Veep rumors, anyone?

[rox63]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[beachmom]

1. Is cable really at the point where if someone in a bar says something

to somebody else, it ends up on TV? Really? Hey, I'm for whatever Kerry does to serve his country; I just doubt if he were picked it would be rumored on cable first.

Oh, but apparently, Hardball said it was "very likely". ???

[wisteria]

19. Well, I will say this, Senator Kerry defends Senator Obama better than anyone else I have heard.

If only he had such a devoted defender in his VP in 2004.

[TayTay]

2. Hi bartender?

Jameson, on ice and make it a double. And don't let the glass go dry, okay. It's gonna be one of those weeks, I can tell.

[beachmom]

4. LOL. Maybe the guy in the bar in DC told the rumor to all the wingers

which is why if I google John Kerry in the Google blog search, it's nonstop attacks for pages and pages.

Thank you, AP.

http://blogsearch.google.com /

Warning: do not enter John Kerry into the search until said drink is by the computer.

[wisteria]

20. Oh my, I missed the idiot blog posts. Silly me, I was concentrating on the MSM.

They just about ignored it all.

[MBS]

5. : ) n/t

[Mass]

3. Do they really want him to lose his reelection bid?

[rox63]

6. Just passing along what they're talking about in GD:P n/t

[beachmom]

7. Well, I'm glad you did. This wasn't some obscure blog. It was said

on MSNBC. So .... I'm just enjoying it for the idle speculation that it is. I doubt it is true.

[Mass]

8. Sadly, the various threads on GD show how so many people repeat the MSM media, including

the fact that Kerry lacks energy and is sad.

[politicasista]

9. It really is

Not suprising the Anti-Kerry peeps would come out everytime Kerry's name is brought up. Yawn.

[Mass]

10. However, it seems rayoflight's thread is too subtle for some. Amusing !

[politicasista]

11. I agree

It's almost amusing and crazy at the same time.

I am wanting to just sit on the sidelines and see, watch how this all plays out.

[ray of light]

12. Fun...!!!

I'll join ya.

[Inuca]

28. You are a wonderful Lieberman defender! :-) n/t

[wisteria]

22. I have a new attitude about them- I don't give a damn about what they think.

They probably don't really think at all.

[politicasista]

23. Good rant

[JI7]

27. i agree, i don't even want Kerry for VP

but fuck the bashers.

[wisteria]

21. That just proves how ill informed they all are- and ignorant too. They really know nothing about

Senator Kerry.

[beachmom]

13. Something strange has happened for me here:

You guys know that I am the big proponent of simply saying, "He is running for re-election to the Senate", which is still true. I also think this rumor is most likely false. Yet .... I still think it's kind of a funny idea to entertain and I have little patience for the naysayers.

There are many reasons to choose a VP. And, frankly, the idea that if you choose Governor X from Red State Y you will win the election is not beared out in history. It sounds great on paper, but never translates into real electoral votes. The last time the VP made a difference in terms of swinging an election was 1964. It hasn't affected the results since. Therefore, perhaps Obama should just concentrate on someone who will be a good team player. I like Biden (he's on my short list), but nobody beats Kerry in terms of loyalty and his excellent experience and record.

[YvonneCa]

14. "...nobody beats Kerry in terms of loyalty and...

...his excellent experience and record." I couldn't agree more with your words...and, speaking only for myself, that's why I keep that little bit of hope that he will be VP (or run again as president, etc.). For me it goes back to that feeling that the public never got to really know him. They never knew what they had missed in 2004. It's about the unfairness of it all...both in 2004 and in 2000.

And, for me, it's also that...just once...I'd like to see an election that is NOT 'politics as usual'. I'd like to see the good guys win. I'd like to see Obama and Kerry go out there, tell the truth about where we've been, where the country needs to go, why they are better leaders, and make the case for our future.

[wisteria]

17. I am with you. I will never give up hope that one day, Senator Kerry will be leading us. n/t

[wisteria]

15. He does a stunning job defending Senator Obama. There is not one bit of disloyalty or envy in him.

Senator Kerry is a true patriot.

[ladym55]

16. JK would be terrific wherever he is asked to serve

That being said ... Chris Matthews is also the guy who said something about Fred Thompson and "smell like a president." (I can't remember the exact quote.)

