John Kerry and the prospect of an empty MA Senate seat

J. Scott Applewhite / AP, file

John Kerry is pursued by reporters as he arrives for a closed-door meeting about the assault on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Capitol Hill on Nov. 13.

The second-term cabinet intrigue continues.

Although U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice remains the front-runner to be President Obama's next secretary of state, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is still in contention for the post.

And if Rice gets that coveted job, it's assumed that Kerry might become the next defense secretary.

But Kerry getting either position presents one potential downside for Democrats: His exit from the Senate would trigger a special election in Massachusetts, with recently defeated Republican Scott Brown waiting in the wings to possibly mount a comeback.

That prospect could very well explain why Senate Republicans have showered praise on Kerry after all the controversy surrounding Rice's initial statements about the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

On Wednesday, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) -- who told reporters about her concerns about Rice after meeting with the U.N. ambassador -- offered that Kerry would be "an excellent appointment."

Brown even recommended Kerry for the secretary of state job at a Nov. 13 press conference in response to a question about whether Kerry would make a good defense secretary. “I’ve already been public on that quite a while ago. And I’ve told him personally that I thought he would make an excellent secretary of state. I haven’t even thought about any other positions but those are questions best asked of him and the president.”

But the running theory that Republicans want Kerry as secretary of state to so they can win his Senate seat ignores two realities.

One, that Senate seat is likely to be vacant whether or not Kerry gets the secretary of state job -- because he would be in line for the defense job.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), one of Rice's chief critics, said it was "absurd" to think that Republicans are opposing Rice to open up Kerry's Senate seat. "I would remind you this is an issue that I was pursuing and others long before the election, before we knew whether Scott Brown was going to win that election. So I think that claim is absurd.”

And two, Brown or any other Republican wouldn't have an easy time winning in a special election. "We don't think another Senate run is going to play differently for him," said Matt Canter, communications director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

"He lost by eight points. It was not a close race." Democrat Elizabeth Warren beat Brown, 54%-46%.

And a plugged-in Massachusetts Democrat tells First Read, "The reality is, Scott Brown's only a Goliath in the eyes of Beltway liberals still scarred by his special election win two years ago," adding: "His brand is badly damaged in Massachusetts, even if his legend lives on in Washington."

But a Kerry vacancy would give Brown or any other Republican a chance -- which is a better prospect that they have now.

As one GOP operative emails, “I’d certainly like to see that vacancy, and I’d like to see Scott run.”

*** UPDATE *** Also according to the exit polls, 60% of Massachusetts voters on Election Day had a favorable opinion of Brown (versus 56% who said the same about Warren).

NBC's Tom Curry contributed to this article.

Discuss this post

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Ayotte saying it is absurd? She is absurd. She is a pawn in all of this.

I said yesterday that I thought this was the strategy that the three fools were in on together. Annihilate Susan Rice to try and force Obama to appoint John Kerry, thus opening up his seat to possibly put Scott Brown back in there. This morning the Senator from Wyoming practically wet his pants over his praise for John Kerry being the next SOS. They showed their hand with that comment.

Mr. President, do the right thing and appoint Susan Rice. She is qualified for the job. Keep Kerry where he is.

  • 48 votes
#1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:19 PM EST

Rice is better. She is very qualified..better than the bumbling fool - called Kerry.

Ans we women want more heronines. Women are more than half of the population, but are considered political minority. There should be more qualified women like Sue Rice in government.

  • 18 votes
#1.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:31 PM EST

Sen Lieberman said that Susan Rice clearly answered all the questions from the GOP questionable trio. And backed up by the Director of the CIA.

Please let us see what "troubled questions" they could possibly still have:

Following the hour-long "Ask-Me-Anything" meeting with the CIA director, and Ambassador Rice.

  • 36 votes
#1.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:31 PM EST

The best seat for John Kerry is a seat on his yacht (docked in New Hampshire to avoid taxes).

Retire, Senator Kerry, for the good of our country!!!

The U.S. needs more women political leaders like Senator Kelly Ayotte!!

  • 11 votes
#1.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:46 PM EST

Ah... politics as usual

I think that the Dems need to push the "is it because she's black?" position so that everyone is being silly.

  • 8 votes
#1.4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:47 PM EST

Kelly Ayotte appeared to be less nervous on Adrea Mitchell today ... seems she is starting to be a true believer in the b.s. again.

  • 22 votes
#1.5 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:48 PM EST

Time for Senator Kerry, "CAREER" politican, to hang up his hat and RETIRE from politics permanently. Maybe he could go to Martha's Vineyard and play polo.

  • 15 votes
#1.6 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:49 PM EST

I voted for Obama this year but did not realize he seeked to control the internet....

How many of you heard about this?????

President Barack Obama signed an executive order last week that could give the U.S. government control over the Internet.

With the wordy title "Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Communications Functions," this order was designed to empower certain governmental agencies with control over telecommunications and the Web during natural disasters and security emergencies.

