Please Help Me Like Kerry....

[qwlauren35]

I'm not trying to flame or cause dissent. I'd just like to hear from his most ardent supporters what aspects of Kerry's candidacy are most compelling for him.

So far, I've heard that he's quite intelligent. I know he has a fairly liberal legislative record.

I'd especially like to know if he has any foreign policy experience within the Senate (committee work, bill sponsorship, etc.)

BTW, I've gone to the website. I seem to be having trouble pulling out what I want from there, so I figured I'd ask directly in hopes of getting some dialogue and clear vision.

I ***AM*** open to this. Right now, I'm neutral, and I don't think I can be an effective campaigner if I'm just neutral. So I need some help moving firmly into the Kerry camp.

PLEASE HELP!!!!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. He's Not Bush

for starters... Other DUERS will fill in the blanks...


Peace

Brian

[mike_c]

4. that seems to be his single best qualification, but of course...

...the same can be said for the perverbial ham sandwich. In other words, Kerry is at least as appealing a choice as a ham sandwich....

[jonnyblitz]

49. it's the reason I will vote for him. n/t

[freetobegay]

2. It's simple

You want Bush for 4 more years?

That should get alot of people liking Kerry pretty damn quick!

[qwlauren35]

5. Aren't There Better Reasons????

DEFINITELY I want Bush out.

But that won't reach people who don't hate Bush as much as I do. Not everyone hates Bush. So I'd like to give folks a reason to WANT Kerry. Otherwise, too many people will just stay home.

[molly]

3. Nope.....

make your own decisions - http://www.johnkerry.com

[mzmolly]

11. Nice, someone reaches out to Kerry supporters and all you guys can say is

"make your own decisions"

Is this how we intend to inspire high voter turn out?

If so, were in some real f-ing trouble.

[molly]

15. Pleeze - this is like the 150th repeat

this is flam-bait and you know it!

[mzmolly]

16. No I don't "know it" in fact, I doubt it.

Lighten up.

[qwlauren35]

22. Au Contraire

I've been totally honest about my intentions. I'm not trying to flame anyone. After Dean bowed out, I focused on my personal life: my new marriage, finishing my Mathematics degree, holding down a full-time job and teaching in the evenings. I haven't been on DU in 4-6 months.

Having set aside half of my commitments, I'm now ready to pick up on politics. And Kerry has my VOTE. REALLY. But that's not going to be enough to help me campaign for him. That's why I wanted to hear from Kerry supporters.

If there's an old thread on this that you'd rather revive instead of me starting a new one, please point me to it.

I sincerely apologize for starting the 151'st thread. That wasn't my intent.

[mzmolly]

35. I'll try to be discreet, but at times here we must "consider the source."

You are entitled to your post and your question(s).

Most people here KNOW it was not flame bait.

:hug:

And remember, never confuse Mzmolly with Molly... ;)

[molly]

41. Yes - please never confuse us!!!!

she supported a loser - I support a WINNER!!!

[Forkboy]

52. trust me,no one would ever confuse you two for more than a second

as your post proves :eyes:

Psssst,just supporting a winner doesn't make you one.

[janx]

40. How do you know that the poster wasn't being sincere?

It's possible, you know.

[mzmolly]

42. I'm still wondering what flam-bait is?

:P

[GalleryGod]

6. Yeah,you are.

Much like many of my college sophomores...you want the pre-digested answers w/o doing any of the investigation...you've got over 100 days until Election Day..IN-Vest-ti-GATE!

Your Man in the Faculty Lounge:hangover: ,
GG:smoke:

[qwlauren35]

26. Um....

Okay, I guess I haven't been sufficiently clear.

What I'm trying to do is develop a series of pro-Kerry flyers that I can use locally. We don't yet have a Kerry office in NC and frankly, there's only one Kerry flyer on the National Website and doesn't grab me.

We developed NUMEROUS Dean flyers, and I'd like to take the format of the original flyers and tailor it to Kerry. But Kerry's strengths and Dean's strengths are pretty different. So I'd like to start by hearing the BIG PICTURE of what makes him appealing and THEN go after the details. Because, believe me, I will have to do plenty of digging to come up with these flyers, but a bit of direction about what already appeals to people will help me tremendously.

