Kerry's becoming a DC outsider. Pushing theme on the road. I like it.

[ztn]

Kerry adopting the rhetoric of a D.C. outsider
By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | May 9, 2005

BATON ROUGE, La. --

...Gone was his stump speech railing against President Bush's Iraq war policy, the sluggish economy, and the Republican agenda; even mentions of Kerry's Senate career and Vietnam War service had disappeared.

Instead, Kerry -- a veteran politician who has held office for 21 years -- took off his suit jacket and roamed a small stage in Louisiana's Old State Capitol to push a new message: Get angry at Washington.

''Washington seems more and more out of touch with the difficulties the average family is facing," Kerry told the crowd of about 150 last week in Baton Rouge. ''Go out of here, take some anger and a little bit of outrage at the fact that Washington is not dealing with the real concerns of our country."

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/05/09/kerry_adopting_the_rhetoric_of_a_dc_outsider?mode=PF


I have to say I like the theme. I don't know if others feel the same, but Kerry has been kind of reclusive and anti-DC since the election. From being at odds with Reid, to pushing agendas below the media radar to that firey speech bashing Capitol Hill on the senate floor on CSPAN a few weeks back, I think he's working a new message. Looks good to me.

[Mass]

1. Another idiotic article by the Boston Globe...

[knowbody0]

2. he is calling

on us to demonstrate against the imperial dictator and his cabinet. i like his words

[zann725]

80. He IS calling people to action. That November tape of his said...

there would soon come a time when he would call on us (or something like that). From his action, seems that time has come.

[Debi]

3. ? Kerry a DC Outsider? And that will sell?

:shrug:

after 1/3 of his life in office he now decides he's a DC Outsider?

Okay, whatever :crazy:

[emulatorloo]

5. Um, at this point Dems ***are*** "Washington Outsiders"

Frist is an insider
Bush is an insider
DeLay is an insider

The repugs control the presidency and congress, and they want to control the courts too.

ON EDIT -- I forgot the media -- repugs apparently control that too.

So yes, Dems are **outsiders**

[LittleClarkie]

17. That is exactly the first thing that came to my mind

Washington is being run by Republican insiders. ALL the Dems can use this.

And I hope they do.

[NVMojo]

74. Dems will fail to follow in his shoes, instead they will infight &

criticize someone who continuously puts himself out there on the line while the average Dem sits on their ass and complains, points fingers and whines.

GET OFF YER ARSES AND DO SOMETHING! WE ARE LOSING OUR COUNTRY!!!

[Debi]

21. So what was he before he lost the election?

Will this 'big change' get him elected in '08? (Or at the very least get him the nomination again?) I have a right to be a skeptic - he has been known to be a chameleon for political gain...

[emulatorloo]

24. Who gives a crap about '08?

Half the time DU whines because Dems aren't doing anything to oppose Bush.
The other half, DU whines because Kerry won't stop doing things.

I am happy anytime a Dem takes on Bush and I don't care what his/her name is.

You write:

<I have a right to be a skeptic - he has been known to be a chameleon for political gain...>

Don't know what you gain by having absorbed Rove talking points. . .I know they are pervasive and hard to resist when they're repeated 24/7 on cable news, but why should we fall for them?

[Debi]

27. Don't paint me as a Rove follower just b/c I don't bow down

to John Kerry. I can actually make up my own mind.

Am I happy Kerry has taken up anti-Bush language? Yes.

Should he have done it before now (like in 1999 and for the next five years?) Yes.

To question his sincereity is my right and you slamming me b/c I don't kiss his ass is foolish.

[emulatorloo]

29. Did I say you were a Rove Follower?

Say what you want, but if what you say sounds ***exactly*** like the BS Lynn And Dick Cheney, Matthew Dowd, et al were pedaling during 2004 then I am going to point it out to you.

That doesn't make you a Rove follower -- all of us are susceptible to the Rove Talking Points because they fill the airwaves 24/7. That's how they work their magic -- by becoming conventional wisdom/"common sense."

So slam away ---- but as you slam John Kerry or Hillary Clinton or Howard Dean or Wes Clark or Micky Mouse or whoever, just think about where the words came from. . .and be aware of when the words are coming from that bad place from the bad people who have much to gain by making us hate good Dems.

