Last night changed my vote.

[milkyway]

I decided months ago that on November 2 I would walk into the voting booth and vote for ABB. bush is a menace to my children's future and he has to be removed. During this presidential campaign I have come to respect and admire John Kerry, but I still did not have the same enthusiasm and unconditional love I had for Howard Dean during the primaries campaign.

That changed last night. John Kerry's composure and grace under phenomenal pressure was almost beyond belief. I have long marveled at athletes like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter who become better players when the pressure is at its most unbearable. Pressure affects everyone--it weakens most of us but some become better because of it. John Kerry is one of these exceptional people.

Last night was an embarrassment for our nation as our president proved himself to be a weak man. He simply wilted. He reminded me of a kid going to the dentist--he knew the pain that was forthcoming, and was cringing before it even began. Our president, unfortunately, is a small, weak man who has been a failure throughout his life. He cracks under pressure, as he did in the McCain debate in South Carolina, as he did on the morning of 9/11, and as he did last night. bush, alone, was a frightening sight. Four years of failure have taken a heavy toll. Thirty-nine years ago, Bob Dylan sang about what we witnessed last night: "But even the president of the United States Sometimes must have To stand naked."

The debates in 2000 were frustrating because Al Gore seemed to win on content, yet a few sighs led to him being declared the loser by the media. It has become the norm to ignore the words of a debate and pay attention to the candidates' manner. If we were to watch last night's debate with the sound turned off, we would witness the biggest beating a President of the United States has ever had to endure.

The best moment of the debate for me was when John Kerry, well aware of the meltdown taking place on the other side of the stage, said firmly, "I have no intention of wilting. I've never wilted in my life. And I've never wavered in my life." I live with my wife and two children in Manhattan. If we are targeted by terrorists again, there is no other man I would want as our Commander in Chief at that moment than John Kerry. On November 2 I will be proud to vote not ABB, but for John Kerry. He showed last night that he is ready to be a great American President who will lead this nation to a better place.

[Longhorn]

1. Same change occurred with one of my daughters.

My husband and I taped the debate and were still watching it when she called after it was over to tell us how excited she was to see what a great man Kerry is! I've known it since shortly after he became the frontrunner for the nomination but it was fun to see her figure it out herself. :D

[Raster]

2. We haven't had a president for the last four years. We've had a....

...PNAC/Texas good-ol-boy white mafia frontman. Frat-boy may have been cleaned, polished, packaged and <ahem>born-again, but $hurb was NEVER presidential material. Last night should have put that to rest for EVERYONE.

[cheshire]

4. Truer words were never spoken.

[txindy]

3. Very well said!

I was ABB, myself, until Kerry's speech at the DNC. Then I not only had no doubts, but have been highly-enthusiastic about John Kerry, the individual. That was no small leap for me, either. I haven't regretted that decision since and sincerely doubt I ever will.

Now, just one more month!

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

5. Great post!

The pundits try to spin that it was no debate. That there was no exchange. That the event was too controlled.

But it was better than simply a debate. It was a priceless opportunity for comparison. Because as great as Kerry is all by himself, next to Bush, he is clearly superior.

[strategery blunder]

10. Kerry won the debate under $HRUB'$ rules

bu$h* wanted the thick rules, like no direct exchanges between the candidates, to protect his sorry little a$$. Not only did Kerry beat (or, according to mediawhores, tie) bu$h* on his strongest issues, but he also did it under bu$h*'$ red tape (hmmm...I thought the rethuglikkkans were against burdensome regulation?)

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

[barb162]

36. our little baby in the white house doesn't like confrontation

because that requires he think on his feet. 32 pp of rules for the debate by the GOP because they known their baby can't think on his feet. It showed all he can really do is repeat 5 second sound bites.

[BootinUp]

6. Feel the same way, Thanks for the post...

Kerry Got Game!

:)

[IdaBriggs]

7. Well said. nt

[VOX]

8. Beautifully written, milkyway...

Thanks for taking the time to so eloquently share your thoughts.

Your good efforts are very much appreciated -- :toast:

[Demi_Babe]

9. excellent..send that out to LTTE

[DebinTx]

11. Thanks milkyway

and welcome to the club!

