Source: Obama has chosen John Kerry as Secretary of State

[ProfessionalLeftist]

President Barack Obama has chosen Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts to be the next secretary of state, a source has told Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed.

His replacement as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will be Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the Sneed source said.

This comes on the heels of Thursday’s announcement that U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice had removed herself from the list of candidates to take over from Hillary Clinton. Rice said that what was sure to be a contentious and lengthy approval process took attention away from more pressing problems facing the nation.

Sneed had tipped previously that Kerry is Clinton’s first choice for her old job-- and that Obama is interested in U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska for either secretary of state or defense.

http://www.suntimes.com/17019560-761/source-obama-has-chosen-john-kerry-as-secretary-of-state.html

[Le Taz Hot]

1. How nice of him to acquiesce

to the wishes of the Republicans . . . again. Massachusetts, I hope you're gearing up because the Koch brothers are ready with their millions. Got another Warren ready to go?

[Tansy_Gold]

2. You took the words right outta my fingers, but

Kerry is as much to blame if he takes the job.

It's all about "me," isn't it? and the rest of us can go hang.

[tblue37]

43. If the Dems choose a decent candidate, we won't lose the seat.

Brown seriously dirtied himself in this last campaign.

As for Kerry, he will be, as Clinton was, a brilliant SOS. Furthermore, the post could set him up to run successfully for the office he won once before but had stolen out from under him, if that is what he wants to do. On that matter I have no preference, though, since we have so many truly fine potential candidates for POTUS.

[mikeysnot]

76. I agree

he ran on nothing stood for nothing. He looked like a jack ass everytime he opened his mouth.

Let him run again. Let the Koch's waste more money.

Strong candidate who campaigns strong and runs on strong Dem issues, no chance they will loose.

[valerief]

86. If the Dems choose a decent candidate AND if there's a decent Dem turnout in a special election.

Getting both will be tough.

[awoke_in_2003]

132. Yep...

this is a dumb move.

[still_one]

102. true, but will they?

[Kahuna]

128. BINGO!!!! nt

[KittyWampus]

161. Kerry has been serving the country & MA for TWENTY EIGHT years as Senator. And despite being liberal

has been dumped upon by many a DU'er over the years.

So who exactly has the attitude "it's all about me"?

I think after 28 f*cking years, Kerry is entitled to either retire or move into a job that goes beyond politics.

[Tansy_Gold]

164. Excuse me? You just made the point for me

John Kerry is "entitled" to nothing. He does not have an inherited "title" that "entitles" him to. . . . .anything.

He can certainly choose to retire, and he has earned a pension (not that he needs it). He can leave public service and take a job in the private sector if he so chooses. And if the president chooses to nominate him for Secretary of State, he can accept that nomination and endure the confirmation process.

But if it's all about what John Kerry is (to use your word) entitled to and not what's best for the people of Massachusetts, or the Democratic party, or the country as a whole, then it's all about John Kerry.

Look, we watched four years ago as the president took Democratic governor (Janet Napolitano) after Democratic governor (Kathleen Sebelius) out of red states and put them into cabinet positions. Those two states in particular have gone redder and redder and redder in administration if not in electorate, and I have to put part of the responsibility for that on both the appointees and the president.

Now, after the country has just gone through this whole crap with the election, the House remaining red, the Senate healthily blue, the president (and apparently with your personal blessing ) wants to risk putting the whole structure into flux again because "John Kerry is entitled to it"????

(And how you can think being Secretary of State is "beyond politics" is beyond me.)

[NYC Liberal]

17. Bullshit

I was wary of choosing a Senator, but aside from that John Kerry is a TERRIFIC choice as SoS.

Stop running scared from the Republicans. I am more than confident we can find someone who can beat Scott Brown. He can no longer run on his moderate/independent schtick. He has a record now. Brown won in 2010 because he could pretend to be a moderate; once he amassed an actual record with votes in the Senate, he was kicked to the curb.

Brown is damaged goods now. A half-decent Democrat will defeat him easily if they campaign well.

[Jennicut]

21. I don't get the people afraid of Scott Brown. His disgusting attitude toward Warren

really exposed him for who he is.

[NYC Liberal]

25. I don't either.

Brown is damaged goods. He won in 2010 only because he was able to pretend to be a moderate.

He can no longer do that. After 2 years in the Senate, the people kicked him out.

[Jonny]

56. Scott Brown Strong Contender

I live in Southern Massachusetts where Brown is a big favorite.

There are some real knuckle draggers down here.

Racist, Sexist, Apes beating chests, hunters, etc.

Not a nice place to live.

Massachusetts is not very blue at all further away from the two main cities, Boston and Worcester.

I think Brown's chances of taking Kerry's seat are much better than 50%.

I will never be able to stop puking if Brown gets back in.

[NYC Liberal]

58. But he lost in November, after 2 years in the Senate

and after people really got to know him. He won't be able to run as a moderate anymore either.