ON EDIT - Bad spelling as usual

[Debi]

31. "I voted for the 87 Billion before I voted against it"

Where in Rove's talking points is that?

Did Rove vote for IWR?

Did Rove tell Kerry to slam the Mass. Dem. Party for their support of Gay Marriage?

Those are not republican talking points, those are John Kerry's works and actions.

And, I didn't slam him, I just don't believe that he's a D.C. outsider, I believe he's political savvy and looking for a way to reinvent himself again.

(And I didn't slam Clinton, Dean, Clark or Mickey Mouse - don't presume that because I don't like one thread on one board that I follow the RW bull that's peddled - I have a brain of my own and I just don't buy this move of John Kerry's)

I'll state again that I'm happy he's finally back to being the person he was in the '70s, before he back the person he was in 2004.

[emulatorloo]

33. Ok, here you go

It was clear to anybody who saw Rove's use of "I voted for the 87 Billion Before I voted against it" and thought about it saw that the RNC was quoting Kerry out of context. They even cut him off mid breath! He voted for a version that was tied to rescinding tax cuts for the rich to pay for it, as you know. He voted against a version that just borrowed the money. He explained it many times, and Bush and Rove kept lying about it. All the sudden it was "conventional wisdom."

There's lots of discussion about IWR on DU and there are varying opinions. Did Kerry vote for unilateral invasion of Iraq? No, quite clear in his statements at the time. But Bush and Rove kept lying about it.

Has John Kerry's Gay Marriage position changed? Not that I've seen. Full partnership/legal/family/ financial rights for Gay/Lesbian couples thru civil unions, but that Catholic thing in his background seems to hang him up on "marriage." (Personally I am ready for a ban on all marriage because I'm tired of hearing fundies talk about it & hearing people complain about their spouses ;-) Would take care of that Runaway Bride nonsense too) So his position hasn't changed, but I have seen a lot of threads on DU wildly misquoting him and jumping to some wild conclusions.

[Debi]

34. Please stop treating me like I was in a coma during the primaries

I watched Kerry's speech on the 87 Billion not the Sunday Talk shows. I know what was said and what was done. He still voted for it before he voted against it.

I read the IWR and know what it said (but who honestly thought that Bush wasn't going in whether or not it passed?) Kerry had the opportunity to be a DC Outsider and vote against it. He chose to follow the masses give a nice speech on the floor of the Senate and then vote for the authority that didn't need to be voted for.

And just maybe I've disagreed with Kerry's position on Gay Marriage from the beginning. Should I keep my mouth shut just because he hasn't changed his position?

I guess I should just not be posting if I'm not full of glowing I love John Kerry rhetoric.

Nothing I've posted came from Rove or RW talking points. It all came from John F. Kerry's record.

[emulatorloo]

35. I'm not treating you like anything

Who said anything about requiring "glowing love of Kerry?" That's a strange conclusion to draw from my post.

You asked me how the "87 billion" quote was a Rove talking point, and I explained how I believe Rove/Bush manipulated the facts to distort what Kerry said and did. You asked me about a laundry list of things, I replied.

Disagree all you want. . .Express all the opinions you want. That's DU for you! But be prepared for others to disagree w you. That's DU too. . .

[Debi]

36. You are so right.

I've noticed how you have disagreed with everyone on this thread who posted non-glowing Kerry posts. Oh, you didn't? You only called me out?

Well, I guess this is DU and you can argue with whoever you want. Why pick me? Is it because I'm from Iowa? Is it because You're in a bad mood?

Who knows.

But we do agree with one thing - I've drawn strange conclusions from your posts.

[emulatorloo]

38. Huh? My only other post here is to recommend a speech to the OP that

I though he or she might enjoy. . . .and then the Original Poster then thanked me for the link because he/she had heard the speech and had been looking for a link.

So, yes actually, the only disagreement I'm involved with here is between you and me, and it is probably more sematic than real. I want Dems to stand up for us. I'm glad when they do. I know you are too.

