We should draft RFK Jr. for Pres. in 2008 -- saw him speak last night

[turbo_satan]

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Kennedy, Jr. speak last night in Gainesville, FL. I'm still buzzing. I've seen many political speeches in my time, but his speech last night was far and away the best I've ever seen. Those who have only heard him on radio or seen him on television may come away with the impression that he has a "croaky" voice and speaks haltingly; at least that was always my impression. Last night he spoke with fire and passion and conviction, with the words pouring forth like torrents. (I watched the teletypist for the deaf struggle to keep up and fail in several instances). The speech was ostensibly on global warming, and he took the podium before a very large crowd without any notes. Over the course of 90 minutes, he delivered a fact-filled tirade against the GOP corruption of science, the Bush culture of lobbyists staffing government regulatory agencies, the destruction of the public commons, the socialization of risk and the privatization of reward, the elimination of the Fairness Doctrine, the consolidation of the media, the corrosive influence of FOX and Limbaugh, and -- get this -- election theft. He tread where no prominent public figure has dared tread, railing against Diebold, Sequoia, and ESS, preaching the gospel of Steve Friedman and Mark Crispin Miller, talking all about the theft in Ohio, citing statistics, discussing exit polls, and spending a good bit of time on the Ion Sancho / Harry Hursti hacking story.

There were a few skeptics in the mostly friendly crowd, including a few Bushbots who applauded wildly whenever RFK mentioned Fox or Limbaugh. RFK was so powerful, so compassionate, and so persuasive that the destruction of the environment is a serious problem that is apolitical in who it affects that even the Bushbots within eyeshot participated in the standing ovation at the end. (This is not apocryphal -- I watched for it). His arguments in favor of acting NOW to protect the environment were simply so persuasive, from the religious aspects to the free-market aspects to the humanistic aspects, that there was literally no possible argument that could be made in defense of continuing down the destructive path we're currently following. It was a beautiful thing to watch.

RFK Jr. would lay waste to any candidate who crossed his path, from Dems in the primaries, to whichever GOP droid they sent to fight him once he won the nomination. I have no doubt that he could galvanize the people of the USA and unite them to serve a higher calling. I have never before witnessed a speaker with such power and eloquence, with such a mastery of the facts and an encyclopedic knowledge of history and the law and a genuine, practical vision for the future of the USA. There are those who say he's more useful in his current role as environmental advocate; I think RFK Jr. might very well be the person who can pull this country out of the death-spiral and put it back on the path to greatness. I was too young to have witnessed first-hand the previous generation of great Kennedys; now I understand the mystique. This is a man who could and should be President.

[H2O Man]

1. Robert is

a good man. I had hoped he would run for Senate a while back.

[Greeby]

45. Anyone else see shades of the old man in that picture?

:patriot:

[H2O Man]

46. I showed my son

the famous picture of young Bill Clinton meeting Robert's Uncle Jack, when he was about the same age.

That night, there were a couple times when I was watching Robert closely, and in the stage lighting, as he began really speaking from the heart, I felt like his Dad was there.

[stepnw1f]

52. That's a Kind Thing to Say

I'm sure he'd appreciate that. I am not old enough to remember his dad, but I sure as hell am proud to have him on our side. You must've been close to the Kennedy's Waterman?

[H2O Man]

55. I've had opportunity

to do some work with Robert Jr. I still have the tie clip his father handed out on the courthouse steps in Norwich, NY in '64.

[madokie]

2. I was just coming of age when JFK was elected

and the people crying oh he's a Catholic, he's this, he's that, but the fact of the matter he was to be a great President if not for being taken out by the bfee. He showed me his greatness with his inaugnarual speech. So I would love another Kennedy as the President of the United States of America. If we could only be so lucky.

[Wabbajack]

6. HW Bush had him killed?

[madokie]

15. read some history of that fateful day and the leading up to it

and i think you may see my viewpoint. there is a lot of evil in that family.

[IndyOp]

29. A DU discussion & video of GHWBush & Kennedy assassination...

<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5456280#5459079>

Video
<http://www.internetbroadcasting.com/JFKII_the_bush/jfk_II.htm>

[leveymg]

3. Hope he stays away from open cars and small airplanes

There's no curse, just a vendetta.

[madame defarge]

4. I listen to his "Ring of Fire" broadcast on AAR...

...and am very impressed with him. He's also got the right views on the environment, IMHO. (And it would truly piss off the Bush clan if another Kennedy got elected!)

Also glad to hear what you said about his voice...I've always wondered what was up with that. Sometimes he's painful to listen to because it sounds like it's a struggle for him, like it is for Diane Reihm.

[BlueEyedSon]

7. He has Spasmodic Dysphonia (like Rehm), lately there is a treatment.

He probably sounds better when his treatments are working, bad otherwise.

He is smart and principled. Maybe too much for public office....

[adigal]

66. I heard him "debate" Hannity

which means he spoke seriously of global warming, and Hannity cut his mic often and asked him why doesn't he vow to not take private planes anywhere.

