This is how we have to be!!!

That Yankee can speak and has something to say!

Behold, a Democrat!

He has worked hard and has more brains in his little finger than Trump has in his entire hefty ass.

You mean racist white people. Thanks no thanks.

It doesn't seem to be getting much airplay, though, as people seem to understand he wasn't the drooling idiot on TV last night. Ultimately, the perception is the thing which matters with something like that, and it doesn't look like it's going to be a problem.

He knows he's not ready to make a serious run, and I'm gathering that the consensus is that we're not seriously expecting him to top the 2020 ticket, but he talks about the right things and he's got the essentials which age and experience will hopefully turn into a formidable candidate. Somewhere in the future he'll make some serious noise.

There never was a Kennedy dynasty...one man was president and one a senator...we need new blood ...young and fresh. Neither Bernie nor Hillary should run. New ideas is what is needed. Franklin Roosevelt's cousin was president if you recall.

Kennedys...

And did you complain about the Gore "Dynasty?"

Or Bernie Sanders' stepdaughter running for office?

Declaring a politician is unfit because of who their dad was didn't work for the GOP with Obama, and I don't think it's going to work for Democrats.

If ya know what I mean.

drooling, huh? Clearly you are not a fan...so who would you not critisize?

He looked like drooling because he put on too much chap stick.

And the shallow people out there notice that.....

Simple solution, he puts on less chap stick next time.

His words were inspiring. Much more so than what I am used to hearing from some "contenders"

We need to welcome the next generation.

I think he hit exactly the right note. But, I was surprised to hear O'Donnell critique it as a bit too left wing. Nicolle Wallace seemed to love it, though.

stint as US Atty Gen and law enforcement credentials to appeal to the more conservative/centrist crowd. But he also said that's not where Dems are right now and few would object to anything Joe Kennedy III said.

from different types, united by rejection of what they saw as an unexciting mainstream candidate, and whatever else. Not all were radicals by any means.

I'm drawn to policies, principles, practical issues like "can she/he produce," so I was irritated at the enthusiastic response to A Kennedy!!!. But posts on these threads remind me that some have a real need for a hero to believe in, and Joe 3 seems to be exciting and drawing those. Seems probable he'd pull some who've been part of a personality cult around the only strong alternative candidate available in 2016.

Guessing he might well draw the whole romantic group who were excited to be part of a movement. Some, even while supporting Sanders, not unreasonably want young, and Joe 3's got that. And perhaps the Kennedy name'll even be able to reassure and offer new hope for the future to some of the frustrated populists who were drawn by Sanders' purge and replace promises.

In any case, judging by response here, a Young Kennedy who is able to excite that commitment so badly missing in many might be a very good thing for the party. I may sigh, but unifying's one of the words being used to describe him, and I'm thinking our leadership knew what they were doing in having him give the Democratic speech.

Of course there are Sanders' genuinely more radical types, and also those angry populists who might reject Joe's establishment background. Guessing they'd stay with Sanders or move on to some new candidate with a more alluring promise of displacing Democrats from power. It'll be interesting to see what happens there, but with this new possible picture I'm less worried about what could happen if a bad leader showed up. (Who knows who might be producing a spoiler these days?)

Anyway, that's what I'm currently tentatively making of it. There's a far left out there who dismissed Sanders as an establishment figure compared to them, of course, and have no idea what they might be up to.

Democrats from the Democratic wing of the party.

i don't remember seeing him before.
i would love to see and hear more from him.
yes, he sounded like a democrat!!! (thank you joe!)

About us as a country, as a people, as an on-going ideal. Someone's already mentioned this but the word "I" was absent from the speech. It was 'We, Us, Americans.'

Damn fine job! That was the future behind the podium.

For sure..

The speech was excellent, but we do not NEED another Kennedy. If he proves to have the talent and smarts to do well in politics, good for him. But there are others who are just as talented and this kid doesn't get a pass because of his name.

He never even used the word "I". But he spoke of "we, us, & you".

Steve Schmidt, the Republican/moderate pundit tonight called Rep Joe Kennedy the rising star of
Future. Along with Seth Molton, these men will be the leaders of the next generation.

They have vague to lttle knowkedge of the Kennedy's other than the history books.

And the greater part of the rest of us were proud & encouraged by this young man's ability to unite.

"These men" reference was from Steve Schmidt.

I'm a Kamala Harris fan myself.
Time to pass the torch.

