BREAKING: Kerry to Bow Out of ‘08 Presidential Race – Say It Ain’t So John
by Pamela LeaveyIt’s with a very heavy heart that I write here on The Democratic Daily that John Kerry will announce today that he will not run for president in ‘08. Many of our readers are staunch Kerry supporters who have given their all to the hope that Kerry would run. I respect John Kerry’s decision, but simply have to say… Please, say it ain’t so John.
The word came a short time ago via Kerry’s press office forwarding this article from Rick Klein of the Boston Globe:
Kerry to bow out of ‘08 presidential race
By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | January 24, 2007WASHINGTON –Senator John F. Kerry plans to announce today that he is bowing out of the 2008 presidential race, and will instead remain in Congress and seek reelection to his Senate seat next year, according to senior Democratic officials.
Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, plans to say he will remain in the Senate to recommit himself to efforts to extricate the United States from the war in Iraq. His decision to stay out of the presidential race reflects a realization that he would have had an uphill climb in capturing the Democratic nomination, given the other party heavyweights who are already in the race, according to the officials, who spoke to the Globe on condition of anonymity.
Kerry plans to make his plans known with a speech on the Senate floor this afternoon, and is taping a message to e-mail his supporters to explain his decision.
Kerry, the party’s 2004 presidential nominee, has been acting like a 2008 candidate virtually since he lost to President Bush — traveling the country, spreading money to other Democratic candidates, and keeping in place a campaign infrastructure that was ready for another presidential bid.
But according to Kerry associates, the senator’s plans changed dramatically in the fallout of his election-eve “botched joke” about the education levels of US troops. The harsh reaction to that incident — from many Democrats as well as Republicans — displayed to Kerry the extreme skepticism within his own party about whether he should mount another run.
And, with polls giving front-runner status to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, Kerry realized that he would face formidable adversaries in the quest for the Democratic nomination. Clinton, Obama, and a host of other candidates have been busily hiring campaign operatives and signing up key fund-raisers in recent weeks.
On Iraq, Kerry has emerged as a fierce war critic after initially supporting the invasion of Iraq. He has spoken of his war opposition in a similar vein to his efforts to bring the Vietnam War to a conclusion in the early 1970s.
Kerry’s announcement freezes in place the various Democratic aspirants to his Senate seat. Massachusetts hasn’t had a vacant Senate seat since 1984 — when Kerry himself won his first six-year-term — and several members of the state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation have expressed interest in running for the Senate if Kerry retired.
IN THE BLOGOSPHERE:
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I am in shock, I just can’t believe that this great American will not run.This is the worst news, since he lost in 2004. Pamela thank you so much for be being the voice of the JK blogs these past 2 years. To all fellow JK supporters thank you and please anyone but Hillary.
Johng
I’m still in shock too. We all so much hope pinned on JK.
Pamela,
I had all my hope on JK running and I know you did to. This all goes back to the way JK was treated after the joke. He was on the rise and people like Hillary jumped on him when they know damn well what he ment. I am so mad right now with the Dems and the way they pilled on it makes me sick!
This absolutely breaks my heart. This man would have been one of the best President this nation had ever seen.
I feel sadness at this news too, although I think Senator Kerry has made a wise decision. I’m proud of Kerry’s work as a senator and proud to say I supported his candidacy for president in 04. He would have made a great president. I have no doubt that he will become known as one of our very best senators – ever.
It’s sad. I think his own party did this to him just as much as the Republican smear machine.
The only silver lining for me would be if Gore got in now.
He is going to announce on the senate floor today.Can someone capture the video.
Wow, I’m almost in too much denial to comment. I really hadn’t given thought to what would happen if he didn’t run, because I really believed that he would. I guess since it’s so obvious to all of us that John Kerry is by far the best candidate, I felt he’d feel that too.
As far as who to support now, I hope that Kerry himself will indicate who he might support in the near future (though I understand all the drawbacks of doing that, and support him if he chooses not share that yet). Since I trust him more than any other politician, I would have to give any candidate Kerry endorses serious consideration for my own support.
Maybe JK just thought he’d never get a fair shake in the media. I’m glad we’ll at least still have him serving in the Senate. Still, what a crushing loss of real Presidential leadership to the American people.
I am so deeply grieving right now. What a loss for our country. Another repeat of mourning like ‘04 for me.
