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Who is John Kerry?
This column might have been devoted to President Bush’s recent State of the Union address…had there really been such a thing. Sadly, America received a rehashing of old things, and a renewed commitment to do those things that few, if any people who read this column, are in real agreement with. George Bush talked very little about the ills that affect our individual lives each day, like the almost-trillion dollar deficit that threatens implementation of the good programs that were already in place when he got there; the reality of an economic forecast that continues to affect millions of workers who either lost their jobs, or left college to find a “no hiring” sign on corporate doors…or, how Americans suffering most from the ever-increasing health care costs -- the elderly, women and the poor -- are supposed to survive. President Bush’s 45-minute State of Defense address skirted issues important to most American people, while reiterating those on which his white house has staked their claim: the Iraqi War, the un-American Patriots Act, the dis-ingenious No Child Left Behind education program; and, the drum beat about the morality of marriage (between the opposite sex). Albeit, Mr. Bush wasn’t out to make new friends on the left side of the hall, or to convince those not likely to vote for him that he was going in the right direction. He was the proverbial preacher directing his same old song, to the choir…the Republicans, who gave him rousing standing ovations for his stiff upper lip. Given the state of the world, most every American agrees that a strong national security plan is of utmost importance. So, Mr. Bush has at least part of it right…but, are we to close our eyes to our mounting domestic ills, until he gets the rest of it right, in Iraq, and the rest of the world? Alas, this space, and our fizzling hope must be placed on the rapidly approaching presidential election. And, after the Iowa upset, we should devote some time studying the man who might be the Democratic nominee. An old, familiar face, but a new presidential prospect: Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. Kerry surprised us all – and, maybe his own camp, when he turned up the front runner in Iowa…and, like the pink bunny, the man’s popularity seems to keep on ticking. A warning, before we throw all our eggs into the Kerry basket: Those eggs deserve some compensation…from Kerry, Edwards, Clark, or even Dean, if he’s still in the race. Only a staunch Democrat can really be honest when it comes to the ills of the Democratic party - and, this staunch Democrat says a lot needs to be done in the area of valuing minority’s loyalty and votes. But, knowing most minorities will vote Democratic, in the end; we should not go blindly into our voting booths. Okay, we can celebrate for a moment, in learning that George Bush isn’t as unbeatable as we were led to believe. Certainly, a pretty impressive recent poll says he’s not. The one that says John Kerry’s electability numbers are outshining those of the incumbent President’s. That could be good news for Democrats…could be. But, the fact is, most of us know little about John Kerry. Most black Americans haven’t paid a lot of attention to the man because his personality is neither illuminating, nor provoking like Edwards or Dean’s. Like the rest of America, we’ve watched and listened to John Dean’s vacillating, often titillating half-liberal, half-conservative dialogue; thought that Edwards reminded us of a young, less reserved John F. Kennedy…and, even surmised that Clark’s non-political demeanor might be just what America needs. But, if it turns out to be Mr. Kerry, then, it’s incumbent on all of us planning to vote this year – and I pray that’s most of us – to pull out the old microscope, and start looking into the new frontrunner’s portfolio. It’s time to research Kerry’s record, to see what side of the floor he most often votes; who his backers are, and what are his issues? We commend his veteran status…that might actually be helpful next year … but what do we know about his compassion for other issues that affect most Americans…specifically, blacks and minorities. Ted Kennedy, white America’s ultimate liberal is backing Kerry. That says something…but, what else? He’s a very wealthy man. That could work for or against us – depends on what money means to him. He’s an intellectual…not sure how that’ll work, since most intellectuals – except for people like Bill Clinton, have hearts encased in foil or saran wrap. John Kerry is one of those impressive men, who fail to excite the average person. There is likely something real and substantive below the surface, but it looks as if we’ll have to dig deep to find out just what. Recently, we saw him smile and speak above a Massachusetts growl…so, he is alive. Now we need to hear him spout something that sticks with us…make us know he recognizes issues beyond Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts…something closer to our own back yard…and, then ask that age old question: How will America…and, more specifically, my community, be better off under your presidency, than it is today? Janis F. Kearney is a Chicago writer, former journalist and diarist to President Bill Clinton. A Harvard W.E.B. Du Bois Fellow, she is currently completing William Jefferson Clinton from Hope to Harlem; and a personal memoir, Cotton Field of Dreams. Kearney Communications 5138 S. Kenwood Ave.#2 Chicago, IL 60615 (773) 493-2007 --ph (773) 493-5747 -- fax janisfk@aol.com |