BTW I'm from Iowa too and this weather today does have me in a bad mood. Not hot not cold not clear not cloudy. Just blah. But that's another story I guess.

[Debi]

42. It's not the heat it's the humidity

:hi:

Hello neighbor.

The wind is crazy right now and oppressive, it was that way all weekend long. (my allergies are going nuts with all the cottonwood blowing about)

What I was trying to say is that I feel somewhat singled out even though I was not the only one on this thread to say something less than glowing about Sen. Kerry. I feel like you tried to pick a silly fight.

I don't like Kerry for personal reasons as well as his past behavior while in office and what I feel are his chameleon like behaviors from the 2004 election.

That doesn't mean I don't want you to like him or to praise him. I should not be single out for disagreeing. I'm not the only one here who has not been impressed with his recent behavior.

Soon enough it will be too hot and sticky to be outside, so I guess we should be happy.

[emulatorloo]

46. July is always the worst. . .until we get to August!

No didn't mean to single you out . . . and certainly had no intent to seem "attacking" -- I think that's sometimes the bad thing about the internet, in that the words don't carry the facial expressions, voices etc.

[Debi]

51. Then truce

;) til the next time

[politicasista]

52. self-delete

[Debi]

57. I don't know what you are talking about.

Unless you mean your post down-thread.

Then yes I saw your post and responded.

[emulatorloo]

53. Here Here!

:toast:

[AuntiBush]

81. Let's all try to just get through June!

That horribly rumored month for possible war w/Iran/Syria/ and don't forgot North Korea. Shew... :scared: enough as it is.

And, let's all be "thankful" Kerry is at the very least "speaking out." Imagine if we had no one at all. Kerry was known always as a man on his own, thankfully meaning he's not influenced by anyone other then himself. Yes, he's a man full of integrity. It's just hard to equate that with the crap we're suffering under right now.

We're all in shock... that's why I'm up at this ungodly hour. My MD says he's been bombarded w/patients, both new and regulars suffering from "panic disorders" like he's never seen (not like this)... he says each one says the same thing: This administration... I can't sleep... I'm sick over it all... Like nothing I've ever seen... Why isn't anyone speaking out or doing something to stop this madness...

Let's all agree on 1 thing. At least Kerry is trying to get the word out and if the Boston Globe is the last paper left to do it, great. On another post tonight "latest" the New York Times is selling out to the Religious nutbags, and those in rural areas.

Peace all and a group hug. ok. We'll get through this together.

:hug:

[politicasista]

47. self-delete

[Debi]

54. Um, Yes?

Actually is personal and political.

Hubby is big in politics in the state and used to be big in politics in DC. Hubby doesn't have too much problem w/Kerry, but I'm rather protective.

Kerry just rubbed me the wrong way in his personal actions toward us and behaviors not on camera or reported in the newspapers.

If you can't trust a person privately how can you trust them with running a nation?

[politicasista]

55. self-delete

[karynnj]

64. You watched the $87 billion speech, then describe it

What I saw was Kerry answering a heckler about why he voted against the $87 billion, completely explaining the difference in the 2 bills - then when the heckler persisted Kerry gave the shorthand version that got him into trouble. No there (or watching on CSPAN) would have misunderstood the answer. The Republicans used it because it fit a charge they planned to use against ANY Democrat. Did Kerry make a mistake saying that - sure. And he admitted it was a mistake to phrase it that way, but said it was a bigger mistake to take the country into war based on lies. (first debate)

There is no candidate who could have talked that long, that often who wouldn't have phrased something in a way the Republicans could have distorted it.

Compared to most 20 yr Senators, Kerry's views have been noticablly consistent.

[Im with Rosey]

68. He lost the election?

Kerry didn't lose the election, it was stolen from him by illegal means.

[Griffy]

84. Kerry won.. the election was rigged! I think we all know that now.. nt

[ztn]

6. that's a very simplified way of looking at it.

If you've watching his actions since the election and his naivety to inside the beltway negative campaign warfare during the election along with how increasingly out of touch DC has been lately (more than usual IMO) with Schiavo, this silly SS debate and nuclear options while ignoring pressing problems we ALL complain about, it looks like he's fed up with the status quo in DC as much as we are. It's an honorable and valid argument. The fact that he's in DC only validates the gripe.

