Kerry just on CNN displaying a LIKEABLE personality & SENSE OF HUMOUR

[glarius]

They just showed a clip with Kerry and Wesley Clark at some gathering where an audience member asked Kerry if he was picking Clark for V.P.....Kerry laughed and bantered with the guy asking him if he was a friend of Clark's etc....Kerry came across as relaxed and with an easy sense of humour.....Just a short time ago one of CNN's talking heads had once again described Kerry as "not the easiest guy to like" as compared to the "likeable" George Bush.....This Al Gore treatment they are giving Kerry is really sickening.....Perhaps he should put out more ads with Kerry interacting with ordinary people to counter this propoganda?

[KissMyAsscroft]

1. The coporate whore media will never support a Dem, period.

They are part of the Republican administration. They are paid off in massive tax breaks, White House "access" and cocktail parties.

We have to get our own media. That is the ONLY solution. I don't know why anyone tortures themselves watching this garbage everyday. It just makes me ill.

[glarius]

2. But the thing is there are a lot of ordinary Americans watching who's vote

you want and they are being influenced by this propoganda, don't you think?....

[sandnsea]

5. CNN - 1.6 million viewers

"Fox News’ average primetime audience went up 83 percent compared to last year to just under 2.2 million people. CNN’s audience was up 75 percent to 1.6 million, and MSNBC’s audience was up 96 percent, to 666,000." April 2003.

This was 1st quarter 2003, the war, space shuttle crash and Elizabeth Smart. No, I really don't think Cablenews has as much of an impact as we think they do.

[Hippo_Tron]

26. CNN isn't really Repuke media, it's just garbage

Their idea of "news" is basically find a story and stay fixated on it for weeks. When ratings drop find a new story. When ratings drop again, go back to the old story, on and on and on. I wouldn't imagine that when people turn off their TV's after an hour of CNN that they think "Oh well that George Bush is a great guy, I'm definately voting Republican in November" (like they would after an hour of FAUX) but rather, they don't get the full sense of the issues and many reasons why they SHOULDNT be voting Republican.

[MARALE]

3. In the Iowa Primaries

I saw Kerry throwing snowballs, laughing and joking with the media. He seemed very likable and personable then.

[newyawker99]

33. Hi MARALE!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Imalittleteapot]

4. Kerry has never come across as a non-friendly guy.

His statesman like demeanor is impressive, yet I see him as a relaxed people oriented guy as well. If the media promotes (or demotes) him as Al Gore stiff, they are simply incorrect. People will like Kerry when they are exposed to him more and more before Nov. Remember when he was way down in the primary polls? It was his policy issues, his sincerity, his statemanship, his ability to relate to people AND his personality that won the Iowa caucases.

[glarius]

6. I agree....he comes across well...and yet the media and Republicans

keep trying to sell him as stiff and unapproachable....It's ridiculous...I think too, that the more he is exposed to the people the more they will like him...

[Old and In the Way]

7. Who'd you rather have a beer with?

Kerry, for me. He's intelligent, insightful, witty, and shares my worldview. Bush, on the other-hand, is an arrogant, psuedo-moralizer who's uninformed, cynical, and a boastful liar.

BTW, I think, back in 1970, I had a little run-in with GWB at the Forefather's Inn in Arundal, ME. I was sitting at a bar with a friend and a guy standing behind me spilt some beer on me; I think it was Dimson. He was grandstanding for a bunch of people with him. He didn't apologize, but made some rude comments that were inappropriate, given it was his fault. I didn't make a scene...I was, ah, under-age at the time (17). But I'm 95% certain it was him. I remember that because it was a memorable night for altogether other reasons...

[glarius]

9. Someone posted a picture of him in DU the other day where he was

wiping his glasses on the shirt tail of a woman sitting ahead of him....Doesn't look like his manners have improved since his run in with you....hahaha...

[MO_Dem]

20. I could never understand

how the press came up with their conclusion that everybody would rather have a beer with Duhh?bya than Al Gore! It's so obvious to me that if I had a beer with Geedub, I'd have to pay for it, and then listen to him laugh at me for being a sucker! And if he spilled it, he'd demand that I buy him another one.

[bobbieinok]

45. 1 of my brothers (pretty far right) said he'd rather socialize with

Gore but he voted for W (obviously in 2000)..... ie, he wanted republican policies

I think he may also have said he knew way too many guys like W in college to want to socialize with anyone like them ever again.

[candy]

8. Sense of humor? Kerry?

I've never seen it and I live in Massachusetts.

[glarius]

10. Perhaps you should get out more!

:)

[candy]

11. I get out a lot---

But Kerry and I don't travel in the same circles.

He's lacking humor as far as I can tell.

[glarius]

13. I can't give a specific remark but he has always seemed to me to have

a lovely sense of humour and easy personality whenever I've seen him talking on television....

[Sparkly]

34. One comes to mind

During the debates, they were asked to name who they'd like to party with.