But we really can't say much for sure without an actual opponent.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

65. What do you consider "Southern Massachusetts"?

He is not liked in Fall River, New Bedford, and most of the South Coast. He wouldn't even come down here.

[Jonny]

67. Southern MA

Medway, Millis, Medfield, Franklin, Foxboro, Wrentham, Norfolk, Plainville, Bellingham, Mansfield.

People are absolutely wild about Brown here.

They would work for him again in a heartbeat.

Makes me sick, but its true.

[RBInMaine]

124. Christ, what wimpy and ridiculous white flag waving. The R's are in the SHIT TANK right now, and you

are already giving up. UNREAL. Please, find a spine.

[Jonny]

143. Really?

White flag waving?

Your tone doesn't help the issue. Please be respectful or do not answer my posts.

I see you are in Maine, not Massachusetts.

I am stating the facts.

Brown is wildly popular in Massachusetts. I saw the voting stats in my town and all surrounding town, ten towns in fact. Brown won by large margins in all ten. In one town, he got two votes for every one that warren got.

Is this whimp material that I am writing? or facts?

If the Democrats fail to field a strong candidate against Brown, or if they don't see this as the TOUGH fight requiring FULL RESOURCES AND EFFORT, then we will have Brown as Senator in MA again, and I for one will very angry about it.

[allrevvedup]

159. In that case Brown might be easier to defeat

if he runs against a male. Two freshman senators, both women, might be a tough sell in your town. Not impossible, and in fact in Cali we have two women in the Senate, Boxer and Feinstein, and apart from Feinstein being a dino there's not a lot grumbling on that score. But they've both been in office for awhile.

[quakerboy]

85. If he is so "exposed"

How did he pull 46% as an exposed dirtbag Republican in Massachusetts? Romney only got 38%, Mccain got 36%.

46% against a stellar opponent in a blue state means he is dangerous. This is, if accurate, a dumb move. Granted, giving McCain and co what they want at any time is probably a dumb move, but this is extra dumb. Not what you would expect of a guy as smart as President Obama has proven he can be at all.

[Le Taz Hot]

22. What you posted is exactly the OPPOSITE

of what I advocated. Obama is the one allowing the Republicans to call the shots. Whether he did so as part of another 12-dimentional chess move or something else, it makes him look like he's caving in, once again, to the Republicans.

I'm not in Massachusetts and I don't claim to know their politics. I do know that one Democrat was defeated (against Brown -- Coakley was it?) and it took Elizabeth Warren, a powerhouse in her own right, to defeat him this time.

[NYC Liberal]

28. Republicans wanted Rice.

Their attacks were designed to goad him into picking her (many here wanted him to do so simply to stick it to the Republicans). Then they would have gone all out in the confirmation hearings.

Coakley lost because she ran a terrible campaign. It didn't take a powerhouse to defeat Brown; his record killed him. His "moderate" facade was destroyed once he took office and started voting. Republicans would be foolish to run him again, but let's hope they are indeed foolish.

[Flatpicker]

87. Coakley

Was a unique situation.

She didn't run AFAIC, she put so little effort into it.

[KittyWampus]

163. Exactly, she went on a weeks vacation FFS.

[George II]

89. Obama is allowing the republicans to call the shots?????

Did Obama call Mitch McConnell and ask "who should I pick for Secretary of State?" ?

The ONLY reason Coakley lost is because she thought she had the job in the bag and didn't campaign. It was a really short campaign and she took off about 1/3 of it for vacation.

[KittyWampus]

162. Coakley lost because she literally went on a 6 day vacation instead of campaigning.

She was a miserable failure as a candidate.

"Let's be clear. The only thing that changed between the Dec 19th poll, where the Coakley campaign had 20 point lead, and the January 5th poll, where their lead had been halved, is that the Brown campaign went on air and aggressively defined their candidate as well as the Democratic candidate, while the Democratic candidate was literally on a vacation. During that period, the Coakley campaign did no further polling, advertising, or ID'ing of supporters despite having a significant fundraising advantage.

As Scott Brown himself conceded this race wasn't defined by feelings about the president. This race was defined by the lack of defining done by the Coakley campaign."

[wovenpaint]

46. as a resident of MA, I say

Nooooooo, enough already! We had to endure the non-stop ads with smears, lies and general asshole-edlyness that is Scott Brown ad nauseum. Unfortunately, he did have a following. For a blue state, we have more red areas than you'd think... Here's an article with some info

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-14/kerry-senate-exit-may-create-muddled-massachusetts-race.html

[patrice]

93. You assume you know enough of the very specific details to be able to define "acquiesce"

Certainly with that kind of prescience you are capable of brain-surgery too.