[Stephanie]

12. Pssst -

(change your avatar! :toast: )

[wryter2000]

43. Not necessary

The Dean sign is still in my window. I'm not sure it's ever coming down. It hasnt't been either/or since the primaries.

[Zero Gravitas]

13. Great Post

I feel the same way. Last night changed me from anti-Bush to pro-Kerry.

[carpe_vinum]

14. Add me to the list of formerly disappointed Dean supporters...

who finally feels like she has a candidate she can support unreservedly. Well okay, Kerry still isn't liberal enough for me, but nothing that seems to be an immediate dealbreaker.

[mzmolly]

15. I agree, I think Kerry was outstanding. Grace under pressure.

:hi:

[CatWoman]

16. excellent post, MW

just excellent :thumbsup:

[Phillycat]

17. Love it! Thanks.

:)

[livinbella]

18. me too

I was a Deaniac until last night.
I was actually kinda proud of Kerry.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

19. I've always loved Kerry

It makes me very happy when people I admire on DU can now see the things in him I have always seen. I especially believe my more liberal pals at DU will be pleasantly surprised by Kerry.

I did like Dean although I had some HUGE disagreements with him. A friend and I (who have come to blows over the Dean vs Kerry strategies) had always argued that Dean tacked to the left in order to run and Kerry tacked to the center...I believe that Kerry's tack to the center was worthwhile....I also believe that if we SEE two more debates (since it is entirely possible Bush will chicken out) that Kerry will please us all even more...Bush is WEAKEST on the economy.

[Qutzupalotl]

20. "I've never never wilted in my life. Bush, on the other hand,

was nearly killed by a pretzel."

:)

[SammyWinstonJack]

28. LOL

And what a strange term, "wilted".... bush* comes up some very wierd expressions for such a *manly* man.. :eyes:

[arewenotdemo]

57. LOL

hey, even Richard Nixon has got soul...

[liberal N proud]

21. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper stating exactly

what you are stating here.
This is good stuff!

[Mike L]

22. Kerry reminds me of myself in College.

Fuck off until the last minute then cram all night and ace the exam.

[merh]

26. * would never ace an exam - "not fail"

on the other hand would be the most he could hope for!

[Tsiyu]

47. Uh, that would be Bush's strategy

to try to cram but he couldn't ace tying his shoes.

Kerry was prepared because he has a desire to know what is going on in the world and has studied the issues. A true leader of people has a burning desire to learn and study and understand. * understands and studies NOTHING except how to enrich his friends as he destroys this nation and the world.

Honestly, I have been dismayed by the DUers who have not supported Kerry. The media has worked on you, too. In my mind, anyone with the courage to stand up during Nam ( just as those with the courage to expose Abu Ghraib) has the kahunas to do what he says.

If you bothered to learn anything about Kerry, or have seen the countless photos of the HUGE crowds listening to him, you might enlighten yourself.

Glad that milkyway is pro-Kerry now and not ABB. We need all the true supporters we can get. This is DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND after all.

Sorry to nag, I'm just amazed at all the sudden support, but then, very happy for it as well.

[tibbiit]

23. great dylan reference, thank you for the remind

IT'S ALRIGHT, MA
(I'm Only Bleeding)

Words and Music by Bob Dylan
1965 Warner Bros. Inc
Renewed 1993 Special Rider Music


(snip)

Disillusioned words like bullets bark
As human gods aim for their mark
Made everything from toy guns that spark
To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It's easy to see without looking too far
That not much
Is really sacred.

While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred-dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have
To stand naked.

An' though the rules of the road have been lodged
It's only people's games that you got to dodge
And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.

(snip very long song)

http://orad.dent.kyushu-u.ac.jp/dylan/itsalrma.html

tib

[flpoljunkie]

24. Very persuasive argument. Very well written.

Thanks for taking the time to post it. Hope it gets a lot of reads.

[Endangered Specie]

25. I too, was a Diehard Deniac...

and it took awhile for Kerry to grow on me, past the ABB stage. IT was his DNC speech that really shifted me from Anti-Bush, to Pro-Kerry, the debate last night has only reinforced it.