Sharpton said, "I'll be partying with John Kerry's wife."

Kerry said, "I'd better go with Sharpton, so I can keep an eye on them!"

He had some quick quips in the late-primary appearance with Edwards, Sharpton and Kucinich, too. He smiles easily, he's relaxed, he's bright -- I don't need him to be a laugh-riot comedian, but he's certainly nothing like Gore. (I liked Gore anyway.)

[glarius]

35. I think Kerry's powerful, authoritative voice is an asset

.Instead the right wingers and the so-called political analysts on TV are using it as a detriment against him....Saying he is "imperious" or "haughty" etc.....To me this is so ridiculous! When someone makes a speech, I want them to sound authoritative and as if they know what they are talking about! When I have heard Kerry interacting with ordinary people (granted I've only seen him on TV) he is relaxed and shows humour....When did you ever hear one of these political analysts comment unfavourably about Bush's hemming and hawing delivery? Their most frequent comment on him is that he is "straight-shooting" or "the people know they can trust him"!...Why do they know they can trust him?.....Because it is repeated daily in all the media to the point where it is taken as a given?...I mean, what has he done to earn this trust?.....

[Sparkly]

36. All good points

I agree. I think he sounds like what a president should sound like, and he's definitely a HUGE step up from the mumbling, stammering, inarticulate Chimp.

[Justice]

12. Where In MA - In a Cave?

Sorry to be harsh - but "never" come on. Ever watch the St. Paddy's Day breakfast in South Boston? Kerry has been very funny on that.

Have you ever actually been to an event where Kerry spoke?

When Kerry began the news conference announcing he had to have prostate surgery, he said saying he was having his "aloof gland" removed. Funny.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/philly/living/health/mens_health/5159504.htm

[candy]

30. Nope,never been to an event where he spoke.

I just go by what I see in the media and he comes off humorless and stiff,which is what most of the USA will see.

As far as the St Patrick's day breakfast goes,they are all relaxed and not speaking about issues,so his humor may show up there.I usually turn off the TV when that annual event is mentioned because I'm afraid I may have to look at,or listen to,Billy Bulger.

That said,I don't think a sense of humor is needed to make a good president.It's nice,but not necessary.

[Hippo_Tron]

28. Don't you remember the debate where he made the joke about Rush's...

Housekeeper. "If you want cheap perscription drugs in this country, you have two options. The first one, is to hire Rush Limbaugh's housekeeper." I was laughing my ass off for the next 5 minutes at least.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

32. Candy?

Candy Crowley, is that you?

:)

[sangh0]

14. Uh-oh!

That's going to piss off a lot of DUers. It's another indication that Kerry is Bush*-lite.

:-)

[Adelante]

15. I've never understood what's not to like about Kerry

He's personable and intelligent and comes off as a kind person as opposed to a mean sonaofabitch, so.. :shrug:

[glarius]

16. Don't you think it's just the Repubs doing their smear job on him like

they did with Al Gore?.....Whenever I saw Gore on television I thought he was a kind, thoughtful, intelligent and NICE person....Not the freak they painted him as, and they seem to have convinced a lot of people....Now they are trying to do the same with Kerry...

[Adelante]

17. Repubs and others

Look around DU at who is maligning Kerry's demeanor, personality, oratory ability, hairstyle, and on and on. If it were only Repubs, I wouldn't care. Certainly the Repubs are trying to do the same with Kerry as with Gore. It's a shame so many Dems are willing to collaborate.

[Andromeda]

18. And that hurts us...

Republicans who come on this forum, and I'm sure they do, are just given more fodder to feed the moron masses with.

[juajen]

24. I'm curious

How can you be positive that they are dems? I know this board has been infiltrated. Of course, I certainly don't know by whom. This is why I ask this question?

[candy]

31. Criticizing public figures is the great American pastime.

Glad we live in a country where we can do it without fear.

[MessiahRp]

27. Yeah that bugs me too

I've met him four times now and he has always been the coolest guy when I talked to him even when he was drinking a beer when he was talking to me. Very laid back, very cool guy, friendly demeanor. Anyone who says Kerry isn't likeable is a moron.

Rp

[incapsulated]

19. Well...

He can come across as stiff and aloof in his speeches. But he always seems personable and yes, even charming in one-on-one interviews. I've been saying that he needs to do more of those. Especially if it's true that a lot of people don't "know" him, that's the way you want them to be introduced, up close and personal.

[Adelante]

21. I thought that, too, stiff and aloof,

although that never especially bothered me, until I heard him speak to a very large crowd in Brooklyn. He was at ease and charming with what was a pretty tough crowd. I was way in the back of the auditorium, but in raised seating, so I could see just about the entire room. People really warmed up to him.

You could have come with me, Incap, but you didn't. :P

[incapsulated]

22. I was still..

Wallowing in bitterness. :)

Kerry is so much more relaxed when speaking spontaneously, even if it's a tough crowd. It's the speeches that don't go over well. He needs to do more townhalls and personal interviews. Even in 5 minute interviews over satellite he looks and sounds so much more relaxed and genuinely likable.

