Senator Kerry's not running. Wow, they took a good man and broke him.

Our country loses out today, because we are out a true leader who could have actually changed our country for the better.
NO ONE ELSE WILL EVERY COMPARE TO THE SENATOR. THAT INCLUDES ALL THE CURRENT LOT OF RUNNERS- NONE WILL MAKE A BETTER PRESIDENT THAN KERRY WOULD HAVE.
So go ahead and rejoice all you Clinton, Obama, Edwards supporters. The real completion is gone.

We're not.

I'm actualy glad. He can do more by focusing on being a kick ass senator ... Get to work JK.... :)

This is very good news.

anti-corruption Democrat in the debates.

should be automatically disqualified.

"Sorry about that" ain't enough.

They were negotiated OFF the table by some of those Dems who made that trade.

:shrug:

in investigating Bush's lead up to war.

None of them have ever taken stands where they sought greater access to government records when they were in the senate.

Hillary most DEFINITELY would not support open books. Look at all the Bush crimes of office Bill ignored and in the case of Iraqgate, BCCI and CIA drugrunning, he actively DOWNPLAYED those outstanding issues that he inherited, thereby giving Poppy Bush a free pass.

As you may recall, it was Kerry who was always taking Bush1 to court to get documents made public. He was the one who went to court to get access that allowed president's daily briefings to be examined.

You can't find a more open government senator than Kerry. If Waxman was in the senate he might be able to give it a shot.

are high quality people. Kerry was too. You don't have to demean others to compliment Kerry, who will continue to make a big difference in the Senate along with Senator Kennedy.

I respect Kerry. He bowed to very poor advice-- advice that had lasting damage. He is a man of honor and integrity and hopefully will continue to fight for all of us in the Senate.

He'll get a great position in the new democratic administration!
Yeah!!

They're the ones that screwed him up - the republican wing of the Democratic party.

There is nothing for ME to rejoice about.

This man should be runing for RE-election right now.

That's what "they" do. It is not enough to win. The Rs must destroy the other side to neutralize the threat and to serve as a warning to others.

for good, in the US and internationally.

He probably does, but I haven't heard which one.

experienced, domestically and internationally, that a Democratic President would be sure call on his services to take charge of some major undertaking(s).

I remember campaigning for JK's reelection to the Senate in 1990. I lived in MA then. When I was in high school in 1984, I was for the other guy because I was sucked into that whole Reagan thing. Over the next six years I saw JK on TV and was really impressed with the depth of his understanding. By then, I also became dissolusioned with Reagan.

But now they will have a Senator Kerry free to concentrate on the SERIOUS CORRUPTION of DC - GOP and Democratic administrations STEEPED in secrecy and privilege and closing this government off to its citizens while they commit crimes in our names.

Expose them all, Senator - they are parasites intent on draining this nation of its democratic spirit.

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/111106.html

I'm amazed a Kerry supporter would even suggest he was not as tough as they come.
Kerry was pushed out of the money game and has been villified to the point that it would be all uphill.
This was simple logistics. Kerry lost most all of his support.

You don't have to tell me he is a fighter and he would of continued to fight if he though he had a chance.I thought he did. I thought he could of won the people over again if he went out and campaigned. It was the belt way Dem's and the elite that nixed this. I have been involved in politics indirectly long enough to know how it went down. People warned me that they would not allow him to run, it wasn't going to happen, but I held out hope that he could break the system and make it work for him. I know all about the money and the squeeze. You don't have to tell me.

The same forces that were ambivalent and angling for 2008, did get their wish. I blame the Clinton team's lackluster support and maneuvering now. McAuliffe is distorting as loudly as he can. The Democratic party, generally, did not do their job in 2004, but the beltway boys, not Fred and Mort, didn't expect a win, and worked accordingly.

Someday, in retrospect, the 2004 campaign will become clearer and look better, when more of the stats, and the real Kerry, becomes more known. Someday we will understand the voting inaccuracies more than we do now, and forgive what could not be changed. It was a great effort, but the competition and media's pre-ordained horse race would have continued to re-write that history and create more barriers.

