Kerry Makes the Right Choice

[LuminousX]

John Kerry Will Skip Iowa Debate

John Kerry (search) plans to be a no-show at the Democratic presidential debate in Iowa on Monday.

While campaigning in New Hampshire on Saturday, Kerry announced that he'd be returning to Washington to help his Senate colleagues filibuster the Medicare (search) bill.

The measure narrowly passed the House in the early hours Saturday.

Kerry called the legislation "a boondoggle for the pharmaceutical industry and a raw deal" for the nation's elderly.

"That is why I am going to join Senator Ted Kennedy to lead the filibuster of this legislation," said Kerry. "Unfortunately that means I will miss the debate in Iowa. But I think the people of Iowa will understand that potential harm of this bill is worth the effort."

[MercutioATC]

1. A question...

...and NOT a slam. I'm generally in favor of people doing the job they're paid to do (in this case, Kerry being a Democratic U.S. Senator). Why, however, would a candidate skip a debate for a filibuster (not a vote) when there are scores of other Democratic Senators who have full use of their larynx? A filibuster is less about what's said by each individual than a statement as a whole. Does Kerry really need to be there for this? Hell, much as I disagree with his attendance record, I'd even support Gephardt attending a debate over a filibuster.

[LuminousX]

5. My Opinion

It is part of a campaign move to show, for lack of better words, he is the adult. He is taking action, not just talking about taking action.

[MercutioATC]

12. I can see that...

I still wish he'd be in Iowa. Like i said, a vote is a different story, but even I could take his place in a filibuster...

[library_max]

16. Filibuster is about numbers.

If enough Dems are absent, the Republicans can win a closure vote and stop the filibuster immediately.

[ModerateMiddle]

23. it's about numbers, but it's about the number of yeas

for a cloture vote. Those who want to end the debate must have 60 votes. The number of naes don't matter. However, the number twisting arms *might* matter.

[JI7]

25. "the number twisting arms *might* matter."

yup, too many republicans might pressure some to change their vote in their favor. like they did in the house.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

17. Kerry and Kennedy are leading the filibuster.

[JI7]

20. filibuster involves votes also

enough votes can put an end to the filibuster forcing a limit on debate and a vote on the bill.

[George_Bonanza]

2. Should make up for those missed votes people accuse him of

This is a big one. I can't believe Feinstein has sided anti-filibuster. I'm embarrassed she has supported Kerry. Sends the wrong message, and reinforces the wrong image of Kerry = insider compromising centrist.

[Andromeda]

3. Let's hope he follows through

with this. It's too important to treat lightly.

[tsipple]

4. Absolutely Agree

When a second choice candidate of mine does good, I should say so. So I'm saying so. Kerry and Edwards should be participating in this important debate, and I applaud them for it.

I hope Joe Lieberman will join them and oppose this awful bill.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

6. Lieberman has come out in favor of the filibuster

http://www.thechamplainchannel.com/wnne/2658929/detail.html

[CTLawGuy]

7. good

Kerry is starting to understand what being a Democrat is about and what being a responsible legislator is about. It's about advocating for those you represent.

[George_Bonanza]

8. Starting to understand? LOL

This man was alive and kicking in the 80s when America reached new heights of international oppression in South America, culminating in the Iran-Contra scandal which Kerry personally spear-headed. I don't need to mention the 30+ years of liberal service by Kerry again, do I?

[LuminousX]

9. This is politics, though. What has he done for me today?

It is harsh to say. I've respected Kerry for a long time. At the end of the day, you are only as good as your last political action. That is why I say he made the right choice in doing this. It highlights his history as a damn fine legislator and fighter for Democratic causes.

[George_Bonanza]

14. Fair enough

I would think his leadership in the anti-ANWR drilling, vow to filibuster any anti-Roe vs. Wade supreme court justice nominee, anti-Ashcroftism, etc. would be enough, but this should solidify it definitely.

[sandnsea]

18. Who has this record?

This is an incomplete list, still working at tracking down all of the Amendments and Bills and other accomplishments of this man who "doesn't understand what being a Democrat and responsible legislator is about". Most people don't accomplish 10% of this in their entire lifetime.