[beaconess]

27. Beautifully said!

I agree wholeheartedly. Although I was an Edwards supporter, I have always liked and respected Kerry and was in the apparent minority of Dems who was voting FOR Kerry and not just against Bush. But last night, he took it to another level.

This is the man I want to tell us the State of the Union next February, who I want to see stepping off of Air Force One in foreign countries, who will make us proud reviewing the troops, who won't look like a silly toy soldier trying to salute with his left hand while holding the dog (after all, he's been returning salutes for 30 years and knows how to do it and what it really means) and who has a clue about how the government and administration he runs actually works.

[crispini]

29. Beautiful, you put it beautifully.

From ABB to JK!!!!! wooot!

[Politicub]

30. Yay! Thanks for your post. It was inspiring.

And make no mistake, Kerry was under a tremendous amount of pressure last night. Everyone was saying that tonight's debate was on Bush's turf of the Iraq war.

Judging from his debate performance, Kerry appeared as if he was cool and collected. Presidential, even.

It will be great to have adults in charge once again.

[pmbryant]

31. I agree. Inspiring post.

And your (the original poster, I mean) reaction is not unique. During the primaries, I too was unimpressed with Kerry.

In early March, about the time he was becoming the obvious nominee-apparent, I went to a Kerry rally here in San Antonio and got to hear him speak. He totally won me over that day. And, amazingly, he has only gotten better since then.

:-)

Peter

[Skinner]

32. Excellent post.

I am going to give this a kick.

[TexasLady]

33. same here

I had only seen snips of Kerry on tv and online. But the debates gave me renewed confidence and I love that it had to have the same effect on others.

bush was a brat. a sniveling little frat-brat. Long live President Kerry.

[newyawker99]

34. kick

:kick:

[sontec]

35. my sister flipped 'cuz of the debate too

has kids, lives in manhattan...
she now trusts KERRY.

http://www.world-vote.com

[Johnyawl]

37. Excellent post, Milkyway

certainly deserves a kick.

And please consider what others have already suggested: Write this as a letter to the editor and run it through the media blaster. Get it out there for the world to see.


John

[blm]

38. Front page nomination.

.

[RaleighNCDUer]

39. I also was once ABB

and early on I supported Kucinich. Then Dean. Then Clark. But during the primary debates, which I listened to at my computer with my back to the TV, I was surprised to find that often when I heard a particularly cogent argument I would turn around and see it was Kerry speaking. That's why I never bought into the 'flip-flop'. I actually listened to him and appreciated the nuance, while knowing he was capable of the targeted phrase as well.

He speaks like a president, thinks like a president, and will be our next president.

[concord]

40. Kerry moved me as well

I had been a strong Dean supporter, and became ABB when he dropped out. Kerry's performance during the debate moved me from ABB to Kerry as well.

I talked to two undecideds at work yesterday. After the debate, they are both voting for Kerry now.


edit for spelling

[lucca]

41. Thank You

You said it all...and I thank you!

Yes, John Kerry is an exceptional person.
I truly respect and admire him.

[wryter2000]

42. Another Deanie agreeing

I'd long ago got past ABB and come around to enthusiastic support of John Kerry. But Thursday night was something else! I don't think anyone but John Kerry could have nailed *'s coffin shut so "vociferously." He's amazing. I can't wait to have him for my President and for John Edwards to be right behind him in 2012. I can't wait to have THK my first lady with Elizabeth Edwards rounding out a fantastic foursome.

[ModerateMiddle]

44. Thank you Milky Way

This is so heartening for me to hear. I've often not felt very at home here at DU because I am much more of a moderate than the average (mode, median, whichever).

I have been a registered Republican all my life - the primary reason being that I do not believe that merely throwing money at a problem is the right way to solve anything - even if all we're doing is assuaging our guilt. I'm pretty fiscally conservative, and I believe that in some ways the old, traditional conservative viewpoints teach us to find the best in ourselves.

In 2000, I was horrified that the Republican Party chose * as its standard bearer. It was an embarassment to the Party, and to this country that he took office. I was not particularly fond of Gore, but I was aghast at the possibility of a * Presidency.

