Kerry to postpone decision on '08 run

[cali]

Kerry to postpone decision on '08 run
Associates say 'joke' fallout stunned him
By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | December 2, 2006

WASHINGTON -- Senator John F. Kerry's election-eve "botched joke" about the war in Iraq -- and the fierce denunciations his comments drew from fellow Democrats -- has led him to reevaluate whether to mount a run for the presidency in 2008 and has led him to delay an announcement about his decision, according to Kerry associates.

<snip>


http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/12/02/kerry_to_postpone_decision_on_08_run/


I think the odds of his running are very, very slim indeed. I've said that before. I'm even more convinced now that he won't run.

[beachmom]

1. To be frank, I'm right now more interested in what he's going to do

in the Senate, and how Dems can force Bush to change course in Iraq. Ending the occupation is my #1 priority, and Kerry is one of the strongest anti-war voices in the Senate.

He's going to do the people's business, and put off future endeavors for later. But I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't really comment on your speculation, because I honestly have no idea what he's going to do.

[cali]

3. Yep. He's got his work

cut out for him in the Senate, and a Committee to chair. He could become a powerful force for change in the legislative branch.

[Clark2008]

2. Which is a shame.

I don't think he could win - simply because of the "damaged goods" issue and because I simply don't think a candidate from the coasts could win the hearts of the majority of the purple states (sad but true and an issue for another thread) in the middle - but his voice will be missed.

His has been a voice of dynamic reasoning - admitting his mistakes in the onset of the war and moving with the changes as combat continued - which will be lacking in the primary debates.

[cali]

Why will that pov be missing?

Edwards has also admitted his early mistakes regardinga the war, and he'll almost certainly be participating in the debates.

[beachmom]

11. I have to say that I agree with Clark2008

Edwards' focus is poverty -- that will be his big issue and focal point. Kerry's biggest issue has been Iraq and a timetable for withdrawal. Although they may have similar positions, due to Kerry's past and what he's done in the Senate, he will be speaking with an authority you're not going to hear from any of the other candidates. And, at this point, I'm going to speak in the future tense, because JK has not ruled out running.

[cali]

13. That's true.

He has made that a focal point of any possible run. And it would be good to have that pov front and center. Regrettably, I don't think JK could do it. At this point he really has become an unfair target. I don't know how to put it better than that, but it's like open season's been declared on him, and his ability to function effectively as a messenger is greatly diminished because of it.

[Labors of Hercules]

65. A messenger as a Presidential Candidate may be...

but has it limited his ability to function effectively as a Senator?

[calimary]

71. Welcome to DU!

Glad you're here!

:hi:

[Labors of Hercules]

76. Glad 2 B here!

:hippie:

[wisteria]

27. Now, you see, I don't share that opinion. Wise and experienced

is more to the point. Damaged goods? Please.

[liberalpragmatist]

48. It IS unfortunate

I was already leaning against backing Kerry in '08, although I supported him in '04, simply because of the "damaged goods" issue; I think a LOT of the flak Kerry took for the '04 campaign was unfair - his campaign definitely made several missteps, but they also did several things very well and it's very difficult to beat in incumbent president in wartime, especially when that president's approval ratings ARE in the upper 40s/low 50s. So I think Kerry, on the whole, ran a decent if somewhat flawed campaign. Unfortunately, Americans aren't kind to those who lose elections, especially for president. It would have been very difficult for Kerry to mount a credible comeback, but I was looking forward to seeing him during the campaign, for the exact reason you mentioned.

And what is especially unfortunate for Kerry - something the article notes - is that Kerry had done a damn good job at resurrecting his profile. He had been active and visible in the Senate, he had raised more money for Democrats than any other '08 candidate this cycle, he had sharpened his speaking style and given several well-received and substantial speeches on Iraq, national security, and Hurricane Katrina. He had made earned plenty of kudos on the campaign trial, drawing big crowds. His position in early national polls was on par with Al Gore and John Edwards. So while Kerry 2008 would have had long odds of success, it wasn't entirely out of the realms of possibility; he had a residual base of support, had addressed several of his '04 criticisms, and was in a solid financial position. Though unlikely, it was possible.

Kerry has made a comeback many times before. He may do so again, but I would bet against it for the '08 cycle. Simply put, this occurred at the worst possible time for Kerry and I'm not sure he has enough time to meet the challenge. Although I'd be happy to see him run, I'm now thinking that he should remain the Senate (where he'll eventually be Foreign Relations Chairman) where he can become a Ted Kennedy-style elder statesman. And I could easily see him winding up as Secretary of State, especially if the next President is John Edwards.

