Yepsen: A second go for Kerry? He'd need to convince Iowans why

[Debi]

So, should John Kerry run for president again?

<snip>

• He came close, oh so close, in 2004. Bush got 51 percent. Kerry got 48 percent. Only 120,000 more votes in Ohio, and you wouldn't be reading this column.

<snip>

• Kerry's been vetted. He's been through the crucible once, and the lessons he learned would be useful again.

<snip>

<snip>

• Kerry understands why he lost. Strategists in his camp say if he does run again, the campaign will be more nimble in responding to attacks than it was in 2004. He won't be isolated from key Democrats seeking to offer advice.

<snip>

If Kerry wants to run again in 2008, he'll have to discuss these things publicly with Iowa Democrats. They gave him an important victory in the 2004 caucuses, largely on the strength of his argument that he was the most electable of their choices.

Since he didn't win, they'll need to hear just what he'd do differently if they gave him another chance.


http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051011/OPINION01/510110352/1056/NEWS09

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What do Iowa DUers think?

I wasn't a fan of Kerry's in the caucuses and wasn't thrilled with him as the nominee. I'm glad to see him working for Democrats this year but hope it's for the cause and not just for repositioning himself for an '08 run.

Debi

[Hobarticus]

1. Tainted goods....I loved Kerry, still do, but...

I'm not a big fan of losing nominees running again. Especially anyone who lost to Dubya.

[IA_Seth]

2. I would have to echo your thoughts...

I was and am a Clark supporter...but even if he chooses not to run in '08, a losing nominee would be a tough sell for me.

I suppose seeing all of the blood, sweat, and tears we put into his candidacy the first go around redeemed in an '08 win would be nice..but I think he has a lot of convincing to do before I support him for another run.

I think it's too early to really gauge real my opinion..for right now the answer is no.

[Hobarticus]

3. That's a good point...I'd like to see him advising the candidate

Even if it wasn't on a day-to-day basis. Lots of valuable lessons to learn from a past candidate.

[Rambis]

4. My thought was the same but then...

All he would have to do is say I told you so.
We didn't guard the 800 millions tons of explosives the insurgents are using to blow up our men and women-
bush tax cuts only went to the wealthiest 1%-
Jan 1 2006 you all got thrown into a prescription drug plan with those drug cards and it cost you more money-
200 billion in Iraq and he has no plan-
the health care plan was not a gov program that bush said it was-
Culture of corruption in Washington- He wants to run washington like a business well he has given everything to his friends-

I VOTED FOR THE 87 BILLION WHEN IT WAS GOING TO COME OUT OF THE TAX CUT AND WHEN BUSH SAID NO WAY I VOTED AGAINST IT!

[IA_Seth]

5. He needs to run a commercial like that now either way! n/t

[pstans]

6. I supported Dean in the caucuses

Kerry was my 2nd choice. If Kerry runs again and he is the strongest candidate then I will vote for him. Right now Kerry is probably my 3rd choice behind Feingold and Gore.

[Debi]

7. Beware of saying you supported Dean.....

Seth will bite you!!!!! (Just kidding)

Glad to see another Dean supporter here! :hi:

[IA_Seth]

8. AAAaaaarrggh!

Yeah, I believe my subject line says it all.

Lol.

[Debi]

9. We really need to meet someday

So we can pick on each other in person! :hi:

[IA_Seth]

10. Definitely! n/t