TERESA HEINZ KERRY, a woman who speaks her mind -- HAS SHE SPOKEN?

I'm just curious about this. I've heard nothing about her thoughts on the election fiasco. I don't watch television, so I catch my news from Internet sources and of course my vigilant friends at DU.

Does anybody have any information as to whether Teresa Heinz Kerry has uttered one peep about the tainted election?

Think about it. This woman is smart, outspoken, and, as John Kerry described her, savvy. You would think if anyone had an opinion about what was going on, it would be Mama T. For her to withhold speaking her mind, well, it just strikes me as very, very odd. Indeed, curiouser and curiouser.

We've all been mentioning the odd "Silence of the Dems." Anybody have any thoughts on this as it relates specifically to Teresa Heinz Kerry?

It really just dawned on me today, of all people to be quiet, she is the most unlikely one. I got a kick out of her in the campaign, how she never shrank from expressing her thoughts and ideas.

One thing was clear when she and Kerry together were approached by one of our BBV people. She reacted to the "news" with shock and anger. Kerry looked distracted.

IF there is anything big going on, Kerry's family has not been let in on it. or at least wasn't. If this something big involves a late awakening on Kerry's part I would wager it is something not big enough to matter.

I am almost getting to something I would still like to imagine, something we are being probed for even now, but which is so invisible and fictional and against all the real evidence that I just won't introduce it here.

MFSH. If it happens. I can imagine it. I can see the probable preparations and the hands and the consultations. And every day I see signs it is simply a delusion, though much saner than the real world as it stands today on the brink of escalating madness.

I don't think that she's uttered a word in public since she made comments about Laura Bush never having a real job. Oh no, that's not right. She apologized for her mean spirited remark.

of Laura Bush, it's easy to forget she was a teacher. She hasn't really done much to stand out among First Ladies -- she kind of blends in with the furniture. Call me mean-spirited, but that's my honest impression of her. She's a dud.

Edited to add: There is NO WAY Teresa Kerry retreated into hiding after that harmless remark. Teresa isn't a meek little thing like Laura Bush. Teresa isn't afraid of her own shadow.

I'll never forget an interview Laura Bush & Caroline Kennedy had with Tim Russert. Laura Bush was embarrassingly inarticulate next to Caroline, who had a highly respectable command for the English language. Laura Bush said very little; when she did, she came across as a simpleton.

:shrug: Oh, that is just her wardrobe.

I get that way when folks attack people that don't deserve the petty attacks of the fundies. TK has more class and grace than any of the BFEE women. What a pleasure it would have been to have a truly educated and enlightened 1st lady. :cry:

the class John Kerry would have brought to the presidency. It was a chance to be proud of our country again. And that goes for Teresa, too -- the speeches I heard her make, particularly the one the night Kerry accepted the nomination, reminded me of Jacqueline Kennedy's cultured background. Teresa Kerry would have made the women of this country proud, too.

She would've re-awakened and championed many 'women's issues.'

And actually Teresa was one (of the many) reasons I voted for Kerry. The fact that he chose and truly admired a strong, intelligent woman ...and actually liked her 'spontaneity'...said a lot about his character, and liking the truth.

What annoyed me so much was how the Right 'spun' Teresa's spontaneity into a negative image...calling her a 'loose cannon.' Having an opinion, and expressing it is only (as Teresa herself said): 'being opinionated'...and 'speaking Truth to authority.'

Who knows, maybe she might STILL be our First Lady. Let's not give up hope...yet.

Your thoughts about John Kerry's choice of a strong, intelligent woman reflecting his character are right on -- I thought so, too.

And the extremely dirty campaign tactics by the Republicans says a lot about their lack of character. If disinformation is the only way they can win, that's pathetic. All I can say about the people who believe anything Republicans say is that they're cut from the same cloth as those who drank the KoolAid served by Jim Jones in Guyana.

I saw the Kerry daughters on Live with Larry King and I was totally impressed with their compassion, intelligence and wit! They are very nice girls. I'd like my niece to hang out with them!

I can still see the visual of the stage after the last debate: The Bush twins stood to the far left corner, Jenna with her arms folded, as if they were privy to how out-classed they were.

The Kerry daughters' social graces were evident: They approached everyone on stage graciously.