I've read a few similar articles saying the same thing: Kerry is distancing himself from the daily grind and nonsense of DC. He's becoming a kind of a rogue.

[LittleClarkie]

18. The article in the NYT about him this weekend commented

that he's now more than a Senator but less than a canidate or president. He's rather in a sort of political limbo. He can do with that what he wants.

Interesting article. Brazille even had something halfway nice to say about him, that she applauded him for staying active.

[Debi]

20. Like he was in the '70s?

And then he changed? And now he's changing again? How original of him.

Sorry, not impressed.

[Dr Ron]

92. It is the Boston Globe which called Kerry an outsider

He is not trying to call himself one.

He is fighting against the Republicans in control of Washington. If you follow his entire statement it is clear that he is stressing the problems under Republican control. He specifically brings up the Congress under Frist and DeLay's leadership.

[sui generis]

4. well. . . . . . duh!

(yawn)

We have been "out there" with boiling with anger and outrage at the fact that Washington is not dealing with the real concerns of our country.

Where the hell was he?

[1956]

8. I applaud Kerry!

He knows there are plenty of us out there that are fighting mad, but so many are ill informed. He was just rallying!!But, of course, and especially lately, I've noticed a lot of folks here can't find anything good about the senator/our real prez. This is sad. We need to stand by him, and all the other good dems, so that we can at least win back congress in 06'!!!!

[ztn]

9. Again, he seems like he's getting on the same page as us.

He's been operating below the radar with issues and ideas that are far from the BS headlines. Give him a break. Do a google news search on Kerry with a some key words like washington and "on the road" etc.. see what he's doing.

[ztn]

15. to all Kerry cynics:

whether he's your choice or not, why on earth would you bash a Dem who's as tired of politics as usual as we are and goes right to the people to call DC out and explain itself? I'm mad that he's alone in his "mea culpa" on DC. More progressives with clout should be at his side echoing the complaints.

[Debi]

23. Maybe I'm just not a lemming

Why wasn't he doing this fighting in October/November 2004 so he would be President?

Amazing that I just got a fundraising letter from him in the mail as well.

No bashing, just no impressed.

[LittleClarkie]

39. Yep, for children's health care

that's the big push right now.

As for Oct/Nov, sometimes I think that a good 3/4ths of what we know to be true would be gibberish to Joe Voter. I was getting calls down at HQ where folks were saying he was attacking too much.

I don't know that it would have helped him get elected. Like Buzz Lightyear, he would have just fallen, with style.

[Debi]

43. For children's healthcare

I'm pretty sure it was for his PAC.

[LittleClarkie]

44. Maybe. What did it say?

It's one and the same in a way. The PAC is for fighting for issues he considered important during the campaign. And so far the only calls and stuff I'd heard about was related to the Kids First bill.

So you're one up on me. I haven't gotten a call or a letter yet. All I know is what I hear.

Sounds like the telemarketing people he got for calling supporters sucks rocks though. Often they don't even know about the issues.

[Debi]

45. It was in a yellow envelope and had words like

Kerryalert on it.

I'm in not position to contribute to anything right now so I pitched it.

It could have been for children's health care, but that's a weird way to package it.

His PAC may be meant for that or other issues right now, but it can change in an instant to his main issue. Getting himself elected President.

[LittleClarkie]

48. Unlike some here, that would be fine with me

and as long as he's legitimately fighting for other issues, and making progress, I'm not sure why it's a problem. If he were just giving lip service it would be one thing.

Eh, but I'm not in a position to give right now either. Not to Kerry, not to Boxer, not to Clinton, not to Dean and the DNC, not to the Wisconsin Democrats, nobody. Just my time.

It doesn't bother me to get them. Like you, if I can't give, I just pitch the pitches. But it seems to be par for the course when you sign up with the Dems. They have their hand out alot. I wonder if it's the same with the RNC and their constituents.

[Debi]

49. Nah, they call you a ________ Leader

and bill you $2,000 for a photo op with the prez.

[politicasista]

50. self-delete

[Debi]

56. What?

I was replying to a post about Republican vs Dem fundraising.

