I'm Sick of the Kerry-Iraq Threads

[liberalpragmatist]

This thing is being beaten to death. Let's review the situation here:
Kerry said that he would still have voted for authority to go to war in hindsight - basically, it was the right thing to do b/c he felt that we needed weapons inspectors in and the only way to do that would have been by threatening force. James Rubin's statement to the Washington Post (contradicting what Kerry said just the day before) notwithstanding, Kerry did not say he would have gone to war.

Now, I will say that I disagree with the statement - but it doesn't enrage me or cause me to question my support. And frankly, although his various votes are intellectually defensible, it does seem to me like he made a couple bad political calculations and has been trying to cover his ass - he wants to come out and just say that the war is a fuckup, but he has to seem consistent to avoid the flip-flopping label.

People are free to think whatever of Kerry's actions. I'm not asking you to approve of them. But Kerry would not have gone to war. Kerry is FAR better than Bush. He's smart, understanding of the world, and he will make a great president. Let's focus now on what he's going to do, not what he might have done or should have done in the past.

And like Kerry himself said - if you honestly believe that he would have taken us to war in Iraq if he were President, don't vote for him.

Otherwise, let's just keep our eyes on the target:

[w13rd0]

1. Politicians have a hard time...

...admitting they made a mistake, especially if the mistake was in the last or present election cycle. As much as I was and am against this war, and as much as it would satisfy ME to have Kerry say "I made a mistake, this war is wrong," I just want them to avoid the friggin obvious traps.

[madfloridian]

2. My problem is this:

It is an issue which is defining who we are as a country. If he would still have voted yes "knowing" all we know now.....then I feel the goal was Iraq all along. Just as it was the Bush administration.

That it has nothing to do with weapons, or evil dictators, but everything to do with Iraq as the "immediate justification". It had to do with its being the "gateway" to the middle east. Just like the PNAC statements.

If he just said he would not have voted knowing what he knows, it would have easier for a lot of us.

And the anger here toward anyone who cares deeply about the issue of our country's invasion of a country which was no threat.....that anger here toward us is quite painful. Especially since a lot of it from folks who knew exactly what we were doing in 2003.

We know we will vote for him, but it is hard to accept the snobbishness from those previous anti-war folks who now are ok with it.

[liberalpragmatist]

4. I'm not demanding anything of you

If you aren't feeling enthusiastic for Kerry and are disappointed by him, that's fine - it's your right and that goes without saying.

I just feel it's getting silly to constantly be deconstructing his war vote. I disagree with it. Others do. Others don't. The arguments are getting pointless. Nobody is convincing anybody else. Just let people think what they want to think about the appropriateness of the vote and his subsequent statements and let's just focus on the future at this point. It's up to the individual to try to come to terms with Kerry. My message to wavering antiwar folks is this: read up on Kerry, and if you want, I and plenty of others on this site can provide you with the positive view, but ultimately it's the individual's choice.

[oasis]

3. "If you think I would have taken America into war then don't vote for me"

Kerry said this time and again during the primaries. Those who can't bring themselves to support John Kerry should move on and stop polluting DU.

[madfloridian]

5. We want me to stop "polluting DU?" Thanks.

I will vote for him, but I thought I belonged here after two and more years.

I was not aware I was polluting. I am not really a lefty at all, I am a moderate. I used to be extremely so here, and told I was too conservative for the board.

Now I am polluting because I do not like an unjust war? Thanks a lot.

[oasis]

7. Phase one: the primaries, Dean, Clark, Kerry, Edwards, DK etc. We are

now in phase two: Trying to get Kerry into the White House. What's the point of second guessing Kerry during phase two?

[democratreformed]

8. madfloridian

I don't know what to say to you except that I have felt the same way you are feeling. Somehow, you have to find a way to come to terms with it. About the only thing I can do for you is tell you how I accomplished that.

I still do not agree with the war. That vote (from both of our candidates) really grated on my nerves for quite a while. But, I do honestly believe that we are facing the end of our country as we know it if * gets four more years. I sincerely hope I'm not just being reactionary and overdoing the fear this administration creates in me. I guess, instead of instilling fear of terrorism in me, they have instilled fear of * and his cronies.

When all this first started (the war and terrorism talk), I sincerely felt our country moving backwards. I am so ready to move FORWARD. I have to put my trust in someone. Kerry is that someone. I honestly believe that he WILL take the necessary steps to move our country forward. That includes ending this illegal and unjust war. It may not happen as soon as we would like, but I believe that it WILL happen. One part of Kerry's convention speech that I REALLY appreciated was the "What if" part. It was the most clear demonstration of vision and moving forward that I have ever seen. To me he was saying that we, as a nation, will move into a better future by trying all things. We will not limit ourselves. And we WILL achieve.

He said so many things that made me believe that he understands the need to move forward and grow. To me, that means the mess in Iraq WILL be fixed. I don't see any possible way to move forward without that.

In the mean time, John Kerry has to win. There is so much pressure on this election that every move - every word is likely weighed over and over. If John Kerry said he would vote the same way again, it has to be because that's what needed to be done to win. Later... later... AFTER the win, we will hold him accountable for doing the right thing.

[goodhue]

9. Folks can fully support Kerry and nonetheless cringe at perceived missteps

eom

[hippiegranny]

6. it is NOT as simple as saying "I was wrong",

not in this day and age. Kerry has already been labeled a flip-flopper by the liars on the right. They would freakin' CRUCIFY him if he said what a loud minority here at DU thinks he should say. Most of the people who are screaming the loudest about this are the ones who are reading the headline the right-wing corporate pravda wants you to see and looking no further.

It's gonna be KERRY or BUSH for the next four years. This is really a no-fuckin'-brainer, folks... come on already!!!!!