I saw the Larry King interview. I was struck by Vanessa's inability to say Bush's name. "The man who won" got (x-amount) of votes, & she said "he" instead of "Bush" in the next sentence. We all can relate to that. Btw, she's in France studying medicine.

Instead, the only class we got was LOW!

It is only a matter of uncovering the fraud.

I was just so angry about the constant rehash of fundie slams on TK that I was thinking negatively. :mad: You are right, TK will be a first class first lady. ;-) Thanks for correcting me. :hi: A belated welcome to you.

know. Georgie boy was born with a silver spoon and was an alcoholic.
Laura is a typical stepford wife. How can they pull of a 3.5 million
vote win I will never understand. Must be stolen, big time.

There was one of those biography shows on MSNBC several months ago about shrub and her. He went back to W Texas to run for office, the W Texas population saw him as a carpetbagger from the North East and didn't like him at all. HER family was a well known, well-off West Texas family. The Bushes helped encourage and arrange the two of them to get married, in hopes of winning over the people of West Texas. Didn't work, he still lost. The narrator then added that soon after his lost election, the marriage started to turn sour..him out partying and drinking, etc... Of course, the arranged marriage didn't help him at all so he was no longer interested in their "marriage".

Welcome to DU, and enjoy your stay :hurts:

Thanks for your input.

:eyes:

Michael Moore's silence. Both are very outspoken & their silence is probably a big clue that something is happening.

Although the silence & the business-as-usual, let's-move-on attitudes are hard to take, I believe they're the biggest clues of all that this scam is being dissected as we fret.

A clue that progress is being made is Jesse Jackson's organized protest in Ohio, perhaps?

Remember his anger during the campaign? He is the true President and he has every right to be screaming that they did it again! :argh: Where is he now and why is he so quiet? :shrug:

I really believe that's a good, good sign. :)

....Bring up a good point here. It's not like Al not to be saying something here. He can't stand the Bushies not only for what happen in 2000 but for alot of reasons and for him to sit back and say nothing about all of this there has to be something major going on here. Because if there wasn't he would be one of the first and one of the loudest speaking out on this. Also Teresea not being seen is telling to. Because she is so unspoken if she was out there I think she would say what she had on her mind. That may be the very reason she isn't out there.

John and Theresa's quietness in the aftermath of the election is a bit strange. Not much seems to be happening.

Here are some possibilities (I am sure that there are others) of what Kerry is doing (from the most positive to the most negative):

1. Kerry is tirelessly working in the background trying to uncover voter fraud in enough states so that he can win the election.

2. Kerry is working in the background trying to uncover voter fraud so that future elections are free.

3. Kerry has been threatened and is in fear for the lives of himself and/or his family.

4. Kerry thinks he can win the election based on fraud but doesn't have the heart to go through with it.

5. Kerry has realized that he can't win the election. His emails to raise money for the election count are just another way for him to earn some cash for his next re-election bid or run for the presidency.

Theresa's lack of comments is based entirely on which possibility Kerry is doing.

Any of those possibilities are beyond the realm of probability.

The thread is to request updates on whether Teresa Heinz Kerry has said anything about the tainted election. Have you heard anything specific about that subject?

subject at all.

Please accept apologies for snarkiness.

:hi:

He has more integrity than that. If he's asking for "recount" money, that's what it'll be used for.

"Integrity, integrity, integrity."

and I thought her remark was extremely unkind. I know many teachers that refused to vote for Kerry just because of her comments. That is too bad that she caused him to lose votes.

on same lame-ass excuse about Teresa. Yes, you betcha.

You're in Texas? Bwhahahahaha. Try again.

just goes to show how much you really don't know about Texas

Residences in Houston, Arlington and Fort Worth. I also traveled extensively for my company, to Austin, Tyler, San Antonio, and Midland-Odessa.

Assumptions tend to circle around and bite you in the butt, don't they?

You think you're sick of Junior? Be thankful you didn't have him as gov. for the six years prior to his stay in the WH.

I do know that there are many Texans here who are disgusted with him, & I should have added that to my post above.

Just look forward to the day (hopefully, coming very soon) when you can change your screen name back. Now, won't that be nice? ;)

They may have given people a reason to vote the way they wanted anyways.