[LittleClarkie]

58. What are the chances a Dem prez would pick him for his/her cabinet, do you think?

If he doesn't run, I'm going to be lobbying hard for Attorney General or Sec of State.

I believe there is too much potential there to waste.

It will make me sad if he doesn't run. I understand why he's thinking about it. And I think it stinks that the Republicans will have taken him out when anyone intellegent knew what he really meant.

But I've noticed that he can't appear on TV lately without talk about that flub taking up almost the entire interview. And I bet part of the problem he's having is that his fellow Dems aren't standing up for him. Without them, it's going to be hard to run, let alone win.

I will support him whatever decision he makes.

[Monkeyman]

4. John Hurley The man who ran Veterans For Kerry

Said John is close to saying no

[beachmom]

9. Do you have a link to that, or was this a private conversation? n/t

[sandnsea]

10. Personal knowledge?

Was that reported somewhere? I suspect he'd know. I don't blame him if he doesn't run. The witchhunt after him and Teresa is just ridiculous. And the number of people who think outdoor recreation is 'elitest' is mind-boggling. I bet somebody would find a reason to criticize the man if he walked on a beach for chrissake.

[blm]

23. No he's not. He just wants to come out swinging in the Senate in January, and it will

be to his benefit to not be in the race early as it would be too much of a distraction.

Kerry didn't run from bullets or ANY criticism - he's not a weak-kneed person who lets FRAUDULENCE dictate his actions and commitments.

People here should shower SHAME AND BLAME on those Democrats who DO let the corpmedia get away with so much FALSE ANTAGONISM against our own.

But I don't expect ANY honesty or integrity from any ONE Democrat who hails from the COVERUP wing of the Democratic party.

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

[wisteria]

28. I doubt it.

Where is the link?

[PresidentObama]

5. He will probably still run.

He just needs to obviously reevaluate the situation, and examine what he needs to do to make up lost ground.

[OzarkDem]

6. I hope he does

While I haven't made up my mind about who to support, I hope Kerry runs. He was and is a good candidate. He made a few mistakes the first time out, but he made a tremendous showing in 2004, when the GOP controlled news media was at its peak in fighting to brainwash US voters.

[exlrrp]

16. I hope he doesn't

I supported him , gave him more money than I'd ever given a poliitcal candidate before. I fdefended his war record against Republican scumbags. But I never liked him, think he's too caught up in himself.
Not onnly that, the Republicans have him in their sites, thjey must have someone on him full time, writing down every little misquote. Every little thing he says, is misinterpereted and spun against him and used against every other Democrat as his pre election quote was. We'll always be explaining his latest gaffe, thats the dynamic they have him stuck in. He's one of their favorite punching bags, theyre WISHING we run him again Hilary too, A Republican Dream Team to run against is Kerry/Clinton, how much attackable baggage do you want to saddle our side with?
Start with someone new, an outsider. Clark or Dean fit that categopry and Clark's a Vietnam Vet also, but without the blabber and baggage.
If the Dems run Kerry again, we'll lose again. Same for Hilary

[ProSense]

17. Lose to who McCain, Giuliani, Romney?

Most of the Democrats have a shot against these three, who have significant, real and growing baggage!

[beachmom]

18. YouTube is a very democratic site (small d)

This is going to be the YouTube election, where every little gaffe will be captured and spread like a virus around the internet. Don't think that Kerry is or will be the only one. This primary season and general election will be a total roller coaster ride, that's for sure.

[Fabio]

41. completely agree with this.

dissemination of primary video, plus the blogsphere's penchant for stripping meaning from "off the record" comments promise to make this next election very "snippet" driven.

[oasis]

7. Kerry will run. He is wise to wait until the media generated "botched joke"

controversy blows over. By Spring of '07, there will be many other events that will shape the news.

Real news.

[cali]

8. What makes you think he'll run?

Kerry is a smart guy. I think he understands that he can't win the nomination, and he'll concentrate on the Senate. Why are you convinced he'll run, given the signs that he won't?

[oasis]

14. Kerry's not the kind of personality that would let a slip of the tongue put

a stop to his WH ambitions. Historians would look back and say that it was "the joke" that flattened him.

I've a feeling that he's not going out like that.It's not in his character.