I've been watching politics like a hawk since then.

I was impressed with Howard Dean at his very first Meet the Press interview, way back in 2002. Being gay, I was impressed with his stand on Civil Unions - and his remarks that he had to be fair because he needed to look himself in the mirror every day. Then Kerry announced his candidacy on MTP as well. I had heard that Kerry would be running, and had been watching in the Iraq resolution negotiations. I listened to his floor speech that day, and though I was hoping desperately that enough votes would be NO to stop Bush, I did recognize the strong LEADERSHIP qualities that Kerry demonstrated in that speech.

I wanted him to vote NO, but by the end of his speech, I understood why he was voting "Yes, but..." That took some convincing for me.

I don't believe that Kerry is "as liberal" as the average Joe here at DU. But I believe fervently that John Kerry will heal this nation, because he isn't highly partisan. He, like his wife, is pragmatic, but with strong principles of right and wrong, of fairness, and most of all - he's a leader. Bush claims he is a leader, and he has been able to "lead" because he is the President and he gets to do just about whatever he wants - including invading a sovereign nation. But he hasn't earned his followers respect. In fact, he has alienating most of the world and then disses those that don't follow.

He's made a mess. It's going to take an extraordinary President to clean up the multitudes of messes that * has created. I strongly believe that Kerry is the right man for these times.

I believe that Kerry will govern from the middle, because he has an extraordinary ability to see the legitimate points on both sides of issues, and has an ability to synthesize those points and CRAFT solutions that will work for most everyone.

I am heartbroken that this wonderful ability and talent of his has been morphed into "flip flop".

I was so nervous about Thursday. From the beginning, through all of the premature announcements of Kerry's politic deaths, I have had faith, but recently, I was just getting very nervous, because I don't think our country could stand another Bush term. What would it say to the world? It's one thing that Bush gained office on a questionable squeaker, but if this country elected him again, after all of the evidence of his imcompetence and mean-spiritedness - the world would be right to never trust us again.

I knew Kerry had it in him to shine on Thursday, but I had no idea just how strong he would be. I was so pleased. And I had NO idea that Bush would make the comparison so easy for Americans to make by demonstrating his lack of understanding of much of what is going on in the world.

I know that the polls will only slowly move now - so much of this country is so rabidly divided right now. But I am confident of a Kerry victory now.

I have a pin - Republicans for Kerry / Edwards and it says "Country before Party". This is how many, many old style Republicans - those not filled with hatred - will feel when they go into that voting booth November 2.

This country, and the world, will begin to heal.

[Dr Fate]

45. Applause!!!

Clap! clap! clap!

[Paradise]

46. beautiful, milkyway,

and, yes, you are correct, john kerry will be a great american president!
thank you for sharing your heartsong with us.

[PopSixSquish]

48. Very Well Put

I was an Edwards supporter during the primaries, but Kerry was my second choice. So I'm "pinkled tink" at the prospect of having these two gentlemen lead our country.

[donco6]

49. Agree wholeheartedly.

We need this man for our leader.

[WillyT]

50. Wow... GREAT Post !!! - Thank You !!!

Very well put!

:yourock:

[NVMojo]

51. my thoughts almost exactly

I fell in love with Kerry this week. Had to what him in action. He's awesome!!! Just like a good athelete but more importantly, it really hit me that this man, standing before us, is a war veteran. He can handle the heat. And that is what we need. Not a temper tantrum spoiled brat with his army of koolaid drinking minions.

May Rove burn in hell for the unnecessary deaths he has caused with his spin magic in America. May he be outed as the true TERRORIST to America that he is!!!

[Sugarbleus]

52. Man! Your words touch my heart....They're Dynamite!

Powerful, powerful testimony. Thank you for sharing those thoughts and feelings. I hope you can pass those thoughts along to an even wider audience...perhaps a Newspaper?

I agree with your sentiments; I see it too.

God Bless John F. Kerry!!

[Jack_Dawson]

53. You were going to vote for Bush?

I read your whole post and still don't get it. How did your vote change?