"I really cannot believe that those comments really changed any votes"

That mentality explains why so many DUers believe that Rove is a diabolical genius.

I personally don't think Rove's all that we make him out to be...... but he surely knows that comments like several of the ones Teresa H.K. made hurt Kerry's campaign.

I know that Teresa hurt Kerry's campaign because many people could not identify with her. She put her foot in her mouth every other time she opened it, at least with the people Kerry needed to swing this election.

IMHO on a scale of 1 to 10 her contribution was -10.

And I live in Texas where her audience was slightly more, shall we say, critical? At least. It took them a while, but they turned into fans. Only the insecure or small-minded had a problem with THK. Both of those groups, embodied by the fundies, would've had a problem with any woman who didn't follow her husband around like a medicated groupie.

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like most pres. candidate's wives do. (Barbara Bush is a kindly grandmother is a perfect example.) They also acknowledged that she was very smart. Even the ones I know who didn't care about her one way or the other said they knew she was smart. All of them agreed that a woman that smart wouldn't be married to a man she didn't respect and trust. That's worth far more than a forced or habitual loyalty. That's an informed choice and a heartfelt one. That resonates.

As your experience has been positive mine has been negative.

To show us all how smart she was she quoted Schopenhauer.

She just wasn't smart enough to know that Schopenhauer was a raging anti-semite. That reasonated within the Jewish community.

Laura's not having spoken with grieving families of soldiers killed in a war without them first signing a loyalty oath -- a war her husband lied to throw us into -- resonates with a lot of people here, too. Her nattering on with her shallow speech while a distraught mother of a dead soldier was dragged from the room resoundingly resonated here. Husband and wife never bothering to attend a single funeral, either. That's really gone over well.

Then there's the not-insignificant fact that folks in Texas know the apples don't fall far from the tree and you can pretty much tell what people are like by how their children turn out. The twins are famous here. Well, infamous, anyway. Folks wonder if they're still on probation considering they traveled all over this summer and fall. It is kind of a relief knowing that when we see pictures of them falling down drunk that now they bought the alcohol legally. :eyes:

You won't see me taking the opposite side of that debate. But that is not the subject of this thread.

That doesn't change the fact that no matter how you paint Teresa's contribution to the Kerry campaign that at best she provided the opposition with plenty of ammunition.

After all wasn't the goal of getting Kerry elected more important than Teresa demonstrating her talents?

It is a fact that several of Kerry's key advisers have now said that between her speechs and emotional issues Teresa was a huge problem on the campaign trail.

negativity that you've taken in about Teresa Kerry than Laura Bush. Teresa Kerry can run circles around Laura Bush when it comes to substance, so it seems the real problem is the corporate media's ability to shape opinions to suit its interests. The Democrats need a voice in the media to balance the information that will have an impact on the people who are too busy (or too lazy) to think for themselves.

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There's no 'there' there.

I'm pointing out how the corporate media's hatchet job on her was effective on shallow-minded people who aren't as interested in the more important issues of the campaign: the Iraq war; loss of democracy to theocracy; threats to social security, Medicare; etc.

All she had to do was show up and there was unfair criticism of her (they didn't like her hair for starters) from the disproportionate bias against the democratic candidates. This criticism was replayed over and over and over, ad nauseum. Even on NPR. There was a story done during 2000 election cycle just counting the number of positive stories and negative stories for Bush and Gore. I don't have the exact numbeers, but would you believe it was something like 66% positive for Bush and 66% negative for Gore.

People need to listen to media stories with a little more critical ear. There is no "liberal" media - let's stop saying that because it is one of those lies that gets repeated so often, people believe it. Let's start a movement looking for "factual" media to displace what we have. If the story isn't based on fact or first hand knowledge, you're outa here!

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WHat's she supposed to do - curl up in a corner because a staffie has some perceived problem and thinks it's her fault? jeesh. Deal with it and FOCUS on the what positive steps needed to be taken to accomplish the end game. The gossip sounds like petty backstabbing.

The women I know, particularly those in Texas, appreciate a woman with a mind of her own and the will to use it. Obviously, that doesn't hold true for everyone, particularly fundies.

