Reply #26: A few points:

[beachmom]

First, I agree with you Whometense on how Kerry laid the foundation for Obama. However, most people just don't know this, and frankly, most will not believe us. Dean has been labelled the grassroots guy who reinvigorated the party. Kerry has alternately been labelled the "loser" (just like Gore) or sometimes, when a journalist does the research, that Kerry had the right ideas, i.e. he was the Idea Man.

A lot of people are still not over 2004, and are still resentful. The truth is Kerry DID make mistakes, and had one gaffe "I voted for it before I voted against it", which was very unfortunate and really hurt him because the GOP had already branded him a "flip flopper". If you want to convince people with the other arguments, it helps to come across as intellectually honest and acknowledge his mistakes. Same with the IWR vote. Just the other day, I said he was wrong to vote that way, that it regrettably might have been a decision made with presidential politics in mind, BUT .... then I said all the positive things he has done. The person who was naysaying Kerry responded simply, "I agree". That's how you get people on your side.

As you know, life is more nuanced than how most people talk in the political arena. I admire Kerry just as much for his human failings, as for his triumphs. It's the fact that he can get up in the morning and keep fighting in spite of mistakes he made (including the self inflicted wound of voting for the Iraq War, which will never heal) or injustices bestowed on him. He is a real person who is unique because of his never ending belief that as a leader in this country he can "make the world a better place" (a job description I saw when he was hiring internet people). Humility can go a long way, so don't forget to factor that in when making your arguments.

I just wanted to add that Obama has two things that Kerry didn't: a record of opposing the Iraq War in no uncertain terms and an incredible speaking gift. Kerry is a fantastic speaker when he's on, but Obama is the most talented speaker in a generation.