He ripped Hannity really good - called his a phony, basically, and a liar, of course all done nicely. Hannity hates him because he makes him look like a fool - he actually said he dislikes him before he came on to be "interviewed" by Hannity.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

5. I don't think his previous heroin addiction

would work against us...anymore!

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. Considering the walking,talking drunken bastard we have in office,

I'd say you're right. But, I don't think it ever would have worked against us. :shrug:

[TallahasseeGrannie]

16. Yes, that was my point but you said it better!

[cali]

9. I do.

His past is just too lurid to stand up to a presidential campaign. Love him to pieces but it just wouldn't work.

[mdmc]

13. was he some drunk coked up skull and bones'er?

does anyone have a link? I don't know 'bout no h.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

20. I don't have a link

but I just finished reading the autobiography of his cousin, Christopher Lawford, and he states in there that they both did heroin together. R Jr. got sober first and helped him achieve his own sobriety.

The book is called Symptoms of Withdrawal ... I think. I'm not looking at it now, but it would definitely be Lawford's only book on Amazon. Excellent read, very well written.

[mdmc]

22. Thanks for the info, TallahasseeGrannie

I think 'merica can forgive RFKjr.:kick:

[TallahasseeGrannie]

18. Do you really?

I guess it is debatable. I was thinking that since we've lived with what we are living with now that people wouldn't be bothered, but maybe that's just the reason we might. I wonder what his aspirations are?

[cali]

30. Bobby's wild years

were so wild and so well documented that they'd provide endless fodder for not only the tabloids but the MSM as well. It's not just the heroin. Why do you think he hasn't run?

[wordpix2]

35. what about Chimpy McFlightsuit's lost AWOL cokedrunk years?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

37. Not documented

while everyone watched the Kennedy kids with magnifying glasses. It's no wonder they acted out.

[file83]

41. Yes, but Bush did coke and look where Chimp is today.

Just sayin'....in a post 9/11 world anything is possible.

[sandnsea]

44. I really don't think it would matter

Just too many people with family members that have had drug problems, and other lurid problems as well. He's done so much with his life, redeemed himself thoroughly. I just don't think it would be a problem at all.

[mdmc]

12. link

please

[TallahasseeGrannie]

21. Found one

http://www.answers.com/topic/robert-f-kennedy-jr


It is Wikipedia. He was arrested for possession of heroin and is now sober 20 some years.

[mdmc]

23. thanks for the link

:kick:

[turbo_satan]

17. In 2008 he'll be able to look into the camera and say...

... as per the law, I haven't committed a felony in the past 25 years -- just like Bush. Only there's a difference: RFK's heroin bust was in 1983, so he'd be telling the truth, unlike Bush, who had probably just snorted a few rails right before he told America he was clean.

[turbo_satan]

19. And at least he never shot anyone in the face! (eom)

[mdmc]

24. show me the sig line. Show me the sig line!

peace and low stress!

[turbo_satan]

26. I'm afraid that IS the sigline! (eom)

[wordpix2]

34. maybe he has some ideas re: ending Drug War & addiction since he's been

there

[sandnsea]

43. I don't either

He could run and win quite handily I think. I just love that man.

[mdmc]

10. RFK jr. would also make a great NYSCD19 rep or NYSAG

but I would much rather have him President of the USA! I also would like a Gore / RFK jr. ticket. Please check out www.clearwater.org and www.riverkeeper.org (and www.riverpool.org).:kick:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

47. Did you see the HBO documentary Indian Point? It was created by his

sister Rory and he was in it throughout. Excellent. HBO should start reshowing it as it demonstrates how this nuclear plant, just 50 miles north of Manhattan hardly has any protection whatsoever.

[mdmc]

48. Pretty much all local politicians except Sue Kelly

are calling for action against Etergy. I really think that Hillary Clinton and Eliot Spitzer should be judged not on their re / election, but rather by their coattails and what changes they are able to bring along with their victory. I do not see any reason that Mike Sweeny and Sue Kelly should be reelected this year.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

51. I don't think I have called or have emailed a politician in all my life

as I have Sue Kelly. Except for her recent stance against the port deal, she has walked in practical lockstep with the sociopath in chief. I am going to actively work against Kelly's reelection. This has always been very Republican here but I have noticed, even in the 2004 election, a lot less GOP bumperstickers and lawnsigns.

Mike Sweeny doesn't represent me.

FEMA has approved an evacuation plan for Indian Point that even Pataki rejected. Not that there could ever be a cohesive evacuation plan. There aren't enough major arteries for a mass exodus from the area. Being 5 minutes from the Putnam County border, and our schools not that much further, it was upsetting to me when I read that the emergency plan had the children, if in school, will be sent down county, where I could imagine much of the chaos occurring. I realize that this is the plan for Westchester, but couldn't they make a deal with Putnam?

BTW... a few months ago I sent an email to RFK Jr. asking him to run for Congress! I never received a reply.