I hope this explains better what I'm after.

[lovedems]

7. I think it is up to you to find reasons to like Kerry.

I think you will find more satisfaction and will be a more effective campaigner if you figure it out for yourself rather then have people tell you.

[MoonRiver]

8. Whether you like him or not, and I do, what are the alternatives?

Let's see, there's, 1.) voting for *; and, 2.) voting for Nader, which equals voting for *. So you can decide if you like Kerry or * better as president, and proceed to the polls on November 2nd, or not.

[mzmolly]

9. Well, I was ONCE where you are today. I'll try to share my epiphany in a

manner that is helpful, but I tend to ramble without much sense.

Here goes nothing:

I used to feel like Kerry didn't take a stand on anything and let the polls gauge his behavior. However, as I think about this. The polls dictated he choose Edwards for a running mate (which has it's advantages). Additionally, what's wrong with serving the people your elected to serve? Representatives are supposed to represent us. However, in spite of my previous points. I do think that I misjudged him a bit on this in the first place. What started turning ME around was an interview where a news dog asked Kerry about his so called flip-flopping, and he replied, go ahead ask me anything. She asked him several tough questions and his answers were clear (albeit involved) but clear.

I supported Dean who had a different style. Dean was direct and snappy. Dean said he was quick to diagnose in his medical years as well, while his wife was more cautious and deliberate. I see Kerry as more cautious and deliberate, which has it's own strengths.

I started to look at Kerry's record in the senate, and pull apart his vote for the War. I finally understood what he was saying in regard to Iraq.

THINK ABOUT IT FOLKS. IF YOU DON'T GIVE THE PRESIDENT ANY AUTHORITY, HE CAN'T HANG HIMSELF. Bush claimed there were WMD. Kerry gave him the authority to pursue inspections (in his words.) Bush refuses to take responsibility for the war, while Tony Blair has. What's also worth noting is after the vote (giving * authority) the inspections did continue. BUSH was the ONE who said, THAT'S IT, INSPECTIONS ARE TURNING UP EVIDENCE WE DON'T WANT (namely that there are NO WMD's) so he kicked out the inspectors, 2 months early and started HIS war. Most other Presidents would have used the blessing of the Senate to pursure inspections, NOT WAR. THIS WAS BUSH'S CHOICE.

Further I looked at Kerry's health care and education plans among other things and was very impressed. In fact, his health care plan impressed me a great deal.

Kerry's record in the senate (as you mention) deserves the support of Progressives.

Granted Kerry wasn't my first choice, and I'll never feel "the same" about him as I do Dean. But, if we win this election, and Dean's DFA takes off and helps bring the party to it's roots, it's a WIN/WIN that I can very much live with. :hi:

Check out his website on the issues that are important to you, I think you'll be impressed.

[qwlauren35]

20. That was EXTREMELY Helpful!!!

Thank you SO much.

Is there a record of that interview? I'd really like to see a transcript.

I went and looked at the Healthcare platform, and I couldn't get a clear picture of it. Maybe I didn't look in the right places. I got swamped with the other verbage that preceded it.

I was disappointed with the Civil Rights page. I thought he didn't talk enough about his voting record. But I'll take another look.

What I'm really trying to do is get enough meat to create my own flyers to hand out and distribute. Especially flyers that touch on the issues that a lot of African-Americans care about. I know what *I* care about, but I'm pretty liberal as AA's go.

I'll keep digging.

[mzmolly]

30. I hope Kerry will do more to reach out. Check this out though.

As for his healtcare plan, he gives a basic one on the website with a link to a more involved one in a PDF form.

I really appreciate what your doing Lauren! :hi:

I wish I had a transcript of the interview, I can't even recall who it was that interviewed him. :( If I think of it, I'll post a link.

Here is a great list called "Ten reasons to enthusiastically support John Kerry."

1. On the Environment: Kerry has a 96% lifetime rating from the League of Conservation Voters based on his congressional voting record.

