April 3, 2008
Posted: April 3rd, 2008 05:45 PM ET
CNN

Watch John Kerry's interview on The Situation Room.

(CNN)—Sen. John Kerry said fellow veteran John McCain’s military background doesn’t necessarily mean he would be a good commander in chief.

“John McCain can run around all that he wants right now talking about his military experience,” Kerry told CNN’s Suzanne Malveaux, “but he made the wrong judgment about Iraq, he has a foreign policy that has made us weaker.”

He added that the last eight years have been a failure in foreign policy, “and John McCain has supported it in its entirety.”

McCain himself has acknowledged his support of the war in Iraq could cost him the presidency.

Pointing to former President Ronal Reagan’s lack of military experience, Kerry explained presidents have overcome not having a military background by knowing who to ask questions of, and surrounding themselves with people who do share military experience.

Kerry, who endorsed Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential run earlier this year, said military experience has value, but judgment means more. “[Obama] has a very clear vision on how to make America stronger,” the Massachusetts senator said.

UPDATE: A Republican National Committee spokesman blasted Kerry's comments. “John Kerry has absolutely no credibility on Iraq. Kerry’s attacks on Iraq ring hollow considering his inability to offer a consistent much less coherent stance on the issue," said RNC spokesman Alex Conant in a written statement. "Kerry would be better off trying to explain why Barack Obama broke his promise and voted against troop funding for our men and women in uniform.”

–CNN's Emily Sherman

Filed under: Barack Obama • John Kerry • John McCain


Anybody but McCain   April 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

McCains a great guy with a tremendous character, but he is not the person for the Presidency.
I vote HIllary. Obama is a media creation and a bad one at that.
I know most of you are Republicans in this forum but come on, do you really want to vote McCain in?
Give me a break,spare yourself another Bush type who is not really aware of what is going on in todays political scene..

Lifelong Democrat   April 3rd, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Kerry, your time is up!!!

Please leave the stage and stop talking. You have and will always be a loser. I can't believe I voted for you 4yrs ago...I want my vote back!

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   April 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

John Kerry is the most stupid politician I have ever known. Loser has something to say to the winner? I am sure McCain is way better than Obama, that is sure. Kerry just like the media appearance.

Willy   April 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Kerry could even beat W so why is this smuck running his mouth now?

tim   April 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

uh didn't Kerry want McCain to be his VP, ya so shut up!

goon   April 3rd, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Come on guys!
You are all talking walking republicans.
Believe me or not , the electorate map is totally blue this year. No republican is able to win the WH in 2008. Furthermore, they going to lose not only the WH, but also several seats in the house. I promise. so, you guys stop hoodwinking us pls.

Joe   April 3rd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

John Kerry... wow. there really isn't much to say about this man. McCain has 100x more honor than John Kerry has.

Pate   April 3rd, 2008 9:37 pm ET

JOHN KERRY–YOU 'RE A GREAT MAN

Jermaine   April 3rd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

RNC needs to jut shut it and stop emailing me and other RNC members,w e were for GW, however MCCAIN is no GW nor is he Ronald REAGAN. In terms of REAGAN OBAMA shows more REGAN like qualities than a Mccain Presidency will ever show and as Republican and a huge RNC contributor I will never vote for MCCAIN. He is an opportunist and he should not have won the nomination, it was rigged in his favor and OBAMA-CLINTON ticket will resoundedly beat him come November in a HUGE landslide!

OBAMA-CLINTON O8!

Ann   April 3rd, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Hilary supporters are upset with the ugliness of the Obama campaign and the Obama supporters.

At one point I didn't care who the Democratic nominee would be because anyone would be better than a Republician. If Obama is the nominee, I will stay home in November. No way I will vote for Obama.

aware   April 3rd, 2008 9:21 pm ET

Kerry, you are a loser and so is your arrogant protege Obama.

You and Kennedy gave Obama poor advice. He is reaching too high too soon and his super ego maniac/super con artist rhetoric will destroy him and the Democrats!

Obama sat in a racist church under a racist pastor/mentor for 20 years has certainly absorbed the black liberation ideology of blame/victimhood. This ideology doesn't help anyone become a voctor. However, it is great for establishing a dependent following.

Do you really want America to be like Chicago? :(

Vig   April 3rd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Why are we hearing so much from Kerry? This is a guy who seems to think he's still running for something. We don't care.

Oleg, CA   April 3rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Republicans should be happy they are not in jail for this war, but no... they chose to say something.

Obama 2008

Anna   April 3rd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

McCain has never been in charge of war or peace.
Thats the point that Kerry is making.
Being a hired gun for the guys that make the big decisions does not give him experience to lead our country.
In fact it makes him worse, he is a follower not a leader. He has not had one novel idea in his entire life.
I

L MIAMI FLORIDA   April 3rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

OBAMA'S GOOD FRIEND ====KERRY THE LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSERRRRRRRRRR!

Jon   April 3rd, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Shut up, Kerry.

What a moron. An old, senile fool.

Who won three purple hearts. Never let us forget that in 2004, and look where it got him. The man is a fool.

DemHypocrisy   April 3rd, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Get out of politics Kerry, you are out of touch with America. You lost and now you support a loser

Marie in California   April 3rd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Who cares what Kerry says? He's a loser has-been. And, like Obama, way too far Left for most of America.

