2 years of watching this election campaign. I watched all of it - - the coverage, the stump speeches, the debates - from both sides. I think today was John Kerry’s finest moment - where was that passion during the campaign? The grace? I guess it’s easy to be graceful once you’ve lost.
Not for nothing, but the Dems really need to get a stronger message out there instead of “We hate Bush”. We realize you hate Bush - that’s a given. Listening to Kerry, Edwards - any of the Dem operatives, pundits, spin masters and even the Dem websites and blogs - - the strongest message they had throughout all of this was how much they hate Bush, what Bush did wrong and why Bush needs to go away.
That’s all well and good - - they’re obviously passionate about what they hate. They are articulate about what angers them and in defining what they feel are miserable failures and betrayals, in their definition.
That was the bulk of their message throughout their entire campaign, from the initial nominations to the primaries up until the last day. Kerry never really did get around to fully and strongly defining himself for all the anger and hatred. Well, that and the Bush campaign kept him on the defense for the better part of this year with the hits against his Senate record.
Kerry’s speech was tremendous and more than I could ever hope for and expect out of the Democratic candidate who just lost the bid for Presidency. I have to commend him. It moved even me.
I’m just saying - - the Dems need a stronger message. It needs to be communicated, strongly and passionately. Voting for Kerry because you want to vote against Bush really didn’t say a whole lot for the candidate. Anger and hatred, while obviously borne of passion, isn’t going to take you all the way. There needs to be passion for your cause - - they need to put a positive spin on their message. Anyone but Bush wasn’t going to win this for them.
And I’m just curious - - when are the Dems going to learn to stop nominating Massachusetts politicians for President? Ted Kennedy, Michael Dukakis and now John Kerry.
On a side note - - now that President Bush has won, does this mean the Vietnam war is finally over?
/snicker
4:00 am on November 4th, 2004
hi,
Clinton is not for Massachusetts, nor Carter if I remember … . And Bush familly roots are not in Texas at all…
I agree hate is a bad thing but if you have time you should read this :
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/bc42.html
and
http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/gwbbio.html
there’s hole into M Bush one (don”t speak about Oil Company : the when the what…)
Maybe into Clinton one, can”t say sorry
For a Foreigner : Bush and Kerry are much alike (big money, same school,…)
Historical fact of the day :
About Vietnam : Do you know that Viêt-Congs never attack Us destroyers into the Tonkin bay ; sorry but Lyndon Johnson lyed on that.
next one will be about Cuba’s Incident (USSR missiles chess game)
jacques
4:20 am on November 4th, 2004
What I heard from Edwards and read in many blogs since the concession speech is that the hatred is now turned on all Republicans and Conservatives. They are even accusing Conservatives of hatred. It was hatred for gays that drove us to elect Bush. If that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black, then I don’t know what it.
BTW, don’t bother going to my blog, it’s broke. I can’t add any posts to it without ruining the design. I’m in the process of trying to figure it out. Something happened to it during the wee hours of election night (or the next morning). I’ve taken it out of BE circulation for now.
4:27 am on November 4th, 2004
This is a good post. Good points and right on the money. I had to laugh at the Viet Nam comment. I am so feeling like Charlies Angels in the 2nd movie when they yell at Demi Moore “On the DeSoto case - WE KNOW!” I always want to say to Kerry “you served in Viet Nam - WE KNOW!”
4:38 am on November 4th, 2004
back ( tell me and I stop !)
One info and one question
-Info : Here a link to a BBC news, it’s date is : 8 november 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1644813.stm
Could you comment this news ?
-Question : Pres. Bush asks for “a public policy based on the principles of limited government” into his bio. What’s a “limited government” ? it’s of no use !! Who help disabled people, old ones without money? Who manage and pay for free school for all ?, and about health ???.
if you are sick, old and poor : you are a dead man in the USA… For a country in love with God I do not think this is very Christrian, it’s in fact vry selfish.
