A follow up to wisteria's post

[politicasista]

about spreading the truth and setting the record straight about the joke being a deciding factor in Kerry's decision not to run in 08. Posting this as a separate thread (in case the comment got lost in the shuffle).

I saw a thread in the archive when the story broke and saw this comment by someone close to Team Kerry.

Apparently, his mind was made up before or after "pronoungate."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=3074581#3076087

I agree with beachmom, that after that Jefferson/Jackson dinner (he rocked that night :)), we never saw that Kerry again, it's like the momentum disappeared after "pronoungate." Granted that was when Obamamania took off, but if that story is true, that's still unfortunate because he had a lot to offer in the 08 race.

[globalvillage]

1. Here's my opinion

The decision to run or not run is a personal one. I think there may have been several things that led to his decision, some known (or at least speculated on), and some possibly not. I think it had more to do with the war and the fact that the campaign circus would interfere with his ability to focus on the critical issues facing us. That the joke might have entered into it really doesn't mean much to me except that the media is unfair to the Senator. Who didn't know that?
Whatever caused him to make the choice he did, I respect his decision and will continue to support him in whatever path he chooses.
Right now, it's working to get us out of the quagmire with his upcoming Iraq bill and setadeadline.com, the reintroduction of the climate change legislation with Sen Snowe and his other work in the Senate.
FWIW.

[wisteria]

3. All wonderful things he is working on and I support everyone of them.

My point in my post was to refute the lie that he misspoke and smeared the troops. It was challenging the lie by countering it with the truth. If we don't speak out and set the record straight then it will be remembered as the Republican's want it remembered.
Maybe it will help, maybe it won't. But, I felt a need to refute the misleading information being printed.

[globalvillage]

4. Yes, wisteria.

That's important, and you do a damned good job of it.

[wisteria]

2. I saw that and took that as here say. It was November and after the

pronoun gate incident, so I agree the momentum wasn't there after that. i was there at that dinner and it energized me and my family when they watched the taped version. I think he was initially putting off making a decision on running after the joke,waiting to see what happened. It is possible that the mood would change. Remember, he was going to announce in April after the release of the new book originally. He had to always know that the party was not going to be to supportive. It was Hillbilly's turn and that had been in the works for years. It was a running joke in the media.

My post is more about setting the record straight. Some in the media still claim he smeared the troops. The editorial I posted lumped him in with Biden who actually did put his foot in his mouth. Kerry omitted one word and never even mentioned the troops in his comments- but you know that. My point is to set the record straight- to get the truth out there to the public and counter the lies.
I am not "green" when it comes to politics. I come from a family of Republicans. My father and my uncle were both deeply involved in local politics. I know what happened to Kerry-believe me I know.
I personally don't buy into the premise of that poster you linked too. If he felt that way he would of ended his quest right after the 04 elections and the speech in NH would of never have taken place.

[politicasista]

5. Oops, I am sorry

I do belive in setting the record straight about Kerry and you are doing a nice job of it.

[TayTay]

6. You know, NH turned very blue in the last election

and, as DD has pointed out, NH Dems felt enough of a debt of gratitude to Sen. Kerry to take out an ad in their newsletter to specifically thank him for his efforts. That speech that you saw in Manchester had an effect and helped to energize NH Dems to get out and work hard to elect Dems. It worked.

That was a hell of a speech. Time will come soon enough for another barn-burner. Give it a little time. This new Congress has been exceptionally busy. There are have been hearings, real hearings, going on just about every day. Senators, particularly ones who have committees that deal with Iraq or the military have been exceptionally busy. Give it time.

[wisteria]

7. I saw that add, it was wonderful and a very nice way of saying thank you.

I have been following the committee meetings- thanks to you - and I know things have been busy.
They say patience is a virtue. I must have that virtue in a very limited supply. I am inpatient and too results oriented sometimes.