It is far more important to speculate about the vp choice and spread rumors than actually discuss issues and the candidates' positions. That would require MSM "journalists" to do work, and we all know that WORK is a four letter word (unless it's spelled by Bush, and then the number of letters can vary).

[wisteria]

18. You are right. They would rather go to McCain Barbeque's and avoid real work.

That said, I did like the honorable mention of Senator Kerry.

[JI7]

24. i wonder if putting Kerry's name out there has to do with the "swift boat" McCain stuff

and other military/vietnam things that have recently come up.

Kerry is the guy most people think of when they think "swiftboating" . this was only 4 years ago so people remember also. it's partly to show the hypocrisy of any Republicans and their phony outrage at McCain and claiming he was being swiftboated(which he wasn't).

i also think Obama does view Kerry as the type of person he would want as VP. someone who can defend him the way Kerry has. but someone without the "baggage".

a couple of choices i like are Gephardt and Jack Reed.

[JanusAscending]

25. Want to know what strikes me the most ???

Obama said "I want a VP who can take over on day one if something were to happen to me" !! What better choice than JK??? I think they would make a great TEAM. I feel that Barack REALLY looks up to JK, like a big brother. I sense there is a lot of mutual respect there.

[JI7]

26. i don't think Kerry for VP is a good idea

i agree with everything you say. but the job of the VP is to be the attack dog, take hits for the Presidential candidate and always be 2nd to the President. Kerry has been one of Obama's best supporters so i can see some of the positives he would bring. and it's ok for the campaign period.

but do you really want to see Kerry waste his talents on just partisan politics for the next 8 years ? i know the VP can and has been more in recent years but that is still one of the main jobs of the VP. if you look back you can see how Gore wanted to do so much but was held off because Clinton didn't want to, mainly in the area of the environment.

Kerry is more liberal than Obama so this would happen again. i would much prefer to see Kerry be sec of state or even attorney general. i would even like him to remain in the Senate and hopefully head up some committees.

and based on the recent things Kerry has been doing it seems like if he is going to get a job under Obama it will be for sec of state.

[beachmom]

29. The VP is also President of the Senate. He or she also

may play a vital roll in assisting to get a legislative agenda through. Although I think Dick Cheney's power grab should not set a precedent, the fact remains that the VP is often quite powerful and influential behind the scenes.

[Inuca]

30. Since you mentioned Cheney...

All other considerations, pro and con, set aside, I wonder if Kerry as VP would not run the risk of being seen by some (many?) as the puppeteer that manipulates his own creation from the background (putting of course the worst possible spin on the idea, but even if it were not so bad... you get the idea). The same thing could to some extent be said about any established older politician, say Biden, but it may be worse for Kerry because he was the one who in a sense pushed Obama to the political foreground and also because he was a presidential nominee. It's one reason I do not feel comfortable with the Kerry as VP idea. There is a selfish component to it, I think that if it were to happen, we would hear a non-stop avalanche of horrid things being said about both of them.

[beachmom]

31. Yeah, that would be the main reason I wouldn't want him as VP.

I'm not sure I could stomach the attacks, which are bad enough as it is. But I do definitely get into pushback mode in response to the knee jerk reactions by people who did not support Kerry in the 2004 primaries.

[politicasista]

42. I share the same observation

I don't think I can deal with the attacks or the knee jerk reactions either, (which is what I posted below).

The good senator being VP is a bad idea because of the Anti-Kerry sentiments and people that have bought the GOP media spin (not just here), but it would bring back a lot of sour memories of 04. I don't think some (not all) of Obama supporters appreciate or respect him either.










edit for word

[wisteria]

47. You are always so negative on Kerry being positioned any where near Obama.

I understand your idea of his negatives, but I do not share them and wonder why you can not see the strength he would bring to the ticket. How about a positron on Obama's cabinet? SOS? Or is he to negative for that too.
Who are your choices?

[politicasista]

49. I am not being negative

I would love for it to happen. And I agree, it will bring some strength, but it will also bring also complaints and groans, and the usual spin that people have bought into about him since 04. My uncle enthusistically (my whole fam loves O) supported Obama in the primaries wasn't all that impressed with Kerry.

I am not being negative about Kerry and/or Obama as a ticket. I don't know why I am being singled out.