God Bless Senator Kerry and may he be at peace with his decision.
Sandrakae, et al
It’s my understanding that a an email will go out via the JK.com email list with a video.
I expect JK will be on the Senate floor sometime soon
It’s America’s loss, and a lot of blame can be placed on the media. The silver lining is that he will be in the Senate every day, shoulder-to -shoulder with other good Dems such as Russ Feingold, working to fix the damage caused by the worst president in history.
I am absolutely heart broken. I helped campaign for him out of the democratic office in Arizona in 2004. I have nothing but admiration and respect for this man.
And, in the respect, I will cast my vote to whatever direction he approves.
It is a sad day. God bless him and his family.
I don’t want to vote for Hillary
I hope Gore will get in now.
Pam and Gang:
I’m sure this is a tough day for you…You are all great Democrats and great Americans and I hope you will keep bringing your great voice and many talents to our Party, as I know John Kerry will. I hope he will consider running for a Senate leadership post.
Thanks for all you do,
Jeff at FP
Jeff at FP
Thanks for stopping by. It’s a tough day but ultimately we all need to keep on keeping on. As JK will – yes.
The Dem Daily will continue…
I have not and will not ever forgive Al Gore for throwing away the presidency and leaving us to Bush. The mess we are in now is as much Gore’s fault as it is Bush’s. That election was his to lose and he lost it big time. I would prefer any other Democratic candidate to him though I will vote for whoever is the Democratic nominee because I want the Republicans out. But Al Gore has a nerve thinking it’s OK for him to run again.
Shock and sadness… like many, I held out hope til the end. Kerry became my RFK, and I didn’t think I’d live long enough to find another Bobby. Now, as said above, unless Al Gore jumps in the race, it’s all wannabes. No experience, short on integrity, just ambition. NOT what my country needs.
Blast the party to hell. And those who know me know I don’t write those words lightly. D*mn, d*mn, d*mn and d*mn.
Tho in a way I’m not surprised, I am very disappointed by this news! I would love to know more details about why he decided not to run. Perhaps he felt that he could be more effective by staying in the Senate, especially now that the Democrats are a majority for the first time in many years.
I think that at least some of the blame for this should be on our news media, as they have NEVER given our man a break! I hate these bastards more and more every day!
Regardless of what happens next, I will NOT be voting for Hillary! She is nearly as evil as the news media is, and I can’t wait to see the bastards tear into her! What goes around, comes around -
Listening to Harry Reid speaking so eloquently on the floor about JK right now. This is tough.
We Republicans are upset too – a redux of the Kerry ‘04 campaign debacle would have been sweet. Now, alas, there is more room for a serious Dem candidate like Bill Richardson to challenge the Hildebeast…
This IS tough, Pamela,
snd watching Senator Kerry emotionally torn, as he spoke of his plans, did not lighten the moment.
I phoned his WA office and shared my grief and respect for the decision. They were very appreciative. Right now, it’s difficult letting go……perhaps his message and video will help me.
Thank you Pamela for the wonderful work you have been doing for Senator Kerry and the Democratic Party right here on this blog.
Is it to early to think about 2012?
Kerry on folks.
Robert Freedland
John Kerry For President 2008
I was hoping that he would put the decision off for a month or so more when the “air had cleared” but it looks like he felt this was the best time to move forward with what he has decided to do. Part of me is obviously quite sad but I am glad that he will not have to live through the bitterness of more negative campaigning that would have certainly came his way. God Bless JK and onward we will march to speak truth to power.
MoonDawg
It will be a great pleasure to watch the republican nominee get trounced next year.
Moondawg writes: “Now, alas, there is more room for a serious Dem candidate like Bill Richardson to challenge the Hildebeast…”
[snicker] The words “Bill Richardson” and “serious candidate” shouldn’t be uttered in the same phrase.
Once I’d shaken off some of the shock, my immediate thoughts turned to 2012 (on the off chance the Dems don’t take the WH in ‘08)…
In his video, JK said it isn’t the time for him to mount a presidential campaign; not that there wouldn’t be a time.
I am truly sadden by this news.
I thought the Senator was the best candidate out there. Who will be my horse now? I thing is for sure, it won’t be Hillary.
As for MoonDawg, go Cheney yourself. Your candidate won in ‘04; if you think the best man won you are delusional.