2. On Civil Rights: The NAACP and the Human Rights Campaign gaveKerry a 100% rating.

3. On Education: For the past 8 years, John Kerry has received a 100% rating from the National Education Association.

4. On a Woman's Right to Choose: Planned Parenthood and NARAL gave Kerry a 100% rating.

5. On Labor Rights: The AFL-CIO has given John Kerry a 91% lifetime rating, including a 100% rating in 2003.

More here. http://www.globalstewards.org/democrats.htm#why

http://www.globalstewards.org/democrats.htm

THIS LIST MIGHT MAKE FOR A FANTASTIC FLYER, PERHAPS WE COULD GET PERMISSION TO DISTRIBUTE?

[demwing]

47. Thanks MzMolly, that was a very together post

as usual, you rock!

:yourock:

[Monte Carlo]

10. He's been a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for a while

So he does have some significant experience with foreign policy. I'm not completely familiar with the details, but he has been on it for a while.

During the Iran-Contra scandal in 1986, he was one of the Democratic Senators who really pushed the investigation. Again, I think you'd have to look up the details.

I'm from Massachusetts, so I have a somewhat longer knowledge of Kerry's record. From what I can tell, his record is liberal on social issues, but he tends to be more conservative with matters of budgets and national security.

Kerry is a very intelligent person with an impressive life experience. He's no ideolouge; he has a very cold pragmatic streak. In campaigns, he's also been a very, very strong closer.

[qwlauren35]

25. This too is VERY helpful.

You are pointing me in good directions to dig for information.

Thank you VERY much.

I think what I may do is try to access his SENATOR page. At first glance, I didn't see a place on his candidacy website that would tell me about his voting record.

[mstrsplinter326]

12. Nothing wrong with dissent

Firmly into the Kerry camp, as if that were the ultimate goal...

Jump on the bandwagon if you deem it necessary or right, but pick Kerry based on the issues, not just because he's who's running for the democrats.

Moving into Kerryville from where? Freeperville or Greenton? Maybe Communismia or Libertarianburg?

[KurtNYC]

13. Economy and Foreign Policy

Clearly the cost of gasoline is a major drag on the economy and affects each of us even if we don't drive. John Kerry will not be adding to the nearly full strategic petroleum reserves while oil is at and above $40 barrel. Bush had the opportunity to release some oil and help our economy get back on its feet (and help his own campaign) but instead he helped drive the price up even further. Bush is aligned with oil interests and we need someone on our side.

Foreign Policy
Kerry knows first hand what is being asked of the men and women who have been sent on the snipe hunt in Iraq. He wasn't working on a failed senate campaign for some racist in Alabama during his military service. Morale is dangerously low in the military and the Guard is having a hard time re-filling their ranks because of the lack of trust which eligible people now have. A fundamental understanding between the American people and our troops has been broken. Americans like John Kerry and Max Cleland can help restore integrity regarding the way our troops are asked to perform.

Thousands of American families are suffering because their loved ones are in Iraq paying the price for Bush's failure to continue the sanctions and inspections which we now obviously see were working fine. And also for his failure to build a truly international coalition. John Kerry won't be pissing off our allies and demanding that our troops go it alone to clean up his mess.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. He Was One Of A Small Minority Of Senators To Vote Against DOMA

That took political courage....

[tandot]

17. I think his website is a good start

Kerry volunteered for Vietnam - Bush didn't
Kerry was injured in combat - Bush was AWOL for periods of time

Kerry knows from his own experience that war is hell and he would not sent our troops in harms way if it is not absolutely necessary.

How much foreign policy experience did Bush have when he ran? I think meeting with his Saudi friends or meeting with the Taliban as Governor of Texas doesn't quite count.

Bush takes it from the poor and middle class and gives it to his rich buddies.

Kerry is against giving huge tax breaks to the rich and big corporations, who already are making immense profits on our backs.

Since Bush is in office, costs for health care and medications went through the roof, while profits for those companies increased

Since Bush is in office, oil prices went through the roof while profits for oil companies increased.

Kerry is fighting for me and people like me. Bush is fighting for the haves and have mores.

The most important thing: Kerry is able to beat Bush.