[wisteria]

54. Well, IMO, and this is my opinion, I get the impression from you that

Kerry any where near Obama will mean he would lose. For my part, I would like to prove to those who think of nothing but the negatives that this wouldn't be the case. Senator Kerry should be President Kerry right now. He WAS the better candidate and the best choice. I think he actually won in 2004. And, I also think Senator Obama could do a lot worse than having a ticket with Senator Kerry on it. I am not going to pretend that I think Kerry should remain just a senator. I think he could accomplish a lot more for this country in another role. And, I realize that many here even disagree with me on that matter. But,personally, you seem all to eager to make sure that everyone is well aware of the negatives that remain from the 2004 campaign. Frankly, Bill Clinton won under more damaging accusations than Kerry ever-faced. Clinton, was accused of being a draft dodger, a womanizer and a rapist.
I think you need to be honest about your feelings here. You are afraid to have Senator Kerry associated to closely with Senator Obama because you think he would have a negative impact on Senator Obama's campaign.

[politicasista]

55. I am not or have never been afraid of Kerry being near Obama

I think he won in 04 too (even though people close to me don't mention 04, just 2000).

I actually agree with you in wanting to see Kerry other than a MA senator (maybe SOS or AG).

Again, I am not afraid of or against Kerry running with Obama. Just want him (like everyone else here wants) to be respected. Just like Gore is right now. I don't see any "no to Gore as VP" (unlikely that will happen) threads or sentiment like that. And my family can't stand the Clintons any more.

I am not being negative. I do think Kerry has had a positive effect on Obama's campaign (even if some of his supporters don't choose to see or respect that). Guess I am just wanting people to show more respect for the person that gave Obama his time to shine. So far, I haven't seen much of that. That's all.

[Mass]

56. You do realize that nobody is suggesting Gorecould be interested and that Obama could be interested.

If such a suggestion existed, you would see the threads, believe me.

I remember in 2004, just before Kerry announced his choice for VP. On the Kerry forum, there was a total fight between Clark supporters and Edwards supporters and what was posted makes what is posted about Kerry mild. It was absolutely incredible.

I do not see what he has to win running for VP and he can be more useful in other positions (including the Senate). But you should understand that whoever will rise as a likely candidate will get the abuse. It is not Kerry. It is all of them (sadly), because they will overshadow their guy.

[politicasista]

58. I shouldn't have used Gore as an example

And yes, there would be threads that existed (probably not much snark?)

I didn't follow 2004 closely or read DU or blogs until Kerry picked Edwards as VP (although I did vote for him during the primaries) I remember the New York Post article that got it wrong, and I am glad I wasn't here or had heard of the blogsphere until after the convention. That must have been head-spinning.

I agree, he can be more useful in other positions (including the Senate) or whatever he decides to do. And you are right, I will, (as we all will) have to prepare ourselves just like with the endorsment. ProSense posted a response in a thread about this being Obama's choice. It's a Catch 22 and people are going to be happy and disappointed at the same time.

[wisteria]

57. That is fine. Your posts chiming into and agreeing with the negativity

would give one another impression. And, for the record, Gore has high negatives with the same group of people who seem to dislike Kerry along with those who still think Bush is the best thing that every happened to this country.

[politicasista]

59. I didn't know that about Gore

I thought he was popular among Democrats post Inconvenient Truth, Nobel Peace Prize. . I am just sick of the rehashing and fighting over 2004. We (not us of course ) haven't stopped fighting about 2008 primaries for that matter.

[karynnj]

32. Then throw in the early endorsement

that likely was critical to stopping the HRC bulldozer SuperTuesday. Without that endorsement, followed by the Kennedy one, she likely would have retained larger leads (thus more delegates) on SuperTuesday. this would likely have given her a lead that would have accelerated her to a win.

While I think Kerry would bring some controversy - he brings no surprise negative baggage - and Obama knows he doesn't have to worry about the vp debate. I don't think it will happen unless Obama is not happy with those others that pass vetting. (I suspect that HRC will like Webb refuse to be vetted)

[Inuca]

33. HELP - Ever since I typed the message above

I have that enormously irritating feeling of trying to remember a word that is on the tip of your tongue (or fingers in this case) but you just CAN'T bring it to the fore. It relates I think to a movie character, someone who puts out in public his own creation and than manipulates her from the shadows. No, not Pygmalion, the word I am fighting for has a negative connotation. Can somebody help me, PLEEEEAAAASE?

[Blaukraut]

34. Manchurian candidate? n/t

[Inuca]

35. Nope :-(

it's a single word, the name of the character.

