My Final Thoughts: John Kerry and the Democrats Ran An Excellent Campaign.

[David Zephyr]

Nearly four years here at the DU with so many of you now. I gave John Kerry and his supporters a lot of grief in the Primary, but he certainly turned out to be the man I had always so long admired.

Far better than I imagined and far better than I'd hoped for, John Kerry took the torch that was handed to him in Boston and has since illuminated the American landscape with his brilliant articulation of the issues, his fearless response to the Republican attack machine, and with his inspiring leadership abilities.

John Kerry has given us his his heart, his mind, his passion and his sweat. John Kerry has given it his all.

There can be no valid criticism of this man or the campaign that he led because there hasn't been a single stone left unturned in his quest.

The last one hundred years have witnessed some truly tough times for progressive presidential candidates in America. Eugene Debs was imprisoned. John and Bobby Kennedy were both murdered during their quests for the presidency. The people that own the country are intent on governing it as well.

Yet, here on the Election Eve, we are witnessing a "magical moment", as Senator Kerry likes to say. For the first time in modern history Americans are lining up to vote as never before! And they are voting, not just against George W. Bush, but for John Kerry.

The change we have longed for, have prayed for, have worked for, have cried for is coming.

Tomorrow the American people will speak loudly and clearly that the good man who lives on Beacon Hill and who hails from the very cradle of the American Revolution is their choice of honor for the highest office in the land.

Godspeed to President John Kerry.

[Worst Username Ever]

1. Amen to that. Godspeed JFK.

[ProfessorPlum]

2. He really worked his ass off

and left no opportunity to criticize the Chimpleton pass (or very few, anyway).

Grace under pressure - I'm happy to have him as the nominee.

[blm]

3. Consider yourself hugged.

And hold it for a few seconds longer.

I'm at peace tonight.

[David Zephyr]

26. I'm taking that hug!

Ever grateful to the DU, Skinner, EarlG, Elad and all of the wonderful dear friends I have made here.

I gave you a hard time on John Kerry, blm, but you stood with him through it all. John Kerry proved to me that he still had all of the great qualities I'd long admired, but feared he had lost.

The sheer number of Americans voting tells us everything we need to know...it's President Kerry.

[faithnotgreed]

4. he worked incredibly hard. im proudly voting for john kerry

[OKNancy]

5. Thank you so much David

Beautiful. You gave me goosebumps and wet eyes.

O8)

[proud patriot]

16. I got goosebumps too

Very Moving

[Union Thug]

6. Great post.. Kerry wasn't my first choice..but..

...he won me over for all the reasons you cite in your post!

[tom22]

11. His performance in the Debates was

extraordinary. He personifies the very best in this country!

[Rambis]

7. Great stuff

I am going to go to the polls tonight and test the cell phone tower and make sure we have good reception (just a suggestion if there is no land line) No posts until the victory party sometime late tomorrow night from Iowa. Vote damn it and don't let anyone tell you that you can't for any reason. Use the hotlines if you have to, weather, forgetaboutit, go anyway, NO surrender!

[mvd]

8. No complaints about his October campaigning

He was too slow to respond to the Swift Boat liars and I thought he missed a couple opportunities in the debates (about the liberal accusation for one.) But, he did have great debates, a good mixture of attacking and positivity, and a well planned out rally schedule.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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[displacedtexan]

10. Thanks!

Everyone here on DU has really helped the campaign sharpen its message and feel the pulse of the American voter!

[BeyondGeography]

12. Well stated, David

Kerry has waged the most aggressive campaign by any Democrat in our lifetime (well, mine at least; I'm 45). He had no choice but to fight fire with fire after the character assassination that was performed on him at the Republican Convention, As in the primaries, he changed the composition of his campaign staff when things weren't working and showed incredible improvisational skills; the same skills that drove his Democratic opponents to distraction in Iowa and New Hampshire.

The man is a formidable poltician, and I'm increasingly hopeful that he will make a great President.

But, first, we have this little matter of tomorrow to deal with...

[DakotaDemocrat]

13. The quiet August and the Debates...

...will be the reasons for a Kerry victory.

* Kerry group knew that Bush would get very little bounce from convention. There weren't that many undecideds that would close that early in the campaign. The undecideds waited for the debates.

* A forceful, Presidential Kerry in the first debate will be replayed over and over again during future Presidential debates. Bush smirk, Kerry boldness.

I now have to get back to work so I can take the day off tomorrow.

[NNadir]

14. Beautifully stated.

I have never cared as much about an election as I do this one.

John Kerry has made me proud to be an American.

[Ishoutandscream]

15. Kerry has been known as a "closer"

And he certainly has proved it. With each passing day, I admire this man more and more. He will be a great president.

[xray s]

17. I think tens of millions of Americans agree with you

That is why the Rovians and the blow holes on the Right have to say "no one likes Kerry" over and over and over. because they know that tomorrow, those people won't be voting against George Bush, they will be voting FOR John Kerry!