Bottom line: It doesn't matter what THK said or did this campaign season, the wingnuts would've come up with something to use against her. Dean's wife never campaigned at all until the end of the primaries and then came out simply because her silence was criticized. They can't win. The wives can't win. When you've got extremists reporting the 'news' - and ambitious advisers spinning that problems were anything but THEIR fault ('cause, you know, their advice was soooo invaluable with the Swift Boat Liars :eyes:) - you're going to get emphasis put on nonsense and manufactured 'stories'. Anywhere but the issues and the substance of the real candidate.

THK was not a liability in any way just as Laura Stepford wasn't an asset. Not unless you listen to Faux News. There's a whole other reality at work there. But I suspect you're very familiar with that.

I can see we are getting close to the point that I get called a "freeper".

how to deal with the KoolAid drinkers. Is there a way to do that without lying to get ahead in the "minds" of those who don't think for themselves?

but as long as we kid ourselves and pass blame then we are heading that way.

They depend on corporate media to form their opinions for them. Their cult members are very vulnerable to spin, as evidenced in the disinformation mentioned about Teresa Kerry by several posters in this thread.

self deleted

That's a patronizing remark, to accuse THK supporters of "blind loyalty." We are loyal to her because we believe she will make a great First Lady. All the sniping from "insiders" is just bellyaching to deflect attention from whatever role they played that caused harm to the Kerry campaign.

The "blind loyalty" label belongs to bushbots. We all know that bush demands loyalty over anything else, even the well-being of Americans. His followers are truly blind to what he is doing, and they are loyal beyond comprehension.

Blind loyalty, indeed.

We are loyal to her because we believe she "will" make a great First Lady.

I think not. You've made up your mind. There are all kinds of blindness when it comes to viewpoints.

I'll keep my position of loyalty to Ms. Teresa Heinz Kerry. She has a long history of philanthropy, and she's highly intelligent. I do believe she "will" make a great First Lady.

Clearly you disagree because you believe Kerry lost and therefore there is no chance for Ms. Heinz Kerry to prove herself to be a great First Lady. I, however, believe Kerry won. If that's a problem for some people, then that's not my problem.

Then wasn't Tipper a great First Lady?

It doesn't apply and it doesn't fly.

The purpose of this thread was to gain information relating to whether Teresa Heinz Kerry has made any kind of statement regarding the tainted election, and people's thoughts thereto.

I do realize that threads digress, this one being a good example, and that's fine. However, our personal debate is pointless because we're beginning from opposite ends of the spectrum. You believe Kerry lost the election and has no chance of being President No. 44. I believe Kerry won the election, and maintains a chance of being President No. 44. Therefore, whatever bantering we may engage in, we will never be able to meet in the middle because we are already too far apart and neither party is willing to concede ground.

Fair?

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I found her comment to be a simple mistake that was over reported analyzed and blown out of proportion by the "liberal media"

It is interesting that this is such a big issue with you. Since you followed the story so closely, you surely heard that THK apologized and offered sincere praise for the great work that teachers do.

Laura Bush seemed OK with it. I wonder why you still seem to harbor ill feelings.

Hmmmmm :think:

After the Sec of Ed. referring to the NEA as a terrorist organization, I don't think Theresa's comment would have the kind of impact suggested by the Texas teacher above.

I was surprised at how many public educators in our school were voting for Bush though. In our Junior High, it was a pretty even split--the guys voted for bush, the ladies for Kerry. I found that interesting as well.

ohioteacher

Welcome to DU!

Thanks for your service. Bless your heart, working in a Jr High.

:yourock:

Those teachers that voted against him over that bit theirself in the A$$ in the long run. Because if they think Bush will be there for them they aren't to brainy themselves. Evidence speaks for itself on the issue of Bush verses teachers and education. A good example is the latest 388 billion pork barrel spending bill that was passed. Cut education like crazy in that bill and that is just a drop in the bucket. So their self centered choices will be gladly welcomed by other teachers and children across the country.

how any teacher could bring themselves to cast a vote for that sorry sniveling "leave no billionaire behind" weed.