[patrice]

125. Don't go & get yourself alerted on. I know the arrogance is astounding isn't it. *IRRATIONAL*

[Mass]

3. How nice of you to report gossips.

This is not a report. This is nothing more than a rumor without any source or substance by a professional gossiper,

[onehandle]

4. Welcome back to the Senate, Senator Pink Leather Shorts. nt

[RBInMaine]

122. So, waving the white flag already are you? Typical. Just frigging typical ultra left jelly spine.

[onehandle]

141. Banks are going to spend whatever it takes to get Brown back in to counter Warren.

Just this week he essentially confirmed this was his plan on the floor of the Senate. He was shockingly popular in MA. Elizabeth won in part with help from the President's coattails.

And we often lose special elections and mid-terms.

I don't know who we have to counter him, but they better be good and well supported.

[juajen]

5. I believe this was the plan all along. Kerry does deserve this, but I will miss

seeing a woman in this position.

[democrattotheend]

8. I agree, Kerry deserves it

And if it makes you feel any better, he will be the first white male in almost 20 years to hold the job.

I am disappointed about the way Rice was treated but I always thought Kerry was the better pick for SOS. From what I have read about Rice, she is extremely blunt, which the president values, but which isn't necessarily what you would expect or want from a Secretary of State, a job that is a lot about diplomatic relations and niceties. I would much rather see Rice as NSC director if the current person steps down, because she is not afraid to speak up and challenge the conventional wisdom.

[heaven05]

53. plus

she is tainted with that keystone pipeline info about her investments in said pipeline.

[Mass]

9. Thanks for saying that.,

It seems so strange that so many people cannot even recognize that he is a logical choice, even if it is inconvenient.

I also think that, in our sexist society, having only women in this position just makes the position less valuable. As a woman, it makes me sick, but the consensus until now was a woman for State and a man for Defense. May be we could try the opposite,.

[wisteria]

144. I agree with you, even though this post is 4th in line to Pres.

it has taken on the appearance of being less valuable. Maybe the press it at fault here to though, they only report on the photo-ops and never get into much detail about the true work behind this post.

[DefenseLawyer]

11. If this was the plan all along, then why let Susan Rice get fucked over by John McCain for a month?

If the "plan" was to make it appear that McCain and Graham are picking the cabinet, it was a shitty plan.

[Kahuna]

139. How was PBO supposed to keep mccain and company off the airwaves with their

stupidity. He couldn't do it with mitt and his lies. How was he supposed to do it with Rice when all the networks were doing their parts to stir the controversy?

[wisteria]

145. They made it more difficult for the President to make his choice.

I do not think Ms. Rice was treated fairly, but that is politics and she is a tough experienced professional. She will be just fine.

[DefenseLawyer]

148. I don't think that's the issue

I don't really care about her feelings one way or the other. I'm talking about the politics of the whole thing. If, in fact, "Kerry was his choice all along" (which is the assertion here) there was no reason to give McCain a forum to go after Ms. Rice as "unacceptable" for SOS and thus giving the impression that his opinion was dictating the actions of the White House.

[Texin]

47. I agree. But let's not just jump at an unsubstantiated report.

I happen to believe it's more likely than not to be the truth. But until I hear it from the President, I won't put too much credence in it.

[dbackjon]

60. Why? Are you saying a woman is superior?

I want the best person, regardless of gender.

[Kahuna]

138. I think so too. Kerry was the obvious best choice. If not for Hillary, he would likely

have been selected in 2008.

[wisteria]

146. That is the way I felt too. n/t

[alcibiades_mystery]

6. Scott Brown has a giant NRA problem now

Just sayin'...

[davidpdx]

160. Ah, good point

He can't go around as the gun touting Republican if he does run. I bow to your awesomeness.

[DefenseLawyer]

7. Hopefully our Republican friends have a whole slate of acceptable nominees for the cabinet

It will sure make things go a lot smoother.

[bigtree]

14. so you're selling the idea that republicans support Kerry?

. . . like they did when he ran for president?

This crap is pathetic. Here you are, spinning that republicans chose Kerry; using their spin as if it was the gospel truth. Tell me, DefenseLawyer, what else did republicans say that you want us to believe?

[DefenseLawyer]

19. Whatever the actual case may be

Last edited Sat Dec 15, 2012, 11:54 AM - Edit history (1)

the narrative that has emerged is that Ms. Rice was the President's choice but she was unacceptable to John McCain so the President went with his second choice that was acceptable to John McCain. If you choose to deny that that is how this looks then you choose to ignore reality. Either way we botched it. Either we allowed the Republicans to choose our nominee (as it appears to everyone but you) or we pick the guy we wanted all along but inexplicably allowed Susan Rice to be attacked by John McCain and allowed him to create the perception that he had a major role in the selection process.

[bigtree]

26. you know, most folks can see past all of the insider garble

. . . and that is some terrific garble.

At best, republicans meddled . . . what they got was a more seasoned Democrat in the position who has a longtime record in foreign affairs, is an independent thinker, and whose efforts have been an anathema to republicans in the senate. Now he'll be directing Obama policy out of the Dept. of State.

