John Kerry Addresses the South Carolina Education Association (SCEA)

[fedupinBushcountry]

John Kerry speaks about the importance of education and the opportunities facing a Democratic majority.

Watch it:


http://video.johnkerry.com/video/flash/111206_sc.html

[MBS]

1. I'm watching this now

sound quality isn't great, but nice, friendly interplay

At about 7+ minutes in, he cracks a joke , gets a laugh, then says, "Far be it for me to crack a joke". . (more laughter, needless to say!)

JK is a class act.

[MBS]

2. 14-15 minutes in, he talks about values

just great--it began to feel like a revival meeting. .lots of amens, heard an "absolutely". . these guys are with him

[fedupinBushcountry]

3. It was great

This is how he counters the attackers, talk to the people. Can't wait to show this to my son, who is a teacher, he knew Kerry would do much for education and the educators.

[MBS]

4. that's right

talking to the people will do it for him. Because that's who he is, what he seems to love, why he's in this game. I loved seeing how comfortable he looked at that podium. It feels like the thing he likes best about campaigning is the interaction. Not the adulation (though I'm sure that's gratifying and energizing. .), but, in the end, it's the INTERACTION, along with the unquenchable desire to make this country better. I remember (imperfectly, I'm paraphrasing here) how he said, in fall 2003,as his primary campaign geared up, that he ( "wanted to change the nature of the political conversation in this country." It feels like that's still what he wants. He really wants a CONVERSATION, a good conversation that's worthy of the best our country stands for, a conversation that will make this country a better place. And he'll win by sticking to his guns on what's important to him.

[Island Blue]

5. I haven't had the chance to listen yet

but I think this is a perfect way for him to respond - with a little self-deprecating humor. It acknowledges that he's aware of the "problem", draws subtle attention to the silliness of his critics, and invites people to sympathize with his plight. Perfect.

Now I'm going to listen.

[JI7]

10. yes

that's exactly the way. i think he really gets it. he is so cute.

[Island Blue]

6. I've listened to the speech now.

Excellent. I'm sure he scored a lot of points with the educators in that room. Let's face it folks, JK "gets it". He understands the challenges that the children of today AND the good people who are trying to educate them are facing. The tone of this speech was very conversational which was great.

Oh, and did anyone else notice - after he made the joke about the squeaky door needing some oil, it stopped squeaking. :)

[ProSense]

7. Thanks!

Wonderful! Perfect venue and terrifc speech! Loved the jokes! LOL!

[Blaukraut]

8. just watched it. Very good speech n/t

[StoryTeller]

9. He SO gets it!!!!

This former teacher's heart is doing this:

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya::loveya:

Everything he had to say about education--it's like he "read my mail." The teaching experience, the frustration dealing with the kids, the debacle of the No Child Left Behind act, the lack of respect--it's all 100% dead on.

And it was terrific to hear the great response. LOVED the squeaky-door joke, and the quip about not telling jokes. That it had to have been completely unscripted makes it even better. :)

I agree with...was it ProSense?--whoever commented in another thread that he needs to get back out and start talking again. It's the most encouraging thing for me as a supporter, and it's the best way to counteract all the negativity.

Thanks for posting this video! LOVED IT!!!!