McCain was very supportive and flattering of Sec. State Kerry...

[fadedrose]

He gives his opinion, whether we like it or not, and in this case, we like it.

[blm]

1. McCain was supportive of HRC's SoS confirmation, too. Too bad he often sides with GOP bs.

It has ruined his overall legacy.

[TwilightGardener]

2. They're going to go easy on Kerry. They have no motive to make this hard for him.

[emulatorloo]

3. McCain and Kerry go way back - worked together on vets and Vietnam vet issues etc.

Other Republicans I am sure will try to smear him.

[TwilightGardener]

5. No--regardless of their past relationship, they will give Kerry the green light because

they want his seat.

[emulatorloo]

7. Too bad their beloved Scott Brown will get his ass handed to him again.

[TwilightGardener]

8. God I hope so. I hate that schmuck.

[Freddie Stubbs]

15. They could still give him a hard time but still vote to confirm

[Tippy]

6. but that friendship did not keep McCain from attacking and lieing about

Kerry that is what Retughs do best LIE and ATTACK...Hell is going to be full of republicans.....

[politicasista]

22. +1

Not feeling his words. Shame that Kerry has taken a lot of abuse for McCain's attacks on a woman of color.

[TwilightGardener]

53. McCain didn't really attack Kerry during questioning. He is just obsessed with Benghazi

and wanted to bring it up again--he threw such a big fit over Susan Rice, he almost had to make a big deal out of questioning Clinton and Kerry on it. Edit to add: there is nothing to attack Kerry for, anyway. He didn't head the State Dept. during Benghazi, and no one doubts his foreign policy creds.

[politicasista]

19. Would have preferred LOD n/t

Last edited Sat Jan 26, 2013, 06:35 PM - Edit history (1)

[karynnj]

4. In one of McCain's books, he explained that committee in more detail

His praise there for Kerry was every bit as strong -- and for good reason. Per his detailed descriptions, Kerry did an incredible job - both with getting incredible cooperation from VN and with dealing with a committee with many loose cannons - including Bob Smith, Bob kerrey and Mccain himself. It is pretty amazing that Kerry got a report that every one agreed with and signed off on.

Not to mention in McCain's book he details how Kerry he kept McCain from exploding several times. This is a personal endorsement of Kerry as a person.

[sad-cafe]

46. Kerry is a good man

McCain Not so much

[politicasista]

47. +1 n/t

Last edited Sat Jan 26, 2013, 06:18 PM - Edit history (1)

[karynnj]

61. I totally agree

McCain is a very flawed human being with flashes of conscience and honor - unfortunately usually AFTER he did something that showed neither. I thought that chapter in his book was intensely interesting as it made a good case for why Kerry would be a good President or SOS ... and showed why McCain was too unstable for either. (in 2006, when there was thought Kerry would run, I thought it would be terrific if - in the very very long shot - it was KerryMcCain, that the Kerry campaign would simply get copies of McCain's book out to support Kerry! )

I think their friendship, which is real, but as McCain pointed out he was not a friend who Kerry invited to his home. I think McCain recognizes exactly what you said, JK is a good man and he is more than competent enough. As to their political disagreements, ANYONE who agrees with Obama will not agree with McCain and visa versa. So, there really is no reason to object to him. (Lugar made the same point - that given how he ran the committee, there should be little objection. )

[beachmom]

9. Really was moved by McCain's remarks about his old friend.

I watched on c-span some of that diplomatic work Kerry did in Vietnam. It was great TV. I wish I could find the video. His energy was boundless.

[politicasista]

16. Another reason why Kerry needs to stay far away from him

McCain has managed to make Kerry look worse. That is the truth.


There is still some resentment with him over what happened with Amb. Rice, and it is spun has him being a bystander while McCain gets what he wants, and Kerry gets nothing but vitriol and ridicule by AA that strongly support Obama. They blame him too, but not as much they do as Kerry/McCain. Look at Joy Reid (from MSNBC) and followers tweets. Not good.

Kerry will be a great SOS, however, there are going to be lot of fences needing mending.

[ProSense]

17. Silly post. n/t

[politicasista]

18. It's the cold hard truth

McCain can make nice comments all he wants, but he has embarrassed Kerry.