Let's see. It's 'senior' Senator Warren in line, isn't it?

[Jackpine Radical]

35. I'm sure some people will see it the way you say.

However, like most political tempests, this too will prove ephemeral & will be long-forgotten by the time the 2014 elections roll around. We will be thoroughly absorbed by some other ephemeral story by then.

Kerry is a good choice--better than Rice, imho.

As long as Massachusetts can find a viable replacement for Kerry in the Senate, all will be well.

BTW, how does Mass. replace its Senators? A Gubernatorial appointment or special election? That might matter here; ir it is the former, I would imagine that the Dems already have an electable replacement in the wings, who will have a 2-year running start on any Republican opponent. Deval Patrick is a long-time collaborator with Obama; surely they have discussed these matters.

[heaven05]

55. Obama

knew about Rice's alleged conflict of interest with her financial investment in the Keystone pipeline. I think that had a lot to do with her withdrawing her name.

[connecticut yankee]

30. No --

they wanted him out of the Senate so they could (hopefully) get Scott Brown back in.

[bigtree]

41. they can dream

. . . but I think Mass. Democrats have wised up. I'm not understanding how Brown is supposed to be a strong candidate now. he's just got beat up in the last election. I'm not seeing the folks of Mass. pining for him to return. I am beaming at the prospect of senior Sen. Warren.

[NYC Liberal]

20. Republicans wanted him to pick Rice.

Their attacks on her were designed to goad Obama into picking her. (See how many Dems wanted him to do it just to "stick it to the Republicans"?)

Then they'd have gone all out in the confirmation hearings and probably have blocked her indefinitely until Obama was forced to acquiesce and choose someone else with egg on his face.

[DefenseLawyer]

23. Then you have her say on day one that she's not interested in the job

Your version of reality may be the true version, but if it is, we still got played like a drum by John McCain in the media.

[NYC Liberal]

31. Why should that be said, when it's clear she was?

Rice WAS being considered.

Considered being the operative word.

We also don't know that Obama wasn't pushing her to accept and she decided on her own that she did not want to be dragged through the mud in a confirmation fight. Many people wouldn't want to be subjected to that.

[DefenseLawyer]

33. If you know that you are not ready to take on a confirmation fight

you end it before it starts. It's obvious this wasn't a battle we were ready to have, so if you know that, you don't let her dangle in the wind for a month. It's not that complicated.

[NYC Liberal]

34. And what if Obama was ready to fight,

but Rice took her time before deciding she wasn't?

[DefenseLawyer]

36. I guess I'm of the belief that the President of the United States gets what he wants

If you want to believe that Susan Rice was calling the shots here you may. I am doubtful.

[NYC Liberal]

38. Really? So you believe

if Rice was determined that she did not want to do this -- what, Obama could or should have forced her?

The President doesn't always get what he wants.

[Cha]

69. Gotta say thanks to you, NYC L! I

guess it's still just speculation at this point since it's not from the White House.

I think the way mccain, lindsey, ayotte, et all Lied about Susan will come back to haunt their ugly assess like it did with Elizabeth Warren. Call me an educated optimist.

[KoKo]

27. That's what I thought, also. Whether it's correct or not, remains to be seen

but experience with Repugs tactics led me to believe that you should always look in the opposite direction of where they raise their most ruckus to see what their real objective is. It's possible Rice was not his pick for SOS (she has been strong in her UN role) but Repugs could force him into it because Rice has so much support from Dem females and cause a rift in the party unity. The kind of thing Repugs love to do to us Dems.

You said:

Their attacks on her were designed to goad Obama into picking her. (See how many Dems wanted him to do it just to "stick it to the Republicans"?)

[NYC Liberal]

32. Yep. No way to know for sure, but it is classic Repub M.O.

[patrice]

115. "remains to be seen" & that IS the way everything really is; do the best you can & be ready to adapt

Also consider how the State Department just REALLY doesn't need a higher probability of compromised intelligence issues associated with that very definite CIA problem in Benghazi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021974232

Imagine being a Republican, of the two, Rice and Kerry, whom would worry you the most? & In answering that question, you hope you'll consider another question: Do you REALLY think John Kerry went home in '04 to "lick his wounds" and, with all of the resources at his very wealthy disposal, has had NO interest whatsoever in what happened in Ohio in '04 and in the subsequent investigations that went on afterward, but ended with the sudden death of one of the main persons of interest in those investigations who was soon to have given legal testimony in those investigations? Is it likely that John f-ing Kerry was just a spectator throughout all of that?

I know if I were a certain kind of Republican, John Kerry would make me very very nervous.

I know there's a split in the Republican party and one way you can see that is in Lawrence Wilkerson very very forcefully attacking Cheney lately. Lawrence Wilkerson is also well known for saying that the real security threats to the USA are environment and energy NOT the Holy fucking War on Terrorism.

