John Kerry and the paradox of polish

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

This article best describes why I support Kerry.....and the long list at the end is more than enough evidence to counter those that would accuse him of being unaccomplished.

EXETER, N.H. - Josh Baxter has a question for John Kerry. A small crowd is gathered outside the American Independence Museum here, enjoying the fall sunshine and grilling the Massachusetts senator on everything from veterans' benefits to the Cuba embargo.

For Kerry, these are friendly faces. Not only is he from a neighboring state, but this town is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, which Kerry's stepson attended and where his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, served on the board of trustees. (The crowd chuckles when he jokes about being in enemy territory - his daughter went to rival Andover.)

But Mr. Baxter, a senior at Exeter, puts forth a nagging concern: "We come from totally different backgrounds," the formerly home-schooled Arkansan tells Kerry. "How can I know that you care about me?"

It's a question that has dogged Kerry, a product of exclusive schools and a relatively blue-blooded lineage (his mother was a Forbes), throughout his political career. In many ways, though, it has less to do with his wealth and upbringing than with his somewhat mannered style - and his status as a four-term senator at a time when many Americans view Washington politicians as disingenuous or out of touch.

On this occasion, Kerry doesn't hesitate. Where people come from is irrelevant, he responds, so long as they care about the same things. He cites the Navy "swift boat" he captained in Vietnam, with men from all backgrounds who worked and fought together. He tells Baxter to look at his record (or, as he puts it, "the road traveled"): "I'm asking you to measure me not by what I'm telling you, but what I've fought for for 35 years."

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1105/p01s04-uspo.htm

[Straight Shooter]

1. "Measure me not by what I'm telling you"?

That's almost the same as saying don't listen to me. Of course we want to know what their thoughts are now on current issues, and how life has affected their views and attitudes.

Kerry needs to be careful about relying so heavily on his Vietnam experience in this campaign, especially since he came back as a very angry man about the war. Also, a more than worthy rival is Clark, whose background and experience and heroism far outweighs Kerry.

Just saying this as someone from a military family, and someone with friends who served in Nam who aren't too impressed with Kerry.

[Shanty Oilish]

3. I prefer this to the opposite approach

It beats being asked to take someone's word for it, especially a politician's. Kerry is saying we don't have to rely on his words, we can look at his long record of deeds.
People who ask for trust are often dishonest. People who have to have it, because they're empty of deeds, are nearly always dishonest.

[spooky3]

4. Why can't he just say, "measure me not ONLY by my words...

but also by what I've fought for..."

[Old and In the Way]

2. He's going to make a great President!

History will look back and see Clinton~Bush~Kerry....and wonder what kind of alternate reality hit America in the year 2000.

I've followed Kerry's career for close to 35 years, I know what kind of President he'll make. The more I see of Dean, the less sure I am that he's ready to take on Presidency.