Kickass Kerry
I have to admit I was stunned at how on fire John Kerry was tonight. Where was this John Kerry in 2004?
As he took the stage I thought, "Oh, good luck, Senator. You just got some lousy position in the evening's agenda." Big Dawg is a tough act to follow anytime, but tonight he was superb. So I could hear the group yawn as Kerry began.
And then he pulled out the two-by-four.
"Let me tell you, before he ever debates Barack Obama, John McCain should finish the debate with himself,"
“President Obama and Vice President Biden will shut down Guantanamo, respect the Constitution and make clear once and for all the United States of America does not torture, not now, not ever.”
“Never in modern history has an administration squandered American power so recklessly. Never has strategy been so replaced by ideology. Never has extremism so crowded out common sense and fundamental American values. Never has short-term partisan politics so depleted the strength of America’s bipartisan foreign policy.”
"Candidate McCain now supports the wartime tax cuts that Senator McCain once denounced as immoral. Candidate McCain criticizes Senator McCain's own climate change bill. Candidate McCain says he would now vote against the immigration bill that Senator McCain wrote. Are you kidding? Talk about being for it before you're against it."
"How insulting to suggest that those who question the mission, question the troops. How pathetic to suggest that those who question a failed policy doubt America itself."
...and my personal favorite, since I'm a single mother of a teenage boy I don't want McCain drafting:
"How desperate to tell the son of a single mother who chose community service over money and privilege that he doesn't put America first."
Johnny, we hardly knew ye. But tonight, you did good. Real good. Thanks!
As he took the stage I thought, "Oh, good luck, Senator. You just got some lousy position in the evening's agenda." Big Dawg is a tough act to follow anytime, but tonight he was superb. So I could hear the group yawn as Kerry began.
And then he pulled out the two-by-four.
"Let me tell you, before he ever debates Barack Obama, John McCain should finish the debate with himself,"
“President Obama and Vice President Biden will shut down Guantanamo, respect the Constitution and make clear once and for all the United States of America does not torture, not now, not ever.”
“Never in modern history has an administration squandered American power so recklessly. Never has strategy been so replaced by ideology. Never has extremism so crowded out common sense and fundamental American values. Never has short-term partisan politics so depleted the strength of America’s bipartisan foreign policy.”
"Candidate McCain now supports the wartime tax cuts that Senator McCain once denounced as immoral. Candidate McCain criticizes Senator McCain's own climate change bill. Candidate McCain says he would now vote against the immigration bill that Senator McCain wrote. Are you kidding? Talk about being for it before you're against it."
"How insulting to suggest that those who question the mission, question the troops. How pathetic to suggest that those who question a failed policy doubt America itself."
...and my personal favorite, since I'm a single mother of a teenage boy I don't want McCain drafting:
"How desperate to tell the son of a single mother who chose community service over money and privilege that he doesn't put America first."
Johnny, we hardly knew ye. But tonight, you did good. Real good. Thanks!
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I couldn't believe it. Kerry was my first..my first Democrat after first voting Republican in 1988. I was glad to see him make such a good show even if it was 4 years too late and it was at a time when nobody was watching.
August 27, 2008 10:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know. I thought it was better than all of the speeches, even Biden.
August 28, 2008 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
He did a damn good job. Great speech.
August 27, 2008 10:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's like he's been training for the last four years, like Rocky.
August 27, 2008 11:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, now I've got that damn theme song running through my head.
August 28, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Kerry on fire, wordsmithing. Doing verbally what that photo of him in Vietnam implied about focus and purpose. When will our country embrace a man who may not be someone to have a beer with, but might just be someone to lead us out of the wilderness?
August 28, 2008 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
One can only wonder how much better off we'd be today if sharing a beer weren't the criteria used by all too many Americans.
But to tell you the truth, I'd much rather have a beer with John Kerry or Barack Obama than I would with Idiot Son or McPOW.
August 28, 2008 8:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
4 November 2008, God willing.
August 28, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I was a kool aid drinking idiot in 2004. Watching the man I helped defeat looking and sounding so good makes me very sad. I'm so sorry I didn't wake up sooner.
August 28, 2008 12:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for being honest enough to say so!
August 28, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ya know, you've gotta own your mistakes...I'm glad I've learned from them!