You have to play along with the party, and leaders have picked the choices. With Kerry less a target as candidate, however much his views will be a challenge to them, he can accomplish more and repair the reputation that many to tarnish and squelch. A lot of this process was to re-introduce him, but, I believe, media and competition would never have let that happen.

I don't how much energy and spin will be used to change opinion of his views, his legislation, now that he is not a candidate.

Too many resent that he lost and didn't save them from Bush, and could never listen to explanations and campaign facts they don't want to believe. Now he will have an easier time, I think, to do great work, be the truth-teller, fix the country that is so broken.

Interesting if the media will cover him any more or less, and how. Clinton so tried to undercut his leadership, which as the standard bearer many voted for, needed to be valued, as party-building fact. Very counter-productive to wreck whatever leadership he represented to the voter.

Kerry as president, on the inside, would have been breathtaking and powerful. As the critic, moving opinion, creating change, could be even more spectacular. We certainly need Kerry as fully Kerry.

wherever he is.
But, he's still MY president.

I don't know WHY we, as Democrats, were not more prepared to defend against the bull considering we'd already experienced the same tricks.

"Stiff." "Fake." "Elitist."

One only need visit the archives of The Daily Howler to watch the so-called "liberal media" in action.

A good resource.

Perhaps he saw the writing on the wall. Although he may have made a good president he made too many blunders. I also do not agree that he was head and shoulders above the others.

.

but I wouldn't say they "broke him". The man stood tall to the lowest blows the GOP could muster.
He would have, should have, been a great President but I don't doubt he'll still make democrats proud.

he'll still be a powerful advocate in the Senate.

I, for one, am glad that Kerry is not running. I think, had he run, he would have bbeen embarrassed by a poor showing. The person most to blame for Kerry's "breaking" is John Kerry himself.

I see Kerry's downslide coming after he ne ver adequately responded to the Swift Boat Liars. I would like to think that Senator Kerry felt that the voters were too intelligent to believe that crap. Guess what? THEY'RE NOT! In our age of Faux News and tabloid reporting, every smear must be responded to. I worked for the Dukakis campaign in 1988 and saw first-hand what happens to a candidate who doesn't take negative attacks seriously.

The fact that Kerry also left so many millions unspent bothers me. Given how heart-breakingly close the race was, why would you sit on millions that could have been pumped into key states where you ended up losing by a whisker? In every campaign that I have worked on, we spent up until the last hours trying to get the message out.

John Kerry still remains an important voice for the Democratic Party, but he has no future as our nominee. A whole new cycle has come and new leaders have arisen. While I'm still somewhat undecided on a candidate for 2008, I'm not "rejoicing" in kerry's departure. I agree that his loss in 2004 was a loss for the entire nation. Senator Kerry just bowed to the inevitable today.

He would have been a tremendous president. I disagree that he would have been better than everyone running now, but he would have been better than many, and equal to anyone else.

He is a real leader in the Senate, and like Gore, now that he's free of having to run a national political campaign, he may become an even better leader. And he will be part of whatever ticket emerges from the 2008 primaries. Not saying he'll be VP--though it's not out of the question, probably--but he'll be involved, maybe even in a cabinet position, if he wants it. Now that he's not a candidate, he becomes a statesman, and more respected.

It's done. Happy or sad, it's just another step along the path to try to save this nation.

and you know I am an avid Clarkie. I have always liked Kerry, loved Teresa and John and I are probably heartsick together about that vote. But more, I appreciate Senator Kerry's essential goodness and great Heart. My only time ever seeing him up close, he was rollerblading on Venice Beach in 2000 and he was a joy to behold. My heart goes out to you and you definitely know I mean it because I have defended him.

:hug: Honestly, very sorry. Senator Kerry will be a Force for Good.

Maybe we're looking at a future Secretary of State, or Secretary of Defense. Who knows what kind of negotiations are going on behind the scenes in anticipation of a Democratic president ...

