So WHY are we the most active group

[LittleClarkie]

aside from our candidate being cute as a bug's ear, that is.

Any theories as to why we are the most active group? Does it have to do with him being the former nominee? Or has he been winning fans lately?

[Dr Ron]

1. Several reasons

Some of it is from all you female Kerry supporters drooling over him.

Some of it is beause he has been very active, giving a lot to talk about

Some of it comes from a response to all the Kerry bashing. This includes both direct responses to it, as well as a tendency to look for a safe haven where we know there is no Kerry bashing (in contrast to out there where any positive Kerry post is followed by Kerry bashing). In contrast a Clark or Dean supporter could post something positive about their candidate with much less chance it will result in an attack.

[ginnyinWI]

8. right on all three counts!

It is a combination of all three things you listed.
I would add to your second point, (that JK has been very active and there is a lot to talk about), that this forum is a way to keep alive that vision of a better America that he gave all of us, that hope that he instilled and that he wants to make happen. It's more than activity, it's hope. :)


edit: on further thought, I'd like to ask you and other male Kerry supporters: JK does appeal to you guys on some level too, right? I mean, like, you see him as a guy you'd like to be friends with? Or he's a role model, or something?

I have a little antecdote about this: my husband is not into politics, but did watch the debates, did vote for Kerry and did go with me to one JK rally, and also absorbed election stuff through being around me (did he ever--lol). Anyway, after the election, obviously he didn't see as much of Kerry on TV or anything, and then when that latest Foreign Relations/Bolton meeting turned out to be so interesting, he wanted to see it. When he saw that Kerry was on the committee, he said, "Oh, there's Kerry!" and he sounded just like he was seeing an old friend. So for a barely involved guy like my husband to feel that way when he isn't even into politics, I figure that JK has a way of appealing to men, too--a way of connecting with them, winning their trust and confidence--sometimes, anyway.

[muse]

10. Ron, you are so funny!

I think #1 is the main reason. Of course, that is because of people like me and vektor, good old alumni of the kerry blog . . . and all of the others!

We may be droolers, but we are intellectual droolers. :)

[whometense]

2. I tend to think

it's just the usual for Kerry. He's hard to get to know, but once people "get" him they tend to be rabidly loyal and protective. Don't know exactly why that is, but it is so. Always has been. Of course, he's extremely loyal, too.

It doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes, but I think that's just a side-benefit.

[vinessa4freedom]

3. Kerry supporters appreciate his character

and tend to live that way. Positive, supportive, working in teams. I think this group reflects the kind of person he is. We are drawn to him because we share common characteristics, and we appreciate his integrity.

The team spirit is evident in John, and in this group. It's active because Kerrycrats are communicative and eager to share.

And you're right. It doesn't hurt that he's cute. :)

[JI7]

4. i think because of the negativity in other forums

it's good to discuss things in here without the usual snarky comments which many times have nothing to do with the original post.

and because we also discuss many other things which may not directly relate to Kerry.

[LittleClarkie]

5. I wonder why the Deaniacs all fled then

You'd think their forum would have served the same purpose. And their guy hardly got attacked comparatively speaking.

[JI7]

6. they post regularly in the other forums

[LittleClarkie]

7. Oh

I was taking the word of one of the Deaniacs who said there were few left here. But like you said, I have seen some. Maybe not as many, but several.

[TayTay]

9. Originally, it was for support

I came here because it hurt lots in November.

There were other folks here who hurt too! Really bright and intereting and saucy and funny and sweet people who hurt too! We talked. And talked. And found out that we liked John Kerry still. (And that there was a contingent of women here who really liked John Kerry a lot :evilgrin: for more than his debating skills :evilgrin:)

And I healed up a bit. I continue to hang out here because the people are wonderful. They make me laugh, make me think, make me cry occasionally and they bring out my saucy side a lot. :evilgrin: =For this an other things, I am eternally grateful.