Republicans call you up and say "We want to make you a (fill in the blank) Leader, all you have to do is attend a luncheon with the President and get your photo taken, then we'll bill you $2,000 and thank you for being a (fill in the blank) Leader".

So, who is _____ in your post?

If you mean Kerry, that's just silly for you to insinuate that I would not want him as my choice for the nomination just because he didn't shake my hand or was rude. I am only one vote and really don't elevate myself to such importance that a candidate HAS to be nice to me or shake my hand in order to get my vote. But thank you for assuming I have such a large ego.

[Jo March]

88. That was for the ad against the repubs, I do believe

I received one as well and received an email. I pitched in a few $$$s.

I am glad that he's fighting. I'm glad that he's out there. I'm glad that he didn't say, "Fuck this country. They voted for * so they deserve what they get!" I'm glad that he didn't get all down and depressed after the election.

I want to see more of Kerry. More of him and Dean, Edwards, Boxer, Conyers, Clark and ALL Dem leaders. I want them out there letting us know that they will fight for us and that they ARE fighting for us.

They need to get out of DC and see the people, IMO.

[ginnyinWI]

75. I got one today, too

Yellow envelope. It's from the Friends of John Kerry, Inc., and in the letter he talks about all of the issues they are currently fighting, askes for us to call our senators' offices, and sign petitions, and to donate money. Kids First, Military families, Bolton, Federal Judges, the Republican agenda are all mentioned, not anything about anybody's election. It's a good letter! :)

[Q]

87. While I applaud Kerry...

...you can't say that 'progressives' haven't been for years where Kerry says he's at now.

It was the (few remaining) progressives and liberals that stood (from the beginning) against the war and Bush's tax cuts for the rich. They've been there all along...fighting for education, environment, labor and civil rights. But they are a minority within the party.

[Joe Chi Minh]

95. But the one crucial difference, Q,

is that John Kerry has that all-important status, prestige, clout in the one place in American politics that counts in the current situation: among both the old-money Republican grandees and the pushy neocons in the Beltway.

They have not been able to summon or whip up the depth of bile and viciousness against him amongst themselves and their perjured media, that they were able to against the people's President, before him: Bill Clinton. Do you think, Hillary or Dean would fare much better? Never mind Denis Kuchinch.

He is also a "leader of men", in the sense that, without being insanely reckless, he is less circumspect about taking on the right, than the more cerebral Bill and Hillary. Like Yetsin, for all his faults, did at that crucial time. It's not that John hasn't, himself, achieved great success in the particularly academic and worldly sphere of the Law, but Vietnam brought out in his character the kind of "man of action", "heart first", almost impetuous truculence that is required in this situation.

I don't recall, for instance, though I suppose I could be mistaken in this, Bill or Hillary talking of a "New Deal" for the American people. Of all people, you Americans ought to need no explanation of the very radical change in your nation's priorities that concept signifies. Indeed, I would think that if Denis were to do it - probably has many times - it would have received no attention from the media at all. I haven't heard Howard or Bill or Hillary use the term. It's a "hot" term, in diametric opposition to the priorities of the neocons and the military-industrial complex.

The way people on this board criticise JK, you'd think politiicans with the popular appeal to win a landslide victory in an honest election, and the combativeness against the right of a Vietnam veteran, and who promised a New Deal for the American people, came along with every shower of rain! I can't believe all of you are not even more switched on by his promise of a New Deal than I am. I just can't understand it.

[Debi]

22. And I thought I was the only one

:applause:

[sui generis]

25. you are not alone

we need someone with fire to set some republican hair on fire, not bore them to death!

Kerry needed to really LEAD and excite his party before the election; instead we got pallid lukewarm poll tested mushiness designed mostly not to offend anyone their side. We needed innovation, moral clarity and strong progressive political leadership (i.e., support civil marriage for everyone, refuse to see it as a moral issue. Send "moral" issues back to the church). Own "flip flop". Fight back against Swift Boat Fuckers with fury and anger instead of weepy pity and indignation. Don't worry about pissing off a few peopleon the other side. Support your base.