[blm]

34. Because Kerry isn't a shallow or fragile personality that lets BULLSHIT stop him.

Kerry also has never been the egoist his rivals like to pretend. He is sincere about effecting the COURSE of the nation and the debate.

He is SINCERE about good governance, anti-corruption and open government. Why on earth would he drop his commitment to effecting the debate now when he never would before even under threat of death and heavy pressure from the entire DC powerstructure that had aligned against him?

Kerry isn't FRAGILE or egotistical - he's driven by MISSION not by glory. That's why he TAKES the punches and hits. Frailer personalities hide and feel compelled to reinvent themselves - Kerry adjusts quickly and never drops his mission.

Big difference - big CHARACTER difference.

[cali]

40. Whoa. Heaven help you blm, if I'm right and

he doesn't run. You've become far too personally wrapped up in the fortunes of John Kerry, and you're getting way too bitter and angry about it.

[blm]

51. There wasn't an ounce of bitterness in my post - I think you don't read them in the

straightforward way I write them.

You also don't seem to get that there are incrediblty TOO FEW anti-corruption, open government Democrats, and heaven help this country if those are the voices that are shut out because of the manipulations of the coverup wing of the Democratic party. That is WAY more pressing an issue than just one person - but for people like me who see corruption of government as the NUMBER ONE ISSUE that effects every other issue, we trust Kerry above most anyone in DC because of the battles he has taken on in the area of corruption that matter most.


I would prefer if you read my postings in the same way yours are read by me, straightforward, and I never assume an attack in yours so my responses should be given the same courtesy.

Thankyou.

[dailykoff]

55. Exactly.

Unfortunately there's only one candidate with Kerry's qualifications and that's Kerry.

[dailykoff]

52. Heaven help us all you mean.

I respect the other Dem potentials but they'll get flattened like last week's trash if they wind up at the top of the ticket.

[cali]

54. That's just ridiculous

You have no idea whether they'll get flattened or not. Or don't you know the difference between opinion and fact?

[dailykoff]

56. It's an opnion I'd rather not see confirmed.

Hope that helps. :)

[wisteria]

68. The smears they have pulled off on Kerry, will be done to any other

candidate we run. Don't fool your self into thinking your candidate can somehow do better than Sentor Kerry had in handling lies and smears. You can never be sure of anything.

[Labors of Hercules]

77. So do you think Kerry handles smears well?

Just my opinion, but I think he sucks at it.:shrug:

[wisteria]

67. Know one knows nothing really, but I would think the Kerry supporters

would be more aware than you just about what is going on. kerry's desire to run transcend the silly over blown joke incident. And, he is one tough guy. I am convinced more than ever he will run. A nasty incident either makes you or breaks you, and I think Kerry proved this week he is a man with a mission and this make up media frenzy will not stop him from doing what he wants to do. He now knows who he can trust and who he can't.

[wisteria]

29. Exactly, wisest points made here so far.

Mine were good too though.

[elocs]

43. Will the "botched joke" ever blow over completely?

If it was a Republican who made a botched joke, would the Democrats ever allow it to blow over? This may be wishful thinking more than anything.

[blm]

57. The Clintons trashed the White House story (Rove lie) has lasted how many years

and was a highly covered newsstory (Rove lie) for the first 8 months of 2001.

And Gore is still being called a liar, and Dean is still being called a psychotic leftist, and Edwards is still being called a slick, pretty boy lawyer, and Kerry will still be attacked as he has been for over 30+ years, and the next Dem to jump onto the radar of the RW smear machine will have lies developed around everything they have done or will say - - now WHY are Democrats proving to be so fearful of the RW noise machine instead of gearing up to BEAT THE MEDIA DOWN FOR THEIR COMPLICITY WITH THE LIES?

[elocs]

63. Which begs the question:

in a nation with a constitutionally protected free press, how can the media be beaten down for their complicity with the lies? Easy to suggest, hard to do.

[BlueIris]

62. Yeah, and by Spring of '07, it should be PAINFULLY obvious

who is prepared to lead this nation and who isn't. By that point, potential Kerry "competitors" will be defecating on themselves and running for cover.

[ProSense]

12. There is one thing about this article that's hard to believe:

Kerry -- who had methodically resurrected his political standing after a tough loss to President Bush in 2004 -- was stunned by the swift, angry reaction to his Oct. 30 statement that underachieving students would end up "stuck in Iraq." Aides and friends say the senator was particularly stung by the fact that so many Democrats had joined Republicans in rebuking him.