[TreasonousBastard]

18. As with any Presidential candidate...

we don't have a crystal ball to see how he will actually do while in office. And policy positions are always subject to change due to to changing situations and the opposition in Congress. This is a democracy of sorts, and we can't always get everything we want. The other guys want stuff, too, and they're going to get some of it.

What we are voting for is someone who may not always do what we like, but has our interests and the best interests of the country at heart. The country as a whole may never agree on what those interests are, or how to best achieve them, but we want someone who will work to find a proper compromise that pissess off the fewest and makes the most happy.

During Kerry's years in public office he has been one of the good guys. One can always dig up a vote or speech that we don't like, but overall his opinions and actions have been on the proper side, and he has been clean as the proverbial whistle. Not a bad record for someone who's been around so long.

I'm confident that Kerry's years of friendships in Congress and history of rational compromise will make him the "uniter not divider" that the current resident has proven himself not to be. I'm also confident that his cabinet and staff will work to undo the terrible work the current staff is doing to wreck our environment and destroy our rights and standing in the world. I'm confident that he will not appoint rightwing judges-- his appointments will be sober and just, and that his appointments will have an easier time sailing through the Senate.

I'm confident that Kerry is just what we need right now. We have been torn with the rightwing trying to destroy Clinton, and now their lapdog is polarizing the country even more. Kerry is the one who can break down those partisan walls and get us back to the business of running the country properly.

[flpoljunkie]

19. His idealism and concern for our democracy is what I find most compelling

I truly believe John Kerry when he says that we must reclaim our democracy and restore its promise to all of our citizens. With John Edward's at his side, I am hopeful that they will be able to make this promise a reality.

I think we all agree that this is the most important election in our lifetimes, and that whoever wins this election will determine the future of our country and our standing in the world. The stakes could not be higher in November, and we must do everything we can to send George "I'm a uniter, not a divider" Bush back to Crawford, Texas, so that we can move forward with responsible and principled leaders in the White House.

[seventhson]

21. Coming from a zealous antiKerry activist ...

in the primaries, I can tell you there are a lot of things about Kerry which make him a WONDERFUL candidaTE AND will make him a great president (though in comparison to Bush Mussolini would probably have been decent)

The first thing is his desire to do what is right for America and for the world, which is most evdicent in his support of Kyoto and stricter gas mileage standards for car.

That alone evinces vision and caring.

His experiences in Vietnam, his actions as an opponent of the war, and his writing of his own complicity in what he considered to be immoral (and possibly illegal) wartime actions makes me believe that he DOES have a sense of morality far above that of most candidates.

His environmental record as stated above is one of the best if not the best in the Senate on energy issues (thoiugh I wish he were antiNuke).

Kerry has an intelligence and steadfastness and shrewdness politically that serves us all well and will when he has to get legislation passed. He can turn this election into a mandate for universal healthcare. )peaceful_ public service experience in rebuilding our infrastructre and education as well as jobs creation.

Finally - on this topic for now - I will add that Kerry knows better than any other politician (and perhaps better than Gore did) the DANGER of the extrteme right wing in control of shadow governmental operations. Kerry investigated and ran down leads on corruption and deceit BY OUR OW Government fearlessly and exposed the Bush cabal for what they really were in his contra and cia-cocaine investigations. Though those investigations were sunk under the weight of politics Kerry took themn farther than ANYONE (except perhaps the Christic Institute) had EVER done and made these records available so that we now KNOW what the Bushes did and are capable of.

Kerry's expereince in foreign affairs is almost unprecedented in the Senate and his work in Vietnam normalization, for example, and human rights is very strong.

As someone who vehemently opposed Kerry in the primaries I knew all along that he had tremendous strengths (as I was constantly arguing them with his supporters in an attempt to disparage him). He is a consummate insider and KNOWS ho the political game is played and can maneuver and ourtmaneuver Bush and even the Republicans in control of the Congress. He can bring the change we need perhaps better than Gore could have (because Gore was NOT the consummate insider).

Kerry is also, I believe, a very decent man personally. There are very few stories about him being an arrogant jerk (or a philanderer like Clinton) but he is ultiamtely a politician.