[ProSense]

25. You have a imagination that would make the RW proud. n/t

[politicasista]

26. Tell that to those people bashing

Kerry thanks to McCain.

[ProSense]

27. Who cares? People think Obama is a Muslim

You seem to value the opinions of idiots.

[politicasista]

28. Obama supporters don't think that

but they think that Kerry had something to do with what happened with Rice. Will provide links if needed.

Thanks to McCain for creating a lot of mistrust in future SOS Kerry.

[ProSense]

29. Obama supporters like Kerry. You

on the other hand, appear obsessed and intrigued by anti-Kerry opinions.

[politicasista]

31. No. Just pointing out how McCain

had made Kerry look bad among those who already have resentment towards him over what happened with Rice. If they like Kerry, then why are they saying there is a double standard over the Keystone investments that were brought up with Rice, but not with Kerry. They weren't talking about the hearing, but about that issue.

Hopefully, Obama will give Kerry the same kind of positive treatment that he is giving SOS Clinton.

Already said Kerry is going to be great, but that is Anti-Kerry it seems.

[ProSense]

32. Great, another silly post.

You appear incapable of owning your anti-Kerry comments, and seem to need to attribute them to people on the Internet.

[politicasista]

35. I am not anti-Kerry

Everyone is right. I am wrong and will probably be ignored, but that's ok, we just see things differently.

[ProSense]

36. You make no sense. n/t

[ProSense]

30. I also can't wait

for you to start deleting all your comments, and then issuing the typical bullshit apology for stinking up the thread.

[politicasista]

33. No, just pointing things out,

but it seems that I am Anti-Kerry now and not welcomed here anymore.

As I said, Kerry will be great/excellent despite the resentment. Hope that the POTUS will give him some positive support like his other cabinet appointees. Peace.

[ProSense]

34. Do you realize

No, just pointing things out, but it seems that I am Anti-Kerry now and not welcomed here anymore.

As I said, Kerry will be great/excellent despite the resentment. Hope that the POTUS will give him some positive support like his other cabinet appointees. Peace.

...how utterly ridiculous that is? I mean, you're trying to play the victim sfter posting nothing but bullshit.

[politicasista]

37. No, there are other people who say worse,

no victim here. Will just keep opinions to self from now on.

Just like seeing people be respected. Defend him proudly.

[ProSense]

38. LOL!

You're not anti-Kerry, you just want everyone to know that there are anti-Kerry people.

This is for you:

[politicasista]

39. Obama needs to defend Kerry

just like he sticks up for SOS Clinton, and his other cabinet nominees/members. Sorry if that's funny.


I'm out. Defend proudly. Peace.

[ProSense]

40. LOL!

[politicasista]

50. You can save that icon

the next time a respected liberal, leaning pundit, and followers hate on Kerry as somebody who was leftover dinner, thanks to McCain. Mr. POTUS/VPOTUS, stand up for your nominees. Would love to see the smackdown.


Thanks again, McCain. You got what you want. You made Kerry look bad. What more do you want.


That said, Kerry will be great as SOS, despite the resentment. I am out again. Peace.


edit to take out link

[ProSense]

57. No,

Thanks again, McCain. You got what you want. You made Kerry look bad. What more do you want.


That said, Kerry will be great as SOS, despite the resentment. I am out again. Peace.

...I think I'll keep the icon in response to hilarious drivel.

I mean, what's this love affair you're having with McCain?

[politicasista]

58. No love affair with that grumpy old man

Kerry is the one being hated on by O supporters, and McCain has made him look bad.

[ProSense]

63. Again,

"Kerry is the one being hated on by O supporters, and McCain has made him look bad."

...you need to cut the RW smear of Obama supporters. You don't speak for them, and Obama supporters likely don't share your obsession with McCain.

[politicasista]

66. Then why this hate towards Kerry n/t

[ProSense]

70. Ooh, look

random Internet comments.

"Those are people are Pro-Obama all the way. And I am not obsessed with McCain."

Keep telling yourself that.

[politicasista]

72. No, not a

social media person, but will remember that next time they trash Kerry to praise Obama. If you don't believe they praise Obama, see Twitter feeds.

That is troubling, but we just have a different perspective. Hope there is defense for Kerry the next time someone blames him for what happened to Rice.