According to The Verge, critics of the order are concerned with Section 5.2, which is a lengthy part outlining how telecommunications and the Internet are controlled. It states that the Secretary of Homeland Security will "oversee the development, testing, implementation, and sustainment" of national security and emergency preparedness measures on all systems, including private "non-military communications networks." According to The Verge, critics say this gives Obama the on/off switch to the Web.1

1. 06/10/2012 http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57469950-93/obama-signs-order-outlining-emergency-internet-control/

  • 5 votes
#1.7 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:52 PM EST

AGirl,

We don't know who the President thinks is best for the job. But we're not going to let the 3 GOP Hooligans make a mess of Ms. Rice's diplomatic career, based on their unspecified 'troubledness'.

Get the House to pass the middle class tax cuts, and do something useful - GOP trio!

The GOP party has evidently learned very little from the election.

  • 41 votes
#1.8 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:55 PM EST

Ayotte is the ONLY Republican left in the NH congressional delegation. And that in a traditionally Republican state. She needs to tread lightly if she wants to stay there!

  • 29 votes
#1.9 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:57 PM EST

Former President William Jefferson Clinton for SoS!

Yeah.....Is that even possible?

  • 18 votes
#1.10 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:00 PM EST

Scott Brown? the centerfold boy? If he is senator again...I can see him more? yummm!!!!!!!!!! ...but ...NOOOOOOOOOOO! I have to put country first...before my own curiosity about that handsomest centerfolder... it's tough...but I will try ... very hard.

  • 11 votes
#1.11 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:01 PM EST

Pigotry,

Somehow I don't see Teresa Heinz marrying a bumbling fool.

  • 19 votes
#1.12 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:05 PM EST

chilled - I wonder..... It seems like he could be but I think he'll want to be free to campaign for Hillary and his being SoS would nix that. Otherwise, I think it could be possible.

  • 11 votes
#1.13 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:06 PM EST

Kerry was unsuitable to be President and he's unsuitable for SoS.

  • 9 votes
#1.14 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:08 PM EST

The U.S. needs more women political leaders like Senator Kelly Ayotte!!

Or Susan Rice. Unfortunately, Republicans, including Ayotte, want to end her promising political career just because they want Kerry to be Secretary of State so they can take back the Massachusetts seat.

Disgusting.

  • 24 votes
#1.15 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:08 PM EST

Ah Yes, SS...

Bill will indeed be very busy, it was just a thought and question.......Hillary 2016!

But for now, Susan Rice, SoS!

  • 14 votes
#1.16 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:13 PM EST

Hey, blackcatwhitecat who writes -

Pigotry,

Somehow I don't see Teresa Heinz marrying a bumbling fool.

well, I agree. Teresa Heinz is a great woman from a great family that has done a lot of good. But she can have a blind spot for the fact that Teresa Heinz has to marry a senator after her previous senator husband died in an accident.

.

Sometimes she just wants to be the catch-up (ketch-up) to her favorite junk fries (senator husband)? I don't know..I have nothing against Teresa Heinz ... I don like ketch-up too. Thanks for that great taste.

  • 5 votes
#1.17 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:14 PM EST

peel-layer--that is nothing. You haven't seen anything yet. Enjoy you voted for it!

  • 4 votes
#1.18 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:27 PM EST

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive--eh, McCain? Seems the jig is up for the Tweedleboys and their Alice. Ayotte can call it "absurd" but it became clear yesterday that these three are not interested in facts or the truth, they are interested in destroying Susan Rice through slander, inuendo and outright lies. There is a motive behind their attacks of Susan Rice; Petraeus backed up Rice's comments and statements so why do they continue their personal vendetta? With few exceptions, none of the other republicans are backing these three yahoos. This speculative notion of opening up a MA Senate seat isn't new. Feisty Redhead and a few other liberals already connected those dots days ago. The beltway is a bit slower to the concept. This spectacle put on by McCain, Graham and Ayotte is just that, a spectable of fools.

Tweedle McCain, on a talk show, pretty much endorsed John Kerry for Sec of State, praised him, commented he almost won the presidency is 2004, served in the military during Vietnam etc etc....he's more than qualified. McCain came just short of saying please, please, Mr. President, nominate John Kerry....heh, heh, heh.

President Obama will nominate the person he thinks most qualified and best suited to fill Hillary Clinton's shoes. Susan Rice, John Kerry and probably several others are well qualified to do just that. I will support whoever that choice is and I firmly believe he will not let three Senate bullies intimidate him. If President Obama thinks Senator Kerry is the right choice, he will nominate him. If he thinks Susan Rice is the right choice, he will nominate her.

Pigotry, I disagree, John Kerry is not a "bumbling fool". He is very well qualified, has worked on intelligence and foreign policy committees for years, has assisted President Obama and SoS Clinton overseas on numerous occasions, he fought in Vietnam and helped bring about an end to that disasterous and senseless war; he understands the importance of diplomacy. As for Teresa Heinz Kerry, she didn't have to marry anyone because she certainly didn't need security or status--she already had both. Their meeting and falling in love is a nice story, try reading up on it.