[Chicago Democrat]

18. I'm so excited I could just shit! Gimme A Adavan please...

and some codeine and a glass of champagne!

[Technowitch]

19. Indeed...

I think Kerry and the Dems have run their best campaign of my lifetime (which goes back to '63).

Despite cheating, vote suppression, and outright cynical manipulation of the American people, the Repugs are going down.

I begin to have restored faith in our faltering democracy.

[Kadie]

20. Beautiful. Thank you. n/t

[Maeve]

21. I really had no choice in the primaries

Not until DUers gave me their arguments...and I decided I could trust John Kerry. He has fought a very good fight and I think tomorrow I am going to get the same thing I got on my 21st birthday...

A Democrat elected to follow an un-elected Republican in the White House.

[onecitizen]

22. Beautiful!

:toast:

[Malva Zebrina]

23. I havenothing but admiration for this man and the way he ran his

campaign. I knew little about him as most did not during the primaries. I now love him and think his performance in the debates was extraordinary. I did not support him in the primaries, but now I see that his ramrod straight spine, demeanor and posture, his ability to address the issue with grace, intelligence and dignity while ramming home the points against the stupid Bush, with forcefulness, showed me he is a great leader and great man. I think he ran his campaign perfectly and made his opponent look like the idiot we all know he is.

I think he is a hero for even attempting to want to tackle this job because it is such a mess that Bush has created, that it takes an extraordinary person to even have the ambition to try to change it.

[Rowdyboy]

24. Very well said! I initially thought nominating a "Massachusetts liberal"

was political suicide. I freely admit I was WRONG! He has been an exceptional candidate and makes me proud to be a Democrat. He has given it his all and I think he's going to take our country back so that, in time, I can be proud to be an American again.

[Stinky The Clown]

25. You postulate that, while you have no

criticism of Kerry or his campaign, others might. And you may be right.

But let's look at facts. He did what he set out to do, and in the process pissed off very few, if any. He won over many.

I was a Clark supporter. I still admire the General more than can be imagined. But I think, in the end, Kerry could well make the better President.

Indeed, he has won over the Dem party, which, during the primaries, was as fractious as always, albeit mostly respectful to each other. But Kerry won everyone over.

I think he'll do that to the country, too. Think of it. He has a long record as a politico. During the campaign, the only real shitstrom was around his Vietnam service (both in country and back home afterwards). He has always held up his record and challenged his challengers. And he has always won that battle.

That is now behind him. He will pull support from all sides. I see the very real possibility that he will be one of our greatest presidents. Make no mistake, however. Iraq, if not handled right, can turn him into another LBJ. But I see that as a slim chance. He lived that and fought that once already.

Look for real greatness from this man.

He has my respect, support, and gratitude for a job, so far, well done!

[July]

32. Thoroughly agree with you, and I was a Clarkie, too.

I do hope there's a place for Wes in a Kerry administration.

[NNadir]

37. This Deaner seconds that emotion.

[hippiegranny]

27. Well said.

Thank you. I agree with everything you said. It takes a person with an iron will to go up against the Pug Attack Machine, and Kerry has done that and more.

GOTV... it's the least we can do.

[flamingyouth]

Thank you, David

That was really beautiful, my friend. :hug:

[jbond56]

28. Sums things up nicely

Last year just as the Primaries started. My girlfriend asked me, "Who had the best chance at becoming President?". I really shocked her when I answered Kerry. She was not very excited about Kerry she picked answered with someone else.
I was upset that the Texas primary was so late but strategically understood the politics. As Kerry pulled away form the others she asked why I thought he could win the elections. I saw that President Kerry had served his country and tried to improve it. I saw someone that would consider complexities and their opportunity costs. I also saw someone with enough confidence to defend himself but more importantly learn from mistakes. When he ran into trouble he made adjustments, you could tell he wanted to win. It was an inspiring race to follow.

I also think Howard Dean deserves a Thank You for help adding so much energy to the process. Al Gore's recent speeches have provided a great deal of perspective and wisdom on recent history.

It seems like sometimes you have to take a step back before you can move forward. I think we are about to take a leap forward.

I would love to have a Beer with President Kerry.

[newyawker99]

29. I agree David!

Godspeed to President John Kerry! :thumbsup:


:loveya:

[David Zephyr]

46. ...kisses across our great land to you, newyawker99

and so many, many thanks for all the hard work you have done on behalf of the DU for nearly four years. You welcomed so many here and made so many feel they had a home during the darkest of times.

All of us have been through so much together...and we did stick together. Tough crowd, this DU.

[VOX]

30. Thanks so much for this, DZ...

Very articulately stated and true on every point. It has been an excellent campaign, all around and in detail.

May I too echo your toast: Godspeed, John Kerry! :toast:

[July]

31. Thanks for some beautiful words on behalf of a good man.

Over the course of the campaign I've come to appreciate what Kerry brings to us as a candidate, and you've expressed it very well.