Well Pamela, the Repub nominee may or may not “get trounced” next year, who knows? If we nominate a feckless poll-slave like Chuck Hagel, then we’ll deserve to get trounced.
And yes, Todd, I believe Richardson is a “serious candidate”. None of the other Dem candidates can match his impressive, decades-long resume…fortunately however, the Moonbat wing of the Dem party won’t go for him.
BlueWashington, I don’t know what you mean by “go Cheney yourself”, but something tells me that it involves the commission of a perverse sexual act that would perhaps be more appropriate in the venue of the Sundance Festival. And no, I don’t think the “best man” won in ‘04 – but then, the best man available wasn’t a candidate in ‘04.
Folks,
One thing Senator Kerry would want us to do would be to avoid any attacks on fellow Democrats. Regardless of what may have been said in the past, we need to be pragmatic, concentrate on our common interests, and keep up the pressure on the Republicans who still direct the Presidency and our foreign policy.
I am prepared to work my heart out for Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, or whoever gets the nod for the Democratic Nominee for President. For that we can all be sure. Our common interests for health care, Constitutional protections, Economic justice like minimum wage and worker’s protections, even for the future of New Orleans itself, far exceeds our differences which must be considered minute in comparison to our political opponents who advocate a government so small it can be drowned in a bathtub.
Bob
Wanted to check in and share sadness and thanks toall, especially, Pamela. I’ve been posting about how difficult the media would have been to this effort, with Kerry interrupting their preferred storylines of other candidates.
What some of us envisioned as a correction to all the smear and misinformation, at the very least, was never going to happen. We’ve seen that with the Clinton team.
Maybe the media will write about the issue he’s furthering without fear of making him a candidate, and with less nastiness.
My anger is at Bill3, using his power to undermine and position in 2004 beyond normal party stunts, considering how terrible the world, and worse now because of Bill3’s ego.
Now Kerry can be Kerry, true to himself, which is a better place for him to live.
Bob
Agreed. The last thing JK would want is for anyone to diss the candidates in the race. We’ve got to committ ourselves to a Dem in the White House in ‘08.
Marjorie G,
Thanks… I’m kind of at a loss for words and have been all day. Working a little to keep my mind off this…
bobsAdvice
Thank you for a great post.
I mentioned above that I was completely wrong, but I have complete confidence in him still. If he has the courage to do what he knows is right, then so do I, since I have always followed his lead and will continue to do so.
As a result of his decision I am going to move forward in my own life in a renewed and determined way, to do the best that I can.
Politics is for the lowly. John Kerry is a statesman, dignified and wise many lifetimes beyond his contemporaries. His acute intelligence guides him properly as it is doing now.
The best you can do for him is stand up, don’t cry too long, avoid bitterness and hate, and get going to help this country heal. Get beyond yourselves and into the leadership this country needs on all levels, mostly in our personal realms.
John Kerry is still young. He will make a fine President if he runs a little later. In the meantime, we are so very very fortunate to have him working for us. More than words can say.
I support him 1000%. I an not disappointed. I am proud. And, once again, I know exactly why I admire him so much.
Pamela & other Dem Daily contributors, thanks so much for making this trip with Kerry so fun, informative & family-oriented! I do hope you all will keep spreading this good information and fighting the good fight.
I can’t believe the effect this news has had on me today. As many of you, everything feels so cut off and incomplete – like unfinished business. While I know we will have to rally around another candidate & eventually the nominee, I still feel that many did not get the privilege to really get to understand & appreciate JK.
At some point, we do have to look beyond the need for vindication and realize that things in life happen as they are meant and for a reason.
While many of us felt that Kerry’s talents would be most appreciated as President, there may be something else in store for him. He will get his day…not in a way that is vengeful or trying to payback all the wrongs done to him (within & outside of the party) but he will truly be appreciated for the honorable man he is. Just as Al Gore had to go through the devastating loss to rise even higher (some would argue)than politics as usual, Kerry will also get his reintroduction. On his own terms.
He is not an ordinary politician – as we know, he is truly an inspiration. Hopefully, someday many other Americans can be as fortunate as we are to be inspired by this man. I know I have been inspired. Thank you, Senator John Kerry!