August 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
True. And that's what Kerry showed in his fantastic and fiery speech. He's learned what Al Gore learned from his mistakes in 2000-- that a good candidate cannot allow himself to become a flaccid, focus group crafted card board cut out and expect to inspire voters. If he and Al were true to their characters and showed America the genuine, honest to God passion they possess they'd both have won.
August 28, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't really blame you. Over all Kerry was a pretty weak candidate. However, my goodness if he didn't run last term he would probably be on the VP shortlist today, and totally redefined the definition of "Attack Dog VP".
August 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wish he were the VP pick.
August 28, 2008 12:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Gotta agree with you here. He made the case against McCain I've been waiting for for a long time. First time I've heard someone go after McCain's so-called straight talking maverick image - not with some silliness that looks like a pale reflection of the Republican attacks, but with real issues and positions. Rove and Co. have always gone after their opponent's greatest strengths. Kerry turned the tables. Hope we see more of the same in the next few months.
But no, he wasn't the greatest candidate.
And no, he would have been a terrible choice for VP.
August 28, 2008 1:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Damn, it feels good to be a Democrat. Thanks John!
August 28, 2008 2:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. Excellent job. I think I will write a thank you to him and ask him to keep 'telling truth to power'... I think this the preferred language and format for attacking/rebutting McCain.
August 28, 2008 3:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
WTF?!!!!Where the f#ck was this guy in 04? This Kerry woulda wiped the floor with bush.What is it with Dems who subdue their passions and instincts on the "advice" of consultants and run safe,non-confrontational campaigns? I know they've gotta look "presidential" but I'll be damned if both Kerry and Hillary didn't both manage to look presidential as hell while tearin the neCons a new one! Now I can't wait for Gore and Richardson. I gotta agree with Josh, this was the best speech of a great night of speechifyin .You know Obama's gonna have Kerry on a bunch of the pundit shows in the coming weeks. To quote Flounder "This is gonna be great" More of This! Send Kerry out every day from now till November. Our Time Is Now!
August 28, 2008 5:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I just checked the Real Clear Politics polls from 2004. After leading during the summer Kerry dropped precipitously in the first week of September-I think due to the Swiftboating- then recovered steadily but incrementally so that by Nov 1 it looked like he might close the gap. As indeed seemed to be shown by the exit polls.
His emasculation by the Swiftboating was in such contrast to his primary promise that he was going to respond fiercely to any Republican attacks that I wondered whether there was actually some real exposure which hadn't yet come out but might if he tried too strenuously to rebut those attacks.
When he finally released his military records a year or so later I believe he only showed them to one reporter for the Boston Globe which again might seem to indicate there was some poison pill.
I've always liked the guy. Indeed I sat a couple of feet away from him on the boat to Cape Cod recently and was struck by how comfortable he seemed in his own skin.
So it's just a mystery. Anyway, a great speech,
the kind I'd expected in 2004
August 28, 2008 6:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Another wonderful aspect of Kerry's taking on of McCain...he is equally a honorable, and decorated veteran of the Vietnam era. The "POW POW POW" response from the McCain camp cannot undercut Kerry's analysis and criticisms.
I agree that if we had seen this Kerry in 2004, it would be President Kerry in '08. I think we just saw the effects four years of contemplating his being "swiftboated" aging into some some damn fine wine...or more like a damn good wiskey. Watch out GOP! This might get really fun to watch.
August 28, 2008 7:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Kerry's speech was on-point, heated, humorous, and encompassing all at once.
I especially loved his line (hitting McCain on all of his recent flip-flops) when he said "Talk about being against it before you were for it!"
Great stuff by Kerry.
August 28, 2008 8:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Of course, immediately after Biden spoke last night the talking emptyheads were shaking their heads and panning the speech. What assholes.
I did think that after Bill and Kerry, FDR would have had a tough act to follow. And the red meat I thought he'd be the one to deliver had just been handed to the country on a platter and it was tasting insanely delicious.
But all three of these guys delivered supremely last night, and, combined with Hillary's performance the night before and then her gracious and somehow triumphant act yesterday afternoon, I think every Democrat who watched felt their chests swell with pride. And I felt such a sense of release.
God, it was all so excellent! I can't wait for tonight. GoBama!