I thinj that perhaps the BEST reason to support Kerry is that he has a sense of history and a sense of vision for America and for the world: i.e. he CARES about whaT HAPPS TO US AND TO THE WORLD UNLIKE BUSH WHO HAS SAID : "WHO CARES ABOUT HISTORY? WE'LL ALL BE DEAD."

Kerry has a strong spiritual backgrouynd and heritage which dictates that he care about US. About you and me. Totally unlike Bush who cares ONLY about himself and his own ass.

Want more.

Most folks here will tell you I fought a HARD battle to stop Kerry for my own reasons. But I recognize that he is the best warrior we have to take on Bush and the powers of evil behind Bush (or following him). As of now we have no one else. There IS no one else to lead us now and Kerry is a damn fine leader for this purpose: to defeat the Bushzis and drive them from public and private power.

[emulatorloo]

24. Thank you, seventhson . . .

for your terrific post. . .

[qwlauren35]

27. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you SO MUCH for this.

I could take your entire message and send it to my friends who are on the fence.

Let me know if that's okay with you.

[mzmolly]

36. Great post, I agree with every word.

:toast:

I think us Anti-Kerry zealots will make some of the finest supporters, as we have given him a hard honest look.

[demwing]

48. Great Post! Did Bush actually say that about history?

Every day I find out something else about the man that makes me hang my head in shame.

I'm so tired of being ashamed.

[seventhson]

50. Yes he did - anyone got a link?

I saw it several times reported reliably.

[qwlauren35]

55. Oooooooooooooh!

Stricter gas mileage for cars!!!!

He gets my vote RIGHT THERE! (And will probably piss off Soooooo many SUV drivers...)

Signed - Honda Civic lover...

[emulatorloo]

23. He uncovered Iran/Contra, and exposed that horrible corruption (more)

He wrote a book about how to handle terrorism before George Bush even heard the word, and the suggestions he made were well reasoned and sensible.

He has personal wealth, but he votes against his own self interest for the common good of America.

Children gravitate to him and respond to him immediately. I have seen this with my own eyes, and he is genuinely interested in them.

He will appoint judges who are intelligent and reasonable.

He is a religious man, but does not allow his religious beliefs to dictate how he governs.

He cares about the environment and has done a lot in his career to fight for it.

He is a good father, and that says a lot about his character.

He has vowed to pour money into research for alternative sources of energy. He has said that no American should ever be sent to war over Oil.

While he was priveledged growing up, he has been continuously committed to giving back to the country. By serving in Vietnam, by coming back and helping end that unjust war, by becoming a prosecutor, by serving the people of Mass.

He has a deep reserve of strength and toughness - he will fight George Bush, and he will be formidable against the Republicans in Congress

I could list more, but this will get you started.

[qwlauren35]

28. YES, This helps!

Thank you.

[liberalpragmatist]

29. You want to know if KERRY has ANY Foreign Policy Experience?

Sorry, that sounded kind of facetious. I'll be nice unlike some of the posters, but they do have a point. You really do need to do a lot of your own research. There are TONS of profiles out there, in more dense publications like the New Yorker, the Atlantic, Men's Journal, and even Rolling Stone. There are TONS of profiles in more mainstream publications - Time and Newsweek both have extensive Kerry profiles and cover stories. The Economist has written a lot on him, and while it's not uniformly favorable, coming from a mag that's socially libertarian but quite economically conservative, they're nonetheless quite sensible about him and have defended him from charges of flip-flopping.

Tell me though - you don't know that KERRY is one of the most thoroughly voiced in forein policy? He has YEARS of experience in the Foreign Relations committee. His initial claim to fame was his heroic service in Vietnam, his invovlement with the antiwar movement, and his testimony in '71 when he was in his early 20s before the Senate FR committee. He can discuss any region in the globe. I don't always agree with his stands, but he's an ardent internationalist and multilateralist, speaks fluent French and German, and some Italian and has a foreign-born wife.

His website has plenty of links to great profiles - look under press and articles. Also do a google search for "Joe Klein New Yorker Kerry" and for "John Kerry Men's Journal" and do a search on the http://www.rollingstone.com for John Kerry.

[qwlauren35]

32. Yes, I see how that probably sounded ignorant.

What you're helping me to see is that going to the campaign website is definitely NOT the way to do my research.

