Does anyone think?

[politicasista]

Now that the spin has begun from CNN and elsewhere, how is the message going to get out that Kerry isn't doing this for 2008? The reason I asked because the average american (not a blogger) will believe the media spin and think that Kerry is only doing this for himself and 08 instead of fighting for our democracy and our rights. :shrug:

On edit: I am glad he is sticking his neck out there too.

[WildEyedLiberal]

1. Who cares what they think?

Alito needs stopped.

[Island Blue]

3. I agree WEL.

IMO, John is doing this because he cares so deeply about our country, even if it means risking his chances for another run for the presidency. I'm sure he's well aware of all of the consequences involved with taking a stand. Someone has to do it though. I'm just so proud that it's John Kerry!

[ginnyinWI]

6. we knew he had it in him

Nice that the rest of DU knows it now! I saw at least one habitual basher that has come over to his side!

[politicasista]

7. And I am glad Kerry is taking a stand. I don't want him on there either

I was just wondering what anyone thought when the spin came around, but never mind.

[Dr Ron]

2. He previoulsy said he would do this

I'd respond to such spin by noting that Kerry was quoted in 2003 as supporting a filibuster if Row v. Wade was in danger:

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Friday that he is prepared to block any Supreme Court nominee who would not uphold the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

"I am prepared to filibuster, if necessary, any Supreme Court nominee who would turn back the clock on a woman's right to choose or the constitutional right to privacy, on civil rights and individual liberties and on the laws protecting workers and the environment," Kerry said in remarks via satellite at a meeting of Democratic party officials in St. Paul, Minn.

"The test is basic -- any person who thinks it's his or her job to push an extreme political agenda rather than to interpret the law should not be a Supreme Court justice."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/06/20/national1340EDT0606.DTL

[Blaukraut]

5. the sad thing is

that John Kerry will be proven right about Alito before too long. He will once again be able to say; 'I told you so.' It's just too bad that nobody wants to listen to him until it's too late.

[ginnyinWI]

4. on the contrary

I think conventional wisdom says that a potential candidate keeps his head down and doesn't take unnecessary risks. The CNN article said this could backfire and make the Democrats look bad. I happen to disagree with that! What makes them look bad is if they refuse to stand up for what's right--but I'm saying that most people would think it a very risky thing to do.

[karynnj]

16. The dynamics are different for Kerry anyway

If he simply keeps his head down on everything and makes no waves, he won't be considered. In reality, that would likely never have worked for Kerry as it works only for those the system pushes into leadership roles. IN 2002 and 2003, Kerry was one of the toughest Bush critics.
As the candidate last time, he seen in the role of potential leader. Given that the Republicans control the government Kerry has a hard job keeping this image. As we've said, he is the shadow President.

Kerry grew so much in 2004- and was an incredible candidate by October. The reports of his trips overseas show a skilled diplomat and a leader we could be proud of.

On the Alito fight, if Kerry is able to break thorough the wall of silence and convince people that Alito is genuinely outside the mainstream and that it would be a mistake to let him on the court, it would be a miracle and he would likely be seen as a hero. If, as is more likely, it doesn't work, he and Kennedy will have stood up for their principles. If ALito goes on to push the court to do things - most Democrats (or even most Americans) think wrong, it will be seen as a move dictated by conscience.

I think the ones who may have the biggest problem with this are Hillary and Bayh. Hillary will look hypocritical if she doesn't support cloture after her speech, but having obviously been one of those against filibuster, she doesn't get much credit joining late.

[WildEyedLiberal]

8. Best reponse to this meme from Dr. Fate in GD

His reply to this meme was: "So what? The presidency is for leaders just like Kerry. He wants to be the president, so he is leading." That's the best response, IMO. Who the hell wants a president who isn't capable of leading or making a stand?

[politicasista]

9. Thanks WEL!

I'll just think before I ask next time. Sorry.

[WildEyedLiberal]

10. No,don't apologize

It's good to have a ready reply to people who will say stuff like that. I think Dr. Fate's reply is better than anything I have ever come up with in response to that specific accusation.

[politicasista]

11. I think he nails it too.

Kerry is showing us why he got more votes than any other presidential candidate in history. I am glad to see him leading the way. Alito is dangerous and bad for all Americans.

I started spreading the word about CNN and many I know are looking for an alternate cable network.



Oh I forgot to say, Kerry rocks! :yourock:

[Island Blue]

13. You rock too Sista!

It's okay to be a bit nervous and unsure at a time like this. Just remember, when John Kerry said he had our backs he meant it! He's looking out for all of us!

[politicasista]

14. Thanks IB!

You and WEL do too. :yourock:

[jillan]

12. Kerry is speaking to his base - so let them talk.

He is doing the right thing. He is doing what he should be doing because this is what
democrats want. We want the Alito nomination stopped. So ridiculous. It is about politics because this was a political appointment.

Thank you Kerry for being my voice.

[wisteria]

15. We have spread the word of kerry's good deed and make it

clear it isn't politics it's principal.

[TayTay]

17. Ahm, it's actually a trick question and a trap

Ahm, Sen Kerry and every other elected official in DC is a *politican.* Including G W Bush.

It was political of Bush to withdraw the Harriet Miers nomination and put up Alito.
It was political to choose a nominee who would 'please the base.'
It was political to make all the Repubs and Rethugs parrot the party line that the Dems were being mean and that they made Mrs. Alito cry.
It was political and hypocritcal for the Repubs to claim that they needed an 'up or down' vote after they torpedoed their own nominee.

It is political to the core to oppose this nomination. It's about politics. That what we elect people to do, when we send people to Washington: politics. Politics is at it's best when it's *about* something. That something is conviction and principle. In this instance they go hand in hand.

[JI7]

18. Kerry is being Kerry

his entire life he has worked for the people by support liberal causes the best way he can and to get things done.

[ginnyinWI]

19. and all his life he's had natural leadership skills.

He might just wake up some of his caucus and they might just find some spine. He can do it if anyone can.

Feingold and Kohl both have very safe seats--I'll be disappointed if they don't sign on!