I Drank Kerry-Kool Aid and Suffered- Confessions of a Lifelong Democrat

[bigtree]

I picked my candidate early. John Kerry started out ahead. But by the time the media was focused on the race Howard Dean had overtaken him. But I stuck with John and suffered through Christmas.

I reminded myself that the majority of voters hadn't even thought of the Democratic primary, and likely couldn't tell you who the candidates were. So I watched Howard and I listened to his profile.

But I was waiting for the holidays to end. I knew that elections can turn in a week and there was plenty of time for the worm to turn. And it did. As voters became more familiar with the candidates they got more support and in turn, more exposure.

I remember John Kerry one night on c-span speaking at a private home in New Hampshire. He looked like Lincoln. He towered over all in the small room and he spoke from the heart about his vision for America. When he was done he lingered and talked with the crowd. At that time John was still trailing. One girl told him that he had better get over to the colleges. Howard Dean was all over her school she explained. "You've got to get over there," she said, "They are destroying your record. You should hear what they are saying."

That was perfectly natural that John's profile was being defined by the other side. He hadn't fully engaged anywhere yet. He seemed to be waiting for permission to run. I think he got it that night. From that point on he was energized and engaged. Most candidates become rather good towards the end of their run, if they manage to make it all of the way. Even Gerald Ford cast an inspiring figure at the end of his run. Mike Dukakis was positively eloquent in defeat.

But John Kerry seemed to take right off. The crowds grew larger as the Iowa campaign drew closer to the caucuses. And John's family kicked in with their convincing traveling advocacy, polite and engaging.

Then came the bio. And boy did John make our party proud to support him. Here we had a genuine war hero, a decorated Democratic patriot. And as icing on the cake, he was a beautiful protester of that horrible war. He was hounded by our nemesis Nixon, he was harrassed by the republicans as his narcotics commission caught Ollie North with his Contra drug ring; enabling Democrats to take the high ground against Saint Reagan.

So some of us swooned, others were inspired by his 35 years of service, others were impressed by his dedication to the environment, others by his veterans concerns, and still others became impressed by the spirit of caring that still ran strong, stronger than ever in this unassuming man. There he was in ancient photographs, in the Vietnam Delta, skipper and his mates; there he was in a proud salute recieving his medals; there he stood beside John Lennon; there he marched, under arrest, with his hands laced behind the back of his head; there he sat before the '73 Senate committee testifying about soldiers, veterans, and that unjust, bloody war; and there he was again, older and wiser before one of his many investigative committees.

And then it was time for the first caucus. John was leading in the polls. The polls. What anxious feeling that was to be ahead in the polls. We had been so far behind. I thought for sure that we would be out of it. But you know the rest. John won, and with two exceptions, he continued to win.

I have great respect for the supporters of other candidates. More than for the candidates themselves. These politicians are not needy. If they lose they'll be alright. But when your candidate hasn't taken off, it is the worst feeling. It's akin to looking for a job, or moving.

I just wanted to relate that supporting John Kerry had (has) me on an emotional roller-coaster. I live in a state of constant anxiety and fear. And I love it.

I've never voted for a republican. I registered independent when I became eligible to vote because Carter was ambivalent about Legalization and Anderson was for it. I am a life-long Democrat. I cried in nursery school when Johnson announced he wouldn't run, and I wore a Humphrey button that was larger than my face. I fought every day for every one of our nominees, including Dukakis. I fought with pride for our party, and with a great love for my country.

I don't think that we can afford to seperate ourselves from the political system. With our full participation in the voting process we promote respect for our nation and each other, and help ensure an equal chance for representation for all of our citizens in the deliberations of our government.

Our vote is the instrument of our collective conscience and our warrant to the realization of our freedom, our liberty, and our well-being. We must care enough to involve ourselves in every instigation of democracy which confronts us. Our government is a reflection of everything we choose to neglect and every cynical impulse we reflect.

As my old friend Guy Washington used to say, "Good always leaves, but bad comes to stay."

I will be proud to cast my vote for John Kerry.

I would be proud to cast my vote for any of our candidates.


renamed reposted

[Eric J in MN]

1. Title doesn't seem to match the content. How did you suffer? (nt)

nt

[bigtree]

3. I anguish over his fate constantly

Howard Dean took the first round of disruption from the other side. Now the fire is coming John Kerry's way. I share all of the anxiety about the future. I hope we come together somewhere down the road.

[KC21304]

2. From one proud Kerry supporter to another

Thank you for your gracious and eloquent words.