Just watched our new "Going Upriver" DVD with my sweetie

[Technowitch]

And all I can say is... damn.

Going into the campaign, I thought Kerry was an unelectable "New England liberal" and that the Repugs would eat him alive, like they did Dukakis.

Then came the convention and I thought, "Y'know, maybe this guy is pretty good after all."

Then came the debates and I thought, "Man oh man, I was an 'anybody but Bush' Democrat before, but I really think I can get behind this guy.'

Tonight was the night I came to the conclusion that John F. Kerry is literally our country's best hope. His actions, his peaceful demeanor, and his forthright courage during Vietnam and afterwards during the demonstrations -- the ones he helped lead -- have convinced me that he literally is the best Presidential candidate I've seen since Bobby Kennedy.

He's a good man.

[friesianrider]

1. Techno, I had the EXACT same reaction...

I actually was just thinking of making a new thread about it. I was less than impressed with Kerry during the primaries, but thought he was our best shot. Even up until a few months ago, I thought he would be a good President, but nothing spectacular.

After watching GU, I was floored. I can't even express how much I admire and respect him now. When I look at Kerry now, I think of all those times when a drastic choice had to be made - and Kerry kept his cool, was intelligent about the facts, and made the right decision. Honestly, I can't put my finger on it, but there is something about Kerry that I really, really like - he's so humble and calm under pressure. I can honestly say I truly, truly admire and respect this man.

I agree wholeheartedly and couldn't say it better: he is a very good man.

[Technowitch]

2. Exactly

In particular during those protests, he helped keep those marchers peaceful and organized.

Also, I'd never before heard the full text of his opening statements to the Senate committee. For a moment I thought, 'Wow what a nice speech, he or someone he knows really has a way with words.'

And then they played several more interviews, including the one on Dick Cavett -- the instance where it was obvious that was the moment he made a lifelong enemy of O'Neil -- and I realized Kerry is so mind-bloggling bright and articulate that it was obvious why those presidential debates earlier this month were no fluke.

[Maccagirl]

3. Yes!

The media still acts like we need a actor (aka Reagan), or a combination evangelist/stand-up comedian (W) to qualify as a leader. We need a problem-solver and that is what John Kerry is.

[Technowitch]

4. Yes, but Kerry is BOTH

He can solve problems AND he can communicate in such a way that you understand why they're problems in the first place and why solving them is important.

To succeed at all, we do need a man in the White House who can do both.