JMHO

I, too, am a public school teacher of 33 years. I did not find Theresa's comment at all insulting to teachers. Laura, to most of the teachers I know, is not a typical teacher - she is far too passive and mealy-mouthed to be effective in today's public school. To not speak out against ESEA demonstrates to me and others that Laura is in deed, a stepford wife.

to damage our country, its reputation, the lives of our troops, the lives of innocent Iraqis, our economy, our civil rights, our freedoms, etc., THAT REMARK ABOUT POOR LITTLE LAURA BUSH is what "many teachers" considered a priority in giving the WORST PRESIDENT OF THE HISTORY OF THE U.S. a SECOND TERM?!

We're in more trouble than I thought we were. I'm glad my sons are out of school!

Does not speak for "many teachers"

Just going out on a limb on that one. :freak:

Muttering something to herself about the heat as the screen door slammed her on the way out.

Tonight is not a school night. You can stay up late.

:pals:

librarians, the were made against the lump of a woman who has done nothing while 1st lady (either WH or TX gov). She is an abused spouse who stays with her man out of fear. I give school teachers more credit than you do and more credit than I give you. Have you ever heard of "no child left behind"? School teachers I know voted against the shrub because of the lies and the lack of funding.

1.) "She is an abused spouse" Is this really true?
2.) I have read that the Bush family (Neil, Jeb) has made money in CO and TX and FL by abuse of taxpayers money in the education 'business.' Is this true?

you get anyone to say for a fact that she is abused. But, having worked with and known abused spouses, I see the signs in pickles. She did tell the story on Leno that she was nagging at him about his efforts one night as they were driving home, he got mad and slammed the car into the garage. Now, that seems to me that he has a problem managing his anger and she has a problem because she finds that behavior acceptable. Look what has happened to Neil's ex-wife, she has been threatened by the BFEE, she has been cut off from the family and she lives in fear.

Regarding your question about the BFEE abuse of taxpayers money in the education business, I have read the articles and it would not surprise me at all if it is true. They are evil criminals.

I live in a red state too. Many of the voters here made up their minds on very superficial items. I've heard the "I don't like his wife" as well.

The spin machine spun and the leftover lint turned into anti-Kerry sentiment. It boils down to INFORMATION. We have to find an avenue to get the truth out.

admin, they never would have voted for him. You are exactly right, it boils down to information and we must find a way to get the truth out and our message heard, not our message spun.

Here the Dem party is a place for like-minded people to get together and not feel alone. I will be attending more, but the organization is in a shambles.

Short of dropping informative articles in parking garage elevators (which don't exist in rural communities) I am at a loss.

involves Faux news involvement in the fraud? They were the first to call the Ohio and the election for the weed. What if they charge Murdock and the news producers with wire fraud associated with their receipt of faxes that assisted the BFEE in perpetrating the fraud on our nation? That would wake up the other media outlets and would be a step towards returning a fair media to the public.

What if the media faced indictments as acessories before and after the fact?

:think:

I know what you're saying. Fox / Rush / Hannity are all complicit. Unless we were to get copies of the faxes how would we prove aiding and abetting fraud? And I would worry about First Amendment infringement.

I disagree with what they say. But I defend their right to say it.

to the fraud. To call the state and the election for the weed before the votes are in could have been part of the scheme to defraud. Rove and the weed's admin are known for faxing their directives, talking points, spin and lies to the media.

They can't hide behind the 1st amendment if they were willful participants to the fraud.

in the hotel rooms in Florida. We can't even get WH e-mail with a Justice Department investigation so even IF they were careless who is going to get anything provable?

There was one way to bring them down hard. I hope to see it yet. I think it is why "they"(tinfoil here) stole one of Kerry's campaign laptops very early on and felt safe about running against him- because to all intents and purposes he looked like just another stand up knock down straight ahead Dem campaigner.

Too late to catch up now, I should think.

was funny and moved on. People who get their incredibly tiny feelings hurt so easy and then doom the rest of the nation's young people to a possible death or permanent maiming in Iraq need to quit being so damn selfish and small.

freep ...freep ... freep?

That is a stupid reason not to vote for Kerry.

It's easy to forget that she was a teacher...I actually thought she was a librarian, not a teacher. That's not a slur on teachers.

At least THK didn't mention the little "accident" Laura had in her youth.

you probably had no effing idea what she said, which was:

"Well, you know, I don't know Laura Bush. But she seems to be calm, and she has a sparkle in her eye, which is good. But I don't know that she's ever had a real job — I mean, since she's been grown up. So her experience and her validation comes from important things, but different things. And I'm older, and my validation of what I do and what I believe and my experience is a little bit bigger — because I'm older, and I've had different experiences. And it's not a criticism of her. It's just, you know, what life is about."