The more I see of Kerry, the more I like him, and we'll be turning in the right direction when we choose him. He's not perfect -- and we who are not Bushbots are not looking for perfection -- but he's real, he's sincere, he's experienced, and he's smart. Works for me.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[chefgirl]

33. You are so right!

I knew that John Kerry was a decent, honest American with ALL the right qualifications to be an excellent president.

Ironically, my only worry was the campaign he would run.

I must say I was almost ready to give up hope until the day he chose John Edwards as VP.
He proved that he was interested in what the people wanted of him, and he delivered big time.
The republicans have made it as hard as they knew how, and still, here we are, on the eve of what is beginning to look, FINALLY, like a Kerry win!

I don't think ANY of the other primary candidates would have done half as well.

-chef-

[merbex]

34. I just read you post out loud to my 16 year old daughter

she's doing her homework

She looked up and smiled and said

Godspeed to President John Kerry - sounds good!

[Amaya]

35. Thanks for this

Well said.

[ibegurpard]

36. If we lose

it's not because of a lackluster campaign, I agree. The deck is stacked against us. Even so, I am cautiously optimistic.

[shawmut]

38. Kerry did what he had to do

It's now in our hands to put him in the White House.


great post, David.

[Generic Other]

39. Electing John Kerry means the Vietnam war is finally over

It means we can begin the process of resolving hostilities in Iraq. We can find a way to bring our troops home. We can regain the respect and goodwill of the world. We can be rid of the most dishonest administration in our history.

[ElementaryPenguin]

40. Excellent post, comrade!

:toast:

[Killer Poodle]

41. After the debates I was sold This man is honest, intelligent and a leader.

I wasn't too happy with Kerry at first. I was very pro-Dean and was unhappy that he hadn't recieved the nomination.

But the debates convinced me that Kerry was a good person, intelligent, and a strong leader.

[ydya]

42. I agree. I too was a bit doubtful of some of his early moves. But

thats why JK will make a great president and I probably won't. He has come thru this with amazing class and given the presstitutes no fodder.
The moment he picked Edwards, I was 100% sure he knew exactly what it took and exactly how to get there.
Given the turmoil in the country (and indeed in the world) right now, we need an extraordinary man at the helm. Watching Kerry operate with class and intelligence, I have a hunch that 8 years from now we will be looking back at Kerry as one of the greatest presidents ever, who ushered one of the greatest American eras ever.
Just a hunch, but I have a good feeling about this one.
Now we just have to make sure that the Bushmen dont steal this election too.

[SensibleOne]

43. Excellent post DZ...

I supported Edwards in the primaries and was sooo pleased when JFK chose him as his running mate. Since then, I have gained enormous respect for JK. He is thoughtful, intelligent, and courageous. After seeing "Going Upriver" the other night I'm even more impressed. He will make a great president and with Edwards by his side, wow, what a ticket! I have never felt this excited about an election in my life, although 2000 was a nail biter (duh!) Which makes this one even more important. Godspeed, indeed. Sleep well tonight John Kerry, tomorrow you become President.

[sonias]

44. Another Deaniac seconding that emotion

John Kerry has closed this campaign like he promised. He has made converts of those who may have been ABB but are now solidly in his camp. I love John Kerry now. He is my President elect. I have already voted for him and Edwards. I have great hope for their administration and my country now.

The world needs a new JFK, John Forbes Kerry.

:toast:

Sonia

[bigtree]

45. I remember the primary

You were a part of that excellent campaign.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

47. 60, 76, and 92

were the three years in my lifetime that we knocked out an incumbent vice president or president...


IMHO Carter and Clinton had the easiest job...


Carter got to face Richard Nixon's hand picked successor two years after Watergate.....


Clinton got to run against Papa Bush with Perot doing the dirty work and splitting the right of center vote...


In 1960 JFK's job was hard and he perservered....

This JFK's job is even harder...

I am hoping for divine intervention to push him over the ending line...

God Bless You Senator Kerry


Brian

[UrbScotty]

48. Good luck, President Kerry and Vice President Edwards.

:toast:

[NewYorkerfromMass]

49. Election day kick!!!

Thank You!!! THE PEOPLE UNITED CAN NEVER BE DEFEATED!

[stevedeshazer]

50. Great thoughts, David!

It's been a hell of a journey, I've been here for three years through thick and thin.

So many worked SO hard to make this happen, but none more than John Kerry himself.

[Trahurn]

51. I totally agree

Kerry did run an extraordinary campaign. I mean just consider the vulgarity of the Swift Boat scum liars yet he maintained a proud Vietnam combat veteran that knew inside himself that he did not have to explain himself in anyway other than perhaps just reiterating the truth about himself. He maintained an air of class despite all that and still stayed focused on his message and purpose.
Yes Kerry has run an excellent campaign. Why do you thing the Bush bunch are so worried about it? My brother, a Bush minion sent me a hodge podge of edited Kerry speeches clearly designed to get me to change my support for Kerry. His attempt was such a waste of time and effort it was down right funny and even pathetic.
I will once again be able to gaze upon the office of the presidency with respect and honor instead of the disgust and hatred I currently have under Bush.