Obama is just another cheap Chicago politician with three major flaws.....no character, no judgment, no experience.

No Obamination in the White House!

Hillary or McCain – 2008

Texan   April 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Look who is talking.. keep quiet Sir Kerry. you had your say !
You have endorsed a person who goes to the church where Rev Wright 's ideology is taught.

But, you are smart man, You may get VP position in Obama's cabinet.

Alex   April 3rd, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Kerry, sold us out one time and will sell us again, we've voted for you and you just simply sold us to republican, no words to say who you are!!!

bama   April 3rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

For a loser like Kerry, why does not he just shut up!

Jack Sommersby   April 3rd, 2008 8:47 pm ET

alarm bells ringing!!! wrote about Kerry:

"ever thought about sending your kids to iraq??

Equally, has Bush thought about sending his daughters to Iraq? I think you can agree that the answer is quite the definitive "no".

I tell you what, if it were ever put on the ballot that every member of Congress who votes for war be required to send their own children to war if they were of age, all Americans - both liberal and conservatives - would overwhelmingly vote for such a bill. Any doubters?

Honesty   April 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Obama Wright From Day One!!!

AMerica wake up!!!

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   April 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Amazing! For the first time ever, I agree with John Kerry!

MD   April 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

This is a repeat of sentiments during the Vietnam war. Are we waiting for 56000 service men and women to die before we say enough is enough?

We need to leave Iraq on our own terms. We don't want to rush out of Iraq, like we did Vietnam.

Please remember that we engaged in this war based on lies told the American people. Why is it that we try to sell the idea of freedom to the world, yet we condone the actions of our government that have trampled on our own civil liberties?

Voting against funds for the war is not a vote against our troops. It is a vote against the actions of the government which are predicated on inducing fear in the people of this country.

The initial code name for the war in Iraq was Operation Iraqi Liberation, which ironically Spells OIL. After a collective profit of 123 billion dollars (and counting) by the 5 top oil componies, do you still doubt that two oilmen – Bush and Cheney – cared about anything other than lining their own and oil industry friends' pockets?

Ann Romero   April 3rd, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Mr. Kerry considering you failed the test to make President, how can we listen to your choice for a similar voice like Obama. Clinton is the better choice and if she fails to win, then John McCain is the better of Obama.

kathy   April 3rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Now they are saying that 76% of Americans are ready for a black president, who the hell are they talking to, because i for one am not ready for a black presdent. I am tried of the media telling us who to vote for. Hillary is always being picked on, and she won't back down. Thats the kind of presdent that i want. Obama cries when Hillary gets on him, and she is a woman. Mc cain will eat him alive.He is so not going to win.

john williams san diego, ca.   April 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

i wonder if Kerry got Mrs. Heinz' permission to speak again.

Concerned Canadian   April 3rd, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Wow....the 'flip-flopper' whose supporting Obama...whose gonna teach Obama how to flip-flop with the very best.

Obama has the Black mafia from Chicago buying the election and then bullying their way to the White House and get ready for 'Bridezilla' Michelle Obama as First Lady....pretty weird.

Richard, St. Paul, MN   April 3rd, 2008 8:03 pm ET

McCain isn't fit for duty. Period.

Brian   April 3rd, 2008 7:59 pm ET

bomb, bomb, bomb Let's bomb Iran!

Pete   April 3rd, 2008 7:59 pm ET

And the remedy from the two Democratic candidates? Surrender (or redeployment as they call it) and come home to hide, as soon as possible? What kind of commander in chief would that sound? Would that make us stronger? Dream Dream Dream

Sue   April 3rd, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Kerry is just talking!!! He actually has no clue either! Do some research folks and you will find Obama's camp is "stretching" the truth.
Obama will never get my vote and I am sorry I actually voted for Kerry, guess he can't be believed either. He is a big money guy and his votes etc need to be looked into. Let us get to the truth of the Obama campaign....they need a bit of scruitiny!!!

Walt, Belton,TX   April 3rd, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Kerry's endorsement of Obama cast a dark shadow on Obama's stature as a Presidential candidate, but now Kerry's idol and compatriot in traitorship, Jane Fonda, betterk known as Hanoi Jane has endorsed Obama. In case no one else noticed, that's a real big "RED FLAG" that just went up, folks!!! Every military man and woman should take note.

Hillary 08   April 3rd, 2008 7:56 pm ET

He's Nothing no more then a Obama Mama trader!!!!!!!!

HILLIARY!

suzanne   April 3rd, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Kerry ran a stupid, inept campaign in 2004 and we got four more years of George Bush. I held my nose and voted for him then but I will not do the same for Obama. I don't agree with McCain on all the issues but he's a much better choice than the political and media creation Barack Obama.

May   April 3rd, 2008 7:55 pm ET

John Kerry is right. If only military experience can make someone a president, then how come the republicans did not select McCain as their candidate in 2000 when he was running against George Bush? Instead, they selected George Bush who dodged the draft and was a part-time governor of Texas.

Bayou Joe   April 3rd, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Some people on these blogs need to find out the facts before they put their fingers to the keys. You come off as stupid, because you don't know the facts. All you people do is knock the other person down. Get a life. Christopher is way off base on Senator McCain.