:applause: :woohoo: :applause:

[LittleClarkie]

63. Well, yeah, it's a "duh" to us

but it's not the choir he's preaching to.

Who else is saying this that the press will cover? Who else is saying this where some people might hear? Who else besides Dean is wandering around the Deep South saying stuff like this.

I agree, it's a duh for us. But we didn't vote for Bush last election. Those who did need to hear this said in their own back yard.

[sui generis]

86. Let's roll back here

Kerry said get outraged, get out there. That's why I yawned. He has the charisma of a boiled turnip, and he is a lousy political fighter. I'm glad he's trying to amend that, but he's going to have to come a long way baby towards being the kind of political leader that would get me excited enough to support him for public office.

These are my opinions. I have them because I believe they are what's right FOR ME. A candidate that has enough clarity of purpose to stand and deliver on "moral" issues by defining morality as having nothing at all to do with gays is a candidate who is worthy of my vote. A candidate who can own "flip flopping" proudly without spluttering, who can bypass senatorial decorum in his speeches and deliver a little fire, and who can really handle an unexpected bad situation with aplomb and style and make lemonade from lemons is who gets my vote.

There are always going to be Swift Boat Pricks. There are always going to be smarmy name calling republican activists coining clever flipflopper phrases. There are always going to be people willing to hang you with your vaunted decorum and civility if you let them, and if Kerry can't throw down and incinerate some people and express a little more real unschooled passion, he will not ever get my vote.

-sui

[emulatorloo]

7. Read this in case you missed it - JK "Washington's Broken"

http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=236759

<snip>

04/21/2005


Senator John Kerry Washington's Broken: The Nuclear Option April 21, 2005 Remarks As Prepared for Delivery Senate Floor

Mr. President, the Republican “nuclear option” has been discussed endlessly on editorial pages, talk radio, and in this chamber. This ongoing debate is about much more than Senate procedure. At its core it’s a debate about where we’re headed and what kind of nation we want to become. And beneath it are questions about Washington, which seems headed in a direction that clashes with the will of the American people.

The fact we even are talking about this issue is a stark reminder that Washington is not fighting for the broad interests of the American people. From the outside looking in, our Democracy appears broken - endangered by one party rule intent on amassing power, often at the expense of real work the American people elected us to do.

In recent weeks alone we have witnessed as disturbing a course of events as I have ever seen in this city. Republican leaders of Congress are crossing lines that should never be crossed:

The line that says a leader in the House of Representatives should never carelessly threaten or intimidate federal judges. The line that says the leader of the Senate should never accuse those who disagree with his political tactics of waging a war against people of faith. The line that says respect for core constitutional principles should never be undermined by a political party’s quest for power. Most important of all, the line that says a political party’s leaders should never let their thirst for power overshadow the needs and interests of those who elected them - the American people.

<snip>

[ztn]

12. Thanks for the speech snip. I eluded to it in the original post..

but couldn't find it. I wish I could see the video again. I was proud of his red faced fury.

[LeahD]

14. I wanna' see it! Anyone have a link? n/t

[MuseRider]

10. I don't care

if he is inside, outside, under or above. We need the people and if he is out there speaking and riling the people up then good for him.

[Adelante]

28. Talking sense! How refreshing.

Hi, MuseRider :hi:

[MuseRider]

30. Hi WesDem!

:hi:

I am having a problem with Kerry in a few areas but not this one. I don't really care who it is or what their entire agenda is if they are still out there trying to work people up and get them to get up and think. We can fight the rest out later when it really matters what their platform is.

I have always really liked Kerry, just a few issues that get under my skin.

[Adelante]

40. I don't agree with any of them 100% on everything

(Including Wes Clark - I have to say that before somebody asks ;) )

I agree with you, though, if they're out there fighting for us they are good Dems, and I won't get down on them over an issue or two or three.

[paparush]

70. Argh..I thought that said "MouseRider"

:-)

Kerry, Dean, Kennedy, Clinton, OBama, or, Boxer I don't care who, what, when, where, or, how. When anyone stands up and challenges the Bush Reich, its reason to applaud.