Kerry would be awesome in those positions. We need someone with intelligence and integrity in those spots (for a change).

Johm Kerry is far too strong a person with too much left to offer to ever call John Kerry "broken", for which I am deeply appreciative. I count on John Kerry to be a strong and wise voice in the United States Senate. I do not mean to minimize the disappointment those who supported John Kerry for President in 2008 feel now. I went through that place around a different candidate in 2004. It is a hard blow for those who believe most in this good man. But John Kerry is not now, nor will he ever be "broken".

I hope the supporters of other candidates leave those who supported John Kerry some room to feel their loss before being courted to support someone else.

he knows that this just his time right now. There are a new slew of candidates that'll duke it out and he's fine with serving the country in the Senate which is good for America. he'll also have an oppurtunity for getting tapped for a nice administrative position.

I agree fully

I have supported Kerry from 2003 and on.........he was my first choice and only choice.

I was always told he wasnt going to make it in all the blogs, but I stood my ground
and told everyone that yes, if you keep at it you can win, and look what happened
he was our nomination.
I am a history buff, and Presidential history is one of my favorite subjects,
John Kerry would have been one of our better Presidents that we have had,he would have
made a difference.
I met him when he was here in Portland ,Oregon (May 2004) and will never forget that day..........


I do hope he changes his mind by next year
Yes it is a sad day in America.........................................

if he really must leave the Senate. At least now his replacement will be appointed by a Democrat.

He has a great record as a pit bull investigator who is not afraid to take on the most powerful institutions in this country. If you don't believe it given his lack of response to the Swift Boat slander, check out his investigation into BCCI and his subsequent end run around Congress when the Bush family managed to get it shut down there.

Not every Democrat is suited to the top job, no matter how great he's been at other jobs. Kerry has been and is a great Senator. He would be a magnificent Attorney General. I would prefer someone else in the top job.

I currently support John Edwards, but I was kind of looking forward to seeing what Kerry might have to say if he ran again.

Kerry is still a strong Senator, and he will be in a more powerful position going forward with Dems in control to do good things for America. So, we're still winners, he's one of the good guys and he's on our side.

They are not on our side. What they promote is harmful to this country.

.

My heart goes out to his loyal supporters, but I am sad for myself, too. We desperately need candidates of Kerry's substance particularly on foreign policy. If Wes doesn't run I will absolutely jump off a bridge now.

Either Wes Clark or Al Gore has GOT to get into this.

...but hopefully in the Senate he will put his very considerable investigatory skills to work uncovering and bringing to light all the corruption and underhanded dealing that's been going on under the Bush administration. I admire John Kerry more than any other Democratic politician I can think of.

swiftboaters in 04, they'll be back - joke backlash in 06.

I was a big supporter of John Kerry, but I must admit that I didn't like his brand of campaigning, deferring to others instead of taking measures into his own hands.
He must take some responsibility for his failure in the Presidential realm; there is no total pass for him.
He did not stand up when it was called for. Period.
Let this be a lesson for others in our party who refuse to strike back when bludgeoned.
There are naturally other factors in Kerry's withdrawal/refusal, but the public image has been tarnished badly, perhaps without likelihood of recovery.
I agree with this decision by Kerry. No particular rejoicing. I hope he made the decision by HIMSELF.

...O...

I'm having a really emotional reaction I did NOT expect. I guess because it brings back the whole 2004 election-and we will never know the truth and who to blame and everyone always blames Kerry for everything. Which I understand and yet..he is not a bad guy! He is just very human and admits mistakes unlike others even if he makes more than some-whose to say? The guy has such a good heart and really wants the best for this nation. I just feel that loss again. I wasn't necessarily thinking of backing him again but dammit dammit dammit.

He should be president now. I have faith in him that he intends to do everything to get rid of those cretins that have tried to ruin our country.

And I have to add he's not broken. He has more courage in his left pinkie than some others running for president.