If you don't want to stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them. Semper Fi.

Joe   April 3rd, 2008 7:53 pm ET

I think politiians have failed miserably. Certainly, they have a difficult task but when you have a Senator that gets busted in a bathroom stall for lewd behaviour; it makes you want to pause.
I hope Washington doesn't keep making the same mistakes and leads the way to get our country to where it ought to be.

I think John Kerry should debate Pastor Hagee regarding Hagee's belittling Catholics and the people of third world nations.

alarm bells ringing!!!   April 3rd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Geez thoughts & Opinion..
Kerry, Obama, Clinton, and the Democrats just want to get out and are willing to lose the war. McCain wants to win the war. Winning this war will make us stronger, and losing will make us weaker. You have it backwards again Kerry….....

you have to be the biggest idiot in here
are you still watching Rambo huh?
its not about about winning a war.. fool
ever thought about sending your kids to iraq??
everyone needs to unite,meaning change,positive ideas
and bringing HOME the troops. where they belong with their families
you got ISSUES BUD!

jerry   April 3rd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

John Kerry should talk, a loser in the military and a loser in life should just shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack Sommersby   April 3rd, 2008 7:46 pm ET

I may have voted for Kerry in 2004 (for the lack of John Edwards getting the presidential nomination) but I couldn't believe he spouted such inane, hypocritical stuff:

“John McCain can run around all that he wants right now talking about his military experience,”

Oh, and Kerry didn't run around talking about HIS military experience on the campaign trail?

Also:

“but he made the wrong judgment about Iraq, he has a foreign policy that has made us weaker.”

This is coming from the same guy who voted for the war knowing perfectly well Bush was hell-bent on invading Iraq no matter what? Sad if it weren't so palpably pathetic.

bad idea   April 3rd, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Nando Florida.
Dont you have any better thing to say.We are talking about John mccain not his wife.Everyone knews about Mrs mccain addiction to drugs etc.She even admitted her guilty and she did not contest at federal court.How low can you be to uses one family just because you dont like John Mccain?You are dirty as politic can get.You know at least even with her short coming she did not attend a racist church and she has been strong when people said bad thing about Mccain having a illegitamate daughter from bangladish.

JJC   April 3rd, 2008 7:36 pm ET

There are worse things than losing an election.
One of them is kissing up to Oprah.

Reality check #1   April 3rd, 2008 7:36 pm ET

One of the sorriest things I have done is when I voted for Kerry. I cannot believe that he endorsed Obama, he has lost all my respect. If Obama gets the nomination, that's one Democrat I won't waste a vote on!

joe   April 3rd, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Any one Kerry endorses is not getting my vote - what a loser. Quiet down Kerry you have been a pain in the butt for this country for too long. Get out of politics or move to some other country - just leave us alone.

ny independent   April 3rd, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Are Sen. Kerry and other Obama backers trying to hand the election to one of his opponents? This only reminds voters how lousy prior Dem candidates were. P.S. to John, McCain did openly condemn the swift boat nonsense – more than once – google it.

Sunny   April 3rd, 2008 7:29 pm ET

How many times do we have to hear that obama had good judgement? Does one decision make it or break it? Are we just basing his whole presidency on one judgement? This is annoying. If I hear anymore about judgement from obama or supporters, I will vomit!

prakash chand   April 3rd, 2008 7:26 pm ET

What do you care Mr Kerry?

What have you done for this country? lost to George Bush.

YOU should shut up and help your wife make ketchup.

A.M. Saqib   April 3rd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

'George McCain'...oops! 'John McCain' is nothing but opportunist and manipulating his time in vietnam for political advantage. Good try.. but tell your story to some one who cares. If we vote for him, he will make America declare "International Bankcruptcy"., a thought of him in white house gives a chill....

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

Pam M   April 3rd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

This is directed to Irwin, Thousand Oaks, CA who wrote:
(speaking of John McCain) "anyone can get captured. BIG DEAL."
Irwin: You ought to learn a few facts about John McCain's family
history and personal military achievements so that you won't look
like such an idiot.
You should know that John McCain flew 22 missions from 1958
to 1967 when his plane was shot down over Hanoi on his 23rd mission. During his service to our country, he earned approx.
70 military decorations and awards (50 of which are for combat)
including the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit,
the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Purple
Heart. Do some research and check it out.
Irwin – I don't care what your politics are . . you should be ashamed.

concerned voter   April 3rd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Hillary
i will write your name in if your not the nom..... Obama cant win for sure, as he has no experience....Independent! yes Hillary go Independent! you will win hands down... or its gotta be Mc caine...experience counts...

Obama/Eduard   April 3rd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Wow...
The republicans joined the loosers to attack the legend...
McCain alzheimer will worsen before November. I'm afraid he will vote for Obama. Better start taking DONEPIZEL

Obama/Eduard

Joe in CA   April 3rd, 2008 7:17 pm ET

what a sore loser!

Steve in Seattle   April 3rd, 2008 7:17 pm ET

After carefully reading the racist philosophy on the website of Obama's church of 20 years....I think we should stop using Obama's name and the phrase "good judgement" in the same sentence.