[WildEyedLiberal]

11. That's an interesting way of looking at it

I like that- Kerry, the rogue Democrat. The DC insider who got fed up with the corrupt system and took his message to the people.

Yeah, I like that. :P

[LeahD]

13. Better than sitting on his hands in silence, isn't it?

Go for it, John!!!

[Robert Oak]

16. Solidarity

What disturbs me most is the "rah rah rah" for Kerry when he was running
and so many "turning" on the guy after November.

What do you want? Him to grow a beard and disappear from public
view?

I say "go Kerry" the more we have him and others pushing for
a true "middle class" agenda the more chance to get a real
change.

Ya know, Ted Kennedy is also an "outsider", Bernie Sanders is
an "outsider"...

pretty much anyone attempting any sanity or sticking up for the
middle class really is an outsider in Washington these days...
as evidenced by legislation like the bankruptcy bill.

The middle class has zero political power and if he is out trying
to change that...well, "bring Kerry on".

[LittleClarkie]

19. Indeed

Speaking of growing beards and disappearing, I'm glad a certain someone has shaved, and reappeared.

[politicasista]

26. Amen bro

:thumbsup:

[MsTryska]

32. I'm with you. nt

nt

[NightOwwl]

58. "Bring Kerry on." Which Kerry would that be? n/t

[GumboYaYa]

37. Geez, he never stops campaigning........

Sorry, but Kerry is not and never will be a Washington outsider. This is just more proof that he thinks he can be everything to everybody without ever having to have real principles.

If the Dems run Kerry in 2008, I'm switching to the Green Party. I won't hold my nose and vote for him again.

[blm]

41. the only INSIDERS in DC are the theocrats and fascists. Even moderate GOPs

are outsiders.

Most of this country is outsiders not being heard in Bush's Washingrton.

[paineinthearse]

59. I wish he would bring his road trip to Massachusetts

I saw him at the Kennedy library in January and at a party event in February. In March he gave a public speech in Worcester and was available at a Marty Meehan fundraiser.

He has made a couple of appearances at Faneuil Hall, so that makes <5.

He did not appear at the state party dinner nor will he be speaking at the platform convention.

I wish he would make more frequent non-fundraising / non-party public appearances in his home state.

[Larkspur]

60. Kerry is late using this strategy. He lost the Prez campaign in '04

using the DLC strategy and lost. Even though I held my nose and voted for him in '04, Kerry didn't win me over in '04 and won't win me over for '08. Other than that, Kerry can go right ahead and make a fool of himself with his new strategy.

I don't see Senator Kerry fooling too many people by claiming to be a Washington outsider. Maybe he should defeat Mitt Romney for the governship of Massachusetts before calling himself a Washington outsider.

What Kerry should have done in '04 was use the image of Atticus Finch, Lee Harpers lawyer hero, as his model. Kerry was a lawyer and Kerry is closer to Gregory Peck's physique than he is to John Wayne's.

[V. Kid]

61. If he's trying to become an outsider...

..he needs to find a time machine and go back to 2000 or 2001. Why? I think he's lost his chance to win, and look like more of an outisder.

[Demobrat]

62. Get a clue John. You ARE the establishment

and no amount of posturing at this point can change that.

[wisteria]

78. Well, this establishment person likes what Kerry is doing.

I suppose the establishment comes in all shapes and sexes and has many differing opinions on issues. If he is able to represent me and even a small fractions of my ideals when my own senators don't he has my full support whether he is posturing or not.

[LynneSin]

65. Kerry bashed Mass. gay rights platform - hell will freeze first...

before I consider supporting him.

Anyhow, he's had his chance and blew it. I'm tired of these dull personality candidates running for the nomination. We need someone with character like Ed Rendell

[LittleClarkie]

69. Ya got anyone with character AND name recognition?

Often you need both.

Bash is too strong a word. Some here make the mistake of misunderstanding the two words. When folks say "Stop bashing so and so" and then the reply is "So we shouldn't criticize our elected officials?" the disconnect becomes apparent. He didn't "bash" it. He expressed his opinion and his belief, in answer to a loaded question from the Globe.

But, from prior experience, we know that Kerry also doesn't believe in legislating his personal beliefs, as with his pro-choice voting record. As with his refusal to take Clinton's advice on DOMA.