  • 18 votes
#1.19 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:48 PM EST

I think Kerry would make a good defense secretary. He is definitely not one of those trigger happy chickenhawks.

  • 11 votes
#1.20 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:54 PM EST

This is a game the GOP is playing to get Scott Brown back, by attacking Susan Rice.

Leave Kerry as a Senator. Scott Brown got put out and we don't need another republican coming back into the Senate.

  • 15 votes
#1.21 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:13 PM EST

John Kerry as Defense Secretary?? WTF, you must be joking. I will build a bomb shelter if that bonehead gets into that position.

  • 6 votes
#1.22 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:13 PM EST

No, no, no, no, no! President Obama should appoint John McCain as Secretary of State, and then FIRE HIS ASS in late January 2013. That will get the bumbling old fart out of the Senate and open up a special election in Arizona his home state.

  • 25 votes
#1.23 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:21 PM EST

ORB - LOL!!! Okay, that WOULD be a great move but I don't think it would happen. Can't you just see McCain SCREAMING out in front of the White House?????

  • 12 votes
#1.24 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:36 PM EST

What a sad story line. I would think everyone would be worried about running our country rather then if a Democrat or Republican was in office. I could care less who is running for what and when, the sad truth is we need change and this is not it.

  • 4 votes
#1.25 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:46 PM EST

Funny to see Democrats bashing Democrats. Whine whine whine.

  • 5 votes
#1.26 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:26 PM EST

Susan Rice took one for Obama and will pay the price, if justice is to be served! But in this administration justice is always served cold and the bill is high....!

Kerry will have an easier time getting confirmed... even though the whole world knows his cowardly 'Swift Boat' story! Sure to provoke chuckles in Iran and N. Korea.

  • 9 votes
#1.27 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:06 PM EST

Lets not forget he has 3 purple hearts and deserves everything coming to him!!!

  • 4 votes
#1.28 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:23 PM EST

Lets not forget he has 3 purple hearts and deserves everything coming to him!!!

At least one of those purple hearts was when he injured himself in training! And he fought to get that one, lol! I suspect the other two were similar 'fakes'... he always was politically motivated, just not honest... 2 great qualities of a liberal! He also married into great wealth.. another quality of of a great American liberal!

  • 7 votes
#1.29 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:50 PM EST

Peeled,

Sorry to hear about your mistake, but you are by far and many not the only ones. Although many of the Right Wing accusations are flawed, most are quite truthful.

Thanksgiving was particularly tough. My Sister married one of those "Republicans" who is now a Democrat and voted for Obama both times. He had switched because Enron was all the Republicans fault, even though it was really neither parties doing and the Democrats actually had gotten 60% of all Enron political donations. He was there so the word was not to talk politics.

My brother didn't get the memo. He was all upset because his wife was diagnosed stage three lymphoma and had gotten the run around with the doctors. He was only happy the cancer was found now and not after the ACA she would not necessarily be able to get the exact treatment she would need. There may be some truth to that because to curb costs, many treatments will be eventually eliminated to what will be the lowest cost only at some point. It is the only honest way to curb cost.

Anyhow I had to say I got a 30% increase this year, something to date I had never experienced. And I also told him my $10,000 annual deductible will be cut in 2014 to be only $5,000 which will mean another 30 - 40% increase in premium.

What I didn't know is that my brother in law was on the same kind of plan and had experienced the same kind of increases and will experience the same as I do in 2014.

After he had left, My sister talked to me further. You see, my sister has a pre-existing condition and currently does not have health insurance. The truth about the pre-existing conditions is that before the ACA most employer plans had to take people with pre-existing conditions. There were only 5 insurance companies that offered individual plans with coverage for some pre-existing conditions. This wasn't because they didn't want to, it was because the required premium to cover the pre-existing conditions was so high that most didn't even bother to offer them because people wouldn't pay that much for them.

Because of the ACA, all companies now had to offer plans. The reason so few took the plans was because some conditions require only a little extra premium and others required a much higher premium than people are willing to pay, just as before the ACA.

Well my sister got quotes of just over $300 per month. Her husband wouldn't purchase the insurance because he was onlypayin $200 per month and hers shouldn't be any more. For me, my wife has a pre-existing condition, the insurance company would not take her to the HSA plan. I had to keep her on the existing plan for $450 per month.

I told my sister, just wait until 2014, because he will have to buy health insurance for her at whatever the cost will be or be fined for not carrying insurance on her. She was pretty sure he didn't know about that. I told her there would be no way to get away without getting the insurance because the IRS would no be permitted to look at all your bank accounts to make certain you were buying health insurance and what kind. She told me he probably didn't know about that either.

A mistake is a mistake, but it's going to hurt. Hopefully the pain will teach people to actually listen to what the opposition has to say and find out what is true and just how true it is.