[ProSense]

75. Maybe you should

No, not a social media person, but will remember that next time they trash Kerry to praise Obama. If you don't believe they praise Obama, see Twitter feeds.

That is troubling, but we just have a different perspective. Hope there is defense for Kerry the next time someone blames him for what happened to Rice.

...send these "troubling" Twitter links to the WH. I mean, this is a matter of national security: Someone said something about Kerry on the Internet.

[politicasista]

84. Yep. that would be great

Very sure that Obama himself would be appalled. Biden would be p-ed off too.

[ProSense]

85. Yeah,

"Very sure that Obama himself would be appalled. Biden would be p-ed off too. "

...I bet he'd join you in losing sleep over twitter comments.

After all, what else has he got to worry about?

Send them!

[politicasista]

86. Bet they would be mad at this

McCain, Graham, Ayotte manage to embarrass, humiliate, and ridicule Kerry among Liberal Obama supporters.

[ProSense]

87. You seriously

McCain, Graham, Ayotte did Kerry no favors.

http://twitter.com/Thejazzchick/status/294568089289383936

Positive tweets of Obama. http://twitter.com/Thejazzchick

...don't see the problem with the obsession?

Send the comments to the WH and find out. Stop wasting your time here. You've got important work to do, making the President aware of comments on the Internet.

Hurry, I hear he has a country to run, and that Kerry fellow is up for a vote on Tuesday. Make haste.

[politicasista]

89. Not waisting time, just an observation

Sorry that isn't a big deal here anymore.

[Mass]

78. More random posts.

and I have no freaking clue who the last one is? And it is not even bashing, just a person repeating media meme? You could educate her, rather than reporting here her random musings, which are really unimportant?

How do you know these people are Obama supporters. Clearly, some are upset at Obama too. More like Rice supporters. She clearly lobbied hard for the job.

[politicasista]

79. Ok. You all are right.

I am wrong here. I read their tweets. Only have Facebook, but lurk on Twitter. They are all positive towards Obama and Biden for that matter. Maybe they just came into politics with Obama.

I will leave it there because we just agree to disagree and see things to a different perspective. Peace.

[karynnj]

74. Obama defends his people WHEN THEY NEED DEFENDING

Kerry does not need defending. He is well respected in the Senate - and it is the Senate, not self appointed "pundits", whose accomplishment is that they have some megaphone in the media or internet. Sight unseen, I have NO respect for anyone who plays the race or gender card and suggests conspiracies including Kerry to discredit Rice.

The fact is the facts are all too clear as to what happened. It requires listening to what McCain says are his reasons - especially when they are unsupported by facts. (It might help to pretend that he is a Democrat and the Obama administration Republican.)

Warning: this list is NOT what I think, but what McCain has stated he believes.

1) Rice was sent out to say things that ultimately were seen to be not true. They were the CIA's TPs. I have NO knowledge of whether Rice, who would have been in the loop, had reasons to think they were not true when she spoke them.

2) McCain and others have repeatedly said that they did not believe the TPs from what they knew - which was likely LESS than she knew.

3) McCain and others thought that the truth of what happened would have shifted the election to Romney. (My view is that they are out of their minds. This was not something that showed unscrupulous or unseemly behavior - and it was NOT a key issue in the election. This was NOT 2004 when the key question was national security.

4) McCain attacked Rice because she was the public face that he says "misled" the American people in a time before the election. I think he sincerely believes that -- in spite of the fact that the CIA said that she repeated what they said. His logic is that she likely knew they were a coverup. He also attacked HRC for the same reason - his deeply held believe that she, like Rice and like Obama, did not tell the truth to the American people before the election.

Note that Kerry very specifically disputed McCain's use of the word "misled". Note also, that far from needing defense, he defended Clinton (and implicitly Rice) on this issue - and he did it well.

[politicasista]

83. Ok,

You are right. I am wrong on this issue. No issue with Kerry or him being SOS, just angry that McCain's relationship with Kerry has allowed Kerry to be seen as an enemy when he did nothing wrong.

Not disagreeing what you have said. Already noted Kerry's work in other areas and said he will be excellent. We just agree to disagree here and see things differently. Peace.

[graham4anything]

44. Here's a link right here- this very post I am writing.

so I will give you a link right here.

I believe this to be true.

