Boomers: What was the "old" John Kerry like?

[absyntheNsugar]

I hear lots of talk about the old John Kerry - one who was the liberal's liberal, one who led the Vetrans against Vietnam.

I know he made some mistakes (PATRIOT act, IWR, etc) but I've also heard before those mistakes he had a stellar record as a liberal. Not being from Massachusetts, I only knew him during his mistake period, well and before that when he was on Cheers. Funny ep - Cliff mistakes him for Paul Newman.

Anyone here around at that time care to share stories, insight, etc...

[lastknowngood]

1. He was a typical disillusioned former flag waver but after

the crap in Vietnam he turned against it. His many problems was and will be marching against with troops still there the famous ribbon toss and many other things that were "far out" at the time. He's a sitting duck for Rove.

[madrchsod]

4. karl can`t touch him

as long as the boy king can`t find his records. there maybe some vets that maybe pissed off still but i don`t think the majority are. after all kerry has his "red badge of courage" unlike george`s yellow streak down his back.

[Straight Shooter]

2. Bad case of peckeritis

Seems to affect a lot of Dem politicians :)

And Repubs, too, but they never get called on it :(

[TheDonkey]

3. Kerry was on Cheers?

[absyntheNsugar]

5. Yes it was funny

Beginning of an ep...Cliff walks out and sees Kerry and asks for an autograph. Kerry obliges but when he finds out that Kerry is a Senator and not Paul Newman, he walks away without taking the autograph.

[JI7]

13. i didn't know this either

but i never really watched the show

[IndianaGreen]

6. Kerry was one of many that opposed the war in Vietnam

For some reason, Kerry was more successful at exploiting his limited role with VVAW than others for PR purposes, such as Ron Kovic.

VVAW were a small group compared to others such as the Mobilization coalitions that organized mass events such as the Moratorium and the Pentagon march. I should also mention SDS and SANE.

Like Clinton, Kerry had Presidential ambitions very early in life.

[blm]

7. Same as the one you see.

His heart is probably bigger and he probably weighs his words more.

His concern for good government that is there for ALL the people and to the benefit of our global neighbors is even greater, no doubt.

[UTUSN]

8. Something Like This

*******QUOTE******
Young John Forbes Kerry grew up well connected in the upper-class due to his Forbes and Winthrop roots.
Kerry is said to have idolized John F Kennedy, with whom he and his family socialized.
Kerry, who often alluded to having the same initials as President Kennedy, is pictured on the left sailing with President Kennedy. John F. Kerry, on a yacht standing directly behind President John F. Kennedy. Kerry (right) with President Kennedy (seated) 1962 Sen. Ted Kennedy and protest leader Kerry discuss the demonstration. During Memorial Day weekend, Kerry joined a throng of antiwar protesters on the green in Lexington, Mass., where he and hundreds of others were arrested. Pictured right with Sen. Ted Kennedy, Kerry was re-elected to the Senate in 2002.

**********UNQUOTE*******

[onehandle]

9. A good guy.

Now, he's a good guy with power.

[kerrygoddess]

10. I'm from from MA originally

I've have been waiting half my life for Kerry to run for President. I saw the writing on the wall when he became Prosecutor in MA and then Lt. Gov.

He's a go getter and a fighter! he stands up for what he believes in, always has been, always will.

[JI7]

12. i haven't known him long

i'm 25. i never met him but have known of him for a few years and have always liked him. i'm glad he is running this time. those who do know him all like him though which says a lot about what a good guy he is.

[JI7]

11. less gray but always great

in vietnam 1969 with his puppy "v.c" . (is that supposed to stand for viet cong?)