Obama was elected for a variety of reasons. The biggest the "like ability factor". Another reason is the trust in a party and the people who deserve no more trust than any other lawyer or common thief. Another was people thinking they were going to get things that they won't have to pay for.

  • 5 votes
#1.30 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 10:37 PM EST

Hey...I thought the Republicans said Kerry lied about his war record and wasn't fit to be president. Now the hypocrites are heaping praise on him so they can give Brown a chance to win a new senatorial election in Mass. after he's confirmed. What a bunch of low life politicians.

  • 6 votes
#1.31 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:59 PM EST

The ever annoying Republicans, anything to grab the power with those toothless evil grins...

They are as crafty as a hawk , conniving as a fox and as slippery as a foul smelling eel

That, ya gotta give em an A+

  • 1 vote
#1.32 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 1:22 AM EST

Yeah, let's get Lurch out of the senate and into the bumbler-filled Bozobama administration, as it's be good for a few more laughs! Could you see that old stone face and monotone at a press conference? Too funny!

    #1.34 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 5:04 AM EST

    Pigotry

    Rice is better. She is very qualified. There should be more qualified women like Sue Rice in government.

    _____________________________________________

    Good morning Pigotry,

    She is better,,,

    ,,,, better at lying to the American public to promote a shallow political agenda rather than basing her rhetoric on facts.

    She has proven to be very qualified at destroying her own credibility.

    Ah yes,,,,,,, she will set a fine example of bright women in politics ! (That women can be just a sleazy as the status quo, and are just as capable of lying to the American public with a straight face.)

    Sorry Pigotry,,,,,Susan Rice will not be Secretary Of State.

    • 2 votes
    #1.35 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:18 AM EST

    Let Scott Brown run...I like it when Republicans run...especially when the run from REALITY....

    • 1 vote
    #1.36 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:26 AM EST

    John Kerry becoming Secretary of Defense? You mean the same a-hole that told students that if you go to school and study hard you will be successful in life, if not you end up in Iraq...that guy? I dont care how many purple hearts this guy has, I served in Iraq and I for one think it would be a travesty to put this man in charge if he thinks that a comment like this is acceptable.

    • 2 votes
    #1.37 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:40 AM EST

    It seems that most everyone posting statements that imply that the repubs are only after Rice to get kerry out of the senate didn't read the following part of the article:

    "But the running theory that Republicans want Kerry as secretary of state to so they can win his Senate seat ignores two realities.

    One, that Senate seat is likely to be vacant whether or not Kerry gets the secretary of state job -- because he would be in line for the defense job."

      #1.38 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:13 AM EST

      John Kerry has spent decades in Washington doing absolutely nothing. About his only claim to fame other then winning his senate seat is that he remains the wealthiest person to ever run for president, although that was during a time when it didn't matter. You can bet Kerry has plenty of offshore and overseas investments, that again won't matter because of which side of the isle he hails from. Tax increases are something Kerry supports, but doesn't like to pay. His yacht wasn't based in another state because the water was cleaner, it was registered there to avoid the State of Massachusetts taxes. There are not many more pompous then Kerry. He had the fire hydrant removed from in front of his place in Beacon Hill at tax payer expense. One of the founding members of the do as I say not as I do club. How can Kerry take any position that might cut into his love of the three hour lunch or his weekly pedicure?

      • 2 votes
      #1.39 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 1:00 PM EST
      Reply

      Why Kerry? Have we had enough of his flip-flopping? And Kerry is a proven loser ...

      • 6 votes
      Reply#2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:32 PM EST

      That prospect [Scott Brown waiting in the wings] could very well explain why Senate Republicans have showered praise on Kerry after all the controversy surrounding Rice's initial statements.

      The Democrats should be afraid of Republicans even when [repubs] bearing gifts.

      • 8 votes
      #2.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:36 PM EST

      Getting pretty bad when you have to respond to your own post and then mark it up.

      • 7 votes
      #2.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:51 PM EST

      hey Ido, you're not the first person to point out that piggy here likes to talk to him/herself.

      • 7 votes
      #2.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:53 PM EST

      hey, idle (ldo?), it's my additional thought..

      hey 'Sissy Old-Ghost To us' @#2.3 ...you beat me to the punch when I wanted to reply to idle (ido?)'s comments (#2.2)

      • 3 votes
      #2.4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:53 PM EST

      ouch, calling me a sissy, how tough over the internet. keep talking to yourself and patting yourself on the back for agreeing with yourself. Genius, pure Genius

      • 5 votes
      #2.5 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:22 PM EST

      Caesar...I hope you can take a joke. Remember I call myself a PIG...and I am a proud pig. I am short, fat, and proud of that, ............ and like donuts.

      • 4 votes
      #2.6 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:27 PM EST

      Sassy Old-Ghost?

      • 3 votes
      #2.7 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:41 PM EST

      i can take a joke. but arent jokes funny?

        #2.8 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:58 PM EST

        OK, Sassy, I mean, Caesar, I apologize.