[Adelante]

23. Yes, speeches

I see what you mean now.

[librechik]

25. he said he talked to Michael Berg for several hrs yesterday

I thought it was CLASSY that he said it was "private" what they talked about. Stupid question anyway.

[Hippo_Tron]

29. I've always liked Kerry's speaking ability and demeanor, but...

I have to say that he lacks a good trait of Dr. Dean's. Dean seemed to have the ability to give a good speech, yet at the same time you could feel like he was talking directly to you. John Kerry simply does not do this as well as Howard Dean. Still, Kerry is a great speaker.

[Eurobabe]

37. John and Wes

just natch bring out the best in one another! Look at the body language people!!!

[glarius]

39. You're right ....the body language says they are compatible!

Both these men are very insistent on mending fences with the leaders of the other democracies in the world, that Bush has alienated....As a Canadian that impresses me greatly....Not to mention the fact that they are both INTELLIGENT and INFORMED about the rest of the world....

[vetwife]

40. He absolutely should pick Clark and I tell you why !

Clark can pick up the South. He can make a huge dent in the South anyway.
He was Supreme Nato commander without the loss of one single american
He is a Washington outsider (more or less)
Decisive and they can't play that card anymore.
Won't back down..Period !
Puts his finger in front of the camera and makess the repugs squinch !
He also has the Clinton charisma !

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[Philostopher]

41. It's probably something Kerry will have to deal with.

My take on it? I think both Democrats and the wider public of media consumers have had the bar set so high with the last two chief executives (bear with me -- I'm not complimenting Bush*), it's too easy for the media to make Kerry look uneasy in his own skin. At first, I just thought it was the way Kerry was -- but I can easily buy into the idea that it's a media invention, having seen some more impromptu situations.

There was a photo on the front page of my local newspaper a month or so ago of Kerry in the middle of a crowd, smiling and shaking hands. The crowd looked pretty diverse. It was an image that helps him -- Clinton had many such photo opportunities, and unlike Bush*, he took advantage of every single one, regardless of any fears he may have had for his own safety.

Bush* isn't all that great in spontaneous situations -- but how often does anybody see him in a spontaneous situation? Usually, when caught off guard, he says something snide or stupid, or calls a reporter an asshole. Like Reagan, in fact. His 'handlers' can't afford to let him fly by the seat of his pants. He hates the 'great unwashed hordes,' and it shows when he's around a group that hasn't been hand-picked for its enthusiasm for the guy. On the exceedingly rare occasion that ever happens, that is to say.

Bill Clinton, bless his heart, was always on. It didn't matter how many people he was talking to, or to whom he was talking -- he was always with-it, always in tune, and seemed very personable and comfortable speaking and behaving off-the-cuff. It was probably something he was born with -- it's hard to develop later in life, especially if it hasn't been important in your career up to the time it suddenly is important.

On this particular issue, I think Kerry's fighting not only against the carefully packaged Bush* 'image', but Clinton's natural charisma -- I imagine you could wake Clinton up from a sound sleep and he'd sound charming.

I don't care -- I'll vote for Kerry anyway, no matter how stiff the media manages to portray him in public speaking situations -- but it must be acknowledged that there is a certain proportion of the swing voting public (which some feel is crucial) that cares about this stuff, and will buy into whatever they're told. But, then, there was a study about a decade ago that showed generally, the guy with the best hair wins.

If that's still applicable, we have nothing to worry about, I guess!

[glarius]

42. I can tell you a little anecdote about Clinton when he addressed our

parliament early in his presidency....Our P.M. Chretien made a little introductory speech and then said, "and now here's the President of the United States, our best friend whether we like it or not!"......Mr. Clinton laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair...Clinton and Chretien became very good friends, and still play golf together....Unlike Bush, who is so uninformed and seems to pride himself on his ignorance ("I don't read newspapers") Clinton, Kerry and Clark (who I really love) are worldly wise and respect other leaders.....:)

[Philostopher]

43. Intellect.

It stems from intellect. Clinton and Kerry both are intelligent. Bush* is ignorant and incurious -- it's why 'Incurious George' makes such a funny put-down; because it's clearly true.

Curious people are never willfully ignorant -- it's the whole point of curiosity, to find out what you don't know.

I never trust anybody who's as sure of himself as Bush* and has no intellectual or practical curiosity at all. They're the most dangerous people on the face of the earth, because they're easily convinced of things that may not be true, and incapable of confirming facts on their own.

[glarius]

44. Agreed...Bush deems it to be a great quality that he "never changes his

mind" once he has decided something....This is frightening...All thinking people change their minds as conditions and situations demand....Oh, I shouldn't let myself get started on him....Every time I see that little strutting rooster I want to throw something at the TV....:D

[robbedvoter]

46. Saw them together before - it works!

Clark brings Kerry back to life.