Reply #99: Re: Al Gore was the previous standard bearer until replaced by Kerry...

[420inTN]

So, what does it mean for the party if the "standard bearer" disappears for two years after losing?

Was Dewey still a standard bearer after losing to Truman, or Nixon after losing to Kennedy in '60, or Dukakis after his race? No, they weren't (imho). Once you lose, you've dropped the "standard". Perhaps you are still carrying it, or toting it on your back, but you aren't bearing it. Again, the preceding is only my opinion.

Now, if Kerry does manage to win challenges, and overturn the predicted results, then Obama may have to eat some crow. However, from what I've read of his statements, Obama was more critical of Kerry's campaign, than the candidate. There is a difference. Saying, "I don't think that Kerry ran his campaign as effectively as possible," is not the same as saying "I think that Kerry was the wrong candidate, and didn't have a chance."