        You are taking it too seriously, but I do like serious people, seriously.

        • 3 votes
        #2.9 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:05 PM EST

        I bet I'm paying for your donuts and your healthcare.

          #2.10 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:27 PM EST

          Not all dems are on welfare I bet I paid more in taxes last year than you made and you don't hear me bitching matter of fact I hope my money is being used to feed a family that needs food I own a hvac company and I gave away several a/c's to family's that couldn't afford new ones then I write them off so you can help me pay for them a@&hole

          • 1 vote
          #2.11 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:50 PM EST
          Reply

          Maybe we can be treated to more lies from the bitter not so swifty boat crowd

          • 11 votes
          Reply#3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:33 PM EST

          ?????????????

          • 2 votes
          #3.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:58 PM EST
          Reply

          Pubs started this fight over Rice, and if they back off it now they feel they lose. They can't admit they never should have started it in the first place. Pretty lame stuff.

          • 17 votes
          Reply#4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:37 PM EST

          What a scam by the Republicans.

          They all have the same script on what to say about Rice, I would not participate in their charades if I was Rice. They will all say they are disturbed, and they are concerned.......etc

          Who would participate in this scam against her. They just want Kerry's seat. That is why Brown didn't look upset when he lost. He knew he would get back in with their little plan. Stop playing games.

          Who would even vote for a Republican? They are non productive, and always ruin our economy in one way or another.

          • 18 votes
          Reply#5 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:43 PM EST

          Who would even vote for a Republican? They are non productive, and always ruin our economy in one way or another.

          Maybe that's the point.

          Maybe they don't want government to be productive, or compassionate, or dependable, or sensible.

          Maybe they're just that evil, and not merely misinformed. I hope not.

          • 16 votes
          #5.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:53 PM EST
          Reply

          Kerry is one of those eeeeeeeevil 1%-ers. Where are his tax returns?! How can any self-respecting Democrat support Kerry?!?

          • 1 vote
          Reply#6 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:43 PM EST

          Kerry had already released 20 years of tax returns as a senator before running for President.

          Here is a question for ya Oscar ... why do Brits know more about America than many Americans do?

          • 13 votes
          #6.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:52 PM EST

          Didn't hear you spouting that line when The Flip Flopper was running for pres. How can any self-respecting Republican support Romney, a 1%er, who refuses to release his tax returns? Gosh, Oscar Mayer Full of Baloney, see how that works?

          • 14 votes
          #6.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:59 PM EST

          Oscar - NOW you want tax returns - from a man who has released many more years than dear idiotic Mitt?

          Get a clue - get a life!

          • 14 votes
          #6.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:07 PM EST

          Good grief. Please accept my apologies, bcwc, AKgirl, and The one with no sanity. I should have indicated sarcsm, as I was parroting all the LWNJs from the last several months. Lighten up. Peace!

          • 3 votes
          #6.4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:46 PM EST

          bcwc - Simple, British press doesn't have anyone's water to carry. They can tell it like it is.

          • 3 votes
          #6.5 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:59 PM EST

          Only one problem with your 6.4 explanation, OR. The democrats running for president released their tax returns after getting the nomination and/or during the years they ran and served in Congress. Same as John McCain. Mitt Romney didn't release them when he ran for Gov of MA and he didn't release them once he received the GOP presidential nomination--what was he hiding? See the difference, Oscar? We liberals were asking for transparency on taxes since our candidates provided theirs.

          • 9 votes
          #6.6 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:01 PM EST

          Talk ... Murdock owns several newspapers in the UK most of which have come under investigation.

          • 8 votes
          #6.7 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:13 PM EST
          Reply

          I don't see why Kerry wouldn't be as good as Rice. He can lie with the best of them. Personally, I think he ought to be squeezing tomatoes at his wife's ketchup factory. And people called Romney a "billionaire out of touch with the common people"...what would that make Kerry?

          • 3 votes
          Reply#7 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:47 PM EST

          And people called Romney a "billionaire out of touch with the common people"...what would that make Kerry?

          Mr. Tomato-Head??

          • 4 votes
          #7.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:52 PM EST

          ...another also ran from Massachusetts...

            #7.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:02 PM EST
            Reply

            Scott Brown? Speaking of people who seem like they aren't very bright...

            • 9 votes
            Reply#8 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:55 PM EST

            Sorry you have low self esteem. But perhaps you are not very bright.

            • 1 vote
            #8.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:55 PM EST

            I guess that if you're as gorgeous as Scott Brown, you don't NEED to be all that smart.

              #8.2 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:55 AM EST
              Reply

              Kerry will be SoS...

              A Democrat will win his vacated seat in Mass. (It's sort of a Blue state)

              This is all a waste of time...

              In more interesting news;

              Legendary Sales trainer Zig Ziglar has passed away at 86...

              ...and this is a pretty good article on the history of the filibuster and why we have to go "Old School" a la "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" with it.

              http://www.thenation.com/blog/171474/dont-eliminate-filibuster-restore-it#

              • 5 votes
              Reply#9 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:01 PM EST

              "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" ... O boy, does that come with action figures? A Christmas educational toy! ... Copy of Constitution included or not?