[patrice]

108. Funny how many DU-ers just want to forget about OILOILOILOILOILOILOILOILOILOILOILOIL

[RBInMaine]

121. Christ, do we really need the leftwing version of the Tea Party on this forum? Good grief.

[spanone]

10. john mccain has chosen john kerry as sos

[bigtree]

12. all that does is make you look like the dupe

Kerry is an outstanding choice.

McCain is a nobody. Why would you care what he thinks or wants? Why would anyone? Who'd you hear that line from first? C'mon. Who sold you that bullshit to parrot here?

[DefenseLawyer]

15. Appearances have meaning in politics

It certainly "appears" that Susan Rice was the President's choice but that John McCain decided she was unacceptable so the President went with his second choice, John Kerry. If that's not the case and Kerry was his choice all along then maybe you can explain what we gained by letting this song and dance go on for a month, all the while giving the appearance that we are scared of your "nobody", Senator McCain.

[bigtree]

24. we need, McCain for what? The president needs to please McCain, for what?

It's been known since Obama was elected that Kerry wanted the job. maybe he talked the President into it.

Or, as it's been the case with countless nominations that I've watched for positions from SS to the SC and more that the nominee doesn't stand up to internal scrutiny and they withdraw their initial support.

And good luck with trying to portray Kerry as some republican dream. The guy they accused of being a traitor when he ran for president? You have to be deaf, blind, and dumb to buy into that nonsense. Now republicans are stuck with someone who is not only an Obama confidante, but an independent thinker who has a very different agenda than the republicans we're supposed to believe welcome him. it hurts the brain to shut all of that off just to buy into the notion that a Kerry choice is a cave to McCain. He's got nothing. We're going to get an outstanding SoS.

[DefenseLawyer]

29. I'm not saying that Kerry is a bad choice

You seem to be taking this discussion of process as an attack on your guy, John Kerry, so you are bending into a pretzel trying to contend that it's been handled properly. Again, if Kerry was his choice you have Rice say from day one she's not interested. Otherwise you get what everyone but you seems to acknowledge, the appearance that John McCain dictated to the president who was acceptable for his cabinet.

[bigtree]

39. again, it's an insider load of garble that gets one to that conclusion

. . . and that it's the spin and blather of republicans that leads you to your conclusion. I agree that, if one begins in the middle of your sequence of observed or imagined events -- and leaves out the part where Kerry is the bane of most republicans in Congress -- you can almost make it appear that republicans talking to themselves means something more than squat.

[bornskeptic]

63. Why does it appear to you that Rice was the president's choice?

Because McCain and Graham attacked her? Kerry was always the most likely choice. I'm sure that Rice would be a very good Secretary of State, and she very well may get the job in a future Democratic administration. Actually, if appointed now, she would be the youngest Secretary of State in almost 70 years. Kerry's time is now. Obama probably would not have become POTUS if Kerry had not chosen him as the keynote speaker in 2004. Combined with Kerry's credentials, I think that made his cjoice inevitable.

[Left Coast2020]

131. We sjhould have encouraged him to pick someone else to keep the seat,

I wonder to if he is letting the repugs lead to his decisions. He should standup to these low class bottom feeders.

[blm]

66. Kerry was always the 1st choice. Kerry was sent on more diplomatic missions the last 3 years than

Rice, by far. Kerry kept most of it under the radar.

No way did McCain&Co actually prefer Kerry or his worldview over a neocon.

[wisteria]

73. I agree with you on choice. I am not sure about Rice being a full out NEOCON though.

I was actually surprised when her name surfaced above and beyond Sen. Kerry's. And, when the attacks started, the President has to defend her and I am sure he wanted to. That defense was blown way out of proportion.

[spanone]

16. well, it would appear that i disagree with you. at least i didn't shit in your nest.

[Cali_Democrat]

40. Damn....I was thinking the same thing

I hate that this fuck is getting his way

[patrice]

95. Tell me why everyone says "Don't trust politicians" & then we're supposed to believe McCain on this.

[Kahuna]

137. He only thinks he did. Being that JK is and always has been the best, most obvious choice..

I think he was who PBO wanted all along.

[graywarrior]

13. Damn it all to hell.

[politicasista]

72. ...

[patrice]

104. PLEASE read this sketch of the intelligence issues surrounding Rice, a SERIAL War Supporter, ...

that is intelligence issues in the whole region of Southwest Asia and think about her resume relative to the fact that we DO know that the CIA was compromised in Benghazi.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021974232

A quick scan of my post #98 above will give you some more stuff we should consider thinking about on this issue.

[graywarrior]

113. Thanks!

[patrice]

117. My second husband was a high placed corporate attorney. This stuff has a familiar ring to it. Hugs!!

I'm glad you're not mad at me!

[graywarrior]

130. I only get mad a republicans

[patrice]

147. It's hard to tear my eyes away from your posts; your cat is enchanting! nt

[graywarrior]

153. Maybe I should become one.

[Deep13]

107. love your cat pictures!

