Tommy Ates OnlineŠ: John Kerrys On The Ropes

Kerrys fast becoming a joke. The Massachusetts Senator, early on considered the early-frontrunner, is getting a $5 million dollar mortgage on his townhouse in Boston, whom he co-owns with wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, heir of the Heinz fortune (after her former husband dies in a plane crash) with assets worth close to $500 million. For Kerry strategists now should be the time of reflection, and contemplation. How did John Kerry become 2000s Al Gore? The answer is surprisingly simple: Kerry became the symbol of the politician that wasnt.

(PRWEB) December 21, 2003 --It appears John Kerry is in dire straits (financially, that is).

No matter what Senator Kerry says about just borrowing $850,000 for now, including more money later (if his campaign needs more cash). The election saga of John Kerry could be over before a single vote has been cast. Cash infusions, loans, and legal technicalities, all of the financial maneuvers used to protect a campaign going nowhere fast.

Kerrys fast becoming a joke.

The Massachusetts Senator, early on considered the early-frontrunner, is getting a $5 million dollar mortgage on his townhouse in Boston, whom he co-owns with wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, heir of the Heinz fortune (after her former husband dies in a plane crash) with assets worth close to $500 million.

For Kerry strategists now should be the time of reflection, and contemplation.
    
How did John Kerry become 2000s Al Gore?

The answer is surprisingly simple: Kerry became the symbol of the politician that wasnt.

Even early in 2003, among Democratic consultants, his image was a campaign managers dream. John Kerry started as a classic, New England statesman loved for his eloquent words and his more imposing tall figure. And like Gore, the longtime senator knew the Beltway like the back of his hand. His military experience was the icing on the cake. Kerry looked like a formidable foe (if Gore didnt enter the race). And since Gore lost on his lackluster personality in Florida, whoever ran in 2004 as the Democratic nominee would have to carry monetary gravitas far beyond the democratic establishment, John Kerrys connections to the Heinz fortune and the New England elites filled the bill nicely.

But then came the 'anti-candidate Howard Dean.

Though still unknown by many, the former Vermont governor has been able to tap into the dissatisfaction of progressives and traditional Democrats, still mad over Florida, the Presidents controversial foreign policy, and rising deficit spending.

Kerry has been unable to respond with the passion, and vigor, that complements a candidate without alienating potential voters. Kerrys former communications manager, Chris Lahane, kept the candidate on a tight lease, keeping him on message; but in the midst of Deans growing media-driven insurgent candidacy, Kerrys blandish demeanor, caused his centrist message to drown amongst the already crowded field of contenders. However, (though it was not the internet) to mimic Howard Deans use of media to generate political points is not the answer.

No matter what, the candidate must always stay on message.

Even though Kerrys platform is not that different from fellow Senators Lieberman or Edwards, under campaign manager Jim Jordans direction (before he was fired), that doesnt mean the candidate should use extreme shock" tactics that distracts voters from the issues being promoted.

But perhaps, already the deathnell of Kerrys campaign journey, started with the bipartisan furor in the now infamous Rolling Stone interview, as the Senator evoked Ozzy Osbourne with foul mouthed rhetoric in reference to the Presidents foreign policy in Iraq. The negative reaction to political observers comes as no surprise. For many, this episode showed clear unprofessional conduct from a candidate, who (as President) must conduct diplomatic decorum with Congress as well as foreign leaders. It even gives rise to the notion of whether John Kerry is mature enough to be President.

For any campaign, such talk creates deep credibility issues.

And among Republicans, John Kerrys loutish behavior will touted as just another example of the Democrats as 'angry mad-hatters, so upset at how the Bush administration has remade Washington and national policy, that party has become controlled ideological zealots unable to connect with moderates. Which in primary season means potential swing votes could be lost before the Democratic nominee is selected in the panic over which candidate will be the anti-Dean" (to face off the campaign internet war chest). To make matters worse, there is a danger that candidates are already displaying too many versions of themselves. Most recently, after Saddams capture, Kerry (joined Lieberman) both reversing their criticism of Bushs use of congressional authority to go war with Iraq.

Sadly, to follow Kerry on his foreign policy platform now requires a suspension of belief.

Also lost to the minds of voters will be the first impressions of candidate John Kerry as a strong front-runner," re-declaring his candidacy with patriotic flair in downtown Boston only months before. Now, the campaign's late-2003 remnants face an uphill battle, stabilizing his image (now tarnished over the media debacles) while deflecting tugging assertions within the Democratic establishment that hes become a second-tier candidate." Meanwhile, Howard Dean gathers more momentum with New Hampshire voters touting his consistent 'anti-war,' balanced-budget economic message as Senator Kerry fights for press time.

However, the campaign's lack of media savvy is only a symptom of a much larger issue.

Like the old Al Gore, John Kerry is at odds with himself.