              • 7 votes
              #9.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:13 PM EST

              No, but there is a POPEIL "Capitol Dome" crock-pot available for your Fiscal Cliff/Christmas Parties...

              [His voice very hoarse, from his filibuster] Just get up off the ground, that's all I ask. Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty. Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something. And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting. Fighting for something better than just jungle law, fighting so's he can stand on his own two feet, free and decent, like he was created, no matter what his race, color, or creed. That's what you'd see.

              There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties.

              -------------------------------------------------------------------------

              I am a big fan of Capra-corn...

              • 4 votes
              #9.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:28 PM EST

              Arsenic and Old Lace .... Charge! and a Panama Canal in every basement.

              • 4 votes
              #9.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:37 PM EST

              A Democrat?

              There must be an eligible Kennedy, either living in Mass. or willing to move back, ready to step in for the next 40 years or so.

                #9.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:33 AM EST
                Reply

                John Kerry??.. is Obama choosing form a list of complete losers or what?

                • 2 votes
                Reply#10 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:02 PM EST

                navyvet98 - Kerry only lost because of Karl Rove's swift boat liars. Your point?

                • 13 votes
                #10.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:43 PM EST

                SeekingSanity - Those so called "swift boat liars" you mention actually served with Kerry in Vietnam. I don't believe you were there so how can you say they lied. Besides, many Vietnam Veterans, like myself, could never support someone who made the claims Kerry made about what took place in Vietnam. Remember Kerry was testifying before Congress, demonstrating in the streets of America against the war, and trying to incriminate fellow military personnel. IMO Kerry was in the same category as Hanoi Jane Fonda.

                BTW, Senator John Kerry does not deserve to be nominated for Secretary of Defense, and if selected by the President I would hope the Senate will not confirm his appointment.

                • 1 vote
                #10.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:23 PM EST

                sfcret, this article disagrees with your assessment:

                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_Vets_and_POWs_for_Truth

                ...these veterans, most of whom had not been in a place to assess Kerry, challenged the legitimacy of each of the combat medals awarded to Kerry even though most[3] of the Vietnam veterans who served alongside Kerry or under his command disputed the criticisms and supported Kerry in his presidential aspirations.

                • 3 votes
                #10.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:28 PM EST

                We heard Kerry speaking on the Boston Common in the early seventies during a McGovern rally. He really is not a hero.

                • 1 vote
                #10.4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:58 PM EST

                fielden - Did you read the whole article that you are citing. Some of the so called "swift boaters" DID serve with Kerry in Vietnam. the swift boaters also included service members that were POWs and took exception to Kerry's remarks about the military conduct of US Troops. Kerry testified before Congress, and in front of press conferences about so called atrocities committed by US personnel, which he admitted he did not see for himself and had no verification.

                After reading the whole article (I really don't consider wikipedia a reliable source) you might want to reconsider if Senator Kerry is qualified or even should be nominated for Secretary of Defense. I still consider Kerry no better than Hanoi Jane Fonda.

                  #10.5 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:17 PM EST

                  sferet-What is your source? Autrocities did happen in Viet Nam. If Kerry called attention to them. What is wrong with that? A lot of things happened in the Viet Nam days. The "so called Swift boaters" are a blight on Kerry/Bush race. It does not matter if they were POWs. Lying is lying. Kerry actually did fight in Viet Nam and was injured. You can't take that away from him. If you don't like his thoughts on that war, that is your problem. Most people have tried to bury the hatchet of Viet Nam and move on. If you wish to live in the past. Fine. Stay there.

                    #10.6 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:13 AM EST

                    Amen, John Magnusson. I wanted to say something similar to sferet, but you said it all. Mr. Kerry DID serve! All Vets took the same oath to the USA, but some tend to go political and attack each other for political reasons.

                    I am a Navy Vet and I thank them ALL for their service, no matter what. To compare him to Jane Fonda is absurd. This IS a Democracy and Mr. Kerry had every right and responsibility to tell the American people (1st hand) what their own Gov't would not.

                    He was NOT the ONLY Vet to call Nam what it was. It angered me that some Vets chose to Swift Boat (speak negative about) a fellow Vet for an election. Still....this is a Democracy, however, and I respect, but hated, the divisiveness.

                      #10.7 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:35 AM EST
                      Reply

                      Let Kerry finish his term in the Senate, he is a do nothing anyway. The retire him. But we do need more women, that are good, a few that are in their appear to be air heads like Bachman. I hope Hillary gets to pick the next Secretary of State no matter what you think of her, she has done a great job, unlike those in Congresss and the REPUBLICANS are still doing nothing.

                        Reply#11 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:03 PM EST

                        Hillary should stay in.

                        I wonder what chess piece they would move next?

                        • 3 votes
                        Reply#12 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:04 PM EST

                        animal-farm - she can't. She's readying her run for 2016!

