Of course, if you’ve been following the bouncing ball, you do know why Dean won’t quit noe, right ?

(not you specifically, Dan)

Posted by: CERDIP at February 16, 2004 10:19 AM

So much for loyalty, then again welcome to politics.

Posted by: Ronin at February 16, 2004 11:08 AM

Here’s an interesting endorsement of John Kerry from MEMRI. org……

Iranian News Agency Alleges Presidential Candidate John Kerry Sends Email Message

According to an article published in the Tehran Times, the office of U.S. Senator and leading Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry sent an email message to the Mehr News Agency . The following is the article as it appeared in English : [1]

“The office of Senator John Kerry, the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary in the U.S., sent the Mehr News Agency an email saying that Kerry will try to repair the damage done by the incumbent president if he wins the election. The text of the e-mail follows:

“‘As Americans who have lived and worked extensively overseas, we have personally witnessed the high regard with which people around the world have historically viewed the United States. Sadly, we are also painfully aware of how the actions and the attitudes demonstrated by the U.S. government over the past three years have threatened the goodwill earned by presidents of both parties over many decades and put many of our international relationships at risk.

“‘It is in the urgent interests of the people of the United States to restore our country’s credibility in the eyes of the world. America needs the kind of leadership that will repair alliances with countries on every continent that have been so damaged in the past few years, as well as build new friendships and overcome tensions with others.

“‘We are convinced that John Kerry is the candidate best qualified to meet this challenge. Senator Kerry has the diplomatic skill and temperament as well as a lifetime of accomplishments in [the] field of international affairs. He believes that collaboration with other countries is crucial to efforts to win the war on terror and make America safer.

“‘An understanding of global affairs is essential in these times, and central to this campaign. Kerry has the experience and the understanding necessary to successfully restore the United States to its position of respect within the community of nations. He has the judgment and vision necessary to assure that the United States fulfills a leadership role in meeting the challenges we face throughout the world.

“‘The current Administration’s policies of unilateralism and rejection of important international initiatives, from the Kyoto Accords to the Biological Weapons Convention, have alienated much of the world and squandered remarkable reserves of support after 9/11. This climate of hostility affects us all, but most especially impacts those who reside overseas. Disappointment with current U.S. leadership is widespread, extending not just to the corridors of power and politics, but to the man and woman on the street as well.

“‘We believe John Kerry is the Democrat who can go toe-to-toe against the current Administration on national security and defense issues. We also remain convinced that John Kerry has the best chance of beating the incumbent in November, and putting America on a new course that will lead to a safer, more secure, and more stable world.’”

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[1] Tehran Times (Iran), February 8, 2004.

Posted by: johnnymozart at February 16, 2004 02:00 PM

JM,

How is this an endorsement asuming, arguendo, that it is accurate?

Posted by: Todd at February 16, 2004 02:40 PM

Perhaps you’re right, Todd. Perhaps “endorsement” is too strong. However, if accurate, and I’ll admit that’s a significant if, I do find it interesting that an Iranian newspaper printed a letter form an American politician. I find it difficult to believe that there is not a hidden agenda for printing a letter from a representative of the “Great Satan”. Indeed, this a pretty good way to draw unwanted attention to yourself, especially if you are currently trying to get the world to forget that you are covertly developing prohibited weapons.

Further, I think this would be a question worth asking Senator Kerry; ie if it is indeed true. To me, such a letter would constitute a severe undermining of our nation’s foreign policy, and again, bespeaks questionable judgement in foreign policy matters. It’s one thing if he wants to engage such an enterprise as President, and another thing entirely as Senator from Massachusetts.

However, The “Tehran Times” may not be the most reliable international newspaper, which was why I used the qualifier “interesting” in my first sentence.

Posted by: johnnymozart at February 16, 2004 02:58 PM

By the way, Todd, I saw your last statement on the other thread. Consider my erroneous statement retracted.

Posted by: johnnymozart at February 16, 2004 03:04 PM