Brown is finished, if that is what you are worried about.

[graywarrior]

112. Yeah, he is. He showed his true self and it was ugly.

[reformist2]

18. Here we go again (in Mass.), LOL!

Scott Brown is the luckiest pol on earth.

[tularetom]

37. I'm sure that Senator Kerry will make an outstanding Secretary of State

Just as I believed the Democratic governor of Arizona was a good choice for Homeland Security chief. But in the end that didn't work out so well, did it?

Maybe I'm incapable of playing 12 dimensional chess, but I fail to understand the thought process involved in giving up a strong Democratic voice in the Senate and rolling the dice on a successor. You can bet that Karl Rove and the Koch Bros. will dump bazillions of dollars into Mass. election for Kerry's replacement.

I hope I'm wrong but I'm afraid Obama will look back with regret at this decision two years from now.

[TM99]

50. Living in Arizona, I could not agree more!

We ended up with Brewer who has been a frakin' nightmare.

Chess involves looking at all moves multiple moves ahead. It also involves recognizing that while you may indeed sacrifice important pieces, you can not win if you sacrifice them all.

Rice is now tainted goods whether it is warranted or not. Arizona was sacrificed. Now it is Massachusetts turn I suppose. Shall we sacrifice Social Security and Medicare next?

I voted for Obama. How could any sane person vote for Romney. It does not change my assessment of him that while he may be a 'good' man, he is not always an accomplished nor assertive negotiator.

I suspect we will all regret this decision in two years even if Kerry turns out to be an excellent Secretary of State.

[loudsue]

42. Chuck Hagel as Secy of Defense? What is wrong with Obama?

What in the hell does he not get about giving republicans positions of power?

[Poll_Blind]

54. Oh, don't those Lefties just make your fucking skin crawl, tho?

PB

[Kahuna]

140. Two words. Robert Gates. nt

[fadedrose]

44. I so hate the Republicans picking our SoS...nt

[patrice]

98. Did you read this sketch of the intelligence issues surrounding RICE?

The CIA is compromised, Benghazi proves that. State Dept. doesn't need to be taking chances with someone with the kinds of long-standing WAR SUPPORTING relationships in the whole region that Rice has.

Please recall when the "attack" on Rice started, how the President said that an extensive investigation of what happened in Benghazi was underway and I believe I remember him or perhaps Hillary also saying that they expected significant developments. Did you hear news of those significant developments? No. Does that mean they didn't happen? No.

I'm also wondering why DU doesn't seem to mind one whit that no one can produce the words of PO saying, TTE, "Susan Rice is a high priority candidate for my list of possible SoS" or "I want Susan Rice for SoS" or even "Susan Rice is on the short list for SoS." PO commented positively on her qualifications and supported her role in whatever happened after Benghazi. That. was. it.

Where did the idea of Susan Rice for SoS come from FIRST? It wasn't PO. I believe it was the media & then McCain jumped on with some reverse psychology.

Please ask yourself why, after all of this time and experience with McCain the flip-flopper, McCain the this and the that. And we're suddenly supposed to be believing every word out of his mouth about how much he doesn't want Rice for SoS???

I hope you'll read this sketch of the intelligence issues surrounding Rice & thanks for reading this message.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021974232

[Doctor_J]

45. Isn't this what all of the Repukes wanted?

I glad Pelosi & Durbin talked him out of the Medicare cuts before he sold THAT farm.

[patrice]

101. PLEASE give me one good goddamned reason we should believe anything they say about what they want,

except "Low/NO taxes."

[alfredo]

48. This doesn't mean he will be confirmed.

[Nye Bevan]

49. You have to be kidding. He is a Senator, and the Senate is always quick to confirm one of their own.

Party affiliations aside, it is an extremely cozy club. He will absolutely sail through confirmation. It will be more like a coronation. Which I have no problem with, I have a lot of respect for Kerry.

[alfredo]

62. I don't trust McConnell and his toadies.

[0rganism]

68. his confirmation opens the gates for another GOP senator from Mass.

Sen. Kerry will have no difficulty getting confirmed.

[alfredo]

71. Many are still angry at his stand on Vietnam and his investigation into Iran-Contra.

[dlwickham]

51. damn

there were other candidates who were superior like Jon Huntsman who served as Obama's original ambassador to China

it would be great to have a candidate in there who has a working relationship with the country that's our biggest competitor on the world stage

[SidDithers]

57. Are you serious?...

Look at the wailing and gnashing of teeth that's going with Obama potentially selecting a longtime liberal Deocratic Senator. Can you imagine the howling if he was considering a Republican as SoS?

Sid

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

64. And a jury voted to leave this shit

With no explanations of course.

[stevenleser]

74. Which post made you unhappy? The one suggesting Huntsman, or Sid's post?

I thought Sid's post was pretty accurate.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

91. The one suggesting Huntsman

I thought I was pretty clear in echoing Sid's disbelief.