Yes, Joe's got name recognition, and he has the rhetorical power to ignite the imagination, which seems to be a Kennedy trait.

He was the perfect pick to do the rebuttal to Trumpy's dull, divisive, monochromic, SOTU address. Such a contrast.

He's a US representative and he's 37 years old. He's got a lot of time to earn his stripes. And he IS the face of the future in the Democratic Party.

There are also Kamala Harris, Tammy Baldwin, Amy Klobuchar, Maggie Hassan and Tammy Duckworth, to name a few.

younger generation to take their place ...This guy is a Democrat in the Roosevelt tradition. Much of what is being said now was said about Pres. Obama.

for the presidency, and he looks 10 years younger. He has potential, definitely; but despite giving a very good speech and being named Kennedy he shouldn't be anointed as THE presumptive new face of the Democratic Party. There are many people who are far more experienced and more seasoned. And who are not another rich white guy from a famous family.

I was very, very impressed with his soeech

A message of hope and faith in the future of the United States, delivered with insight and a caring spirit. I have been impressed with this man each and every time I have heard him speak. Agree that this is what America needs to heal right now. That and tRump being removed from office.

I also felt some hope...I've never heard him and this was a treat.....

Oh yes

The lip gloss was distracting and he seemed a bit green.

As far as the message -"something something unity"- is that vaseline on his face ? -" something something"- He seems a bit off , timing wise ... lip gloss? looks like he ate a fistful of bacon , it's on his chin,around his mouth...oh that poor kid, oh god, this is worse than Rubio and the water...

I have no idea what he said.

Someone that can take them into the future & be with them 25 years from now.

In Kennedy they can see & create the future of their country.

Glad to see the excitement. As I stated I only saw the end of his rebuttal.

I'll have to read the transcript. I have seen postive comments on twitter about the content.

He is green and he needs to work on his timing. Something tells me that will be part of his own assessment. He can only get better.

..a well seasoned speaker who captures attention more by his bravado, than the sincerity of his words.

I am so ready to ditch the antics & look straight to honesty & authenticity, sincerity & compassion.

Last edited Wed Jan 31, 2018, 03:02 AM - Edit history (1)

It's not polish I'm after. Kennedy's "timing" problem, a tentiveness if you will , it's about self-conciousness, self-confidence. He needs to lose himself in the passionate belief of his words. (Think Obama and "Yes we can!&quot .

Kennedy's grandfather had to learn to speak his truth as well and when he did , you could hear a pin drop.

and said it was very inspiring.. I said "so you liked it?" "Oh Yes!"

Sis didn't mention "lip balm" once.. I was waiting for it but it never came.

Mary also watched trump.. she likes to know first hand what the enemies have to say. So different than me.. who can't stomach his damn face.

It's amazing how some "Democrats" will tear other good Democrats to shreds if they think it will give their chosen ones a single inch.

It's that time of year.

But you sure it wasn't a lousy make-up artist ? That would be my excuse.

Dude look like he ate a jar of vaseline . No spoon, face first. Certainly someone was there to powder his nose ? To take the shine off ?

I truly felt for him, oblivious and all.

"lip balm"

Mahalo, www

I'd little doubt a handful would zero in on appearance, and allow that to distract them from substance.

It seems a shallow and vacuous focus-- but then, I s'pose that's often a result of being overly-influenced by the slick gloss and thin sheen of effective commercial branding.

Rep. Kennedy was ill - served by whoever foisted this "set " upon him.

The whole "let's hold the rebuttal speech in a high school gym with a working class look" was a cynical, transparent, shallow ploy meant to signal to the working class ("see we do care &quot . Make no mistake the "working class " look was purposeful also as counterpoint to the speaker, a scion of wealth and privelege. This was cynical packaging and exploitative as well.

A "slick gloss and thin sheen of effective commercial branding" was exactly what was presented Tuesday night . Again, the look was straight out of Mad. Ave. - their idea of a working class environment. This was not only distracting and disappointing, again, it was exploitative.

Rep. Kennedy's rebuttal was what I would expect from any Dem. The Rep. was uncomfortable. Why ? Because he knew he was being used and packaged ?

I respect the young man and wish him the best of luck. He needs to listen to his inner-voice , that's where his confidence will come from. He's not there yet.

emphasizing democratic principles, unity and major issues impacting the nation and all Americans. A clear, balanced and genuine address.

Bravo!

One of the biggest strategic blunders of the last decade is that democrats never enthusiastically embrace who we are. We shouldn't apologize for our ideals nor our ideas! It was refreshing to hear somebody be proud of being liberal!