Maybe all white people should vote for Obama. If we vote for a candidate that is black, a racist, and a socialist (Black Liberation Theology), then maybe we can once and for all rid ourselves of guilt over slavery and segregation. We could kind of "call it even"!

D.Casey   April 3rd, 2008 7:14 pm ET

A good president surrounds himself or herself with experts in whatever field is required. There are plenty of smart, honest generals with experience to advise Obama, should he win. The key here is that a president show GOOD JUDGMENT in selecting those experts and in making decisions based on their input.

Something the current president failed miserably at. And something, I suspect, that McCain'ts ego wouldn't let him do anyway!

Kelly Anne   April 3rd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

"UPDATE: A Republican National Committee spokesman blasted Kerry's comments."

The RNC is the one with no credibility.

Kerry was right on Iraq, and now Americans agree.

If we had elected Kerry in 2004 we would have 3000 US soldiers still alive, and 50,000 not missing limbs and without head wounds.

Vote for McBush > 8000 dead soldiers

Ken, Tucson, AZ   April 3rd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

John Kerry attempted to use his military experience to justify being elected Commander-in-Chief. Remember "John Kerry reporting for duty... I'm ready to serve"?

Christopher, Madison, WI   April 3rd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Hey Cheryl,
Newsflash
McCain was against torture and is now for it.
He was against Bush's tax increases and is now for them.
He changed position on the illegal immigration front.
He denouced the "Christian Right" and is now kissing up to them.

kim portland, oregon   April 3rd, 2008 7:07 pm ET

the reason mccain is such a horrible, unnacceptable option is b/c he USED TO BE a tad more moderate, he rightfully questioned the war (as all the PROFESSIONAL military leaders did when they saw that the white house was lying to get us into war). not only is he a flip flopper, he has no integrity.

i started to lose all respect for him when he started kissing bush on the cheek; and now he has flip flopped YET AGAIN and become a complete bush "republican" with his support for the war, lack of even the basic knowledge of the economy by his own admission. geez people, what does he have to do before you'll see how incredibly dangerous and clueless this guy really is?!?! he just told you that while we are at one of the worst times in US HISTORY economically, this fool ADMITS he has no idea how to handle it. and his comment about the people--admittedly true to a point--shows his loyalty is with big business.

go look up his voting record, his votes match bush's politics exactly!

AMK   April 3rd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Dear John,

Thanks for losing the election for us to Bush in '04. You really know what you're talking about.....

Sincerely,

Democrats

j kERRY   April 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

yOU ARE HISTORY FOR ME. tO THINK THAT i ONCE SUPPORTED YOU. WHAT A SHAME. YOU ALL ULTRA LIBERALS WANT TO WASH AWAY THE SINS OF WHITES BY ELECTING AN INEXPERIENCED , NOVICE, UNACCOMPLISHED CANDIDATE WHO'S TIES WITH A NATIONALIST SUPREMIST RACIST YOU ARE WILLING TO IGNORE BECAUSE .........IT IS AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH.
COWARDS

HAM   April 3rd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

OMG.... You're kidding right.... Ha Ha

Obama/Clinton
HYPOCRACY – 08

John   April 3rd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

It makes no sense to be harsh on John Kerry.He was in Vietnam fighting day and night.I think you should direct your anger to dubious swift boat squad.Did McCain stand out on an open podium and condemned the swift boat squad?????????? .Not much! To blame John Kerry is inappropriate. Whoever John Kerry supports for presidecy is his right.

TC in Ohio   April 3rd, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Well said John Kerry! I voted for you in the last election, but ...well you know the rest.

dem08   April 3rd, 2008 6:52 pm ET

KERRY PLEASE STOP! JUST STOP! ENOUGH OF THAT HOT AIR COMING OUT OF YOU MOUTH! YOU MADE THE WRONG JUDGMENT ON IRAQ. YOU VOTED FOR THE WAR TOO. REMEMBER? WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO FOOL. YOURSELF? DON'T YOU KNOW HOW INCREDIBLY STUPID YOU LOOK. THATS ONE BIG REASON POLITICIANS LIKE YOU THAT I WILL NOT SUPPORT YOUR CANDIDATE. SENATOR MCCAIN IS AN AMERICAN HERO WHO SERVED HIS COUNTRY- OBAMA NOT! AND WHO HAPPENS TO BE VERY PATRIOTIC, LOYAL TO HIS COUNTRY-OBAMA NOT! I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY THAT HE HAS TIES WITH ANTI-AMERICAN PEOPLE. HE IS A TRUE AMERICAN-OBAMA NOT! I WILL BE VOTING FOR HIM HERE IN FLORIDA, IF HILLARY DOES NOT GET THE NOMINATION-OBAMA NOT! WAIT.... DIDN'T OBAMA VOTE TO FUND THE WAR? ALWAYS TRYING TO HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. YET YOU TRY TO COME DOWN ON HILLARY AS IF SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO VOTED FOR THE WAR. PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK! YOU ARE SUCH A FAIRY TALE.

GO HILLARY

GO MCCAIN

Tejano   April 3rd, 2008 6:49 pm ET

The year of the traitor. What else is coming down America way.