[patrice]

126. I'll give you the explanation: DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON AMERICAN WAGES IS JUST FINE with some DU-ers.

Remember ANARCHISTS don't like unions, because they are a form of order/power that they can't fuck with.

[DonCoquixote]

90. huntsman?

Mr I want to go to war with Iran hunstman?

[dbackjon]

59. Thanks for putting Scott Brown back in the Senate

You fucking crazy, stupid, or don't care?

[Deep13]

106. not going to happen nt

[union_maid]

61. Might have been his first choice all along

There have been a lot of assumptions made, based on pretty much nothing, that Rice was his first choice. But it seems Kerry has already been engaging in diplomacy on behalf of the administration. Clinton wants him. Seems like it might have been in the works all along. Taking a sitting senator could be problematic, but it is MA, after all. Key is chosing a strong replacement. Worked with Hillary's seat, so hopefully it'll work again.

[democrattotheend]

92. I read that he was genuinely conflicted between the two

That they both had their strengths and weaknesses. Rice probably would have been his pick if not for McCain's shenanigans, but Kerry was always under strong consideration.

I wrote a thread about this earlier: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021993230#post6

[politicasista]

70. Another positive Kerry thread turned into a flamewar

Go figure.

[socalgal58]

75. Crap.....

I so did NOT want this to happen..... this leaves those of us in MA with the possibility of a GOP replacement in the senate.... not that Kerry won't make a good SOS, it's just that....... CRAP!!!!!! BTW: I really didn't want Rice as SOS either. I was leaning towards Huntsman- a long shot, but I think he would have done a fine job. Crap!

[ProSense]

77. "I really didn't want Rice as SOS either...

I was leaning towards Huntsman."

[AldoLeopold]

78. Alea iacta est

[musical_soul]

79. Oh good....

Mr. "We're going to track them down and kill them."

Hooray.

[kamron]

80. Noooooooo!!!!!

Its a joke right? giving the gop crooks what they want? the senate seat? to that scott brown sorry A Hat. That's gotta be wrong.

[flamingdem]

81. rock n' roll

good choice!

[forestpath]

82. Well at least he chose a Democrat.

[woo me with science]

83. It's a win-win for the corporate team.

Kerry voted for the war in Iraq.

And we likely lose a Democratic seat.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=337938

The corporatists are very good at what they do.

[Fire Walk With Me]

84. Like Rice, doesn't Kerry have huge sums of money invested in the Keystone XL pipeline?

Corporate conflict of interest, if so, one which should also disqualify him from any position of power and influence.

[Mass]

149. Really? I dont know, but I am sure you have at least a proof for this statement.

BTW, he also has a record on this issue, and it is a good one.

[demosincebirth]

88. Why do we democrats take a winning poker hand and toss four and keep one. Makes no sense.

[patrice]

94. Note all of the DU-ers supporting RICE/American Excepionalism/WAR & DIRTY OIL/XL Pipeline

Can anyone explain this to me?

Supporting WAR in light of extensive intelligence issues throughout Southwest Asia, including a LEAK in Benghazi, seems like something that might just set one up for a fall at State: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021974232

[Deep13]

109. yeah, the pipeline turned me against her.

Kerry is better.

[patrice]

118. I know some VERY fine young Occupiers who are STRONGLY set against that pipeline. I hope VERY

much to see them encouraged!

[Deep13]

123. +1

[patrice]

96. Funny how we're suddenly supposed to believe every word out of McCain's mouth. wow. DU, just wow.

[stevenleser]

97. I can't make out what you are talking about with these two posts. nt

[patrice]

99. We're supposed to believe McCain the chameleon when he says he's against Rice for SoS? Why?

My hypothesis that he is engaging in reverse psychology. Rice is an American Exceptionalist/SERIAL War Supporter with strong connections to OIL.

You could take a quick look at my post #98 above for some more detail of this hypothesis &

I hope you'll read this very interesting sketch of the intelligence issues surrounding Rice throughout Southwest Asia:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021974232

[stevenleser]

114. So, we should be happy that Rice is out and Kerry is in. That is your contention?

I'm completely happy to have Kerry as SOS. I think I would have been happy with Susan Rice too, but I think that Kerry is better. Its really not a fair comparison IMHO. Kerry has been in government for so long he just seems more the elder statesman and credible top diplomat. It also is helpful IMHO that he was the nominee for President. Its hard to say someone was good enough to be our nominee but not good enough for SOS.

[patrice]

119. That's my thinking. I'm trying not to be biased about OIL WARS, but I am, so you'll have to take

this perspective with a grain of salt in that regard.

[patrice]

100. Does anyone in this thread remember a little thing from '04 called the Apollo Alliance?

And, btw, I worked my butt off for Dean that year and then worked for Kerry WHEN DOCTOR DEAN SAID we should, so don't accuse me of just wanting to even up the score by throwing good money after bad.