                        • 4 votes
                        #12.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:15 PM EST

                        Hillarity has NO CHANCE for the nomination in 2016 unless the Democrats want to give it to any Republican stooge the RWNJ's can find. Her 2008 run showed just how divisive she can be, she even blackmailed Obama for the SoS job, when he wanted Colin Powell. How cum she isn't being grilled by Congress about embassy / consulate security matters. Benghazi happened ON HER WATCH! Get her out of Washington and out of sight / out of mind.

                        • 1 vote
                        #12.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:31 PM EST

                        ORB - Hillary not only will win the nomination, she'll win the election. With the GOP stuck in the dark ages and Hillary showing a very good understanding of foreign affairs, she's put herself in a GREAT position for the 2016 run. Both Bill and Obama will campaign for her.

                        Start saying President Hillary Clinton!

                        • 4 votes
                        #12.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:38 PM EST

                        I think she has a really good shot. I think she is highly qualified. I still have a bad taste in my mouth when she testified about the Rose Law Firm and she answered by saying she did not recall the incident. She is too smart for that to have been true. It sure would be interesting to have Bill be First Gentleman.

                          #12.4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:04 PM EST

                          Very intriguing to have Hillary stay in as SoS. But we also need her to be free to organise her HRC '16 run. Running for president is now more all out consuming than ever before, especially with the high organisational bar that PBO has set which anyone who hopes to win in coming presidential elections has to at least match. My take is PBO sticks to his guns--he beat these jokers twice and he deserves whoever SoS he pleases. Talented Rice as SoS and proven veteran Kerry as SoD. And if Scott centerfold Brown wants to run again, we will kick his modeling butt -- again.

                          Sen Ayotte thinks she is slick but repubs are so predictable it's not funny. Yes they started the Benghazi/Rice assault long before the election but Scottie was also trailing Elizabeth Warren in the polls long before the election. Who does she think she's fooling?!

                          • 1 vote
                          #12.5 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:07 AM EST
                          Reply

                          The GOP/RNC want that MA Senate Seat for their "Party Of NO!" The Tea Beggers have no respect for the President, and they are mocking Susan Rice. The GOP/Tea Beggers want to gain the upper hand in the US Senate, and continue their 'obstructionism' in Congress. The President must never back down to the GOP/Tea Beggers. No Tea Begger is in the position to dictate anything, to anyone, at anytime. That was proven very true on November 6, 2012. That is fact! "Bonehead Boehner" made it clear that 'compromise' is a swear word, and that it will never happen. Why is tax legislation still being 'buried' in the GOP/Tea Begger "House Of Hoodlum's?" It already passed the US Senate! So what is the hold up America?

                          • 10 votes
                          Reply#13 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:04 PM EST

                          good post!

                          • 3 votes
                          #13.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:13 PM EST
                          Reply

                          I want to see a new face. Someone not involved in politics. I'm tired of the same cast of crooks.

                          • 2 votes
                          Reply#14 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:13 PM EST

                          The political part of this just so obvious and tawdry. Angry Old McCain and Graham the Cracker are trying to force the President to nominate Kerry because they think Former Senator Centerfold will win a special election. The Dems here in Mass have started licking their chops already. Joe Kennedy III just got elected to the House. They'd love to run him against Brown and put Former Senator Centerfold away for good. The GOP is paving the way for another Kennedy in the Senate. The opportunity to put both Romney and Brown away for good is just toooooo inviting. Speak up, GOP. Louder...louder...louder....

                          • 10 votes
                          Reply#15 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:14 PM EST

                          This is ridiculous that President Obama has to deal with this for another 4 years. He holds the highest office and yet the screwballs want to hurt the American people again, and again. A year ago in October the teatrees told businesses not to hire, to make the economy look bad. They continue to hurt the American people, and make our quality of life stagnate with their childish games. I hope everyone remembers what they are about next election. They hold the president hostage and also the American people.

                          • 8 votes
                          Reply#16 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:23 PM EST

                          Obama was from Animal farm and did not know dollar from cents. He wanted to go shopping because he got bank account whether there was any money in the accoutn or not.

                          He foudn out hard way that people have way to know there is no money in his account and held him in check.

                          Oh, well. He is learning.

                            #16.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:36 PM EST

                            Another whining Republican,

                            that Lost!!!!!

                            • 5 votes
                            #16.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:52 PM EST

                            IDCG - wow you sound a lot like Concerned Citizen - can't put a sentence together that makes any sense.

                            President Obama is ten times better than dear little Georgie - who I'm sure you voted for - twice. And, he's heads above both McCain and Romney. Actually, President Obama is better than ANYONE the Republicans have!

                            • 7 votes
                            #16.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:00 PM EST
                            Reply

                            wasn't he just on trial?? Priceless!

                              Reply#17 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:28 PM EST

                              plsthink90 - wasn't WHO on trail? Not Kerry!