You've given me great pointers for other directions to go in.

Thank you.

[mzmolly]

33. Asking questions is the beginning of research, and don't let anyone

give you a hard time for doing so! :hi:

I posted a similar thread a while back, and it was the "beginning" of my being able to support John Kerry.

I don't recall so many posts suggesting that asking questions here is a bad thing though ??? *scratches head*

It's perfectly fine to ask people "Why do YOU support John Kerry" which is what you did.

[blm]

31. He investigated and exposed more govt. corruption than ANY lawmaker in

modern history.

His efforts helped to end three wars.

He is a lifelong environmentalist. It's not just a campaign hook for him. It's a lifetime commitment.

[faithnotgreed]

34. there is a lot to like about him & i thank you for wanting information

on him. each post from you here sounds open and simply asking those who truly are fighting for him, what they think...

i appreciate that very much. i just wish more were open and willing to hear truth. whatever it may be, the good and the not as good, i thank you for seeking to find whats real.

and also thank you for sharing what you think with others. we need to reach out in every way we can!

[tandot]

37. After reading the whole threat I wanted to thank qwlauren35 & all DUers

responding to his questions.

Every day I learn new and great facts about Kerry and get new sources where I can research him and his work, and get ammunition to refute any right-wing lies that come my way.

The deal with DU is that all the information posted here is usually backed up with pretty good links to credible sources, so we all can do our own research. This is something you will not find on freerepublic or other right-wing extremists' sites.


Thank You, DUers! :yourock:

[Comicstripper]

38. Right Here

Go down to Ten Reasons to Support John Kerry
speaks for itself
http://www.globalstewards.org/democrats.htm#why

[Hell Hath No Fury]

39. Project Vote Smart...

is a good resource for informatiion on candidates. It is nonpartisan and was found by Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.

http://www.vote-smart.org

[JI7]

43. he actually has a progressive record on many issues

a lifetime progressive record.

[zulchzulu]

44. Some points

Here's some points why I like Kerry and feel he's the only one that can beat Bush.

1. Environment. Senator Kerry fought to block drilling in ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) and has a history and record of fighting for the environment for 30 years.

2. Nukes. He has taken a firm stand in opposition to the development of new tactical nuclear weapons.

3. Karl Rove. He requested (and received) a probe into Karl Rove’s activities with respect to water policy in the Northwest. and the Plome/Niger outed CIA agent affair.

4. Ashcroft and Norton. He opposed and voted against the nominations of both John Ashcroft (Attorney General) and Gale Norton (Secretary of the Interior).

5. Reproductive Freedom. He vowed to filibuster Supreme Court nominees who do not support Abortion Rights.

6. Vet Benefits. He is fighting to preserve Veteran’s health benefits in the face of Bush’s cuts.

7. Fiscal Responsibility. He took the lead on Deficit Reduction in the early 90’s, helping to set the stage for the Clinton boom.

8. PAC Contributions. He has won four senate terms without accepting a penny of PAC money.

9. Campaign Finance. He joined with Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota to present a Clean Money Bill giving candidates the option of financing their political campaigns with grant expenditures from a public campaign trust fund.

10. Defense Of Marriage Act. He was one of 14 senators to speak out against the Defense of Marriage Act. He also believes in civil unions and repealing the "don't ask, don't tell' policy.

11.Healthcare Reform - He has the best plan for healthcare reform, which was chosen by 10 healthcare professionals in an independent study.

Kerry has actually FOUGHT in real battles (Viet Nam vet decorated with 3 Purple Hearts, a Silver and a Bronze Star), campaign battles, state battles, national battles and senate battles. And yet he created a veterans group to stop an unjust war in the name of peace.

On the war, Kerry never voted FOR the war in Iraq. He voted for the right of the president to use force against Saddam WITH a multinational, multilateral force under the UN AND as a last resort.

The position was reached from lies from the Bush administration concering imminent threats from Saddam's never found WMDs and impending nuclear capability, which was also a lie.

Besides that, he windsurfs, plays hockey, plays guitar and rides a Harley in his spare time.

[qwlauren35]

45. VERY Helpful!

Thank you!