.....................................

http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/apollo

[rl6214]

103. A good choice I think

[Deep13]

105. good choice.

Brown was an accident. Don't worry about him.

[democrattotheend]

110. Glad to hear that from a Baystater

It seems like a lot of people from MA have said that they are worried about Brown and people on the outside don't understand, which is probably true.

[Deep13]

116. born in Worcester, MA, grew up in Leicester.

My family still lives there and they are mostly Rs. Fortunately, most of MA's population is and around Boston.

[Smilo]

111. Why the fuck did we just bother having an election?

[patrice]

127. Susan Rice is a SERIAL OIL WAR SUPPORTER. Please consider intelligence issues that we saw

raise their head, and result in the death of Ambassador Stevens, because the CIA SAFE HOUSE WAS COMPROMISED in Benghazi and ask yourself if he State Department really needs even the remotest possibility of another double-cross.

Here's a nice sketch of the intelligence issues surrounding Rice: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021974232

[underthematrix]

129. Kerry is going to be the sec of state because he is one

tight lipped dude. It was recently reported he went on secret missions for the president and just think we never heard a peep about it from Kerry. He's very much like Clinton - tightlipped and loyal.

[AtheistCrusader]

133. What the hell is going on in here.

So what, we turn on one of our own, an excellent contender, just because the Rethugs 'wanted' him? What a excellent way to let them pick the nominees by eliminating our best candidates.

[Kahuna]

136. So Kerry, the guy most of us voted for POTUS in 2004, the guy who introduced Obama..

to the nation in 2004, isn't "one of our own????" Well EXCUUUUUSE Me! I knew of, trusted and respected JK long before I ever heard the name, Susan Rice. I wouldn't be surprised if Kerry is who the president wanted all along. The fact that the repukes THINK they played POTUS is just as foolish on their part as it is on yours.

One thing you should have learned about POTUS by now. He doesn't care about what his distractors think. He does what he thinks is in the best interest of the country. John Kerry is, regardless of what mccain etal want or think, is the best interest of the country.

[tblue37]

152. I think you misread AC's post. JK IS the

"one of our own" that AC is referring to.

[AtheistCrusader]

154. Exactly.

I re-read it, just to make sure I didn't flub the wording, and it looks ok. Sorry if it was confusing somehow, I can re-word if anyone wants. But that was essentially my point, Kerry is 'good people'. We should support him.

[Kahuna]

155. Whoops! I stand corrected. So sorry, AC. I thought AC was

referring to Rice as one of our own.

[Firebrand Gary]

134. Kerry is an excellent choice

Last edited Mon Dec 17, 2012, 03:27 AM - Edit history (1)

We are not playing around anymore! We will put forth a very high profile Massachusetts democrat and will hold the seat!

For those who feel that the President capitulated or gave up on Rice, get over yourself! You are falling into the same trap that we fell into just before the 2010 elections. Governor Patrick was right, democrats need to grow a backbone...

[Mass]

150. Kerry is an excellent choice (not Kerrey).

[Orrex]

135. It'll be nice to have Warren as the senior Senator from Massachusetts.

Silver lining, and all that.

[Tutonic]

142. Message to Nancy P and all of you other "girls"

Last edited Sun Dec 16, 2012, 02:23 PM - Edit history (1)

the Boys are back in town. Now fix me a plate hun!

John McC probably pooped his pants when he got the news.

[vi5]

151. I'm a Kerry fan and think he'll be a great SOS....BUT

I don't want to hear any more bullshit about how we need to help support the President's supposed agenda by getting more and better Senators. If this were a state without a history of falling for crap like Scott Brown was peddling then I could see it. But the fact that they elected that fucking clown and even in the face of deciding not to re-elected still gave him decent approval numbers proves that state no longer gets judged as being the deep blue one it supposedly is. The fact is we got him more and better Senators, and more and better Reps. And now he's taking them out of the Senate at this pivotal time and putting them in his cabinet.

[Cha]

156. Well Scott Brown has an "A" Rating from the NRA.. that he'll, no doubt,

be trying to run away from if this happens and he runs again.

I think Senator Kerry would be a brilliant SOS and have no doubt Mass can get rid of Scott Brown A-gain.

And, we will be Sending the President as many good Senators and Reps as we Possibly CAN.

[Cha]

157. "A Secretary John Kerry would elevate climate issues"

“No senator since Al Gore knows as much about the science and diplomacy of climate change as Kerry,” said David Goldwyn, an international energy consultant who served as Clinton’s special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs. “He would not only put climate change in the top five issues he raises with every country, but he would probably rethink our entire diplomatic approach to the issue.”

http://www.govexec.com/management/2012/12/secretary-john-kerry-would-elevate-climate-issues/60091/

h/t mach.. http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=338552

[libodem]

158. Fine pick

I like John Kerry. His wife is no slouch either.