The world is waiting for America to fall apart so they can pick up the bones. Keep it up Democrats you are almost there. Maybe what Rev. Wright was right after all,and he is helping it along by giving us his protegy to speed up the process.

akaDoug   April 3rd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

I just love how the Clintonazis are running around screaming like little children, because Kerry is running down the opponent!

It's clear the Billary people enjoy the war and the poor economy, because they would rather back a pro-war, no economic-plan Republician than a black man that speaks well and is in agreement
with 98% of the policies as their candidate!

How bitter and sad can one group get?

Geri   April 3rd, 2008 6:47 pm ET

As long as you know so much, why didn't you get elected president
Mr. Kerry???

Jayson   April 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

His foreign policy is so weak that Kerry wanted him on his ticket. Democratic foreign policy has no teeth and can be counted on to accomplish almost nothing when it comes to the oppressive and dangerous nations of the world. Certain parts of this world only understand the language of force, not the language of love and happiness for all. That part of the world just happens to be the majority of the Middle East as well as parts of the Far East.

With the Democrats we got a deal with the North Koreans under which they completed their nuclear program and still got money from the deal. We ran from Somalia when we got bloodied, we ran from Lebanon when the barracks got bombed, we sat on our hands while Americans were held in Iran, we failed to trade for Obama even though he was known to be a real threat at the time and a host of other things. So the Democratic party should think long and hard before trying to act like they know squat about foreign policy since they only know how to use the carrot and not the stick.

Mike   April 3rd, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Okay then. We all know that Kerry is boring and inconsequential. On a more important note. The evil Clinton machine has succeeded in getting Randi Rhodes kicked off of Air America Radio. What a sad shame. Randi was the only one on Air America worth listening to.

INDY PENDENT   April 3rd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Hi I am Hillary Clinton.
I will raise your Taxes.
I will control you more with more Government.
I will make you go to the Doctor and wait in line for 4 hours to have that doctor perscribe you drugs for a sore throat.
Oh by the way, I am also going to take your hard earned money and give it to some one who doesn't want to work.
I am going to make you pay for Illegal Immagrants Health Care, and Education also. And you will like it!!!
I am Hilary Clinton, I approve this message and you have No Choice but to approve this message.

Hi I am Barack Obama.
I agree with everything Hilary said except I am a Black Man not a White Woman.
I am Barack Obama, I approve this message but my Bestest Buddy Pastor Wright doesn't.

merle 7   April 3rd, 2008 6:36 pm ET

He is right just because McSame was a POW for 51/2 years does not make him an expert on foreign policy matters. America is always at some risk from extremists from hostile nations , so there is no win or lose situation, thats where attempts at diplomacy come into play.

unbiased   April 3rd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

The Flip-Flopper is now telling McCain that he is wrong on judgement on Iraq war vote. Hmm....Senator Kerry, did you also not vote for Iraq war? Where is your judgment? Before you open your mouth, think twice. You have no credibility when you question McCain's war vote. yes, you can attack his policies but not his war vote. It's simple, you did too. Now, for all those surrender Obamaniancs, you think Obama will withdraw from Iraq immediately as he is promising to YOU (not us, he is not talking to us anyway!!), he will not be able to do that. the generals will oppose that and he knows what his "brothers" in Rwanda went through only 1000 times worse this time. This will be most disasterous decision he ever will. Al-Qaeda will be right here. Just Democrat congress could do nothing, the Democrat Obama will not be able to do anything. He is promising you empty promises. Wake up. But anyway, I am not worried much, he will lose big time, BIG TIME friends.

Heather Peterson   April 3rd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Kerry is just smart. I'll take flip-flopper over stay the course.

Rick   April 3rd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I was a big supporter of Kerry last time, I am disappointed with his choice this time. Kerry you lost all my respect.

CJ   April 3rd, 2008 6:31 pm ET

First Kerry asks McCain to be his V.P. running mate in 2004, now he's swift-boating him?! Which way is it? Hey FLIP FLOP SUPREMO, were you FOR McCain before you were against him? ! ? !

Please, oh please, let Pennyslvanians have some common sense and vote to put Obama down the alley with all the other gutterballs that are being thrown by him and his lame surrogates. Hillary Clinton can dance circles around all these democratic has beens like Kerry, Bill "Judas" Richardson and Jimmy Carter. They are the tired old establishment! We want real change, not flip flopping and scary ghosts of candidates past!

Brian   April 3rd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

He still looks like Herman Munster

Mike   April 3rd, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Mr. Kerry,

You are a war hero with a clean record in politics. The GOP managed to spin and beat you in the 2004 election despite Bush being their candidate.

How will Obama win against the GOP with a bad political record, member of a church that harbors Hamas extreme Islamic groups, blames America for 9/11, racist issues and Obama's friends are under indictment for criminal activities?

Mr. Kerry if you could not win with all your credentials and good history, how will Obama win against the GOP attack machine? Obama has no chance.

You and I both know HIllary is the only one that can win the presidency.

Chris   April 3rd, 2008 6:27 pm ET

What a hypocrite... John Kerry ran in 2004 solely on his flawed military career. Does he know when to keep his mouth closed?

