Cool story on JK (good for all Dems)

from the Boston Globe no less.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/281/nation/Kerry_voter_have_mini_debate+.shtml

''I've never seen a politician act that calm and composed, make his points like a gentleman. I was very impressed.''

Especially when you compare it to Shrub, who won't even tolerate dissent on his way to a speaking engagement. I remembering having seen Kerry on Chris Matthew's "College Tour" at the Citadel, and he was very cool about addressing dissenting questions. He doesn't expect blind adherence to his politics, he endeavors to sway folks with real logic.

he expects to earn your vote with open dialogue, not with flashy packaging or repetetive soundbites. he realizes that all americans are important in the process, and success of the country... and even though the man didn't agree with him he respected kerry's opinion and i wager would trust him as president... in the end i don't think people care what you do (except of course on key civ issues) as long as they feel they can trust your motives are honest.

Is that too idealistic? I hope not.

he was speaking to a small group of veterans who were not loyal supporters or even democrats. they didn't seem to understand much and didn't seem very political. they were just worried about health care and other issues that affect them. there was an older man who couldn't understand why his medicine cost so much and kerry explained very calmly and kindly why things are the way they are and how he would change that. there was also one right wing leaning type who went on about the illegals and foreigners. and kerry handled it very well. didn't get angry or too emotional about it. just tried to make him understand. and then said he would be happy to speak to him one on one a little later also.

Thanks for sharing!

And he uses it to INFORM the public, not demagogue them.

Kerry always seems to do best under fire. I've read that about him in his campaign against Bill Weld, and by some of the guys in his PT boat in the Mekong Delta.

The New Yorker describes the William Weld battle:

The 1996 Senate campaign between John Kerry and William Weld was the rarest of events in latter-day American politics: a civil, closely contested, intelligent, and wildly entertaining brawl. "Both candidates were incredibly popular," the Kerry consultant John Marttila said. "Both had sixty-per-cent favorable ratings, and negatives in the twenties. And they maintained their popularity throughout the race."

The last four debates were fabulous political theatre-two very smart men having at each other. "John's at his best under pressure, when he's being seriously challenged," Paul Nace, an old Navy friend, says. "He gets really cool, very calm. He really is a warrior-he just loves it. I took one look at him as he was walking into Faneuil Hall for one of the last debates and I thought, Bill Weld has no idea what's about to hit him."

Kerry won the election by eight percentage points. "John has always been underestimated politically," Marttila says. "But that race had the quality and intensity of a Presidential campaign, and he won. I don't see how they can underestimate him anymore, but they probably will."

He's a class act, and would make a very good nominee (as would most of our people!).


This part bothered me though. From the article-
''You're favoring the poor over the rich,'' Olivier said.

And that's a problem?!!!!

the rich do a good job of taking care of themselves...