Not even damaged. He made a decision, and I respect it. He wants to move on, and work on bigger issues and hopefully he'll get to do that.

Instead of campaigning and campaigning over the next year or two, he'll get to LEAD in the Senate and HOLD this Administration ACCOUNTABLE!!

broke as in broke.

... when he voted for the IWR.

they'd replayed and harped on all of Bush's blunders the way they did Kerry (and Dean before the Swiftboating and most recent slip on Iraq)--
maybe the country wouldn't be in the mess that it's in today.


And I'm not even a Kerry fan, but I can feel for the guy.


Gore, Dean, Kerry. Who's next? My money's on Obama for the media meatgrinder.

Clearly you were a big supporter, and I know it must be a difficult announcement to hear. Though I voted for Kerry in '04, he wasn't my first choice in the '04 primary and wouldn't have been this time around either. Still, I admire him, and have every confidence that he will continue to lead and continue to speak up on issues that are important to him and to the future of the country.

:toast: to John Kerry :toast:

And :toast: to his supporters :toast:

it's bullshit what the media did to him over the 'bpothed joke' , knowing that's all it was and nothing more-but a run right now wouldn't have been the wisest choice.

kerry's still got a lot of years left him and he could run 4 or 8 years down the line-when the bush horrors are a distant memory and the media has been held accountable through reform (i hope)

Let's look forward to a "guns-a-blazing" Senator Kerry who may be able to shape the debate even better as a fire-brand BLUE STATE senator as opposed to a Prez. candidate with advisors whispering in his ear.

And shame on you for demeaning supporters of candidates currently running. John Kerry made a decision not to run this time around, that's all.

I genuinely sympathize because I know you wanted him to run, but this kind of blame is over the top.

condolences as well and was summarily drop kicked for it ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3074800#3075377

:shrug:

probably not appreciate my efforts.

I have a family member who is a political consultant in Boston and works closely with Kerry's American Security Project,headed by Gary Hart, down in Washington. It was this person who told me that Kerry would not be running for President back in November. Kerry was depressed that he had not defended the military rank and file he most wanted to defend. I predicted this on DU and got pretty beaten up as a result. This was a sad thing. But I view it as personal issue on Kerry's part. I know that he really must feel for the veterans in a way that so many Republicans never can feel. He was wronged in so many ways by the souless Republicans that he is to me an almost saint.

What can anyone say to help? It is not right. Kerry is a good man, noble even. We owe him a debt of gratitude. He was so smart and good, it is a tragedy he did not win the White HOuse in 2004.

Good luck to you, Wisteria. I wish you well...

in 2003-2004.

Not our problem any more.

public servant and ran an honorable campaign. To bad people were frightened into voting for the slug instead. I suggest you take a look at the real Senator Kerry and not the one the media created. This man never shoots himself in the foot.

He probably would have been a good President, but he ran a stinker of a campaign. Hopefully the CURRENT LOT OF RUNNERS will learn from his mistakes.

were shitty. His campaign was a good one and it came close to toppling the slug we have for President now.

He just didn't run a very good campaign. He missed countless opportunities to take the fight to Bush, he remained far too passive in response to attacks, and he did a very poor job of articulating his Iraq policy.

Really, this isn't personal. I do think Kerry would have been a wonderful president, but he did a crummy job of convincing the American people of that.

He can take a one-sentence statement and drag it into an endlessly droning paragraph. And he gave this impression of passivity during the campaign -- letting the other side use him as a punching bag without fighting back. Maybe he had bad campaign advisors, but hey, isn't he the one who was supposed to make the decisions? I'm not basing this opinion on what the media tells me. I can just tell you that whenever he got up to give a speech, it felt like the energy sort of seeped out of the room.

Maybe Howard Dean wasn't such a great politician either. But at least he had the gift of electricity.

This country and this party are not exactly short on talent when it comes to potential leaders. Kerry's bloodied, but unbowed, and he made it clear that he's going to continue serving his country. I applaud that.

We'll do it for them gladly.