BoHerd article on Obama's announcement and Kerry

[ProSense]

Obama’s decision puts heat on Kerry

By Emma Ratliff
Boston Herald City Editor

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - Updated: 04:30 AM EST

Barack Obama seized the presidential spotlight yesterday as he announced the creation of a committee to explore a White House run, putting more heat on John Kerry to decide whether he’ll stay on the sidelines or step onto the stage.

Snip...

The popular U.S. senator from Illinois was in Manchester, N.H., in December for a national Democratic victory tour after the midterm elections, a celebration that drew almost 1,700 people.

“He really impressed everyone in the crowd. Speaking to 1,700 people he was still very personable,” said Joan Ashwell, chairman of the Strafford County Democratic Committee in New Hampshire. “Kerry’s gotta get in there pretty soon. John Kerry has a lot of support in New Hampshire.”

Snip...

Obama, a 45-year-old who is little more than two years into his Senate term, rose rapidly to national prominence when he gave the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston as Kerry was nominated. But his lack of a track record in government and foreign policy makes him little more than a celebrity name to many voters.

Snip...

Despite Kerry’s 2004 New Hampshire primary win, activists say he must lay new groundwork if he wants to wage another campaign. “Right now since there is not any mudslinging, it would help for him to get in sooner rather than later,” said Felchner.

more...

Run John, Run!

[whometense]

1. That's nice to hear,

esp. in the Herald!!

...John Kerry has a lot of support in New Hampshire.”

We know it's true, but it was nice to see it in print.

[saltpoint]

2. Hi, whometense. I agree. It is nice to see it in print.

Now if only more papers would get a clue.

I'm not against Sen. Obama. I wish him well. He's smart, he's a Democrat, he's an exciting choice by Illinois voters for a Senator. A lot of us in other states would trade in our GOP goon Senators for a Barack Obama anyday.

But Kerry is wiser and more realized, more incisive in policy. And as good or better than Obama with language. I take nothing away from Obama on his keynote address to the 2004 Convention, but it was John Kerry who put him on that podium.

[MBS]

3. perfectly said

I'm having a good feeling about Sen. Kerry and our country's future today. The Globe and the Herald may not realize it yet, but they're pointing to Kerry as the obvious, best, and wisest choice.

[Firespirit]

4. This is actually a fairly nice article

It was a nice perkup after seeing this truly horrific Rasmussen poll that just came out. (It's on the front page of Daily Kos.) I don't trust this outfit anymore. They had our guy at 3% support after the election and now he's... climbed one point, according to them. This is in stark contrast with the Nevada poll that has him #3, the New Hampshire poll that does the same, and the various national polls that show him among four candidates who are in double digits. But we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that it will get play.

I'm glad to have the quote about the support in New Hampshire. It's true, but it's nice to see it acknowledged.

[wisteria]

6. Rasmussen is a conservative poll to begin with. And, as we all know

polls mean nothing at this point. He has not been in the "new" like, oh lets see, Obama, Clinton and Edwards. He has not had fluff pieces or even much recognition for the good things he has done. I suspect his support is a lot higher than that and once he takes to the stage and get some good press, we will see the numbers improve. This is nothing but a poll based on good and constant press. A popularity contest and a way for the media to gage how well their PR has been working and how much influence they have over peoples decision making.

[wisteria]

5. My thoughts exactly. Run John, Run!! n/t