So Karan, this is the "heinous" comment. Which was followed up by this:

"I had forgotten that Mrs. Bush had worked as a school teacher and librarian, and there couldn't be a more important job than teaching our children. As someone who has been both a full-time mom and full-time in work force, I know we all have valuable experiences that shape who we are. I appreciate and honor Mrs. Bush's service to the country as first lady and am sincerely sorry I had not remembered her important work in the past."

AND, by the way, Laura Bush worked for Texas schools from 1968-1977. Since she was born in 1946, she never worked a "real job" after age 30.

youthful indiscretion and if he admits to going sober on his 40th birthday, does that mean pickles work experience were also youthful experiences?

He gave up drinking and she gave up all pretense of having a personality.

No. 3 is plausible, but without the word "cowering". If Kerry was threatened, I believe that may explain why he has chosen to make his case before speaking out.

No.'s 4 & 5 don't fit Kerry's character. In fact, it would take someone who hasn't familiarized themselves about Kerry's background to insinuate that Kerry would scam people out of donations for a feigned recount, then use the money for a future campaign.

I would omit your no.'s 3-5 & add this for no. 3: Kerry is tracing the money as we speak.

That would certainly fit Kerry's M.O.

This is one major reason I supported John Kerry: I knew he would cut off the lifeblood of the terrorists, dirty money from criminal deeds and drug running.

bush would never do that because it would affect his own finances and those of his "friends."

election money that isn't spent during this campaign can be converted into the next campaign's fund.

Personally, I do not sure that I trust any high-level politician (which is not to say that they are all bad, it is just I am not sure). The perks and advantages that go with it separates them from the common people.

or whoever was responsible for disbursing the funds to other Dem candidates or maybe it's being retained in the DNC coffers.

There was a controversy that flared up about Kerry having approximately $15 million, IIRC. As soon as the flap arose, Kerry relinquished the money. The controversy died immediately.

That is one piece of news that I seemed to have missed.

Try googling "Donna brazile" and "Kerry" and "election" and "money," that might bring up a link.

I'll try it, too, we'll see who gets there first :)

edit: As close as I could get:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/18/democrats.kerry.ap/

"While some officials pointed fingers at campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill, others said Kerry himself knew there was a big surplus in his primary campaign account. They said he wanted to save it in the event of a recount, legal challenges or other unforeseen bills. In the end, they said, Kerry's nest egg will be less than $10 million.

"They're doing this now because they're being forced to, not because they want to," said Democratic consultant Donna Brazile, the most vocal critic of Kerry's spending. "They still don't have a defense for why they hung on to the money."

With friends like Donna Brazile, who needs enemies?

Why would someone save money to buy a car if they didn't plan on buying a car? ;)

Kerry will join in the recount effort with a much more visible profile when the time is right. Got to line up all those little duckies in a row. This is the toughest case of his career, and he has only one shot at winning it. He needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this election was tainted.

is a hopeless preservation of his credibility as a fighter. His people scurrying hither and thither are NOT looking like enthused winners. They are also not really picking up on the BBV audits which, IF they have honestly given up, are a logical next step to redeeming the system.

The grimmest interpretation is posing in limbo, too struck down to engage in the reform issue, too intent on going through the motions on a Gore-lite recount.

We should match our expectations into two categories. Kerry coming through with something of his past nature. And separately, saving the vote. Separately. This is why armies are split and rejoin for the final victory- or one survives to fight on. For once we are challenged to stand on OUR OWN come what may to reclaim America for truth. There may not be a Deliverer, few such have solved the main problems anyway which is why we are at this sad pass.

The reform of the vote must continue regardless and uphill all the way. The alternative is too terrible and shameful to consider. WE are not ignorant.

We were hearing that Kerry had $43 or $44 million left over. In the past week or so, we've been hearing that the figure is now $15 million & that the DNC was "furious" (for lack of the exact adverb) that Kerry hadn't used it.