[Noisy Democrat]

36. Svengali

Is that it? The idea that JK would be seen as a mentor who manipulates his protege?

[Inuca]

38. YES! YES! YES!

Thank you Now I'll be ableto sleep tonight!

[Mass]

37. Kerry camp: Senator in no way interested in VP

Thanks god, they made it clear.

http://www.politickerma.com/jeremyjacobs/281/kerry-camp...

[Inuca]

39. Good

Though I must comment tongue in cheek that the list of people that say NO WAY to a possible VP slot is getting rather long. I wish I knew how many of these names (or the names of those who answer yes or maybe) actually ARE on that famous list.

[ray of light]

52. I would say "Good" but only in the sense that I don't want to see someone who is so nice getting

beat up.

Sorry. But to me it's like allowing someone to kick a cute puppy or beat up a kid. I would want the kid and the puppy to both be safe from personal attacks. And that's my 'wish' for JK.

[Inuca]

60. He is a rather

cute puppy , I agree.

[politicasista]

40. I think there is still too much Anti-Kerry sentiment/vibe out there

So it's good this statement sets the record straight.

[wisteria]

43. I disagree with you on the anti Kerry sentiment. Perhaps within your small circle.

There is no good reason for anyone to be anti-Kerry. And, I don't run into this sentiment at all except for those who have issues with just about everyone except for who they like.

[politicasista]

48. It's too much to explain

So I will just leave it at that because it's too deep and people would think I am being negative.

[karynnj]

41. Very very nice - good that they made clear that

for Kerry, the VP would actually mean giving up the real chance he has to be a real force in the Senate. (One thing the comparisons to Kennedy always ignored is that the Senate and the country was in the conservative period for Kerry's whole career so far. It will be hard for any Senator to accomplish as much as Kennedy, but no one is better positioned than Kerry.

It is actually good that the story let them put out this denial.

[wisteria]

45. He could be an even stronger force as SOS. .n/t

[wisteria]

44. To bad. Well, perhaps SOS at some point. It isn't fair for Mass to have him only. n/t

[rox63]

46. Good to hear the official word from JK

Has anyone informed the Kerry-bashers in all those GD-P veep threads?

Edit: I just started this GD-P thread, informing the masses:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Edit, part 2: And yet, they persist in bashing JK...

[Mass]

51. I started one earlier, asking if it would stop the bashing. Clearly, from your thread, it did not.

The two idiots bashing Kerry are a supposed lefty who cannot stop attacking Obama and a newbie who is probably a troll (and in any case not an Obama supporter or a progressive). His only positive contributions seem to be to defend Republicans.

[beachmom]

50. And another article that muddies the waters a tad:

http://politicker.com/kerry-silent-whether-he-submitted...

Kerry silent on whether he submitted to VP vetting
By Jeremy P. Jacobs
Category: President, US Senate
Tags: John Kerry, Barack Obama

In the wake of U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) removing himself from consideration to be U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) running mate Monday after allegedly refusing to submit to the vetting committee's questions, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry's (D-Boston) campaign declined to comment Tuesday on whether the senator has also received those requests. As was reported earlier on PolitickerMA.com, Roger Lau, Kerry's campaign manager, said the senator is "not interested" in being on the ticket with Obama. Lau would not, however, say whether Kerry has been approached by Obama's vetting committee.

In the wake of U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) removing himself from consideration to be U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) running mate Monday after allegedly refusing to submit to the vetting committee's questions, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry's (D-Boston) campaign declined to comment Tuesday on whether the senator has also received those requests.Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston)

As was reported earlier on PolitickerMA.com, Roger Lau, Kerry's campaign manager, said the senator is "not interested" in being on the ticket with Obama. Lau would not, however, say whether Kerry has been approached by Obama's vetting committee.

"As has been our office's longstanding policy reaching back eight years now, we'll have no additional comment on the vice presidential search process which our Party's nominee deserves the chance to keep confidential," Roger Lau, Kerry's campaign manager, told PolitickerMA.com.

[ray of light]

53. Good. Let him draw it out and keep them on their toes.

[Inuca]

61. I have NO IDEA

what to make of this.

[Island Blue]

62. Does anyone else think

that talk of JK as VP brought T. Boone Pickens out of the woodwork all of the sudden yesterday (with his talk of a plan to end our dependence on oil - yeah right, T. Boone), or is my tinfoil hat too tight?