What a sad day this is. I didn’t get home until about 30 min. ago, and withing a half hour I’ve found out that my younger cousin passed away this morning at 6 a.m. Feeling low, I soon went to the DemDaily to see if there was any good news, and — a second hit — our man John is not running in ‘08. If there is a silver lining in all this, I don’t see it yet. My feeling is that so many people out there never knew our guy, and not only the Republicans but the media are responsible for that. Yes, and even some members of his own party. Well, the loss is not only ours, but theirs! I know he’ll serve the people well whatever he chooses to do, but I so wanted him to lead us.
Connie, that is so sad. In fact, I feel an underlying sadness all around as if the people know the truth deep down.
I’ve had some time to think about it and I realize that I was holding onto an illusion about my country. It will be awhile before they are ready for a man like this. They’ve chosen to continue the game on the low level it’s been and there is nothing I can do except understand it. They know not.
The hysteria with which they all attacked him recently told the story. They are terrified of having to change and progress. “Stuck in Iraq” is exactly right, and stuck in more places than that.
The wheel will turn eventually. What I am amazed about is that Kerry is even here to help us at all. Advanced people always meet this fate. The collective is dragged down by the lowest common denominator, and only a few can see the vision.
I think Kerry is and has been leading us. I even think the others in the government rely on him, but they are acting from desires and impulses they can’t control.
I completely understand Kerry. It is most important that we get out of Iraq and end this sequence of ugly wars. It’s a hard job to get this turned around.
We’ll have to wait and see what emerges, but I’m hopeful as usual. He’s running for office again. That’s enough for me.
First let me say thanks to Pamela, for letting me post for over a year on your wonderful blog.
Indie, Donnie,Nick,Teresa, and all the rest you all have been a wonderful group to know and talk politics with.
This blog was like a lifeline after the 04 election. After the elcetion I came to know more about Senator Kerry and the more I knew the more i liked and admired this man.
I understand him not wanting to go through the meat grinder with the GOP, Clintons and the media at the helm.
The democratic party is as much responsible for the negative attacks on kerry as the GOP.
I can’t and will not support any other dem nominee and will be sitting 08 out. as I’ve said before I’ll die and go to you know where before I vote for hillary.
I know what some of you are saying about supporting the nominee but after the betrayals of 04 and the insidious way the dem leadership along with hil, many of the nominees who took Kerry’s money and bashed him I can’t be a trooper for this party.
in 92 bill clinton made me think that this country could be better then he blew it with his machinations, triangulation, lies and whoring around.
In 2004 I thought and have ever since that Kerry is the man who would be a great president and if given a chance could do much good in this country. I loved momma T because she told it straight and didn’t care about what the msm thought. I admired the way Kerry loved his daughter and knew any man who loved his kids like Kerry loved his girls was a good man indeed.
The Media never wanted to show the real John Kerry only caracitures. They hyped bush up, covered for his warmongering and helped out a covert CIA agent. Now that Ed Bradley is gone I’ll depise the media for an eternity.
Don’t ever put your faith in the media they will not do right by this country by and large.
The GOP, after all their insidious attacks agains Kerry in 04 and stealing the 00 election I’ll never vote for a GOP president, or any other GOP candidate.
The democrat leadership- say what you will they are not to be trusted where Kerry is concerned. I’m glad I didn’t see Harry Reid sit there and after throwing Kerry under thebus every chance he got ponitificate about what a good guy JK is.
Hillary will most likely get the nod and the dem party will reap what they have sown. Now the thought that these so called candidates will come out and say what a good guy kerry is after they backstabbed him at every turn is enough to make a preacher cuss.
Even in the senate Harry Reid and schumer are not going to let Kerry get credit for anything.
Hagel is already getting props for speaking out saying what Kerry said months ago and now everyone is ready to crown him president.
Where was he back in July?
I do think Kerry could have had a shot. But he thought more of the party than they did of him. As for dems who chose somebody else in these polls? Give it another 6 months to a year and they will be begging Gore or somebody to come in when the trash hits the fan about Edwards, and hillary.
For a minute when I heard about him not running, I thought it was a msm ploy, then I felt sick to the stomach like I did the day when magic retired from the NBA in 91.
Then I was angry, sad, then smiled as I thought what the perfect plan. JK sit outs 6 months while the others rip themselves up, and when hillary is left standing folks will be sick of her and want anyone but her and JK would get drafted back to run.