The incident laid bare to the senator the lingering skepticism and resentment of him two years after he failed to unseat Bush, according to Kerry advisers who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In recent media interviews, Kerry has downplayed the impact of the incident, and has declared himself ready to jump into Senate business with renewed vigor when Democrats take control of Congress in January.

He was stung! Everyone knows this was purely political, and the Democrats who did so did it for political reasons, maybe related to the war or some other political alliance they have.

I find it hard to believe Kerry was stung by Democrats joining to rebuke him! Was he stunned during BCCI?

This is more likely where things stand:

David Thorne, Kerry's friend and former brother-in-law, said it was "very hard to determine" the full impact of the mistake because it was difficult to separate the partisan "noise" from the substantive damage to Kerry's image.

Thorne said Kerry will make his decision about the presidency mindful of how analysts predicted he'd lose both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary; he ultimately won both en route to the Democratic nomination -- and a narrow loss to Bush.

"One thing I can assure you of is that the Washington pundit class really gets it wrong a lot of the time," Thorne said.

Kerry and his top aides reached out to his network of fund-raisers shortly after the incident and in the weeks since, to reassure those concerned about whether the senator could secure the nomination.

All in all, it's not a bad article, but I still don't trust the media to not try to spin more there than is actually there (stunned!).

[Bullet1987]

15. I don't think Kerry will run...

...because I think he doesn't think he can win.

[blm]

36. That would be for frauds - Kerry's a committed lawmaker who believes in missions

and is never driven by glory or personal gain - so since he's NOT a fraud, he won't ACT like a fraud or a coward. He can effect debate and challenge those who depend on rgetoric instead of serious solutions. Kerry is not about to give up his voice because the coverup wing of the Democratic party prefers he be silenced.

[IndianaGreen]

19. I am beginning to think that Kerry won't run

Kerry has the deep pockets to compete against the Hillary corporate bandwagon. Hillary's only advantage is that she hopes to secure the nomination before her opposition coalesces around one candidate.

If Kerry were to drop out, it would immediately boost the prospects for Wes Clark and John Edwards, and put additional pressure on Obama to throw his hat into the ring. I don't believe that the Kerry supporters would embrace Hillary when they have better alternatives to the Democratic version of Lucretia Borgia.

[blm]

22. Kerry IS going to run - a botched joke is NOT stopping his CONVICTIONS and he

is smart to try and avoid the traps that the media has for the candidates who are throwing in early.


The denunciations from the Democrats who sided with Bush should be the story of TRAITORS to the Democratic party and to the American people - THEY are the ones who always give Bush cover.

[IndianaGreen]

24. I agree with you 100-percent about Kerry and the Democratic appeasers

but I am beginning to wonder, based on recent stories, if Kerry wants to run again.

We can see how things are shaping up for Campaign 2008:

1. Kerry is smeared with the "he offended the troops" meme.

2. Hillary is portrayed as the unstopable candidate.

3. Obama is criticized for everything under the sun, from his "non-American" name, his "Hussein" middle name, his faith and values not "Christian enough," etc.

4. Wes Clark and John Edwards are never mentioned by the corporate press

[blm]

33. And yet for all the names thrown around who was the one interviewed by Iraq Group

because his viewpoint has always been an important part of war/peace debate in this country?

He's going to run - he's providing distance from the media at this point because he expects to be concentrating on some serious senate business right out of the gate in January. And Kerry IS on a mission.

[LittleClarkie]

60. There is that. He did say to Larry King that he wanted to focus on the Senate

In fact I agreed with his comment that the American people elected a Dem Congress in order to see what they would do, and that he and they have an obligation to get to work, not dink around with the election that is still 2 years away.

He didn't announce in the last election until 2003, iirc.

[wisteria]

30. Kerry I believe still has the passion and the desire to lead this country forward.

I don't believe for a minute he won't run. People have got to still be backing him quietly. Not everyone is a big fan of someone else who is running and also don't think this person can win, Kerry would be encouraged to stay in the race to challenge this person and present a very strong alternative.

[TomClash]

20. I'll pass on John Kerry

He can't win. He had his shot. People don't really care for him, though I like him; I raised money and campaigned for him in 2004 but he doesn't really have the "fire in the belly."