[mdmc]

53. I remeber RFK jr dismissing a political role for himself

he wants to fight for the river, and avoid the BFEE as much as possible.

[murray hill farm]

11. I have been saying it for a long time...

glad to see this post. RFK for president would be a winning choice. He has the name, he has that same kennedy passion..and he is good looking..always a plus. He has that same dedication to principal..he would be great.

[mdmc]

14. I have always considered myself a democrat

The only way that I would ever leave the party is if someone like RFK jr. ran on a third party. This would be a clear message that my party has truly died.:kick:

[annabanana]

65. hey there mexicoxpat

how are things on the Isle of Women?

[Radio_Guy]

25. That is actually a great idea

I'm kicking myself for not having thought of that before. He is a great environmentalist, comes from great bloodlines. RFK Jr. would be a wonderful President.

[BoneDaddy]

27. He is brilliant

I saw him at the graduation at UNCW-Wilmington, amazing orator

[pstans]

28. Run Bobby Run

For anything, we need you in election office.

[Thunder]

31. I like the idea so much...

I just sent an email to him requesting that he should run for President.

[earth mom]

32. Excellent choice-RFK Jr. for President would be a dream come true....

:applause:

[FreedomAngel82]

33. Wow

The Bush bots applauding a Kennedy? Wow. Sounds like a great speech. I'm so jealous. I think RFK junior is great. :loveya:

[robertpaulsen]

36. K & R! Another vote for RFK Jr. here!

:kick:

[dogday]

38. I saw him last year at a book-signing on CSPAN-2

He was the most interesting and articulate speaker I have ever heard... He had an amazing amount of facts and figures and never missed a beat....

[Auntie Bush]

39. I recommended him for VP last year after that Book signing.

I thought he'd be a great VP with Wes Clark as president. If Clark doesn't run...I'd get on Kennedy's bandwagon in a heartbeat.

[Auntie Bush]

40. Thank you turbo. What an inspiring well written post.

You should get a job writing for him as one can see your true feelings about this man. Bravo to you!

[Jamastiene]

42. I'd vote for him.

He's great. His environmental views rival the best of 'em including Al Gore. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.

[WI_DEM]

49. Let him seek another office first and then seek presidency

after he gets a little bit more experience. He might make a good Interior or Energy Secretary--or EPA head.

[Sensitivity]

50. Sadly, principled people fare poorly on the national stage -- Kerry was

as good as it gets, and look what they did to him.

[Sapphire Blue]

54. No, not president; RFK, Jr. should be EPA Administrator.

[earth mom]

56. This deserves a kick!

:kick:

[mdmc]

57. yes

[adwon]

58. Not to break up the lovefest

Let him run for Congress or a state position and build up a record. Anybody can get up and talk, but not everybody has the ability to govern. Let him show that he has the ability to effectively engage in both electoral and legislative politics and then maybe. Until then, I'd see no reason to vote for him over an experienced candidate. Winning would mean nothing without the competence to govern (which is a trait that only experience shows).

[kestrel91316]

59. As much as I hate to say it, I think the felony conviction (for heroin)

bars him from public elected office. Period. End of subject.

It's a cryin' shame.

[earth mom]

60. Let the PEOPLE make that decision.

NOT a bunch a political ass hats who have screwed over the country for far too long. I'm sick of Kerry, Hillary-the lot of em. They are NOT so innocent themselves. :grr:

Let's get a REAL DEMOCRAT in office!

Time for the people-AKA THE MAJORITY-who are middle class, working class and poor, mind you-to vote for someone who has THEIR best interests at heart. Instead of the corporate bastards. :puke:

And btw-everyone knew ole dubya had an alcohol addiction before he was (s)elected.

[kestrel91316]

63. Well then, somebody needs to get 50 states to change their

laws regarding holding public office and felony conviction......and think of the pandora's box THAT would open. 'Fraid not..........Bobby will just have to help from outside the world of ELECTED politics.

[MODemocrat]

61. Bush was never convicted for his drug problems?

Is that a defining factor in RFK, JR. being barred from holding elected office? That would be a tragic loss to the Democratic Party if that's the case. He has a heart, and a whole lot of intelligence. I realize the Kennedys are among the richest of people, but all of them are so willing to help the underdogs, and the not so fortunate. :dilemma:

[kestrel91316]

62. I think that, and the way it makes him a sitting duck for

personal attacks WAY worse than anything we've seen to date.........

IMHO he is unelectable, even if he could legally run. The RW gives drug use a pass when it's their own, but in a Dem it's worse than personally killing Christ. The unwashed masses would go along with the RW on this one...........

[MODemocrat]

64. You're probably right about this

If a Republican does it, it's okay; but same scenario does not fly with a Democrat. It's going to take years and years to undo all the damage the Bush Administration has done to our country; and our rights. :shrug: :cry: It's so frustrating!

[SharonAnn]

67. They're nowhere near as riches as the BFEE.