John Kerry, His Own Worst Enemy

One of John Kerry's biggest problem (aside from the somewhat unfair joke that his frequent referencing of his war record has become) is his personality. This man has nothing resembling charisma, and is quite simply as unlikable as a candidate can be. Yes, his stands on issues should be the focal point, but charisma does count--especially when your opponents positions aren't easily distinguished from your own.

Take this little exchange as an example.

Asked by a young woman at an event at Des Moines Area Community College why she should vote for him and not for Edwards, the 60-year-old senator from Massachusetts talked about his experience and then said, "When I came home from Vietnam in 1969, I don't know if John Edwards was out of diapers then yet or not, I'm totally not sure. I don't know." He then appeared to re-think the issue, and said, "He was by then, it was earlier."

So, asked to differentiate himself from another candidate, Kerry takes the chance not to talk about policy or direction, but to take a cheap shot at his opponent. Of course, he also manages to slip in his war record, as well.

Kerry is one of those guys who, even if I held him in the highest respect professionally, I would never want to sit back and share a drink. He's the kid on the playground who always wants to be the center of attention and, if he can't get it by being the best, will damned well pull down everyone else so that he looks better. That is, he's a bit of a bully.

According to the article, Kerry seems to have realized his error.

A few minutes later, Kerry appeared to regret the initial comment, saying, "I think the difference [between the candidates] is the level of preparedness and experience to be able to get the job done, and I truly don't want to be negative about anybody.

"That comment I made was not meant to be negative. I don't want to go that road."

Too late, John, you've already gone that road.

If he had taken the opportunity to actually answer the question well, he would have done himself a great service. Instead, he insulted Edwards (who, at 50 years old is not precisely a young, inexperienced man). The more I read and watch, the more truly unpleasant Kerry seems.

Read the story.

Posted by zombyboy at January 19, 2004 10:12 AM | TrackBack