He believes in civil unions as opposed to marriage. That has not changed. I don't know why folks are surprised. But then I didn't know why folks seemed surprised by Dean's war stance either.

[PittLib]

71. snort ...

Rendell is about as establishment as it gets.

[wisteria]

79. Rendell? Character.?

Character,oh yes he is a character,Personality yes, Presidential no. I've followed his advancement in politics since he was a Philadelphia DA. Even supported him for governor. I would say he is the DLC and DNC all rolled up into one with a little foot in the mouth to go along with it all.

[Dr Ron]

93. Just giving his opinion when asked

He also made a point of saying he was taking no action to try to keep the plank out of the platform.

Kerry has a 100% voting record on gay and lesbian issues. Despite being personally against gay marriage, he has opposed legislation which would have prevented it every time it has come up, both on the state and federal level.

Clinton advised Kerry to support the anti-gay marriage ballot iniatives where they were on the ballot to get support, and Kerry refused to compromise in this manner.

[LittleClarkie]

94. Question

Who did you vote for in November. If it was Kerry, why did you, if this was such a hot button issue?

[Joe Chi Minh]

66. The Republicans

are sh*t scared of the New Deal that Kerry promised to introduce, in support of the ordinary family. That's why they're touting Hillary for all they're worth. I can see so many anti-Kerry fifth columnists on some of these threads.

[LeftCoast]

82. "anti-Kerry fifth columnists" *snort* ROFL

That's great I've got to use that!

Announcing LeftCoast - anti-Kerry 5th columnist extraordinaire! :rofl:

Who wants to join up with me? :rofl:

[Neshanic]

90. I'm in. Or I guess I was, but did not know. Do we get a card?

[Boo Boo]

67. The title of this post strikes me as sort of silly.

"Kerry's becoming a DC outsider..." What the hell is that supposed to mean?

In other news: Bush is becoming a Whitehouse outsider! At a recent appearance he took off his pants and rolled down his socks, "I don't know what the hell that guy in the Oval Office is thinking! Seems like he's jess a-gettin' more and more Out of Touch(tm) with Average Americans(tm) like you and me!"

:eyes:

[eridani]

72. Visible opposition to Bush is exactly what we need from Kerry--

--and all other high profile Dems.

[Name removed]

73. Deleted message

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

[wisteria]

76. I LIKE KERRY AND I LIKE WHAT HE IS DOING!

SO WHAT IF THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS AN ATTEMPT TO RUN AGAIN. IN THE SHORT TERM HE IS TRYING TO HELP THOSE WHO SUPPORTED HIS NOMINATION, ALSO THE SOLDIERS,THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THEM HIMSELF THE KIDS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. MAYBE HE'S OUT THERE PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC IDEALS IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2006 ELECTIONS- HE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO SUPPORT OTHER DEMS YOU KNOW. I FRANKLY SEE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH WHAT HE IS DOING AND EVERYTHING RIGHT ABOUT IT. I HOPE HE DOES RUN AGAIN, HE WILL HAVE MY VOTE. I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND OTHER DEMS ATTACKING ANOTHER DEM WHEN HE IS ACTUALLY TRYING TO DOING SOME GOOD.

[Clarkie1]

77. I guess reinventing themselves is what professional politicians do.

Doesn't do much to inspire me personally, though.

[cquik18]

83. Day late, dollar short.

Shoulda said all that LAST YEAR.

[gavodotcom]

85. Now all he needs are a pair of boots and a cowboy hat and he'll be all set

Disappointing, to say the least.

[Neshanic]

89. "Took off his jacket" Oh my! He is soooo dreamy...and sooo smart.

From a gay guy, this seals the deal for me. He's willing to take off his jacket. That's proof he cares, and he's so, so Dean-like with his outspoken demeanor.

This guy is on fire! Watch out Jebby. We have a new improved Kerry. The kind that does not fold like a card table. Maybe a portable picnic table, but no card table is he.

[LittleClarkie]

91. I sense a spoof somehow

I'm not to terribly swift.

But yes, he shore is purdy.



No shirt is best though.