I'm thinking that the first reported figure ($43-44 million) was accurate, but since this huge reserved amount was reported in the media, the story about the DNC being "upset" about Kerry's holding onto it, the fact that the amount was minimized to $15 million, & the fact that Kerry would be turning it over to the DNC for other candidates was an orchestrated attempt to ward off any suspicion about his using it for investigations.

It is entirely within the realm of possibility that Kerry had $43 million in the bank but some bills hadn't been paid yet. I would HOPE that that is the case.

In fact, the DNC praised Kerry for having given them more than any other candidate in history, far beyond what they had expected. And Kerry was the only dem prez candidate in history to give money from his primary campaign to the DNC.

The money that was "left over" was primary campaign funds that Kerry was not allowed to spend after the convention (because he took matching funds).

Every other candidate always keeps their primary campaign funds because they are his/hers. Al Gore had $5 million or so that he kept until 2003 after he decided not to run again.

Ironically, his campaign manager, Donna Brazile (D-Self Serving), is the one who tried to create all this false outrage over Kerry's money.

Kerry gave $40.5 million to the DNC and down ticket campaigns.

At the end of the accounting (which is still ongoing), they estimate he will have about $10 million.

Although he does not have to give the money to anyone, he said he would give it to the DNC.

Link:http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/18/democrats.kerry.ap/
SNIP
Under friendly fire, Sen. John Kerry likely will donate a substantial portion of his excess presidential campaign cash to help elect Democratic candidates in 2005 and 2006, advisers said Thursday.

SNIP
They argued that he donated $40.5 million to Democratic causes in 2004, including $3 million each to the party's House and Senate campaign committees. More than $32 million went to the Democratic National Committee, including $9 million targeted to state parties.

DNC spokesman Jano Cabrera said that was the largest contribution the DNC has ever received, and the first from a presidential primary campaign.

"With this donation, the campaign more than fulfilled its commitment to our general election plan," he said.

SNIP
While some officials pointed fingers at campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill, others said Kerry himself knew there was a big surplus in his primary campaign account. They said he wanted to save it in the event of a recount, legal challenges or other unforeseen bills. In the end, they said, Kerry's nest egg will be less than $10 million.

Two advisers who have spoken to Kerry about the money said he likely will donate a substantial amount to Democratic committees and candidates for the 2005 contests and 2006 congressional midterm elections.

and the 15 million was left over from the primary. Two separate accounts.

The info on both is sparse but I'm sure we will be able to find out when all the campaign reports are in.

Protecting the vote is the GELAC fund - $6,699,308 left as of 10/13/04
It only had $8,491,461 to begin with, $1,792,153 already paid out. Not nearly as much as folks seem to think it is, I don't believe the primary campaign funds can be applied to the GELAC fund. Personally, I believe it's smart to hold back on the GELAC fund to be applied (if need be & is applicable) when it will do more good. Wasting it before the counting has finished & battle enjoined could mean they run out just when things heat up. (in case of a recount fight)

http://www.politicalmoneyline.com/cgi-win/pml1_sql_PRESIDENTIAL.exe?DoFn=2004

I think you are right about keeping the GELAC funds.

I've thought the minor fuss about Kerry's campaign and GELAC funds were a non-issue anyway. Kerry has always been an honest public servant.

I sure hope we are right @ GELAC funds being kept ready to light up the night - best Xmas present ever, huh! Not mis-informed self either, you had it @ right - I've just stumbled on the site & have been watching it to see if they start showing withdrawals (like paying lawyers!). Fingers crossed!

Does Kerry still have Secret Service protection? I was wondering this the other day. He should still have protection (in theory) until the electoral votes are counted and certified. In case of a miracle election overturn, he still could be a target for assassination now. Or what if Bush/Cheney are unable to assume office (i.e. both die in an attack or something), does Kerry win? Or does Hastert automatically get sworn in? (shudder)

that the two and probably the best, lawyers in this country are sitting quietly and twittling their thumbs, no siree, if there is a case and it is unlawful, it will be known and the Iran-Contra and BCCI Kid and the most successful lawyer's in North Carolima will come through. Kerry noted to a by-stander that this was the most corrupt admin in history and you can believe that he will be on their trail, along with his sidekick JE....these guys are two of the best in their field and I have much confidence in both of them...we'll see......