[wisteria]

31. Then you really don't know Senator Kerry. n/t

[welshTerrier2]

21. this masks the larger issue

our entire electoral process is crap ... it does NOT identify the best visionary leaders ... too much of our system is based on vague perceptions and media generated profiles of the candidates ... too often, the candidate with the most money prevails ... too often, incumbents prevail ...

until we derive a system that ferrets out visionary, inspiring leaders with a genuine dedication to making the country and the world a better place to live, we will continue to decline ...

whether Kerry would make a worthy president or not is not an issue i wish to address here ... that he should be dismissed over such idiocy as a "botched joke" and the resultant voter perception of him does not bode well for our future on the planet ...

[IndianaGreen]

25. and if you were to mention Al Gore

the collective response from the corporate media is "not again!"

[welshTerrier2]

32. well, not exactly ...

the current "Al Gore media meme" is that he's much too fat to run ...

what a bunch of idiots ... perhaps the media only reflect our own shallowness as a culture ... if we don't start focussing on the real issues and finding the right people to lead the country, we are truly doomed ...

[wisteria]

26. Don't be. This is a purposely negative piece to make you feel that

way. It also provides cover for some Dem's in our party that stabbed him in the back and the media treatment.

Kerry's backing is all in place the last I heard and he still has a very passionate amount of core supporters.

What the article doesn't mention is the Democrats and other that came out in support. It doesn't mention the respect he still receives by those such as the Baker Commission and it doesn't mention how ridiculous the whole botched joke incident really was. Polls come and go and the one they keep referring to was done right after the election at a major period of hype. This article is one of the last you will see regarding the so called lingering doubt and the mention of the impact of that missing 'us". His numbers will rise and I doubt he will wait until April to decide.

I am convinced that more than ever, he will run.

[dailykoff]

53. Count on the Globe to put the worst spin

on every Kerry story. They've been doing it for decades.

[mtnsnake]

35. Kerry was finished as a candidate long before his "botched joke". nt

[wisteria]

37. In your opinion. Others who know him don't by into your comments.

It isn't over by a long shot.

Oh, and I wouldn't expect any other type of comment from you.
As a matter of fact, you say it all the time and as such you have lost your credibility. I think we all know how your feel about Kerry. So your opinion matter not one bit to me.

[Katzenjammer]

42. "So your opinion matter not one bit to me"

Judging by your reaction, it matters to you quite a lot.

[mtnsnake]

45. Here you go again, the typical Kerryite response in a lame effort to thwart off

any criticism of Mr Kerry by making like it's totally improper to say Kerry was the horrible candidate that he was. If something is said about Kerry that's not all warm and fuzzy, the Kerry brigade tries to make like it's unpatriotic or something to criticize him.

So Im supposed to make like I think he's a good candidate just to appease you? hahaha, gimme a break.

Oh, and I wouldn't expect any other type of comment from you.
As a matter of fact, you say it all the time and as such you have lost your credibility. I think we all know how your feel about Kerry. So your opinion matter not one bit to me.

If you really want to talk about people who say the same thing all the time, you don't have to look any further than in the mirror.

Hey, while you're at it, maybe you can copy/paste one of those many long, drawn-out, monotonous monologues that you have in your repertoire of Kerryisms and bore us all to death again as punishment for criticizing Kerry, the worst presidential campaigner ever to walk the earth.

[Blue_In_AK]

49. "The worst presidential campaigner ever to walk the earth"?

A bit hyperbolical, don't you think?

Good grief, you Kerry bashers are over the top.

[LittleClarkie]

64. Hyperbole. You don't have to say he was good, and maybe he wasn't great

but he was hardly the worst candidate to ever walk the earth.

Surely candidates like Mondale or Dukakis have that distinction. Kerry, right at the end, started to look like a winner. Right after the debates, people started to get excited. Just didn't happen soon enough.

It's not that big a pendulum swing. To say he wasn't horrible isn't to say he was the best, most wonderful campaigner in the whole world either. He had his good bits, and his not so good bits. He was sweet with kids. His best debate was the one that was supposed to be his weakest. He's esp. good when he's pissed. What he needs in his entourage is someone with a sharp stick to keep him angry.

He was somewhere in the middle. And I still think that both Gore and Kerry would be wonderful presidents if only they didn't have to campaign to get there.

[mtnsnake]

66. I stand corrected

Kerry might not have been the worst campaigner to walk the earth, considering Mondale and Dukakis, especially Dukakis. However, neither Dukakis or Mondale had the luxury of going up against a total moron.

