dems are trying to do: Get our country stabilized economically by ending our dependence on oil, which would help our foreign policy, our economy AND improve the environment at the same time.

Only JK can say what needs to be said here to set the tone for President Obama's second term.

[Luftmensch067]

12. Beautifully said! n/t

[Mass]

20. Actually, his speech at the 2008 convention was seen as one of the best.

I am not afraid about Obama/Biden recognizing his value. They have shown that by sending him for missions in foreign policy. It would be nice that the Congress listens though, but unlikely for now.

As for the rest, still not sure why you bring this here. Who cares?

[Luftmensch067]

23. I'm sure you don't mean any harm

I know you are here because you value Senator Kerry and his work -- otherwise you wouldn't have been here so long! And I believe that you actually worry about the negative image that JK often has in the media. Many of us do, and we all wish, as I'm sure you do, that the media and the public recognized him for the amazing public servant and very cool human being that he is. It's incredibly frustrating that they often don't seem to. We're all frustrated by it because we've all been paying attention and we know how WRONG the image presented of him in the MSM and on liberal blogs is.

But that's the thing. We know it, you know it -- and yet almost every time you post you say something negative about JK's image in the media or on the blogs or that you've heard from family or friends. It doesn't contribute anything and it just makes some of us (I'll only speak for myself) feel worse than we already do. So how about just coming here now and then to say something positive about JK?

It's really exciting that he's being given this honor -- I know you agree about that. Let's just enjoy that as a community and deal with the negativity (which is always there) from ignorant people and a lazy media another day.

This is not a criticism of you or a wish that you stay out of threads, just an explanation for maybe why people get a little fed up when you tell us what we already know. I value you as an informed and caring part of this group and I hope you will participate whenever you feel like it, just maybe chill a little bit sometimes?

Peace from me to you, too, and I can't wait to see JK's speech!

[politicasista]

26. Ok.

Last edited Thu Aug 30, 2012, 12:08 AM - Edit history (1)

Wasn't trying to diss Senator Kerry, but everything came out wrong. Apologies. Peace.




*Went back and edit/deleted because the comments didn't add anything meaningful to the discussion.*

[YvonneCa]

22. I think of his speeches more like 'military service'...

...where one does the job needed to be done, even though it is expected that one will be a target of the opposing forces. Kerry soldiers on...

For me, Kerry speaking publicly on policy is a duty he takes on...fully aware that some will disrespect him and/or make disparaging comments. It sort of goes with the territory. I would guess that both President Obama and Joe Biden expect the same. But they all are trying to accomplish an important goal...turning the country around economically and in many other ways. The fact that he is given this role at the Democratic Convention reinforces that he is valued by this administration.

As to whether people will listen...the right won't, Kerry supporters (like us ) will, and I am sure the DNC hopes for the moderates in the middle to take notice. I hope they will...but that's why this takes so long. Our leaders are still trying to wake people up and get them to participate.

I think President Obama is doing an EXCELLENT job of waking people up...did you see his speech today? GOBAMA!!!

[politicasista]

30. Makes sense

It is just unfortunate that a lot of the disrespect comes from not just the right, but from some Dems and people supporting O/B's reelection bid.

The Senator has not done anything to Obama or Biden. Just saying that if your a Democrat whose last name isn't Clinton, Obama, Biden, or even Kennedy, it is hard for people to take notice. Case in point Uncle Ted's memorial service. The most speech anticipations were for Biden and McCain. Till this day folks aren't even aware of Kerry's close relationship with Kennedy.

Not or never pulling for anyone to fail, just making an observation because a lot of things have changed since 08, technology and expressing one's self is one of them. People like the Senator should be respected, not degraded for trying to help turn the country and the world around.

Caught a little bit of Obama's rally and he is doing an excellent job of waking people up. He and all Dems need to keep the heat on the GOP. So far, they are doing good.

Your thoughts are excellent. Said enough in this thread, so will leave so I won't cause anymore trouble.

Peace.

[YvonneCa]

31. Sometimes I wonder if Kerry being overlooked...

...in situations like the funeral are on purpose, at JK's request. I think being in the background is sometimes a way of showing respect to President Obama and his administration.

[politicasista]

34. Possibly

Last edited Thu Aug 30, 2012, 12:09 AM - Edit history (1)

Privacy is a good thing and most likely Team Obama honors/honored his wishes.

*Went back and deleted posts because they didn't add anything meaningful to the discussion*

[Inuca]

8. Wonderful

and perfectly chosen.

I am looking forward to next week. Like taking a cleansing bath after this week. I also watched ,much of yesterday's R convention and, being a masochist, will probably continue to do so. Mostly on MSNBC, but switched also to CSPAN and saw some of the "lesser" speeches that were appalling.