But that is not to be the case.
Hill will probably get the nomination as to many in the democratic party can’t cut the clinton cord and celebrity seems to trump common sense.
I would have fought like heck for JK and had his back but he chose another path and so shall I.
I’ll be around just not as much, and good luck to you all. If Kerry decides to run in 08 I’ll be there as I doubt if he’ll run in 2012. That would be a lot on momma T as she would be older then. Good luck to his family as well.
I do admire you all for sticking with the dem party. Its time for me to let go.
Its been a intersting voyage and I’ll keep an eye every now and then on the senator. Its hard right now because I know he should be president not sitting in the senate with the brutus pack.
Kerry made politics real again and that’s gone now.
Donnie good luck in LA. Hopefully, somebody in this congress will get off their butt get you folks the help you need.
To the Kerry haters: watch what you wish for cause you will probably get it. You want celebrity, good looks, fresh young faces, instead of experience, hard working, decent, honorable, knowledgeable, diplomatic, tough, smart candidate you will get the former and most likely won’t be happy with them either.
Take care all of you and God bless.
With the current president and the crop of presidential aspirants America will need all the blessing she can get.
I never thought I’d see the day when Kerry would let rove, bush, hillary, edwards, rush, hannity and all the other right wing tripe win. I think that is the hardest part of this whole thing. JK may win in the end but for now the media whores, hillary, edwards, crybaby dems/progressives, and bush wins with the real man out of the running.
The Conscience of American Politics- that is the new role for JK. I’ve been heartsick all day, I’ve felt that the race will be denied a great talent. But he can now assume the role that John McCain used to play. John Kerry has 100% name recognition and now the chance to always tell the truth to the American people and BE THE TRUTH.
“I never thought I’d see the day when Kerry would let rove, bush, hillary, edwards, rush, hannity and all the other right wing tripe win. I think that is the hardest part of this whole thing. JK may win in the end but for now the media whores, hillary, edwards, crybaby dems/progressives, and bush wins with the real man out of the running.”
pen,
That’s why this is so painful.
I just want to say, thanks for letting me know that I wasn’t alone in some support for Kerry. I will miss you.
Pen
Don’t be a stranger. We can’t give up on fighting the good fight no matter how hard it seems. We’ll be here with the light on and you’ll always have friends here.
This is a shock to say the least! I will now devote my time to making sure that Hillary DOES NOT get into office! NEVAH!!!! Do I sound angery? You bet I am. Now I have to find a new hope in what is a pathetic field so far. This sucks!!!!!!!!!
MoonDawg Says:
January 24th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Well considering the source, what else can you expect from Moondawg? Take this jewel from his blog:
“Around 1994 I “led” a protest march in downtown London. The protest was in favor of – you’ll never guess it – acid-tripping rave parties.”
Touche! Time to give up both the koolaid and the acid methinks!
What!!!!! Give up acid?????????
Hey Everyone
I just wanted to say I’m still at a loss for words today, but I wanted you all to know how much I appreciate the outpouring here of support for both JK and the Dem Daily.
I’m everyone is still reeling but time will heal all. We can’t let the bastards get us down – JK is the inspiration for that!
Donnie McDaniel Says:
January 25th, 2007 at 2:27 am
Well considering the source, what else can you expect from Moondawg? Take this jewel from his blog
Ah Donnie, just what I’d expect from a lefty – distorting the truth to score a political point. Those who read the entire post would learn that I was joking when I said that I “led” the march in London. Have never even tried acid; my mood-altering substance of choice is Stella Artois, with Grey Goose a close second.
BTW, I was sorry to read about your dad on the Katrinacrat blog. I lost my dad after a long hospitalization seven years ago, and it still hurts to this day. I wish you and your family the best.
{{{Teresa}}} HAHA!!!
Moondawg,
Glad you saw that for the humor it was,
Hope the poke to the ribs wasn’t too hard. Dad’s kidneys aren’t back to working yet, but the dialysis has gotten a lot of the fluid out his system. He’s not swelled up like he was and he seems to have good color to him. They have him off the three blood pressure elevators now and lowered the breathing treatments and he breathing more on his own now. We just need his kidneys to get back jump started. I know I will breath a lot easier then.
{{{{{Donnie}}}}}}.
Looks like we made it.