Oliphant on the latest Senate vote on Iraq

[ginnyinWI]

Kerry mentioned:

Slouching toward withdrawal
By Thomas Oliphant, Globe Columnist | November 29, 2005

WASHINGTON

AMONG THE ''benchmarks," the dates certain, and the dates uncertain for the withdrawal of US forces from the mess President Bush has made of Iraq, there are two important questions:

Are these alternatives to a wretched situation really alternatives? And how much difference is there really among them and between them and Bush's secretive, deceiving status quo?

snip

But to possible presidential candidate Kerry, the Senate resolution was so watered down that it failed his test for specificity on a withdrawal plan. The demand for one from Bush was the subject of a separate amendment from Democrat Carl Levin of Michigan that failed in a 58-40 vote.

Kerry's position, however, was unusual among Democrats, who as the ''out" party tend to be all over the map on the issue, reflecting the public's ambivalence as much as their party's disarray. The final tally on Warner's proposal included yes votes both from Democrats who favor setting a date (Russ Feingold of Wisconsin) and those who do not (Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden).

It looks like Oliphant sees Kerry as being on the best side of this issue--calling for definite withdrawal plans is the way to put the most pressure on the administration.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/11/29/slouching_toward_withdrawal/

[whometense]

1. It's interesting

that Tom Oliphant, the journalist who has more history with Kerry than any other journalist, reports on him in such a clear-eyed way, and with such a refreshing lack of cynicism. I'm sure there are those who snark about their close ties, but it's too bad more writers don't take a cue from him and report on Kerry with less baseline bias.

Oliphant is a widely respected writer. Too bad his opinions on Kerry aren't taken more seriously.

[karynnj]

2. I just wish he would write a Kerry biography

He has to be better placed to do it then anyone, both because he has the most history with him, and because I would be Kerry would be more open with him than anyone else.

[whometense]

3. That would be one book

I'd buy without reading a review first.

[ginnyinWI]

4. I caught a few min. of Tom on Franken today

They were talking about him retiring from the Globe before too long--have you heard anything? If so, he may just have time to write that book. But we'd be losing a great columnist too. :cry:

[TayTay]

5. Well, then he'll have time to write.

Oh bugger.

[whometense]

9. Damn.

I missed him. Do you remember what hour he was on, so I can get the podcast?

If he's thinking of retiring I wonder if it has anything to do with his health scare. Maybe he's got a list of things he wants to get done. I believe his health is good - but maybe it just re-ordered his priorities. He would be sorely missed, though. There aren't many voices like his around.

[DoBotherMe]

11. It's the money, he said that the new

parent company was offering such an enticing severance package that he might take it...mentioning his grandkids as a factor in the decision. D ; )

[TayTay]

12. Hey, nice to hear from you.

And it's very good to have you post again. (Check in more often.)

I'm not surprised. All the big media companies are trying to cut costs. I'm just sorry that Oliphant, instead of some other Globe writers I could mention, are taking the severance deal. Sigh!

[karynnj]

6. same here

I would imagine that there were things that Kerry did that he wasn't in favor of, but I would imagine that he would simply present them at face value. It's clear that he respects him now and he respected him as a 27 year old. (I loved his telling the story of the day Kerry testified on Going Upriver. It was clear that in addition to being amazed by him, he was vaguely amused by the fact that he was so involved in things he was nearly late.)

[ProSense]

7. Would be a great story.

I believe I still have a tape of one of his interviews with Kerry. I really enjoyed it.

[whometense]

8. I love that story too.

I have this wonderful mental image of Tom trying to push Kerry inside the room, and Kerry kind of falling back and saying, "oh, shit!" when he saw how many people were there. It makes me smile.

[karynnj]

10. It just reminded me how very young Kerry was

It's hard to remember that he was just 27, knowing that he organized and co-ordinated that whole thing, down to meticulously getting all the sppropriate permits. His comments to the press were so understated, careful and thoughtful. Until I saw the film, I had no idea how much a calming influence he had on everyone involved. It was not by chance that the event stayed totally non-violent.

Then he gave that brilliant speech and was amazing answering the Senators questions. The questioning at the end went into so many related things that it almost seemed the Senators were at that point just enjoying talking to him.

So, it was nice to hear Tom's account that showed a very human side of Kerry at that point.

[LittleClarkie]

13. I love this guy

He is one of us. What do you say gang. Let's invite him here!

At least he gives Kerry a fair shake. And you can tell when the two of them are together that Kerry is comfortable with the man.