                              • 4 votes
                              #17.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:42 PM EST

                              my bad, I get these goof balls mixed up. Edwards is who I am thinking of.

                                #17.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:55 PM EST
                                Reply

                                Just what is needed. Put another Kennedy loser in office. Other than my brother-in-law, are there any non idiots left in Mass. anymore? If Lurch kerry ends up as sos and cuts himself shaving, will he be able to put in for a purple heart like he did in Vietnam?

                                • 2 votes
                                Reply#18 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:29 PM EST

                                -riverman numbers-

                                Wasn't it you that wanted to "thank all the vets for their service" on the 24th?

                                Interesting comment, given that sentiment.

                                • 3 votes
                                #18.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:22 PM EST
                                Reply

                                Speaking of old and needing to retire did anyone mention John McCain? Senator McCain and his buddy Linsey Graham should make room for fresher voices, whether Republican or Democrat we should have term limits on Senators and Congressmen.

                                Rolling Sen Byrd in to vote on something he had no ideal about was dispicable, When you stay too long you become an unwelcomed guest muttering nonsense at people.

                                • 5 votes
                                Reply#19 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:32 PM EST

                                John Kerry made opening for Obama on National scene and supported him all the way to be President. But Obama is nervous appoining John Kerry because of his attitude of Pontiff of foreign policy and may no just quietly take Pressidents order and play Presidents game like Hillary. Hillary carried out Oama foreign policy. Kerry may not be that compliant.

                                Republican likes him generally well. Kerry wnated McCain to be VP for his campaign. Obama is very nervous about it.

                                Obama is in Jam of Susac fails

                                • 1 vote
                                Reply#20 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:34 PM EST

                                I'd like to see the White House consider Bob Kerry for the Sec Def job. He's a former 2-term US Senator from Nebraska, former Governor, a member of the 9-11 commission, a Navy SEAL during Vietnam and a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. It would be tough for the GOP to make the case that he doesn't have the experience or military background.

                                • 5 votes
                                Reply#21 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:37 PM EST

                                .....empty suit or empty skirt....take your pick, both candidates are worthless and will do nothing if appointed......I believe that is the exact strategy of the Dumbocrats.....do nothing and the dummies who voted for us won't know the difference......another four years of nothing...thanks, Obozo.....

                                • 4 votes
                                Reply#22 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:40 PM EST

                                nycguy - wow! The level of your intelligence is clearly overwhelming - NOT! Calling the President names is such a first grade stunt. And, darlin, both Rice and Kerry could skate circles around you any day - as well as around every Republican sheister in Congress!

                                • 7 votes
                                #22.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:52 PM EST

                                SeekingSanity-....I have no respect for Obozo or anyone who voted for him....it only confirms your naivete and stupidity.....Kerry is a moron, and leads idiots like you around by the nose......enjoy your walk....

                                • 2 votes
                                #22.2 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:56 PM EST

                                nycguy - the only moron I see here is you! Your stupidity and hatred is only overshadowed by your eagerness to post it for all to see. Let me guess - you voted for both McCain and Mitt - right????? LOL! And, you have the nerve to put ANYONE DOWN?????

                                • 6 votes
                                #22.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:02 PM EST

                                @Jody

                                I love the Tweedledeboys and Alice, it describes that group to perfection. I am going to use that phrase, please don't sue me for copyright infringement <G>

                                • 2 votes
                                #22.4 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:04 PM EST

                                nycguy is sure hostile

                                Wow using a republican word, disturbing

                                Oh well, he lost

                                Lost big time

                                • 3 votes
                                #22.5 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:12 PM EST

                                nycguy, yeah I guess the people you look up to is Rush, Hannity and Ann Coulter, right.

                                ncyguy = another nut job that rants on an on about "NOTHING".

                                • 1 vote
                                #22.6 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:45 PM EST

                                Jason797 = idiot who can't think for himself.....you know, the normal liberal trait....enjoy....

                                  #22.7 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:46 AM EST
                                  Reply

                                  What does Kelly Ayotte lnow about foreign policy? Another New Hampshire know-nothing, like John Sununu.

                                  A lady doing Republican bididing.

                                  • 4 votes
                                  Reply#23 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:08 PM EST

                                  Makes you wonder what they promised to do for her.

                                  • 2 votes
                                  #23.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:23 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  Scott Brown could easily pick it up. Demoncats haven't had time to build up anybody else after Fauxcahontas and her white Indian braves moved their tepees to Washington.

                                  This'd give him a chance to get back in. He allegedly got 46.3% even in far left radical Massachusetts in the election, so he's right there.

                                    Reply#24 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:09 PM EST

                                    Think about that scott brown running again? That would sure suck to get beat twice for the same job within a year.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    #24.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:30 PM EST
                                    Reply
                                    Julia Brownvia FacebookDeleted

                                    What does Kelly Ayotte know about foreign policy? A New Hampshire Know-Nothing like John Sununu.

                                    Pathetic.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    Reply#26 - Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:11 PM EST
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