And I still think that both Gore and Kerry would be wonderful presidents if only they didn't have to campaign to get there.

I agree, and my main pet peeves with Kerry have mostly to do with his campaign and with him as a campaigner. I think he would've made a fine president, too, if he could've skipped the campaign part.

[TayTay]

69. If that fails

just borrow a long, pointless and boring one from you.

I do believe you have mastered that form of communication.

[mtnsnake]

75. Yeah, that's why

I got voted as the 2006 runner-up of the year for most exciting poster on DU. :smoke:

[Cha]

50. And when will hillary

be Finished? When the corporatemedia turns on her?

[zulchzulu]

61. This shows just how desperate the Repigs are about the "botched joke"

Wallace and Faux Snooze want to keep making it an "issue"...

MP4 QuickTime

[zulchzulu]

38. He's going to run...after more declare their candidacy

The so-called "botched joke" is a non-story within the Royal Punditry (except Faux Snooze). Kerry has already explained what happened (he forgot to say at the end "Just ask President Bush").

If he declared his candidacy before others, he will be the New Target Frontrunner. The MSM chops that person up into bits as a hobby.

It's a smart move, imho. He will declare his candidacy in March...he already has a lot of people on the ground as it is.

[gulliver]

39. He still hasn't stopped the bleeding from that "botched joke"

Does he think calling it a "botched joke" will help? Far from it. It just gives a recognizable shorthand tag name to his (Bush/Rove dirty trick) debacle. Now anyone who wants to nail Kerry can just bring up his "botched joke". The tag doesn't mean "botched joke" any more. The fact that Kerry doesn't get this is, IMO, strong evidence against Kerry's worthiness for the presidency.

The only way Kerry can turn around the botched joke (if it is still possible) is to call it what it was, an obscene (Hitchens' word is great), willfully deceptive, politically motivated character mugging by Karl Rove and the insipid little creature he put in the Oval Office.

The attack on Kerry was a low blow, far too low for a sitting president to make. I thought Kerry was simply singled out to manufacture an issue. When Kerry apologized, I respected him for "taking one for the team" and holding fire until after the election. But it is after the election now, and he still has not made any effective effort to neutralize the issue. He doesn't seem to know how or even want to recognize that it is an issue. To me, that is feckless denial.

[Ninja Jordan]

72. it was both

Kerry did misspeak. He didn't properly allude to Bush in regards to getting stuck in Iraq. The language was confusing. But, the GOP also engaged in a ridiculous campaign to trick the public into thinking Kerry was intentionally insulting the military.

[Catchawave]

44. There's plenty of time

I'm looking forward to Kerry kicking some serious butt in the 110th !

[oasis]

70. And Kerry owes no favors to his so-called pal, John "backstabber" McCain. Sweet.

:bounce:

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Blue_In_AK]

47. Oh, please, you don't know what you're talking about.

An EMBARRASSMENT??? We should all be such embarrassments after decades of public service.

I'm trying not to get involved in these discussions, but your comment was just too much.

[LittleClarkie]

59. The only thing about this report that I find suspect

is that it's an anonymous source. I don't trust em.

[Comicstripper]

73. He'd have to give up his senate seat

per Massachusetts law.

[zann725]

74. According to Kerry himself THIS WEEK on Larry King AND Hannity & Colmes...

AND on Bill Maher about a month ago, JK said JUST what Hilary and Obama have said...he'd announce his "intentions" after end of the year.

Regarding the over-exaggerated 'botched joke': on Larry King this week, JK effectively quipped: "I may've blown a joke, but THEY (the Repugs) blew an entire war." Enough said. Who said JK is not a concise, good speaker?!

He just needs to keep repeating that same retort each time someone tries to "swiftboat" his entire Presidential career over one omitted word. If one mis-spoken word or one flubbed joke made someone NOT electable, please explain Chimpy's every-man vast likeability during last two campaigns?

I saw NO indication in JK's recent MSM interviews (particularly non-verbal 'language') to indicate he's chosen NOT to run, but just a statement he would announce his intentions at the beginning of the year...SAME as BOTH Clinton AND Obama.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

79. I said it.

And I'll say it again.

"I may've blown a joke, but THEY (the Repugs) blew an entire war."

He said the same thing about his "I voted for it before I voted against it" nonsense in '04. Fat lot of good it did us.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

78. "Kerry to postpone decision to run in '08 until '09"

:evilgrin: