Welcome
Welcome! 30 days left —we don’t have a minute to waste.
That’s why I’m kicking off our 30 Days for Change blog here at johnkerry.com so we can provide up to the minute updates, information, travelogues, and so you can continue to engage directly as we drive all the way through the mid term elections and big Democratic victory.
Together, you and I got up and kept scrapping and fighting and poured everything we have into these elections. Now, as we sprint towards November 7th, we need to do even more – - we’ve got to ensure that our great Democratic candidates take back the House and the Senate from George Bush and the rubber stamp Republican Congress.
And by everything, I mean everything. Pulling out all the stops. I will be spending these last few weeks criss-crossing the country to raise money and get out the vote for Democrats. Together we’ve already supported over 165 candidates from City Council to United States Senate races. And with grassroots power, we’ve given and raised more than $10 million for these tough races.
Now is the moment where we put it all to the test.
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We’re on a moral mission. It starts with electing veterans to Congress. You’ll see a lot about them here. Nothing will change the course of Congress more than electing vets who will stand up to the Republicans armchair warriors. Veterans who know what war is, who know that is immoral for old men to send young Americans to fight and die for a policy that isn’t working. Veterans who know we can’t afford a stand still and lose policy in Iraq or a cut and run policy in Afghanistan. Here we’ll be defending vets from smears, and when we see it happen we will make clear that Swiftboating will not stand.
Right here, I’ll keep you posted about where I’m going, and what’s happening with the candidates I’m supporting. We’ve got a staffer traveling with me who will be bringing you the sites and sounds of all the campaigns and candidates we touch.
And a special welcome to everyone who participated on the blog of my presidential campaign. That’s where I first saw the power of blogging, and both Teresa and I learned a great deal from your comments and suggestions. We haven’t lost track of you – we’re still learning – and we’ll be inviting you to provide your own guest commentary about the fight were engaged in.
I know how fast blogs are altering the political media landscape. As I travel, I am reaching out to all of the bloggers who’re creating a whole new form of political media by providing the detailed coverage of state and local races that you often can’t get anywhere else. And a special thank you to those bloggers who’ve pitched in and used their blogs to raise the money. Our candidates need every single penny to fight back against the Republican slime attacks. That’s the only way we can change course in Iraq, start doing something about global warming and energy independence, get everybody health care, make America fair again, and clean out the stables in Washington.
So welcome aboard, and let’s get down to business.
89 Comments
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Is this blog brand new?
If so, it would appear that I have the honor of posting the first comment.
We can’t rest, as Senator Kerry says, until we have taken back the House and Senate, on our way to a presidential victory in 2008, hopefully with Senator Kerry at the head of the ticket.
Once the Democrats control congress, we need to make damn sure we have a solid legislative agenda and a unified approach for Iraq. I hope this blog can begin to facilitate the discussion.
Thanks!
Rick
Lee, NH
It’s so wonderful to see the blog back up! I have missed it terribly. Congrats, Rick, on being the first to comment.
Good looking page, Senator. What a nice traverse into the virtual home of an old friend.
Glad you’re online and we can communicate!!
Time To Move On
by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
It’s time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It’s time to move on, it’s time to get going
Broken skyline, movin’ through the airport
She’s an honest defector
Conscientious objector
Now her own protector
Broken skyline, which way to love land
Which way to something better
Which way to forgiveness
Which way do I go
Time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It’s time to move on, it’s time to get going
Sometime later, getting the words wrong
Wasting the meaning and losing the rhyme
Nauseous adrenaline
Like breakin’ up a dogfight
Like a deer in the headlights
Frozen in real time
I’m losing my mind
It’s time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It’s time to move on, it’s time to get going
marc trager,
Are you trying to make a point here that I’m not getting?
Posted by Anonymous | October 9, 2006 5:35 PM
Depends, is that sarcasm you’re trying unleash?
Wonderful to have a Kerry blog back again!
So great to have the Kerry blog again.
Marc’s post is in tune with the theme that there’s only 30 days left in which to get our boots on the ground and our voters where our keyboards are.
Either that, or he’s just monkeying around again.
And I’m with you, Fe, and with the rest of the gang—we had Mr. Kerry’s back then, and we still have it now.
Now… what have you done for democracy lately? There’s still a lot to make happen if we’re going to finish the fall cleaning over in the Auction House of Representatives in time to take back the Senate, too…
thanks for the use of the blog,
Otter
Wow! Thanks for bringing the blog back.
I’m very happy to see the revamped web site, and to see an official JK blog up and running again. I’ll definitely be popping in to say hi and comment on the latest from Senator Kerry.
I feel like I’m back home. Its time to roll up our sleeves with John Kerry and speak truth to power.
Thanks Senator Kerry for bringing back the blog, and having our backs. We are ready to kick these incompetents out.
I’m happy to say this is my fist time ever posting at the official Kerry blog. In related news, I will be starting my volunteer gig with KAP/Friends of John Kerry. Wish me good luck.
Glad to have your back… I mean, have you back online, Senator! @;-)
For a small story about bumperstickers in Missouri branded with your name, go to http://www.liberalvaluesblog.com and read “Sunday in Semi-Rural Red.”
This state might still be red, but we’ll get Claire back into Jean’s seat in the Senate, you watch!
Yay!!!!!
So happy to be here!
Senator:
Lest we forget, please give our warmest regards to your wonderful wife and the rest of your team as well. We all missed you guys. And each other.
Lothario:
Jump right in, the online water’s fine. And it’s already going swimmingly in here, as you can see.
Pamela, Roxanne, Indie Liberal, kj, et al:
How nice to see your names back on the blog again, too. It’s like y’all never left… wing. *grin*
Blogmaster:
Have you noticed how confusing it can be to start folks’ blog posts off with an automatic name-and-a-colon yet?
so many voters so little time,
Otter
Love the new look and it’s great to see the blog up!
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Senator for the great support he’s shown my congressional candidate, Joe Sestak here in PA-7. This is one we can win, but it will take a big effort, and the money Senator Kerry’s helped raise has given us some good momentum. If we can take back the 7th, a lot of the credit will belong to Senator Kerry. Thanks!
Great to see this back up. It was a sad moment when the blog shut down election night.
Things will go better in 2008.
Otter, I didn’t leave John Kerry. For him, and Teresa, a wing and a prayer. Left wing, if they want that one. @;-)
Hey John, nice having a blog again.
Nice seeing some other friends here again.
You and Al Gore the only 2 people in the world who know what it’s like, and more important, what is needed for the future.
Don’t forget Bob Graham this time, and Florida will be yours.
Not many have spoken out the last years, glad you still did.
Good luck whichever/whatever you decide to do.
And like you said, none of us could believe they took it away like they did. You are a much better
person in all ways.
Senator Kerry,
Thank you for being a fighter and a leader for middle class America. From one Veteran to another I salute you and Thank You for watching our backs the past 2 years. We are working hard in Ohio for Sherrod Brown and Ted Strickland, things look good so far. We could use hear to help give Sherrod that final push he needs to knock out Dewine. After we win this November, Lets tee it up again for another JK 2008 run!!!!!!!!
Hello Senator Kerry!
It’s wonderful to see the blog back up and running. Lets hope it will get busy and productive in here!
Woo Hoo!!!
I’m with ya, Senator! Let’s take back Congress and start working on ‘08!
Thanks for all you do and a big hello and happy belated birthday to Teresa.
Nice site, BTW.
This is simply lovely. Great work from all involved.
Happy to see the blog rejuvenated - greetings everyone.
Ready for another go…..... ‘08 and looking forward to every result hoped for next month in the Congressional elections.
Things are looking great out here in the Southwest.
graysmoke
Right on! I’m writing from this fastest iMac at the Apple Store - I wish I owned it - I don’t - oh well.
I was over at http://www.democracycellproject.net and someone told me this had reopened so here I am.
I lived at johnkerry.com 24/7 before the 2004 election. I’m not kidding. Good to see it back!
Now let’s use it to take back all branches of government, the governorships, local government and the press!!
It’s a Beautiful Day!
Just a quick reminder Webb and Allen will be debating tonight at 8:00 P.M. est. You can catch it on C-Span 1 or stream it live here: http://c-span.org/
Anyone in the Virginia Beach/ Norfolk/ Southside / Peninsula can watch it on WTKR Channel 3.
This is awesome! Wonderful layout: the information is easy to find and easy to read!
Thank you Senator Kerry for your efforts and for creating this wonderful space!
Republicans target three Senate races
Heavy investments in Ohio, Tennessee and Missouri in effort to limit losses
WASHINGTON (AP) - In an unusual move, the Republican National Committee is investing heavily in television advertising in Senate races in Ohio, Tennessee and Missouri in what officials describe as a firewall strategy designed to limit Democratic gains in the Nov. 7 elections and maintain the GOP majority.
The move reflects a desire on the part of Ken Mehlman, the Republican Party chairman, and other strategists to exercise more control over the drive to retain a majority, according to several Republican officials. They said the decision has caused friction with officials at the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which historically has been the only party entity to run commercials on behalf of its candidates.
The move also raises questions about the priority assigned by the RNC to races in other states where Republicans are in jeopardy — Pennsylvania, Montana and Rhode Island among them.
more…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15200153/
Gee, speaking of cut n’run…
Some color on the race in Missouri that marc trager references above:
Dems in Missouri have dug deep for this election, but so have Republicans. The contest between (R) Jim Talent and (D) Claire McCaskill is nothing short of a grudge match, going back to the 2000 John Ashcroft v. Mel Carnahan run. We want that seat back. And we want to break the bottom to top Republican stranglehold on the state. And the Republicans want just as badly to hold on to what they think of as Ashcroft’s seat and their hold on the bellweather state.
Grudge match, without a doubt.
Nice article in Boston Globe today - talks about work Senator Kerry has been doing recently. Read about it at
http://thepremise.com/archives/10/09/2006/330
Otter
Sort like I never did… still blogging about JK every day.
This is terrific and the site looks great!
Shall we break out the virtual champaign?
wow, its like the old Kerry04 blog again!
This is gonna be awesome… we’re taking back congress, people!!!!
Posted by DynamicDems | October 9, 2006 7:40 PM
I’m savin’ my cork for Nov 8th.
Dem Perignon
Hey Senator,
So glad your blog is back up, and it is SO good to see everybody back here! Just like old home time!
Wow—so THIS is the Kerry blog! I was a bit late to the blogs in ‘04, and only learned of it when it shut down and read the words of Kerry bloggers trying to find their friends on dailykos when the official blog shut down.
This is just wonderful!
Webb/Allen debate starting any second now. Go Webb!!
btw, I’m saving the bubbly til Nov because, as the good Senator referenced, there is much to be done between now and Eviction Day.
Good riddance to the rodents.
Posted by marc trager | October 9, 2006 7:47
Dem Perignon! LOL! Okay, November 8th it is.
Lots of work to do till then.
Thank you Senator for keeping us posted.
This has been a great push back over the past 2 years. In the Mass governor’s race the Republican Healy (I never call her Kerry Healy) campaign can’t come up with anything but the fear theme to scare people their way. I am sick of being terrorized by mug shots and fearmongering headlines generated by Republicans every election season. The last set of Republican attack ads got me going and I am concentrating on working for Deval Patrick for the rest of the season. We have to disprove the idea that this manipulative crap always works.
Thank for the forum!
Familiar names and familiar emotions. Some of you from those start-up days of autumn ‘03.
“This (again) will be the start of something big!”
Running against Bush may be the best way to win Congress. Possible ads featuring Bush-Gore debate 2000. Bush then: “I don’t want to engage in nation-building!” and “What’s your exit strategy?” Bush now: Iraq. Bush then: “That’s fuzzy math!” Bush now: surplus to deficit.
Wonderful to see the blog back, and to see you out there, Sen. Kerry, working for candidates, working to take back congress, working to change the country. I’ve been AWED , especially this past year, by your brilliant speeches, and your energy, grit, razor-sharp focus, passion, feistiness, courage, humor, and just plain class. I’m proud to be one of your constituents, and even more proud to observe your continued growth and commitment. Keep up the great work. Change is finally coming.
And we’re doing our best to push it along.
DynamicDems
Virtual champagne for the re-launch sounds like a plan! Toasting to much success in the critical 06 mid-terms and onward!
Marc Trager
Is there anything but Dom? Um, well Tattinger’s would be nice too!
Marjorie G
Something big indeed!
Yay!!!!!!
I’ve been working hard in ‘05 and ‘06 and after 11/7/06, I’m ready and awaiting for your signal Senator. :-)
No defeat, no surrender!
p.s. Thanks again for coming to NJ in ‘05 to help out my then Senator, now Governor, Jon Corzine. It was true joy for all of us lucky enough to be with you in that back yard in Lawrenceville!
Some may not recognize my new name, on the old John Kerry blog I was CarolforKerry. I’m saving that name for future postings. ;-)
Hello everyone! Wonderful to see everyone here. Welcome back, to those of you who posted here before, and a warm welcome to all newbies.
Speaking of people in that back yard that day, hi Marjorie. {waves}
I’m with you and marc and DD, Pamela—sharing virtual champagne now sure beats sharing the real pain that we all felt on 11/8/04 (though it can’t hold a candle to the joy we’ll be feeling on 11/8/06)...
if we play our cards right between now and then that is,
Otter
Glad to be back !!!
[Note to self: be sure to change the firewall settings so this blog will actually remember your nick & home-URL settings too]
shrubiana delenda est,
Otter
WOW! The revamped sight looks beautiful! So happy to see the blog back up and running again.
Otter,
Cookies might not be fully baked yet - mine is not saving yet either.
Senator Kerry,
This will be the only time I post under my own name.
In 2004, you and John Edwards and your families put your selves on the line to run against a corrupt government and a complicit media. You fought hard and you fought with integrity.
I’m proud of you for doing so.
But I’m more proud of you as well as proud of all of us here today because we have continued fighting for right, truth, peace, liberty, and justice despite fighting the most corrupt government our country has ever experienced.
We’re going to keep fighting, keep learning from our mistakes, keep fighting for the American dream.
Like you. We’re still standing.
H E L L O O O KERRY FIGHTERS !!!
Senator,
Thank you so much for giving us a chance to hook up again and Kerry ON! There is so much more we can do as a virtual team.
Here in Colorado, the mountains may be going purple. Given the home of Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, that may be the best we can do for awhile. We have Bob Beauprez trying to keep Bill Owens’ Governors seat and DA Bill Ritter working hard against a mediocre Congressman with a housewife for Lt Gov!!.
Congressional seats we’d like to empty and replace with Dems: Tancredo, Musgrave plus Beauprez’ vacated seat. Ed Perlmutter (one of the many assisted by Sen Kerry) looks like he will take that one. It’s going to be tough in the GOP strongholds against Tom and Marilyn.
Given the scandals, war and economy, I’m waiting for the votes to be counted. If you haven’t heard, Colorado is also suffering from a Republican appointed Secretary of State being downright stupid and suspicious. She had the voting machines ‘certified’ by a guy who admitted knowing nothing about them or the programming. :roll:
kj,
Is McCaskill using Talent’s Delay $ as ammo? I am 99.999% certain that he got around 25K. Just saw it in The Big Buy. That is another Greenwald film that needs to be seen - preferably just before Iraq for Sale. Drives home the whole sickening picture of what has happened with the GOP in control of Congress and the Federal dollars. BTW, extended interviews of DA Ron Earle in The Big Buy: a guy with a great combination of mind and heart.
Which is what this is all about. Getting good legislators back in office so government can work again. That will set up the ‘08 campaign for getting the right candidate into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. (Where we hope Teresa celebrates 8 birthdays ;) )
Go JK! We’re following.
nobody gets a vote.
Otter,
“shrubiana delenda est”
ROFL…..... AMEN !
Looks like old home week around here! It’s wonderful to see so many familiar nicknames.
Wow!
Thanks, Senator Kerry, for the opportunity to reconnect with this community and with you.
Yay! I’m back home!
New poll shows things look good for the Dems:
Poll: Democratic Candidates Take Large Lead in Congressional Races
Remember the Kerry motto, though - ignore the polls - GOTV!
What’s yo dwah?
Ooops that should have said…
What’s UP dwah? :)
FD—- Wow!
Ok, 1 glass of wine and it’s gone to my head. I can’t think of anything witty to say. But it is really good to see all of you.
Ok that really unwitty anonymous person who’s had 1 glass of wine (evidently too much) is really dwahzon replying to Florida Dem.
JK said:
“And a special welcome to everyone who participated on the blog of my presidential campaign. That’s where I first saw the power of blogging, and both Teresa and I learned a great deal from your comments and suggestions.”
Thank you Senator Kerry—it’s a huge pleasure for all of to be back here again.
Kerry on!
New thread, ya’ll!
with a troll, already, no less. Have at him, peeps!
What are the chances of Pederson defeating Kyl in the US Senate race in Arizona?
Dear Senator Kerry,
I currently attend a public magnet high school in Maryland, and it’s a good school, but it has many problems. My friends go to schools that are far worse. 99 percent of the time is not spent on learning, but preparations for standardized tests. Each high school in my county has at least 18 “cabins,” or tiny, packed, portable classrooms. There are 38 kids in a class on a good day. There is a lot of drugs and crime. And the sad thing is, most of these schools are not by any standard urban schools. I just wanted to say I think you have a great education plan that would really help and I think you should pursue that. Also, please continue to update the “jk on the road” section; I would love to hear you speak. Thanks, and good luck with all your endeavors.
Thomas
Glad to see so many old friends back here. It’s been too long since we were all together on a Kerry site. Can’t wait for 11/7 and the final result. I think the American people are just about to hold this administration accountable.
Dick: tell Karen that her mom will have a new congressman soon!
Go Senator Kerry!
Thanks for all your efforts across the country and for continuing to tell it like it is when even some in your own party don’t want to hear it.
Wish there were closer races in WI so we could get you back here? : )
Dems are looking good in my neck of the woods.
Great to have the blog open for business.
Thanks for the support from ‘04 until now. Thanks for visiting OHIO twice in the last few months. We’ll be a battleground again, but we have the boots on the ground and are ready to do everything to succeed in ‘06 and ‘08! See ya on the trail, Senator!
- Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are a Changin” -
“Come gather ‘round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’.
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don’t stand in the doorway
Don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There’s a battle outside
And it is ragin’.
It’ll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin’.
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’.”
Thank you, Senator Kerry, for never giving up on the fight, for never giving up on the American people, and for never giving up on the dream that tomorrow can better than today if we work together for change.
Today, tomorrow, and always - Kerry For America - I believe!
Godspeed ~
Michelle Lindsey, 25 (formerly in Mississippi…now in Colorado…if we can only turn it Blue!!!)
http://www.StandUpBeCounted.com
Well lookee here!
Senator, can you take a moment and come by the Evergreen State? As you must well know, Maria is doing very well against McGavick, but I think you could really help out Darcy Burner against Dave Richert in the 8th District.
Is the 8th the proverbial low hanging fruit ready to be picked? Could be…
Buffalo Mark & IFK Editor
More old familiar friends!
Oh yeah!! I have been waiting for this. Thank you so much Senator. It’s time to get busy and put the boot to those thugs. No surrender! I just wish I could have seen the light much earlier to have been part of the original blog here. I smell victory!
Good Morning, everyone!
Let’s make today count!
(Tomorrow is the voter registration deadline in Missouri; if you know anyone there, make sure they register today or by 5pm tomorrow if they haven’t already!)
Kerry on.
Congrats on the new blog! Looks great!
Good to see everyone here. And kudos to the Senator for starting this blog. No matter the cliche, together we can make a difference four weeks from today.
It’s great to see the blog up and the site get a face lift. It’s great to see John Kerry fighting again, it’s been tough since 2004.
Hopefully the Democrats take over the Senate and the House. My prediction is that at least it will be about tied.
I would suggest people go to http://www.electoral-vote.com to follow the polls of the 2006 election. It primarily covers the Senate races but does cover the House but not in as much detail. It’s a great site.
Looking ahead i really would love John Kerry to run for President. With this site he has been actively fighting the administration.
What are peoples thoughts on Kerry getting the nomination? I am afraid Hillary on a party level is popular and will be selected as the candidate but nationally i don’t belive she can be elected.
Besides, i like Kerry and want to see him as President!
Ron B
We are probably all totally behind JK running in ‘08. His position has been solidly: spend our time and energy on 11/7/06. Once those results are in, the ‘08 situation can be considered and developed as time brings new issues and realities into the picture. The better we do 28 days from today, the closer we are to making changes - before ‘08, that can help us win the WH then.
I suspect most of us are not interested in Hillary - as much from competence as baggage. It’s barely getting time to have an accurate guess on the forerunners. Statistically the early guesses are wrong and ‘04 to ‘08 is looking already like a 180 in voter mood, issues, etc.
OMG GINNY!! I might have to wash your mouth out with soap. You said The “H” word!! I’m gonna tell!! :)
Senator Kerry… you’re a personal hero of mine. When I voted for you in 2004, it was a moment that I’ll be proud of the rest of my life. Don’t listen to any naysayers - I’m confident that, should you run, you WILL win in 2008. Don’t give up!
hello Sen. Kerry & all the “old timers” from the original JK blog! So glad to see this one is up & active again! Missed you guys & gals!
Still working for Dem candidates down here in Baton Rouge, survived storms Katrina-Rita, back on board to make LA. BLUE once again!
Good Luck with the brand new Kerry blog and its On.to.Victory4Dems on Nov. 07 and beyond….
OTV4D
Inspiring, energizing post! Thank you so much for your tireless and dedicated work, Senator. Your support of the excellent Democratic candidates out there and the amazing heart you put into campaigning with everything you’ve got give me great hope for a victory in November.
I worked hard for your 2004 campaign, but didn’t get into the blog scene until early 2005. I’ve heard tales of the brave and active warriors on the JK Blog back then, and I’m thrilled to get to participate this time!
It is so nice to see the Kerry blog again. In 2004, it was absolutely great and about the only way that we in blue states could see how great the campaign was.
Like others, my vote in 2004 was the proudest one I ever cast (I voted since 1972) and really really hope to vote for the same leader in 2008.
Bush is moving a naval attack force into the waters off Iran. This may well be viewed by Iran as the start of a military buildup for a preemptive attack on Iran. Iran might well decide to stike first, claiming that they were just defending themselves. Iran would be emboldened to attack US forces, thinking quite correctly that such an attack on US forces would greatly enhance thier standing in the Moslem world
Where is the Congressional authorization to start or prevoke a war with Iran?
Signed..John Harris…Coauthor of “Journey Through Cancer Land.”..www.amazon.com
So happy to see the Kerry blog up and running again! Thank you Senator Kerry for all you have done for us.