Only a slight negative for using "better deal." I thought he powerfully pointed out how Trump's America is not the real America.

He belongs to the icons of Democracy. The Democratic Party.

Nobody's perfect.

Maybe I'm getting old, (maybe?), but he looks so young!

He done good!

of what the future can be as seen in young Joe Kennedy. Notice how little he used l versus us, our and we.

in order to qualify for the presidency. Looking young or looking old would have nothing to do. The young may well be very promising, but the older have had a chance to show a RECORD. I'm tired of hearing promises from candidates. If they haven't shown in DEED what they have done to make a better society, let them go back and do the job before asking us to vote for them. No record, no vote from me.

Who knows? maybe Joe Kennedy has been listening to Bernie who does, in my opinion, hold many real Democratic ideals. Take issue by issue and look what you find. The establishment Democratic party should come back to its roots. That's where most Americans are.

Individuals vary, but once you hit 70, that's when age related issues concerning neurological, cognitive and physical stamina usually start presenting, especially in men. There is something to be said for having the stamina for success in a stressful, demanding job like POTUS. We have seen firsthand in the DRUMPF and Reagan presidencies the consequences of not having it.

Being transparent with one's medical issues at that age and above is very important. If a candidate has a major health event, like a cancer biopsy that comes back positive, that should be made public, no matter how much that candidate has cultivated an image of extraordinary fitness.

I think that financial transparency is also a very important indicator of a candidates' ethical fitness to serve

The Democratic party needs to remember its base, which is women, POC, and LGBTQs. At the root of the Democratic party is a coalition of progressive groups that doesn't walk lockstep with a single manifesto mindset, and doesn't appreciate being told to do so as a measure of how progressive they are. The Democratic platform does insist on rights - such as the right to reproductive healthcare, voting rights and universal health care, but allows for varying ways to accomplish that.

Throwing those groups in that long time coalition under the bus as "establishment" in the name of winning back culturally anxious straight white male voters who haven't voted Dem in 50 years, will not get us back to our roots.

It will kill our roots.

Our Democratic nominee for president for the last 50 years have all had one thing in common - they get the support of Women of color. Their support is a prime indicator of who is carrying the Democratic ideals.

Bravo Joe!

What matters is the speech he made and the exposure he earned. At last. In the Era of Trump we find the sprouting of compassion. Another poster lamented that Joe Kennedy III is not good as a national leader because it implies the legitimacy of family dynasties. The last time there was a Kennedy in the White House was the only time, and that was 55 years ago. What he does have is name recognition. And that can't be helped. But he also has a cultural camaraderie with millenials who are thirsty for hope itself, and a better life for themselves and their kids. That's something that Kennedy has that many of the other front-liners in the Dem Party don't have. He may be at the right time and place to ride a wave.

You know those GOP folks, as long as you are anti-abortion (which is not pro-life by a long shot), you can commit adultery, lie, cheat and be totally ignorant.

Please do not be a one issue voter, because Democrats are not

I've been a Kennedy Democrat for over 50 years. He reminded me tonight why.

There were times I thought about Bobby. And there were traces of Ted. But there was a moment right after he spoke in Spanish that seemed to transcend the resemblances. The audience was applauding Joe's pledge to always support the DACA folks, and there was Joe, barely audible, repeating to himself the words he'd just spoken before the pause. They were words of full support for DACA and the families of immigrants. That repetition of phrases in nearly a whisper, between pauses, was something I'd seen occasionally during Ted Kennedy's speeches. It's a personal re-affirmation of a value, of a commitment. It was nice to see. But was great to see the sincerity, the humbleness, and the moral backbone.

And that speaking quietly as he did, made people listen more carefully.

For a few brief minutes out of their lives, people listened closely & felt personally, every word he said.

to this thread. You're spot on. And I see that quiet, rational approach as a tremendous strength. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Democrats could just get people to listen, thoughtfully.

awkward & humble, with chapstick on his lips.
And the audience of the whole world turned up the volume & hush the people around them & listened & with every reference he made to the people in our country, we nodded yes, because we all knew someone he just described.
Us, our family, our neighbor, their kids, our gods, where we live and who we love.
He knew us because he 'is' us.


You know what? I think he's really quite a genius.
🤔


credit to DUer :

random access

10. No, he didn't hear us.
He IS us.

I think that in about 10 years, he'll have the chops to run for POTUS.