And on the other side if you are young, in fair shape and with a good job : USA is a paradise, is thevery truth too …
7:40 am on November 4th, 2004
HI,
Im from Toronto Canada and Im thankful GWB won the election. I do have to admit Kerry took it like a Man why shouldnt he….Their both S AND B Frat brothers. ITs so interesting to see how americans are so divded within thier country. I’m just happy Canada is your younger sibling.
8:52 am on November 4th, 2004
Every single right-wing blog suddenly bursts with respect for Kerry in his loss. “Graceful” “heroic” “if he had acting like this before the election”…..its all tiresome.
Try getting an original thought and stop transmitting talking points from your masters. You are no better than zombies.
10:33 am on November 4th, 2004
For what its worth I thought I would share my father’s comments on the result, just because it made me smile…
“How come when there are two Johns, a Dick and a monkey, they choose the monkey????? I can’t but wonder what the hell the idiot’s going to do in the coming four years. Never mind, can’t be undone now. Kerry didn’t exactly inspire did he? Hilary for 2008, that’s my prediction! “
Good ole Dad, I guess the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree!
11:15 am on November 4th, 2004
They chose a monkey because they are a large tribe of monkeys. Don’t tell the Creationists that, though, or else they will fling poo at you.
11:57 am on November 4th, 2004
Your dad is right, Fred - Kerry didn’t inspire. they needed a better candidate. Personally, I think Liberman would have given GW a run for his money, big time. Quite honestly - I would have loved to see Liberman challenge Bush . . the race would have been much closer with, quite possibly, different results.
I like Joe
12:02 pm on November 4th, 2004
jacques - if you’re sick and old, you’re a dead man/woman eventually - everyone is. As a nurse in this country who works with those sick, old and poor people in this country that you speak of - - I see a completely different perspective from where I’m sitting.
12:04 pm on November 4th, 2004
jacques - I wasn’t suggesting that the Democrats never win. I am saying that, with the exception of JFK, everytime they put up an MA politician for Presidency - they lose. Ted Kennedy. Michael Dukakis. John Kerry. It was kind of a tongue in cheek comment about their choice for candidates.
sheesh
12:07 pm on November 4th, 2004
rhazes - I know you’re upset. It’s understandable. Perhaps you are reading similiar things about John Kerry on the right wing blogs because there is merit to it? Some of us may have gone into this election looking for a decent candidate to run against Bush and were extremely dissapointed in the Democratic candidate of choice.
Personally, I saw a different side of John Kerry on concession day. If you are seeing others saying the same thing - perhaps there is merit to that. I can’t speak for everyone else, I simply speak for what I saw and how I felt about it. he gave a great speech - - it was moving, emotional and you got the strong feeling that it was incredibly honest and heartfelt.
I saw none of that out of him during the campaign. I was looking for it, too.
1:15 pm on November 4th, 2004
What’s a “limited government†? it’s of no use !! Who help disabled people, old ones without money? Who manage and pay for free school for all ?, and about health ???.
A limited government is one less likely to infringe upon your rights. It’s one that stays out of your life so you can fulfill your own potential. Who helps those people? The private citizen. Someone elses need does not morally justify the coercive taking of an individual’s private property. Besides, those things (charity, education, healthcare) operate to their upmost under a free market system.
“For a country in love with God I do not think this is very Christrian, it’s in fact vry selfish.”
The Lord said that he loves a cheerful giver: He does not condone the taking of someone’s money in the name of the “public good” unless that person wants such. What is even more un-Christian is the building of a welfare state that’s only purpose is to put minorities in a state of dependence upon the big government and the Democratic Party
1:18 pm on November 4th, 2004
The problem right there is that you and so many others look for “honest and heartfelt” speeches, emotional response…this has nothing to do with prudent leadership, and everything to do with idolization.
From the fuzzy-focus pictures of Bush you often display, I would say that you actually want an idol more than you want a leader. God help us all when the first eye-tearing, Bible-thumping, lip-biting madman tries his hand at the Presidency…you’ll see the conviction in his eyes and follow him to suicide.
1:26 pm on November 4th, 2004
rhazes - you know me so well, do ya? Nah, you don’t - not really.
I understand your feelings, and your hatred. I wish you the best in dealing with it over the next four years.