Ric   April 3rd, 2008 6:21 pm ET

FUNNY!! Kerry asked Mc Cain to be his VP back in 2004. What a loser! He stabs his buddy in the back, probably hoping Obama will make him VP. Loser!
Democrats really blew it this year.

Nando, Florida   April 3rd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

dont worry when they start to tell America about MRS Cindy Mccain and her tales of drunkiness and Drug use he will sink like the Titanic.

She is a pure lush just wait till the General!!!!!!

DEMS are JUST waiting blow the tires off the straight talk express!!!

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   April 3rd, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Yes, McCain is not going to help us!!! That is for sure.

America, Evangelicals, Catholics. Read MY Lips NO MORE REPUBLICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NO NO NO NO NO NO MORE
REPUBLICANS FOR ANY OFFICE.

jjjjjj   April 3rd, 2008 6:11 pm ET

That's why you invited him to be your VP?

peter   April 3rd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Concur Kerry has no right to talk and McCain has clearly made his foreign policy clearly different then current administration. And everyone seems to forget the dems have had control of congress for the past 3 yrs and haven't done anything except blame their failures on the bush admin fully.

Peter   April 3rd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Referring to the foreign policy of the last eight years, John Kerry said "John McCain has supported it in its entirety.” That is wrong and Kerry knows it is wrong.

In 2002, John McCain, like John Kerry, voted in favor of the use of force resolution in Iraq. Since then, John McCain has fought with the Bush administration frequently about the conduct of the war in Iraq. If the Bush administration had listened to McCain up till now, the situation would be much different.

John Kerry's use of Ronald Reagan as an example of a president without military experience is almost laughable. When did Ronald Reagan become one of John Kerry's role models. I say almost laughable because, for what it's worth, unlike Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan joined the military, and objected when the Army Air Corps kept the well-known actor in Hollywood when he actually joined to serve like anyone else in World War II.

Finally, after his "swiftboating" in 2004, John Kerry of all people should not be putting down John McCain's military experience.

Nobillary Andobama   April 3rd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

If you don't like Kerry's comments....just wait 15 minutes and he'll change his mind

McCain's foreign policy made us weaker???

And Obama will do a better job?...with his all his years of experience...and with the below type of policy leanings:

From Ayman al Zawahir in an audiotape broadcasted recently by a radical Islamic website:
Al-Zawahiri defended a December attack in Algeria - hospital sources said it killed 60 people - because one of its targets was a United Nations building and the "United Nations is an enemy of Islam and Muslims,"

From Barack Obama’s campaign website:
"The best way to press Iraq’s leaders to take responsibility for their future is to make it clear that we are leaving. As we remove our troops, Obama will engage representatives from all levels of Iraqi society – in and out of government – to seek a new accord on Iraq’s Constitution and governance. The United Nations will play a central role in this convention, which should not adjourn until a new national accord is reached addressing tough questions like federalism and oil revenue-sharing."

Here is a clue...al Qaeda does not recognize the authority of the UN and has historically treated them as a western entity and thus directed numerous suicide bombings against UN interests.
The terrorist organization will fight this convention tooth and nail and can only be contained via a strong military presence on the ground. Yet Obama promises to have all troops out after 16 months….something has to give????

Ty OR   April 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

It always appears to me that Kerry is going to fall asleep when he speaks. Sleepy John Kerry has a nice ring to it.

Irwin,Thousand Oaks, CA   April 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Bravo, Sen. kerry. It's amazing how nobody in the media challenges the absurd notion that being a prisoner of war qualifies one for commander-in-chief. Anybody can get captured. Big deal! Three times he misspoke about Sunnis and Shias, Either he doesn't know the difference or he has too many senior moments. We lose either way!!!

THE CORP   April 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

His this treasonous p.o.s. still around. Go away you fool.

Stan   April 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I voted for John Kerry in 2004 (both in the primary and general election), and I would gladly vote for him again. Kerry in 2012!

Wake up   April 3rd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Your comments don't count anymore. Sticks & stones. At least he held his party. Much said about you.

HP Boston   April 3rd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

And you john have made the Democratic Party weaker!

Marc   April 3rd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Kerry and Obama also had a foreign policy that made us weak by funding this senseless war. This guy is a joke.

W   April 3rd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Kerry, you not only voted for the Iraq resolution, you stood like a wimp while that student was Tased. You say the reason BHO should be president is because he is black. You support BHO, even though your constituents voted for Hillary. You are a hypocritical windbag. You and obama make a good pair.

Helm   April 3rd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Someone remind Kerry that Reagan made Captain by the end of World War 2...

H   April 3rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

THE DEMOCRATS WILL CONTINUE TO LOSE ELECTIONS BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE BARACK OBAMA, KERRY, KENNEDY, HAMILTON, RICHARDSON, AND MANY MANY MORE INDIVIDUALS WHOSE GREED IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR COUNTRY.

blah blah   April 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

SHU T UP OK????? SHUT UP. YOU HAD YOUR TURN SENATOR.

CHERYL   April 3rd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

I ONLY HAVE TWO WORDS FLIP FLOPPER!!

SORRY I EVER VOTED FOR YOUR SORRY BUTT!!!!!!

Dave C - NJ   April 3rd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

This is bad coming from Kerry, however everything he said is 100% correct.