Jan. 3, 1970, Kerry requested that his superior, Rear Admiral Walter F. Schlech, Jr., grant him an early discharge because `I've got to get out. I've got to go do what I came back here to do, which is, end this thing,'" Ran for Congress.

One of the organizers of the first Earth Day in Massachusetts in April 1970. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Organized with Vietnam Veterans Against the War, led the Washington protest in April 1971 and testified to Congress that drew the attention of President Nixon who said “Apparently, this fellow, uh, that they put in the front row, is that what you say, the front the real star...Kerry.” and “Apparently the guy that's really good, the only good one of the damn veterans group, only good from a PR stoundpoint, is Kerry.” One of 4 founders of Vietnam Veterans of America who fought for veteran’s rights.

1977-1982 Prosecutor, Put the #2 Crime Boss in New England behind bars, organized one of the first domestic abuse and sexual assault units in the country.

1983 - 1985 Lt. Governor Massachusetts, began his work on acid rain which culminated in February 1984 resolution of the National Governors Association calling for cuts in sulfur dioxide emissions

1985 Author Civil Rights Protection Act to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.

1985 – Within weeks of taking office took his first fact finding trip to Nicaragua and began the investigation in what would become the Iran/Contra scandal
http://www.boston.com/globe/nation/packages/kerry/062003.shtml

1988 – 1992 BCCI Scandal, Noriega and drug trafficking and its relation to U.S. foreign policy and law enforcement.

1990- Cosponsor Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

1990 – Clean Air Act Amendments

1991 – Chairs newly established POW/MIA Affairs Committee to locate missing Vietnam soldiers' remains.

1994 Violence Against Women Act providing funding for shelters, hotlines, increased law enforcement and more.

1994 Crime Bill, cops on the street

1995 – Along with John McCain push for Normalization of Vietnam relations

1996 Women’s Health Equity Act

1996 Kennedy/Hatch Children’s Health Care $24 billion
Time Magazine's "Honest Man in Politics Award" for being only Senator up for reelection in 1996 to vote against Defense of Marriage Act

Sponsored 1997 Early Childhood Development Act,

1998 "Zero to Three" Association's "Achievement Award" for work on early childhood development issues

1999 Women’s Small Business Center Program

2000 Early Learning Opportunity Act

U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Act
led to the unanimous passage in May 2003 the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Act of 2003

original cosponsor of the Hate Crimes Prevention

presented a "Two Strikes and You're Out" bill, which would stipulate mandatory life sentences for two-time child predators who engage in the rape or sexual assault of children

flood insurance laws

marine mammal protection act

fisheries act

[NewYorkerfromMass]

21. Right. "starting to understand"?

Glad to see this lame attack on Kerry properly refuted.

[adadem]

10. Good Move

The debates are too crowded and repetitive....he is needed in the Senate chamber now. His speech today was inspiring. DNC should have had only three debates (with Rock the Vote debate included in that number).

[LuminousX]

11. I like the multiple debates

Yes, they are repetitive, but they allow Kerry to skip one to do something important without damaging his overall campaign.

[robbedvoter]

13. Kerry gets points for this. Edwards, Joe HAD to follow.

:thumbsup:

[MaineDem]

15. Kerry gave a kick-ass speech in the Senate today

He was fantastic. I'm looking for a link to it now.

[DrFunkenstein]

19. With ANWR, Two Major Senate Battles That Kerry Has Led

Personally, I love to see Kerry and Kennedy working side by side. It's good to see Dems kicking ass again!

[helleborient]

22. Kerry and Edwards will participate in debate by satellite...

And Lieberman is complaining, because he passed up the debate earlier than they did...and now he won't be let back in but Kerry and Edwards get to participate by satellite.

I do think Lieberman has a point here...why the different treatment?

[ModerateMiddle]

24. the reasons for not showing were different

lieberman decided prior to the medicare debate/vote that he was going to skip this debate. Edwards and Kerry are not going to be physically present *because* of the medicare timing. I can see Lieberman's point, but there is a difference in the reasons.