1:26 pm on November 4th, 2004
Chase, two things.
One, many of the “entitlement” programs you hate were created to address big problems in the country’s past, specifically from the Industrial Age and onwards. I do not see any concern or attention to the fact that these entitlements are duct-tape solutions to underlying social problems. If we peel away the ugly patch, we may destroy the whole structure.
Two, you should seriously go back and read the later books of the New Testament. Early Christians lived in a *communal* society. They had no personal property whatsoever; everything belonged to the group at large, and was freely shared.
You are shamefully twisting the historical truth of Christianity to suit your masters’ agenda. Almsgiving is unChristian because it is structuralized? Disgusting, truly disgusting.
1:29 pm on November 4th, 2004
Yes, Lisa, by your own words, and the photos I have seen around here over time.
I don’t fault you for it or anything, its just the way you think…a psychological observation, and nothing more.
1:31 pm on November 4th, 2004
A limited government is one less likely to infringe upon your rights.
Unless your gay, want an abortion or are a minority….
He [The Lord] does not condone the taking of someone’s money
Please explain Titheing to me, I don’t think I understand the concept…
And the welfare state is un-christian… lol, Once again I am reminded how lucky I am to be an Atheist.
If Chase had his/her way we would get rid of the government and look to the pope to run the country.
Basically her last comment says that the “minorities” should be dependant on hand outs from individuals rather than the state. well Personally i’d rather have the state responcible for my welfare than go cap in hand to the lord of the manner to beg for another lump of coal to put on the fire.
1:35 pm on November 4th, 2004
I’d say it is nothing more rhazes because you do not know of what you speak
1:37 pm on November 4th, 2004
well, rhazes - your psychological observation is wrong. I don’t fault you for it - - you’re just another one of those people who think you can fully know a person by a few entries made on a blog. lol
2:05 pm on November 4th, 2004
Yes, you are a swell gal in real life, you run a successful business, etc. etc. etc, I am sure.
So explain, if you will, how I am wrong. Explain how a ritual speech spoken with emotion changes your opinion of someone who you only know through the media. Then, for bonus points, you can relate it to my snap observation on your psychological profile and its inherent inaccuracies.
2:17 pm on November 4th, 2004
Simply because I want a leader with all the qualities of a leader - and that includes heart, rhazes. I don’t want a non-emotional drone in office - - and that is, up until consession day, how I viewed Kerry. He was consistent in the ‘hate bush’ message of his party - - I never got a glimpse of the man, himself. To me, his speeches, debates and presentations throughout the campaign defined his parties feelings toward Bush, but, in my opinion, he never defined himself as a man, as a leader and never gave me any convincing feeling of why he should be President.
I don’t need an idol, rhazes. I don’t need a cold mechanical drone who repeats the Michael Moorisms and the ‘hate bush’ sermons of his party, either. I’d want to know the man - - his passions and his reasons for believing in himself.
You can go a head and cancel out the emotional compenent of it - but for some of us, it’s an important aspect of what makes up the man who thinks he can be our Commander in Chief.
Again, I saw some of those qualities come out in Kerry yesterday - - it was my observation that he may have done himself some good if he would have incorporated some of that passion and emotion into his campaign.
Obviously our opinons differ on this, Doctor. lol
2:21 pm on November 4th, 2004
hey quit while your ahead, she actually said Kerry and consistant in the same breath, how un biblebeltinglyrepublican of you Lisa…:twisted:
2:24 pm on November 4th, 2004
yea, too bad I”m not a biblebeltrepublican, Fred
2:25 pm on November 4th, 2004
and yes, it was one thing Kerry was consistent on.
2:31 pm on November 4th, 2004
I know your not, but I just couldn’t resist.
8:34 pm on November 4th, 2004
I’m glad W won… but I just wants to say…
Senator Kerry, in the end, acted with dignity and honor by not getting litigious and dragging us all through another 2000-type agony… and for that he deserves this nation’s thanks and praise.
And “rhazes”… simmer down eh? Our praise is genuine. If your side can lose the hatred, you will be on the way to winning power again.