We all know politics is dirty, and people want what they want, most times they don't get it, but like this time, they do.

And it's all in the game.

When they win, well, they achieved what they want.

Too bad it was at the expense of a senior senate seat and Susan Rice.

IMHO.

You gotta win it to be in it, and well Kerry won it. So he achieved his objective.
But let's not all of a sudden think that politics did not win this race.
Politics wins every race.

[fried eggs]

10. Four words: Open Massachusetts Senate Seat

[The Wielding Truth]

41. McCain says and does anything to retain political power.Remember how he knew how to get Bin laden?

He is a emotionally twisted liar. I would not trust him as far as I could through him.

[politicasista]

49. And some have made Kerry the scapegoat

over what happened with Rice. McCain is not to be trusted. Great job McCain!

[Mass]

52. Competent nominee for SoS?

[frazzled]

11. It made me uncomfortable

After trashing Susan Rice, and after trashing Hillary Clinton, suddenly the effusive, collegial, war-buddy, etc. praise. It's not that Kerry doesn't deserve it; it's the "old boys club of the Senate" aspect that gave me a pit in my stomach.

[lonestarnot]

12. I think nothing of it but that John Kerry stood with him alone in a Hanoy cell.

[JI7]

23. Yes, this is it

[karynnj]

81. In fact, it was more than that

Kerry got the Vietnamese to allow them unfettered access to that prison and many other places in the country - to insure that they and the military people assigned to them checked out each and every lead - many from self serving people fleecing the families of those with missing sons.

McCain's version of the story suggests that it is possible that only Kerry could have negotiated this - and it was needed.

As Beachmom mentioned CSPAN had a long piece of tape that showed Kerry and Bob Smith on one of their trips. It was fascinating. Kerry had negotiated that they could have unrestricted helicopter usage WITHOUT prior approval of the destination and they often came early before planned meetings to keep them off guard. One of the fascinating parts was Kerry walking through one town with an ever growing crowd of young kids following him. They were amused that he knew the Vietnamese words for some animal, but they corrected his pronunciation until he got it perfect. They then taught him other words. He was like a Pied Piper. He then asked the kids - via a US interpreter if they had seen people like him. He also met and spoke to many older Vietnamese.

He was also interviewed by a CSPAN person - who asked if he thought of the earlier time he was there. He immediately said yeah, but that he couldn't let thoughts of that keep him from focusing on what they were doing.

[JI7]

82. this makes more sense to me why Bob Smith supported Kerry for PResident

even though he is a republican.

[karynnj]

91. That and W did not side with him when Sununu primaried him

I do think his comments on JK - where he did say he disagreed with him on almost all policy, but a GOP Congress would keep him from doing harm on domestic issues, but that he was a man of integrity and honor were real. I do think they came from things like Kerry immediately saying the staff would be divided 50/50 - rather than him taking more as the chair, made an impression.

(One funny thing in the video on one trip they took together (CSPAN) was when they were close to one area that they wanted to check out -close that is by bike - I think about 10 miles. Kerry immediately asked the Vietnamese if they could get some bikes. Smith, who looked very out of shape, looked aghast. Kerry quickly - with a slight look of disappointment - agreed that would not work.)

[ProSense]

14. McCain is a schmuck, and I don't

get it?

[Jack Sprat]

21. That's because Kerry isn't a lady.

McCain only goes into nasty mode when women are being considered for appointments. That's what really seems to get his and Graham's hair up. More specifically, Democratic women. That seems to be a republican trait.

[JI7]

24. McCain owes a lot to Kerry

[politicasista]

48. And Kerry owes him nothing

Because of him and his takedown of Rice, some Obama supporters hate Kerry.

[Mass]

51. Those people are not Obama supporters.

Just people who want to bash Kerry.

[politicasista]

54. Will land on a few more ignore lists

after all this, but I am not mad at Kerry. More mad at McCain because he embarrassed Kerry and people that love Obama/Biden are trashing him for what happened with Rice. And Joy Reid's stature on MS NBC in growing as a liberal, Democratic pundit, so it's rather unfortunate that they feel this way.

Maybe Kerry should have defended Rice more, not publicly but behind the scenes and LOD (The Last Word) should have replaced McCain as someone to speak with Warren and HRC. His statement hit it out the park and didn't come across as puckering up to a BFF.

