Max Cleland shows Democrats how to stand up for Democrats

[karynnj]

In a time when many Democrats seem to spend more time undermining competing Democratic voices rather than nuturing strong Democratic voices, Max Cleland wrote this editorial to the Washington Post defending John Kerry.

"I strongly object to a Democratic consultant's assertion in "Al Gore, Rock Star" that past presidential nominees, particularly Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), are considered "pariahs."

John Kerry and Al Gore chose different ways to spend their post-candidacy years. Mr. Kerry returned to the Senate as a leading voice on ending the war and fought until President Bush signed into law a Military Family Bill of Rights to honor our veterans and their families. Mr. Kerry gave away more than $14 million and campaigned for Democrats in 35 states last year to help give Democrats their majority in Congress. Now, Mr. Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, are launching a book on how we can all help to address today's environmental challenges.

We should applaud Mr. Kerry's efforts and note his example, as well as Mr. Gore's actions, on how former presidential nominees can play a significant role in public policy."


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030101526.html

[globalvillage]

1. Max

:loveya:

[babylonsister]

2. Nice! Lessons could/should be learned. nt

[SheilaT]

3. Several days ago someone

repeated the comment that Kerry had now made it impossible for any Massachusetts liberal to ever be elected President. Remarks like that and the above pariah one simply show the ignorance of those who make them. Richard Nixon had fallen as low as a politician could, and he came back and became President on his second try. Granted, it's the only time that's happened (unless you want to count Grover Cleveland who won non-consecutive terms.

It is very possible that neither Kerry nor Gore will run again (and I, personally, prefer that they not) but that does not mean they have no role to play in the national scene. They are both intelligent men who still have a lot to give to this country.

[karynnj]

7. I agree with you

The other thing that it ignores is that - with the media aiding and abetting the RW and the most extensive smear campaign ever, Kerry came within 60,000 cast votes in Ohio from winning. Senator Kerry mentioned that the SBVT spent $4 million on ads in the last week before the election. Considering that there were MORE that 60,000 votes last to voter supression, if everyone who went to the polls to vote had been able to vote easily and accurately, John Kerry would have pulled off a major accomplishment - winning an election where many thought the winner of the nomination would have no chance. With Gore, it is even more likely that he won.

It is sick that one faction of the party has worked since Nov 3, 2004 to deny that he had any claim to leadership. Both Gore and Kerry have every right to be considered party leaders - they are the last two men chosen. (Something is wrong when Leiberman is cheered back into the Democratic caucus and Kerry is undermined. Did we vote for this?)

[donheld]

4. did Max vote for or against the Iraqi War Resolution?

I need to know

[Pab Sungenis]

5. Yes he did.

and it didn't help him one bit.

[karynnj]

6. He voted for it

He was up for re-election in GA.

[robinlynne]

8. right on. thank-you.

[Hekate]

9. Cleland's another Fighting Dem that the Rovian Repubs tried to destroy

Thank you Senator Cleland for speaking up now.

Hekate