The man has future potential. We will give him some time and I believe he will pass our expectations.

Love that he spoke in Fall River ( Massite here). It was all about diversity.

Fall River Justice Center celebrates diversity with Cultural Appreciation Day

FALL RIVER — Traditional Portuguese folkloric dress. Cambodian dance. Cape Verdean folk music.
And, of course, food.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/20170928/fall-river-justice-center-celebrates-diversity-with-cultural-appreciation-day

....big Portuguese area. Predominantly middle class hard workers, and VERY diverse.

Fall River has come a long way building up and improving.

the Trump swamp.

...now, the big question is, "does he vote like a Democrat?" This will give a better answer to the biggest question, "if he ever becomes president, will he govern like a Democrat?"

want...progressive policy like a public option...it depends if voters send him a Democratic Congress and then continue to support him even if he can't get everything in the first two years...there will be compromises...I have no doubt. It is the only way to govern. We will get much of what we want but not everything in my opinion. One has to have realistic expectations. Imagine if voters had not turned on pres. Obama...some here calling him a used car salesman...what could have been possible.

He is also very good looking which doesn't hurt.

meaning running for president. Maybe he could run for the senate when a seat becomes available and see how things go. I thought his speech was excellent but he needs time to get past the student council president impression. A term as a senator might be just what he needs.

Warren would have moved out of the Senate to a more powerful position. Warren at that time encouraged & supported Rep Kennedy to run for her Senate seat.

Citizens United would have ended & the Fairness Doctrine enforced, thus putting the likes of Hannity & FOX under stricter guidelines.

I read this in early 2016, in a brief with Clinton & Warren.
Pity their plans were stopped in their tracks.

He's a couple months younger than I am. He was better once he got going, but needs more experience. Also, this is a bad time for dynasties as far as public perception goes.

Huh.

This site's desperation to hero-worship someone is laughable.

And others who think the drug war is a big waste of time and money.

Also, he's much too green in my opinion.

Link to tweet

I now know he's officially legit...

When she endorsed Hillary after the convention.

I've heard from either side in awhile.

In that context, he was the anti-Trump.

He's Robert and Ethel Kennedy's grandson. He has a twin too. Don't forget though the Dems are a diverse party. We are welcoming to a lot of different views.

I would love to see this ticket

not running for anything.

And where did you learn that he invested $500K in Gilead Sciences?

Individual votes? - If he's to be our Golden Boy, he needs to explain those votes. If we don't have him explain himself, why should anyone see him as the Great Hope for our party.
Let us not be naïve.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/05/05/joe-kennedy-iii-owns-stock-expensive-hep-drug/cf6dH2x1H4J1PVMZsrt5lM/story.html

....What/who would you rather see?

I bet if I posted demands to have my questions answered, it wouldn't work.

Why are you already condescending with the "Golden Boy" and "Great Hope" derision. How completely uncalled for.

Silver tongue and a mantle should not be the qualifications of support - We need to know more of him, his values, his beliefs, his voting record.

and more from anyone threatened by Kennedy, mostly RW'ers but there are certainly others.

What about running for mayor because your family has had a hold on local government for decades, like in Burlington. You could make derisive comments about someone's daughter, for instance, just because she's running for a family member's seat. I bet that doesn't bother you, though.

the long knives come out from the far left.

...representative with a "silver tongue and a mantle", and a record of predominantly progressive qualifications.

There are plenty of distortions for any politician, but only Democrats here get these kinds of targeted attacks.

Thank you!

on these leftover demands from the 2016 campaign, but not any politicians from Vermont, for instance.

It's really strange.

It didn't work before. 2016 is over and done.

Besides, not everyone is going to be sympathetic to socialist pot smokers. Seriously. Lots of Democrats have union jobs and are drug/alcohol tested regularly. Those issues don't look like deal breakers for any Democrat. They look more like fringe wishlist issues, but not deal breakers or bread and butter issues.

Heck, I'm still wondering why Vermont doesn't have any of those benefits you listed. Aren't you curious about that?

Pot is a huge money maker and is being pushed by many entrepreneurs just for that. If you don't like to see people make money on drugs, then your concern over his pot vote is misplaced. (I think it was you who was concerned about how Kennedy voted over marijuana.) I've seen that "concern" being bandied about here already, if it wasn't you yet, sorry.

Or investing in these companies:



Oh, wait - that wasn't Joe Kennedy. Nevermind.

Link to tweet