[Mass]

55. Not my fault ,,,

You're still not on my ignore list. I find very interesting how you deal with this, as the pattern is always the same.

Joy Reid did not bash Kerry, except in your imagination. She bashed McCain, as she should have. She does not say a word about Kerry, at least in the twitter feed.

For the rest, this is BS and you know it. How do you know Kerry did not defend Rice behind the scene? LOD is bad choice to introduce Kerry. It would not have looked serious. And if you think his statement would have done a good intro, you are delusional. This is a Senate hearing, no LW rethoric, even if I agree with it?

[politicasista]

56. Ok

He may have, but his relationship with McCain and the way he went after Rice makes a lot of POTUS' supporters think that Kerry was just a bystander cause it was reported he was next in line and wanted the job.

The WH gets blame, (they aren't blaming Obama) Rice does too for "folding" but not as much as Kerry/McCain. That is why I think McCain embarrassed Kerry so that he would make people think Kerry take part in the takedown of Rice (and his Senate Seat) so he could get his dream job.

Ok, you're right. Reid didn't bash Kerry and I am wrong LOD would have been a bad choice, but having McCain say something makes it seem like something else happened. Maybe it's just a mistrust of anyone who isn't Obama, Biden, or Hillary. Most folks know McCain is still bitter over his 08 loss and his relationship with Kerry. He did defend her, but maybe a statement before her withdrawal would have helped.

[ProSense]

59. What is

"The WH gets blame, (they aren't blaming Obama) Rice does too for "folding" but not as much as Kerry/McCain. That is why I think McCain embarrassed Kerry so that he would make people think Kerry take part in the takedown of Rice (and his Senate Seat) so he could get his dream job. "

...the temperature like in your world? Who do you think put McCain up to being a jerk to Hillary during the Benghazi hearing, and then spending much of Kerry's hearing criticizing Hillary?

With your alternate-reality vision, what do you see below:

[politicasista]

62. Two people

One gets mad love (Clinton) the other gets hated on for no reason (Kerry).

[ProSense]

64. Blechfergmederp. n/t

[politicasista]

67. ...

Last edited Tue Mar 19, 2013, 04:52 PM - Edit history (2)

[karynnj]

97. +1000000

You have no idea how tempted I've been to respond that way!

[ProSense]

77. Nice edit.

Me:

With your alternate-reality vision, what do you see below:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2265709

You:

Two people...One gets mad love (Clinton) the other gets hated on for no reason (Kerry).
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2265717

Thanks for the alternate reality view. I see McCain and Hillary. Still, don't you mean the ("Kerry's hair&quot ?

[politicasista]

88. We can ignore it all we want

but it is a problem.

Obama's staunch liberal supporters are angry at Kerry. Yep. See hair.

[ProSense]

90. OK, I

We can ignore it all we want but it is a problem.

Obama's staunch liberal supporters are angry at Kerry. Yep. See hair.

...recommend that you focus like a laser beam on this. Please, gather more random Internet comments and alert all of DU about your "troubling" finds.

This is serious. It could take down many people. Thanks for your hard work as Twitter whistleblower. Report this to the President for action.

[politicasista]

92. Ok. You win n/t

[ProSense]

93. You were playing a game?

You should have said so.

[politicasista]

94. No, you won the argument

Just hope and wish that Obama supporters that love Rice would give Kerry a chance. He is going to be excellent and it is unfortunate they can not see that.

Again, no game. You won the argument. Peace.

[ProSense]

95. I wasn't arguing.

I was making jokes.

The situation wasn't critical enough to warrant an argument.

[politicasista]

98. More like discussion n/t

[JI7]

60. Joy Reid did not bash or attack Kerry, you can't seem to separate

people being upset at Mccain and what happened to susan rice with Kerry. Kerry was always one of those in consideration for SOS.

this isn't a case of Obama having picked Rice and she had to resign and kerry took it from her.

[ProSense]

65. Someone has issues.

[politicasista]

68. Ain't nobody got issues

That isn't a good sign that Kerry is being trashed by O supporters.

[ProSense]

71. Yeah, someone does. n/t

[politicasista]

73. Nope n/t

[ProSense]

76. Ah, yup!

Yuppity yup!