[ModerateMiddle]

55. the vote changed

from voting AGAINST Bush to voting FOR Kerry.

Significant.

[Jack_Dawson]

56. So your *motivation* changed, not your vote

Right?

:toast:

[Cha]

54. Beautiful post, milkyway!

We are so fortunate to have Kerry leading us to victory!

[JimmyJazz]

58. Wonderful post! n/t

[Francesca]

59. I could not agree more.

Both my husband and I were very passionate about Dean and have been wanting for months to have Kerry inspire us the same way. He did much better than we expected Thursday night and we were so optimistic after the debate that we could not get to sleep later that night.

[MADem]

60. I have to confess

...that Dean was my first choice, and Kerry, my Senator, my second. I watched the primaries with great interest, and when they started targeting Dean, his wife, his suits, his temper, I could see how that would end. Sometimes blunt honesty is not the best policy--there are too many people/sheeple out there who "just can't handle the truth."

I'd love to see Dean running Health and Human Services, and shoving the universal healthcare issues forward. Talk about a kickass attitude in a cabinet post that all too often just sits back and cruises, but really needs some asskicking. He could do some great things...

Here's hoping!

[XanaDUer]

61. Thank you for your lovely and gracious post...

If we all pull together, we can get that dangerous and ignorant CHimp out of office before he kills again.

[milkyway]

62. Here's a revised version that I've sent to some media outlets. Thanks

for the comments.
__________

The Presidential debate on Thursday night changed my vote. I had decided long ago that on November 2 I would walk into the voting booth and vote for Anybody But Bush. George Bush is a menace to my children's future and he has to be removed from office. During this presidential campaign I had come to respect and admire John Kerry, but I still did not have the same enthusiasm and emotional connection I had for Howard Dean during the primaries campaign.

That changed during the debate. John Kerry's composure and grace under phenomenal pressure was almost beyond belief. I have long marveled at athletes like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter who become better players when the pressure is at its most unbearable. When even the spectators are trembling with anxiety, they find a place within themselves in which to flourish. John Kerry showed us during the debate that he is one of these exceptional people. He was in total command of himself and the moment.

The debate was an embarrassment for our nation as our president proved himself to be a weak man. He simply wilted. He was like a kid going to the dentist--he knew the pain that was forthcoming, and was cringing before it even began. Our president, unfortunately, cracks under pressure, as he did when confronted in the McCain debate in 2000, as he did on the morning of 9/11, and as he did during this debate with John Kerry. Four years of failure have taken a heavy toll. He was a shell of the man that debated Al Gore. His worldview collapsing in on him as it collides with reality, unable to hear any loyalty-tested cheers, separated from the sycophants that surround him and those that use him and the power of his office to further their own agenda, George Bush, alone, was a frightening sight. Thirty-nine years ago, Bob Dylan sang about what we witnessed the other night: "Even the president of the United States sometimes must have to stand naked."

The first debate in 2000 was frustrating for me because Al Gore seemed to win on content, yet a few sighs led to him being declared the loser by the media. It has become the norm in our country to ignore the words of a debate and pay attention to the candidates' manner. If we were to watch the Bush-Kerry debate without sound, we would witness the biggest beating a President of the United States has ever had to endure. John Kerry stood strong and true throughout the debate, confident and comfortable, while a petulant, angry, frustrated George Bush seemed to shrink before our very eyes.

The most moving moment for me came near the end of the debate when John Kerry, well aware of the meltdown taking place on the other side of the stage, said firmly, "I have no intention of wilting. I've never wilted in my life. And I've never wavered in my life." At that moment, he connected with me in a way few politicians ever have. It was as if he knew the affect his masterful performance was having on me, and he was assuring me that he will likewise rise to the serious challenges he will face as President.

I live with my wife and two children in Manhattan. On the morning of 9/11 our government was without a leader, and it failed us. Our nation has found its leader. If we are targeted by terrorists again, there is no other man I would want as our Commander-in-Chief at that moment than John Kerry. On November 2 I will be proud to vote, not for Anybody But Bush, but for John Kerry. He showed during this debate that he is ready to be a great American President who will lead this nation to a better place.