[Cybergata]

51. He also is a

skier and snowboarder.

:hippie:

[Nicholas_J]

46. What does liking have to do with it?

There are plenty of likable people who would love o be president who are totally incompetant. I'd rather have someone I didnt like in office, who is capable, has had years of experience, has had a record of success in opposing conservative regimes, and above all, could win.

Likeablity is someplace on the bottom of my list for rating candidates. Liking someone in politics can all to frequently be the result of that politician figuring out what the most people want to hear, and then letting them here it. Sometimes even when the political record of the person speaking runs almost in direct opposition to what they are speaking about. Yeah. they may be able to get people worked up, have what is frequently called "fire in the belly" but if there is no record behind all of the talk, one may find the fire in the belly will do little more than give you a very nasty case of heartburn.

Experience and electability are far, far more important than likability. From the conservative's standpoint, georrge W. Bush is altogetther likeable. They claim to like the guy for various reasons of importance to conseratives. like he "means what he says" "does what he says he is going to do" "Is a good born Again Christian". He can even screw up royally, and many conservatives admit can admit that he screws up royally, yet is is "likeability" from what is likeable t them that got Bush elected, and has the same people who voted for him in 2000 supporting him loyally this time around. George is likeably to his core constituency. He had virtually no experience when he was elected. Those who supported Bush because they liked him are largely responsible for choosing someone who has caused the major mess we have been in for nearly 4 years.

Kerry has years of experience,in both domestic and foreign areas of policy and it has mostly been directed towards supporting and pushing through a liberal democratic agenda, and this is why he was considered the most electable candidate, and why he basically beat the pants orff of all of the other candidates. Overall the public has pretty much had it with inexperienced Washington outsiders. For the last 30 years most of the problems and scandals that have occured in the presidential arena have been the result of what went along with Washinton outsider status. And likeable guys.

[qwlauren35]

53. How Ironic...

My mother, at 78, is a "seasoned" voter. She has been ABB for nearly 4 years now. And she watched me do the "Dean" thing last year, and warned me of the importance of getting on board with the "best" candidate, not just the one I liked.

She said that over the course of an election year, there would be so much mudslinging that by the time it was voting day, I probably wouldn't "like" my candidate. Too many flaws would be exposed.

But at that point, it was my duty as a citizen to pick the person best for the job.

So I do understand what you're saying.

Clearly a rephrase is in order. "Like" was a short-hand for "respect", "appreciate", "become familiar with". I may never "like" Kerry. Heard too many bad things about him. But you're right. That's not my objective. I just don't think that feeling as though I'm going into the voting booth holding my nose is going to help me campaign for him.

NC *might* be a swing state. If it wasn't this probably wouldn't matter. But if there's a chance that we can deliver this state to Kerry/Edwards, I need all the ammo I can get.

[bitchkitty]

54. I'll help you:

This made me like Kerry very, very much!

Kerry Building Legal Network for Vote Fights

[leyton]

56. Excellent profile from the Prospect:

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewPrint&articleId=8118

"In non-Bush America, a far more prevalent symbol of sentiment these days, rather than outright affection for Kerry, is the “Anybody But Bush” pin. Anybody But Bush avoids Kerry. It also contains more than a little bit of disdain and disrespect -- common attitudes in a modern Democratic Party that seems able to take the concept of unity only so far. Democrats (political writers, too) love second-guessing, relentless kibitzing, pseudo-biographical psychobabble. In today’s political culture, progressives tend to be neurotic, conservatives fanatical.

The best cure for this neurosis is not artificially induced adulation but a rational decision to recognize Kerry’s strengths. This is a contemplative, serious person -- well-grounded in progressive principles -- who has the good habit of getting interested in new ideas that survive scrutiny. His work habits reveal an iron butt for grunt work, as well as considerable experience in working across party lines. A non-Bush president will have to repair considerable damage abroad and at home, complex tasks that will resist grand fixes and reward the patience and tough negotiating that are Kerry attributes. But a non-Bush president will also have to think and act big and new, and the work Kerry has already done on a range of issues should inspire confidence. "

Better to read the whole thing, though, as one or two paragraphs don't do the article or Kerry justice.