[politicasista]

80. Ok.

[politicasista]

69. They are also upset with

Kerry for what happened with Rice. It doesn't matter about being considered. They are angry over what happened with her and know that Kerry was up for the job, which is why McCain did what he did, and the relationship to with McCain and Kerry is well known.

Reid didn't bash Kerry, but her followers that support Obama have/are.

[karynnj]

96. Why on earth would someone who is a TV host introduce Kerry in the Senate

The point was a top Republican saying there is NO hesitation on his part to vote yes. It was a defense of character and ability by a Republican - credited by other Republicans as having both himself. That statement likely gives many Republicans cover to vote yes.

O'Donnell was fantastic and I wish more Democrats saw how courageous, bold and needed Kerry's testimony was. He became a face against the war that people fearful of the youth revolution in the 60s/70s could accept. (As one booki written in the early 1980s said, Kerry seemed to them the nice kid next door who they would be proud to have as a son or to have date their daughter. It then mentioned that he had just been elected lt Governor of Massachusetts. ) I was of that generation and could not see the fear of my parents' generation. The closest I got to understanding it was as a mother of college and high school age kids watching footage of the 1960s protests.

This, however, would not help Kerry. Those who admire - as I do - his 1970s actions and his affirmation of them in 2006 on the 35th anniversary already support him. McCain, who in 1984 campaigned AGAINST Kerry because of the VN war, in his testimony attested to Kerry's integrity and character. You can question whether McCain has standing to do this given his own record, but the fact is that for many Republicans, he does. (Note too that in doing this McCain is in effect saying the Republicans lied and defamed him in 2004)

Frankly Joy Reid (MSNBC) has far less influence in the Senate than John McCain.

[politicasista]

99. It was just a thought

He wouldn't have fit. It was just that McCain being in the same room with Hillary and Kerry made some uncomfortable. We all saw something different, but He (McCain) made a lot of nice comments about Kerry (and disrespecting HRC) at Rice and Obama's expense.

McCain put Kerry in a rough spot.





edit to delete "made"

[karynnj]

100. Nothing he said was at Obama's or Clinton's expense

His comments spoke ONLY of Kerry - and of a time when he worked side by side on a very very difficult task. Someone from Kerry's office spoke in 2004 of how his entire staff advised him not to take this assignment. Their reasons - they knew how personally painful dealing with all the issues of Vietnam would be for Kerry and they - and all of the Senate - thought it was a lose/lose proposition. Ask yourself why the popular McCain was not ranking member, the far right Smith was. Reason - McCain would not accept it.

Only in his LATER questions did he speak of Benghazi - and Kerry won that exchange in a flash.

One thing that no one in the media noticed was that there WAS a reason for the Senate to prefer Kerry over Clinton. Throughout his responses, Kerry spoke of wanting Senate input, ideas and connection. On issue after issue he said he wanted to speak to or meet with Senators. I know from watching hearings since 2005 that the SFRC felt that they often did not get what they needed from State as quickly as they wanted - under both Rice and Clinton. Without criticizing Hillary, Kerry was crystal clear that he wanted to do better on that. In his statement, he emphasized that he went in with both the Senate and the foreign service in his blood. It is hard to better say that he cared and would look out for both.

[politicasista]

101. That is true

Saw the clip when he got choked up talking about his dad and foreign service in his blood (and Hillary choking up talking about the families), that was powerful.

I have no issue with Kerry, just don't like that the McCain factor has shaped this whole mess. Kerry must have cringed when the smears on Rice took hold, I would have been furious with him for attacking a woman who worked on his campaign. He did say he could relate. And the Benghazi thing is so GOP.

[graham4anything]

42. the two are BFFs. Remember, John Kerry wanted McCain to be his VP in 2004

Remember that Kerry worked hard to lobby for this job, and that McCain(and possibly Kerry) made sure Susan Rice didn't get it(whether covertly or overtly).

I wish someone asked Kerry that under oath yesterday. Would have been interesting the answer.(about Susan Rice).

[onpatrol98]

45. I had forgotten that...

I think we need to remember that these people have deep complex relationships that endure beyond the camera. They give us a bit of kabuki theater that we think is real, but they have all kinds of connections behind the scenes.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

43. McCain is a scum