[muse]

11. TayTay, I came here to drool!

With gals who know a good thing when they see it.

[TayTay]

12. Amen, sister

Amen. I was reluctant to admit this at first, but I was rather easily converted.

[karynnj]

13. I think it may be Kerry's depth and intensity

When I first came to this group it was because of some sense after the election that it was not just the enormity of still having GWB, but the feeling that the story wasn't suppose to go this way. Reading about Kerry, seeing him on the debates, and seeing the rallies, it almost felt like watching a particularly spectacular epic drama. The suitably heroic knight had endured many trials and had risen from them wiser, stronger and more compassionate than ever . The story made more sense ending with the hero and the lovely Teresa chasing evil out of the land.

I do feel incredibly silly having written this. I after all choose to study math and economics in college and never particularly liked fantasy literature. (For me what was unusual, is that in addition to the normal intellectual choice of Kerry as the best choice, there was a more gut emotional reaction that he was a person with the strength of character, devotion, and imagination to put his heart into fixing the mess we were in.) But there were so many ways that Kerry almost seemed larger than life. How many people that you've read of who demonstrate intelligence, character and courage so many times. (At least 4 - VN, Anti-war, fighting Contras, and BCCI) Yet at the same time be the knowledgeable, likable, Presidential debater quietly and calmly giving intelligent answers to each question, while ignoring the lunatic on the stage. The stories from the campaign where he was so human, funny and quirky just made him more real. When he was answering questions directly into the camera, contrary to all reports, he was able to really connect - and I believed he meant what he said. (Add to that he met Kennedy and Lennon - this is not your average life)

So initially, it was here to see what others had to say - I didn't post for weeks because I felt I had nothing to add. It was good to hear all the MA people essentially saying he would be ok (no Al Gore depression). So initially, it was for commiseration and to get news. As Kerry became more active, it was interesting to see other people's takes on what to me were some pretty unique actions.

When the Senate went back into session, it was great to read people discussing Kerry's floor speeches and discuss the hearings. especially as much of this is not seen by many people. I am absolutely fascinated by the CSPAN Senate coverage. It's very sad this is the first time I have watched much of it - when there are so many almost heartbreaking speeches (especially by people like Kennedy), but I think otherwise it would be so easy to lose the seriousness of what is happening in the normal routines of life.

Even when Kerry is not the sole focus, I prefer this group because it is the only one where you can take a position contrary to everyone else's and although others will express reasons they disagree, it will be civil, fact based, and definitely not a personal attack, making this group a pretty unique place.

Oh, it's also addicting and I should probably tell my 3 kids that I was wrong to ever insist that people you routinely write in the same place with aren't real friends. (Although it is a different type of friendship than in real life - as they told me when I told them they spent too much time on message boards.)

[politicasista]

14. I prefer positive, intelligent people like Kerry.

What I mean to say is that I like coming here because I can read up on Kerry's daily activities. I lurked here for a long time before coming aboard. I was cool with Kerry cause he looked and sounded presidental than the crackhead in chief, that it was a loss for all of us that he isn't in the WH. Sadly, as an AA, I feel sometimes alone because so many of my peeps were ABB, but I know I am not alone in the real world. I know my posts can be crazy at times but I am glad to be surrounded by fun and optimistic people like you guys. :yourock: :hi:

[wisteria]

15. I feel a connection to him and his ideals here.

This is where I go to keep up with what he is up to. I wasn't ready to see him just fade away after the election. I can't put it in words,but John Kerry offered us/me something special and unique during the election.I suppose I miss the hope that he offered.That is why I am happy he is still out there sharing his gifts and trying to honor the promises he made during the election. I'm stubborn,in that I don't even want to consider anyone else running in 2008 for President and I get so angry at the sites like Daily Kos who seem to want to sabotage everything he does. When I'm angry, I can come here and read like minded posts and feel comfort in knowing other wonderful people share my feelings.