The message is good regardless of who is saying it.

mary   April 3rd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

How can Kerry talk about McCain? Kerry wants and thinks everyone else should do things the right way. Why didn't Kerry throw his support behind Hillary, his state did? I forgot Kerry is above everyone else.

bad idea   April 3rd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

I will vote for any democrate except Obama.Obama can Kiss my Black ash goodbye to think I will vote for him.Anyone who vote for him is a big time sucker taking in by him.he promises lots of thing to get elected but he will never do it.Too bad its a same kind of politic

Grif   April 3rd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Kerry!!!! Give it Up... You're a "Big Time Loser" . What really did happen in Viet Nam. Did you lose something??? I would not get too involved, it just may come out. SKELETONS!!! You're looking frail enough, these days....

THE NAKED TRUTH!!!   April 3rd, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Shut the hell up, Kerry. WHo puts any faith in you. Vote anybody but Obama.

Bruce, Chicago   April 3rd, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Ha!! Kerry voted for the war. Kerry wanted McCain as his VP 4 years ago. Kerry touted his military experience. This guy is a piece of work. McCain voted for the war along with everyone else, but VERY early on, before it became a media and political hot button, McCain talked about a change in direction needed to stabalize the region...and look, we did that and it is more stable. We pull out right away and all hell breaks loose and our word is no good ever again. The USA wasn't built in a few years either. We should do what we can to help support Iraq. God Bless the troops of the USA and our allies, we'll take out the terrorists thanks to you!

OD   April 3rd, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Thank You Kerry for discussing an issue. These morons who keep the Rev Wright comments going as a reason not to elect Obama, need to look in the mirror. Argue against his policies or platform, but to still accuse him for the comments of someone else, means you weren't going to vote for him in the first place and for some reason need an invalid argument to justify within yourself that your really not prejudging him, well you are.

drew   April 3rd, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Was the invasion of Iraq right or wrong?

Should we now be concentrating on resolving Iraq's civil war, or hunting down bin Laden, breaking the Taliban, and ensuring that more Pakistani nuclear technology doesn't spread to other countries, since it already spread to Iran and North Korea?

That's the issue here. That's the judgement we're talking about.

truth be told   April 3rd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Hey Sony, where did you learn to write like that?

You deserve to vote for McCain....

Alonzo Demetrius   April 3rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Well, then, Mr erry, just what is Obama's vision to make our country stronger? All he has ever talked about is "Hope" and "Change". These are topics used in every election, so where's the hope and change?

David   April 3rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Difference between Kerry and McCain.

Kerry acknowledged his mistake. McCain hasn't and is running a third Bush term. I mean, when you invade a place for X, Y, and Z, and all three of those happen to be FALSE, it makes no sense to stick with the same stupid position. McCain's problem is that he is unwilling to recognize that Iraq has been a dismal failure, and that you cannot compare Germany, or South Korea, to Iraq, which is in the Middle East.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 3rd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

John McCain's 100 years in Iraq is like saying let's go backwards 100 years. McCain is too old and backwards, time to move forward.

ben   April 3rd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

FLIP FLOPPING. What is wrong with it? A leader is supposed to lead according to what the majority wants!
Our California governor came out in favor of something and found the people were against it. He appologised and said "boy, was I wrong"
Flip flopping? No! That is why we love him so much. And he is a republican in a democraticly controled state.

Brandy   April 3rd, 2008 4:57 pm ET

P.S. McCain's response to victim's of foreclosure: "They (consumers)were irresponsible" WOW! He really cares about the American people, huh? McCain does not deserve to be in office and I agree with Kerry wholeheartedly.

BAKARI   April 3rd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

JUDGEMENT IS THE MOST IMPORTAN THING, WE HAVE A CANDIDATE THAT HAS BEEN MAKING THE RIGHT JUDGEMENT AND IT,S ABOUT TIME AMERICAS START ACKNOWLEDGING THAT ANY THING ELSE WE END UP WITH ANOTHER MABUSH. THANKS SEN. KERRY FOR REMAINDING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE..........

YES WE CAN OBAMA 08

Pam in Barrow   April 3rd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

John McCain was a true hero and had to live five years as a POW. Why don't you shut-upand go play with your purple hearts. You know the ones that should have gone to soilders who were really hurt! You are the one who should have NEVER shut about his military service. You should be embarrased!

Brandy   April 3rd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I find it amazing that Americans would even consider backing McCain when his ideals resemble those of Bush by almost 99%. Bush has done a good job of tearing down our country with this endless war and now voters would be so foolish as to vote for McCain. When will America wake up! I'd rather cast my vote for the candidate who backs ALL of the people rather than someone who only cares about wealthy America.

Obama 08

Mike in Houston   April 3rd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

John Kerry is out of his feable mind.

maya   April 3rd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

One effete snob backing another....

IAMWMD   April 3rd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

He absolutely right. Show me the WMD

Will   April 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Kerry the LOSER, he could not even defends himself from the Republicans swift boating him. Can not wait to see them swift boat Obama over the flippin cliff. YES THEY WILL. THey are going to have a lot of Democrats to help them.