8:35 am on November 5th, 2004
hey Chase !
free market system don’t exist : may be you should read Simon (USA nobel prize in Economic). Even in USA, less than 30% is free market, the rest is controled.
Boing have money from government
Farmers get money from government
free market ??? where ???
you said “charity, education, healthcare operate to their upmost under a free market system.” with no proof at all.
… (charity, education) a business … sorry but it make me sick …
Live is not just doing business you know …
The term ‘Minority’ is something unknown in France, even if some try to import it in order to create ghettos.
Do you truly think that a single mother fired by is boss love her state of dependance ??? you joke ???
YOU KNOW month after month (also in France) jobs quit Western countries, you are right, Bosses are free to do that, it’s their very own property, but ???,…
And when all the jobs will be in China or India or … , how do you think will live ??? (China and India vote for Bush
be aware, firms are here to do money…
I do not want to come back to the XIX century …
A great step in Replublican Democracy is the cut between Churchs and Gouvernment.
I think that the next step is the same cut between Firms (Economics) and Gouvernment.
When you were young you believe (croire) in a big man in red and white beard (or some one similar depend of your culture). adult you stop tales (some adults, others still believe in big beard men, are they adults ???)
8:37 am on November 5th, 2004
Lisa, I don’t believe that leaders “with heart” allow torture under their reign, or advocate bigotry against minority groups. You yourself may not agree with those policies, but they show the contents of someone’s heart more than mediagenic displays of emotion. Its comes back to that “actions speak louder than words.” Yes, our opinions are very different on this, and will not find agreement, healing, solidarity, etc, anytime soon.
The praise may be genuine, but its self-serving nature leaves a coppery taste in the mouth. ‘He was a good boy and bowed to our superiority, so we like ‘im again. Even if he is from a state that we despise.’ Pshaw, I say.
8:39 am on November 5th, 2004
A frenchman posting on a right-wing blog? Now THAT is the definition of courage.
9:02 am on November 5th, 2004
Raises the question, would you have been so complementary if it had been an eloquant acceptance speech ?
9:07 am on November 5th, 2004
no courage, rhazes
I do not feel uneasy
we are all Human being with the very same needs and wishes of better life and blues and so on …
but to read my english IS courage
)
-USA and France are country where speech is free, No ???
Frenchpeople love deeply USA people, never forget that !
So please read economics and History books : the true one not just digest from this or that group in need of power.
9:21 am on November 5th, 2004
Moi et mon ami, Jacques. Vous Anglais est superieur moi Francais! non?
Thats about the limit without hitting babelfish!
9:43 am on November 5th, 2004
I hope, Fred, I hope …
Your French is a bit like a diamond upon a glass … (no offense) 
9:54 am on November 5th, 2004
11:13 am on November 5th, 2004
Jacques, just make sure that your country continues to oppose American unilateralism. Chirac is one of the few leaders with the courage to stand against Bush and his puppets (e.g. Allawi). No politician in America seems strong enough to do it, so do whatever you can to keep your leader in power.
Oh, and see if you can reduce those immigration requirements for your brothers and sisters in America….just in case.
11:19 am on November 5th, 2004
Well, rhazes - the praise was genuine. Sorry for the copper taste in your mouth - try sucking on a lemon, that should take it away. At least that is my great-grandmothers remedy for chasing a bad taste away
11:21 am on November 5th, 2004
Fred, I would have given Kerry the same credit if it had been a gracious acceptance speech. Not that I would have been happy with the outcome of the race - - but I would like to think that I have the fortitude to accept the results and move on in life.
Whew - thank goodness I didn’t have to find out!
11:35 am on November 5th, 2004
Moving on is just not an option, when the moving in question happens to be backwards on a steep slope.
4:25 pm on November 5th, 2004
Were it an acceptance speech… nah I’d be about as mad as rhazes is :roll:.
But I’d also give props for being a stronger candidate than I had expected. Even being defeated, Senator Kerry was that. He came much closer to unseating a wartime President than I would have thought possible, and should be proud of the showing he got.