Kerry gives the Repubs a history lesson on why Biden is right and hits McCain's judgment

[ProSense]

John Kerry, Sen. (D-Mass.):

I know Joe Biden. I know Joe’s understanding of the crisis right here at home and the crises in the dangerous world we live in today. Even the most desperate and severe parsing of words cannot distract from John McCain’s and his running mate’s determination to continue the same failed Bush policies that have devastated America’s standing in the world and created an economic crisis at home.

This comes down to judgment. Presidents do get tested – so do candidates. After we invaded Afghanistan after 9/11, John McCain said “next up Baghdad.” He was tested – and he failed. Barack Obama was tested too – and he got it right that a preemptive war in Iraq was wrong.

Just think. It was forty-seven years ago today that President Kennedy addressed the country at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Soviet ships carrying nuclear warheads were headed for shores less than 100 miles from Florida. Nobody knew for sure what was unfolding, what danger was real — and some in our own government advocated military strikes that, we now know, could well have been met with nuclear retaliation. We were incredibly lucky then to have a leader with the right combination of judgment, vision, and temperament to spend 13 agonizing days avoiding World War Three. It’s that kind of leadership we see today in Barack Obama and Joe Biden, leadership John McCain has lacked as he erratically lurches from one position to another. Kennedy’s is the kind of leadership we need again — patient, pragmatic, steely, steady and wise. That is the choice at the heart of this election.

[ProSense]

1. This is how Dems should respond. n/t

[wisteria]

9. Exactly. Where are the other Dems? When it gets ruff they run and hide afraid to open their mouths.

The Clinton's should be out defending Obama too. After all, if you want to bring up being tested, Bush failed the new Commander and Chief test when he ignored the warning from President Clinton and Richard Clark about threats from Bin Laden.

[livetohike]

2. Kerry needs to make the rounds on the morning shows, etc

with these comments. Of course, tomorrow in tv land could be another different story. I'm sure Palin will come up with something else more ludicrous than she already has done.

[jillan]

3. My two favorite senators....

altho one of them is on my list these days (and it ain't Kerry).

[Unbowed]

4. Kerry has been going to bat for Obama from day one.

He doesn't let McNasty get away with anything. Love it!

[johnnydrama]

5. too bad Kerry

Didn't see the interview with McCain where McCain basically said that when Kruschev sent that underground message to Kennedy wanting to end the cuban missile crisis, if he were President he would have ignored it.

[TayTay]

6. What do you mean? n/t

[johnnydrama]

12. what i mean is

Kerry was using general terms when describing the Cuban Missile crisis, and what a leader who thinks and goes through all the options does, compared to somebody like McCain who goes with his gut.

What i'm saying is there was an ACTUAL interview with McCain where they discussed the Cuban missile crisis and the fact that Russia sent a public bellicose message to the US, and then a private through back channels message hoping to resolve it.

It was up to Kennedy to figure out if that was real.

The interviewer said to McCain "You probably would have listened only to the bellicose responses from Russia"

and McCain said yes.

[karynnj]

8. I think it was because Kerry wasdefusing the issue that the Republicans raised on Biden's comments

He was making the case that, like JFK, when tested Obama's calm reasoned approach and judgment will - as JFK's did - handle the crisis well - where McCain might not. His answer primarily focuses on Obama. It is more important to make the case that Obama can keep the country safe as on every other issue Obama plows McCain away.

The intent was more to try to turn to our favor the Biden comment by using it to re-affirm Obama's leadership and judgment. Kerry does get in the McCain = erratic theme - that contrasts him poorly to Obama.

[wisteria]

7. Bravo to Senator Kerry for defending Senator Biden's comments

and Senator Biden from twisted Republican tricks and scare tactics. And, Senator Kerry is correct- all candidates and new presidents are tested and it is their judgment that matters the most. President Bush was tested with 9/11- he was warned ahead of time- so was his Secretary of State and they used poor judgment in not heeding the advise of experts and other advisor's. I feel comfortable that Senator Obama will use good judgment and he will listen to warnings and advice.

[politicasista]

10. K&R

:kick:

[Cha]

11. Amazing that it was forty seven years

ago exactly that JFK addessed the Cuban Missle Crisis.

john mccain was so gleefully drooling for war on Iraq. And look where it got us.

Those who vote for mcpalin should know that they're voting for perpetual war and eternal lies.

"This comes down to judgment. Presidents do get tested – so do candidates. After we invaded Afghanistan after 9/11, John McCain said “next up Baghdad.” He was tested – and he failed. Barack Obama was tested too – and he got it right that a preemptive war in Iraq was wrong."

Thank you, Senator Kerry!

[ProSense]

14. Yeah,

good that Kerry pointed out that McCain already failed the test.

[Left Is Write]

13. This is perfect, and it needs to be said over and over and over.