Lynn D   April 3rd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

I am so happy that John Kerry did not win in 2004. He is a big loser. No one cares what you have to say anymore. All of you will have egg on your face when Senator Clinton is the nominee. And she will win in spite of all of your dirty tricks and Senator Obama's dirty tricks. The race is not over guys. Far from it. Stop trying to make people believe that is over. It will backfire on you.

Geez   April 3rd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Kerry, Obama, Clinton, and the Democrats just want to get out and are willing to lose the war. McCain wants to win the war. Winning this war will make us stronger, and losing will make us weaker. You have it backwards again Kerry...

jan   April 3rd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I am so disappointed in John Kerry's choice to support Obama. I thought he was smarter than that. Now, I have trouble listening to what he thinks.

RealityKing   April 3rd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Bad foriegn policy?

McCain wasn't the one that killed a wounded Vietnamese soilder and then photographed himself with the deadman's weapons..., was he??

Joe   April 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Wait... didn't this genius vote in favor of the war in Iraq? Kerry, HRC, Carter, Spitzer – the list of arrogant, self-righteous, and hypocritical Dems who shift their moral and political beliefs as public opinion changes goes on and on. It is really sad and it is also the reason the Dems have lost two presidential elections in a row and are poised to lose a third.

Tired of W, OH   April 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Get real, Hanging Chad. All of those pale in comparison to the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. Keep telling yourself that the Dems are the cause of all this country's problems. Any blind man can see the reality. The only thing worse than the current administration are fools that still support them. Go watch FOX or listen to Rush. I know you do both.

BAKERSFIELD   April 3rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

IF OBAMA BECOMES PRES. I WILL LAUGH AT ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT THOUGHT HE WAS THE ANSWER.

John SKERRY   April 3rd, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Kerry, you are an insignificant little nothing compared to McCain. Why don't you go douse yourself in some more of that Heinz ketchup?

Indiana Voter   April 3rd, 2008 4:38 pm ET

"Military experience has value but judgement means more" – a comment like this from a person that is supporting Obama – a man who apparently cannot use judgement to determine that it is not appropriate to attend a church that preaches hate and racism and anti-America. I believe I will take the military experience over that kind of judgement any day.

AJ, IL   April 3rd, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Harvey in Va....

We in the Obama camp need your support. We can't allow the Republicans to screw another 4 or 8 years. America can't afford it. Democratics Unite!

Angus McDugan   April 3rd, 2008 4:37 pm ET

What value is John Kerry's opionion anyway.

North Carolina   April 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

That's pretty funny, Kerry, since you wanted him as your VP but he turned you down!!! Could it be you just say whatever seems politically expedient to get your sorry butt re-elected?

Superdelegate   April 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

Iraq, Afganistan, Sudan, N Korea, UAE, 911, Russia,
did I mention 911 ?
Republicants.

yeah Chad, great game, I stopped playing cause i havce work to do.

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

INDY PENDENT   April 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Come on Kerry.
You bored us to death when you ran for Pres.
Now you are boring us again.
Your pride took a shot when McCain said no to a joint ticket and now you are using the schoolgirl tactic of trying to save face.
Not to mention you also ran on the so called experience of being in the Military.
Does anyone care what John sKerry has to say anyways???

That's Reality   April 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

No, McCain didn't make the wrong judgement about Iraq. Cut and run policies WOULD make us weaker. Hang it up, Kerry.

Harvey in Va   April 3rd, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Cant believe what he is saying...why did he have the thought of McCain as a VP....John Kerry should vote for Hillary like his state did..I lie others sorry I voted for Kerry but I will not make the same mistake twice by voting for Obama

Sony   April 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

John Kerry why don't you run for McCain VP because your are friend right?
Any way you flip support Obama so might be wrong again this time. Obama not going to win John McCain in general election and you not going to be Obama VP so, now flop to be McCain VP.

Jeff in WI   April 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

To get the moderates that McCain and Obama will be fighting over, the Obama needs to emphasize the change aspect of his candidacy.

Obama claiming to be the better Commander in Chief compared to McCain is not something that the majority of independents are likely to buy .

Matt, New York   April 3rd, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Wow, McCain comes to Sen. Kerry's defense during the Swift boat thing and THIS is how he repays him? By stabbing him in the back and essensialy flip flopping on somthing that HE said about HIMSELF when he ran for president 4 years ago? What a despicable human being. Then again I don't think I'm suprised.

Tom   April 3rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

“but he made the wrong judgment about Iraq, he has a foreign policy that has made us weaker.”

I love that. He made the wrong judgment about Iraq. Mr. Kerry, you voted for the resolution, so don't give us that judgment baloney. And since McCain's foreign policy isn't currently being used, how can it have made us weaker already?

Let the games of negative politics begin!

April in Texas   April 3rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

I agree... The war isnt working and I don't see an end to it as well as neither a win or loss if McCain is elected.

Obama 08

Patrick   April 3rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

wow...is he serious? He has the same record as McCain and used his military experience as something to campaign on. He even entertained McCain being his VP. I really regret voting for him.

Frank F   April 3rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

John Kerry why don't you just shut up. I voted for you last election but never again. I have lost all respect for you, Obama and you can go you know where!!!

Slick Hilly   April 3rd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

That's funny. My foreign policy regarding Iraq is the same as McCain's. Thus, I also have made the country weaker. Hopefully Kerry won't mention that.

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