Reply #34: Well there's something we agree on!

[Vektor]

The soft spot for animals... I've got it too, and the funny thing is - I have to admit, during the height of one of our "battles", myself and another poster were discussing your profile, and saying "Look, he likes to hike and is into music, and catch and release fishing...he seems like such a nice person from all that, I wonder why we can't get along with him on the boards..."

I guess you are probably a lot like me where you're essentially pretty cool, but have a short fuse when it comes to certain matters, and have real trouble backing down when confronted, which is why some of our rounds went on all night. And man, they were fierce.

And yes, I have noticed that although we used to butt heads a lot over certain things, you actually have mentioned Kerry's environmental record in a favorable light, and have made it a point, especially lately, to point out some of the good with the bad when discussing Kerry.

Meanwhile, due to mounting exhaustion, and the realization that you, too, were giving Kerry some credit, I made it a point not to get into it directly with you if you said something on a thread I didn't agree with. I just decided that I'd put my own comment in there if I felt I needed to, but not direct it at anyone in particular, just post a stand alone counterpoint if need be.

I actually agree with you that the campaign could have been waged better in some areas, and yes, with Kerry's sterling environmental record, he really could have brought that issue more to the forefront as a positive thing that he had to offer. I think a lot of people who run for President make the often lethal mistake of listening to campaign advisers who have made a career out of finding out a little too late what WON'T work. I think Kerry was told to focus on the Iraq War, and "take the high road" when the Swift Liars attacked him. (Bad advice, at least in the latter suggestion.) I think he also decided a bit late, also, never to employ those folks again, and to listen to his gut in the future.

I do credit him for the amount of votes he DID get, and how close the race was, even with Republican dirty tricks afoot, but if you think I wasn't beating my head against the wall in 2004 screaming "TAKE THOSE SWIFT BASTARDS TO TASK!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?" you'd be incorrect.

I may love the guy, and it may *appear* I feel he can do no wrong, but in reality, I do feel there were things that could have been done differently, and when I had the opportunity to speak with him in person last December, I absolutely told him that - other DUers can attest to that, I did not candy coat my opinions on the Swifties, or the hesitancy to flat out call Bush a liar.

You'd have been proud of me, I think. I actually criticized a little. I also thanked him for the effort he has put into speaking out on, and acting on behalf of, the environment, working families, children, and our Vets - all accomplishments I believe he does deserve credit for.

I'm glad we had this talk. We aren't so different after all, god forbid!