August 28, 2008 8:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Way to go. Good way to wrap up this thread.
August 28, 2008 9:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Best speeh he ever gave.
Why is it that politicians become better after their presidential hopes are gone?
Kerry has become better, Gore has become better.
I esp. loved and laughed at the "two McCains" bit. Funny stuff, and brutal.
August 28, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because they're liberated, psychologically free to be more spontaneous and speak more from the heart. And we've seen a lot about what's in Gore and Kerry's hearts since their last campaigns, the quality of these individuals that just didn't come through enough (or maybe just wasn't recognized or appreciated enough) during the wild whirlwind that is US presidential politics.
August 28, 2008 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope Kerry continues to go out and hammer away at McCain for the next 70 days.
August 28, 2008 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I still find it hard to believe that Kerry gave this speech. Did they replace him with a body double or Stepford Kerry?
August 28, 2008 10:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fortunately, John Kerry has declined to take the hint of many in our party who wouldn't have minded a bit if they never heard from him again after 2004. He's playing a valuable role. You'd never know it from the MSM but there actually are many Democrats and independents who cast their ballots for him proudly--even if, or maybe because, they might have had trouble imagining themselves having a beer with him.
August 28, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I met Kerry once at my town Democratic caucus, here in Mass. He was really inspiring and warm, in person, in stark contrast to his media image as a detached patrician.
He would have made a good President, I believe.
August 28, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I think he'd have made a good POTUS.
I think he's grown since 2004 - he's going to make a good senior Senator from MA, much as I hate to contemplate the reason he'll be in that position.
August 28, 2008 11:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Kerry kicked ass. I hope he, Hill and Bill are deployed all over the country for the Obama campaign!
August 28, 2008 11:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Kerry gave a great speech last night. How much coverage has it gotten in the MSM? I watched Joe and CNN this morning and the coverage of it was just about nil.
Sometimes I wonder if there is a anti-Obama media conspiracy going on...
August 28, 2008 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
They all kicked ass last night,...it's like a perfect crescendo that keeps echoing and now the timpani is sounding off preparing us for the Finale tonight. This was also a little redemption for Kerry,...about how he got swiftboated on his stance on standing up against the vietnam war back when he rebelled and the flipflopper he got labeled with by the opposition in 2004. Nice work Kerry! Everybody is playing their part and backing Obama the best way they know how,...by interlocking their experience with his judgement.
August 28, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Speaking of speeches that got ignored,
Harry Ried pretty much opened up a big 'ol can of whoopass in his speech.
I was listening (NPR) and I couldn't believe it didn't get more fiery applause.
He really cut to the chase, simply calling Bush out for cronyism/war profiteering.
There was even some 'right wing' young male commenter on NPR who said "I just wanted to mention first, Harry Ried gave an incredibly partisan speech..." Then Andrea Seeabrooke cut him off as they went to Bill Clinton.
August 28, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Partisan. That's funny. Gawd, they are shaking in their loafers over at GooperCentral...
August 28, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Kerry might be in line for a very prominent position in a potential Obama administration. Some think he is making a play for being Secretary of State.
He has been a big Obama supporter. He was the first prominent national DEM to endorse Obama back before the South Carolina primary. And he has been a very effective surrogate on the national TV shows and on the campaign trail. He wiped the floor with Joe Lieberman a few weeks ago on Meet the Press.
August 28, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think he could be an excellent Secretary of State. Hadn't thought of that possibility before. We need him in the Senate, too, though.
August 28, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Kerry should be arrested for the assault he put on McCain. My goodness it was brutal.
August 28, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't really blame you. Over all Kerry was a pretty weak candidate. However, my goodness if he didn't run last term he would probably be on the VP shortlist today, and totally redefined the definition of "Attack Dog VP".
August 28, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some of Kerry's speech should be used in a national ad. Particulerly this exerpt:
August 28, 2008 7:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm sure that Kerry simply couldn't get his mind around the fact that fellow Viet Nam vets were savaging him like the Swiftboaters were, and his hesitation over how best to respond to that attack was fatal. I've always thought what happened to him was tragic, and a horribly wasted opportunity for our country. And I love his wife; she is unbelievably warm and generous.
August 28, 2008 8:14 PM | Reply | Permalink