I am curious what women here thought of Ann ROmney's speech. I personally thought that it was corny and, like so much of their campaign, appealing (and assuming) to the least common denominator, people that will me moved by "I love you, women!" (what the...???!???). And after the artificial mini-storm about AR not having worked a day in her life, and in as far as I have seen/read so far (very little), the media seems reluctant to say anything more critical than "it was not extraordinary". IMHO it was mostly an insult to people's intelligence.

[Mass]

9. She delivered it well, but if the US media did their job, they would debunk the holes in her speech.

Not sure it humanized Mitt, but it certainly showed how much they are out of touch: difficult because they had a small appartment when they were students. How may can get a diploma (or two) without working one day and taking no loans?

Frankly, as somebody who had an early breast cancer, I am tired to see Ann Romney call her in-situ carcinoma a hard time in her life. I am sure it was frightening, but it was taken very early on and she had access to the best doctors. As for difficult times because she had 5 kids screaming at the same time, seriously?

[karynnj]

14. I thought the 5 kids screaming was very strange

I am the oldest of nine kids my mom had over 12 years. I really can't think of any time we were screaming - making noise as normal kids did - yes, but screaming? - no. There was a lot of teasing and laughter though. Does that mean that kids in a storybook marriage would be quiet?

[Inuca]

17. You obviously were not all boys :-)

Just kidding, it was a phony thing to say, I am sure. The first thought, an unfair one maybe, that crossed my mind when I heard it was "where was the nanny?"

[Inuca]

18. I agree, the delivery was good

in a way.... I still have that feeling of appealing to the lowest common denominator, even in much of the delivery. Superficial cuteness and superficial warmth. Again, maybe unfair, I don't know. And maybe I am in the process of becoming an old grouch, but some of the cuteness seemed out of place to me in a woman of her age...

[karynnj]

13. Mixed

I think she was a surprisingly good speaker and she was very pretty. But many things did not really hold up after any thought.

Her comment, that she has used for years on how they struggled - living off Mitt's stock for 5 years before he had any income actually backfires. This will not sound like a hardship to most college students today with large loans they will need to pay off.

At points, all I could think of at some points was the Evita song where she was telling the women of Argentina that Peron would be good for them because after all he loves her.

I also think that a few short stories that showed Romney sacrificing anything he wanted to help anyone - his kids, her, neighbors would have helped. There HAD to be some sweet nice thing that he did in the 40 plus years they were married..

The main thing is that I really don't think I even imagine that I know more of who Romney is from hearing her. However, the problem was that none of the speeches I heard said anything to define Romney -- and both Santorum and Christie seemed to be pretending at the beginnings of their speeches that they were the nomination.

[Inuca]

19. Your comment about Snatorum & Christie is spot on n/t

[Mass]

10. It's a great honor and a well deserved one.

And I am sure he will give a great one.

Of course, the media cannot avoid speculating, but, aside from a few people in the executive who are not allowed to speak at the convention and Obama and Biden, who is better positioned to give this speech?

http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/08/29/kerry_auditioning_for_secretary_of_state_at_dnc_charlotte

Kerry auditioning for Secretary of State at DNC Charlotte?

TAMPA - In a move that is sure to ignite a firestorm of speculation about who would be Secretary of State in a second Obama administration, President Barack Obama has chosen Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) to deliver a key national security themed speech on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.

An Obama campaign official told The Cable Tuesday that Kerry, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a highly rumored candidate to replace Hillary Clinton in Foggy Bottom when she steps down next year, will headline a special segment of the program on Thursday, Sept. 6, focusing on national security. The Sept. 6 program will take place at Bank of America stadium and will conclude with Obama's speech accepting his party's nomination for a second term.

[politicasista]

15. Nice honor

Last edited Thu Aug 30, 2012, 12:11 AM - Edit history (1)

Wish him the very best next week.

[YvonneCa]

24. And we here...

...will continue to defend him.

[politicasista]

25. Yep

Last edited Thu Aug 30, 2012, 12:19 AM - Edit history (2)

Yep. Caught a little of Obama before running out and about. He is doing a fine job. The Dems are too.

*Went back and edit/deleted because the post wasn't meaningful to the discussion*

[Iggy]

27. Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnn

[YvonneCa]

29. Hope you watch...

...Iggy!

[Iggy]

33. Maybe....

I don't need to be reminded Obama got OBL on his watch... yeah, he gets kudos for that.

My problem is with lifer politician Kerry... who couldn't muster a win in 2004-- against one of the
most ignorant people to ever hold the Office.. a guy who admitted he LIED about the WMD's in Iraq.

that's a problem, IMHO.

[YvonneCa]

36. Any chance you've bought into the...

...stereotype painted by the media of Kerry? Just curious...

[BeyondGeography]

28. He'll do a great job

The GOP's record of fail will be well and finely skewered, and he will be eloquent re. the ways in which the Prez has made this country more secure and improved its image post-Chimpy.

[northoftheborder]

32. I'll bet Kerry is going to be the next Sec. of State.