And welcome to DU, Sallyrat! :hi:

they have a lot of material to work with here. if there is any political game to be had in the background, these guys are on it.

I have argued this ever since I joined DU. You can believe Kerry hasn't just quit, rolled over and died, or is hiding under a rock some damn where. That is not John Kerry. Kerry is a fighter from way back always has been and he always will be. Edwards isn't no pushover either both have proven that over their careers but especially Kerry. I sometimes get tired of fighting with people on this issue but I know Kerry and Edwards are worth fighting for.

is figuring out whether I really believe it or I am just wishing it were so because I can't bring myself to believe that shrub will be inaugurated in January . . .

or that JFK and JE would just walk away . . .

JFK cannot possibly believe he can do much more than make a loud noise in the Senate. The repukes just won't let him. They'll crush their own bills if there's even a hint that Kerry might look good if they pass.

you are new, yet you have a very logical and MATURE outlook. We have some here on DU that have been here for a while, yet hide their profiles while demeaning newbies.

Apparently, Kerry didn't HAVE THEIR BACK -

for me. she is smart, sexy, grounded, compassionate, and just plain beautiful woman. i love that she speaks her mind. and the fact that she isn't gives me hope that hope is one the way.

It's going to be a very interesting holiday season this year, I think! ;) Or, should I say...

:bounce:

I know that if I, a soft, sweet, gentle-spoken, mild-mannered woman (bwhahahahaha) had a husband whose rightful place was stolen, I'd be yammering like a pissed-off parrot on speed.

(I "stole" your smilie, I just love it!)

edit because I now have the smilie in my sig line. What, pray tell, is in that pretty gift-wrapped box do you suppose?

especially since the way you described yourself sounds an awful lot like me, too!

Ya know, if it weren't for Laura Bush, I'd feel like I had no role models at all.



(stole another one, I've got the GWB syndrome, OMG!)

I am ignorant about that and would love to use some of them.

then right-click on it and click 'Copy Image Location'. Now paste it right into your note. It's a link to the smilie. That'll show up as the actual smilie when you post. You can preview it and see.

Good luck! :hi:

So cool, thanks so much. :yourock:

Spread that positive energy and belief around!

If it was your smilie, txindy, I hope you don't mind if I use it, too -- & thank you. :)

Spread that belief around!

Can the smilie be placed on my signature line? If so, what do I type in besides i_believe.gif? I couldn't get it to load. :(

Thanks!

The package contains the true outcome of the election, of course! Due to be unwrapped in every home around the world this holiday season. There are reasons we'll be hearing lots of "Hallelujahs!" in the coming weeks and only one of them involves a birth in Bethlehem. ;)

I've been trying to help my son research some information for a debate that he's in next Friday.

Just to give some hope:

<When asked why it was him, not the Democratic presidential candidate, who is demanding an investigation and recount, Jackson implied that Sen. John Kerry could become more vocal soon about an investigation on the Ohio vote or a statewide recount.

"Kerry was inclined to believe what he was told, and he was told the election was over," Jackson told a group of reporters in a conference call Saturday afternoon. "But now we're unearthing information that did not surface at first. I suppose the more information Kerry gets, the more you will hear from him.">

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041128/NEWS01/411280435


Does Kerry use the Internet - or is he more an old fashioned type (this would explain much), reading just NYT etc.?

His daughters are our hope (they hanging in DU for sure...)!

Maybe someone take contact to them?

be about to hit the fan. Getting my hopes up anyway!

after the election. What, with so many strategists openly blaming her for his defeat? I love Theresa's personality, particularly her openess. However, I am not of the "fraud conspiracy" network at play stream. Theresa has done, what one does when one is gracious in defeat.

I used used the Kerry election problem report form to inspire John Kerry to take action and requested it be forwarded to Teresa Heinz Kerry.

Sample letter: I am experiencing a problem with John Kerry not standing up for voter rights. The election is not over and we the people are working our butts off to expose and combat voter disenfranchisement, election fraud, and most importantly the lack of news coverage in national and local media. This nation can mobilized thousands of volunteers and contributors if only John Kerry will stand up strong in support of voter rights. - voter

Link to form:
<http://www.johnkerry.com/forms/electiondayreport.php>

Do you think it is a good idea to do it this way?