The most stupid suggestion the Boston Globe had in a long time.

[Mass]

I missed the suggestion if it ever appeared in the papers, but the idea that Kerry had to be pressured to do his near-endorsement of Ed Markey is just ludicrous. No surprise for Glenn Johnson to make it, but really?

http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2013/01/07/senate-turbulence-prompts-questions-about-pensions-candidates-confirmation-dates/xwEg1zaGj8FAnAwbQBQXLN/story.html

Kerry’s office similarly shot down other chatter about why the senator took the unusual step of issuing a statement supporting Markey’s candidacy even before there was an opening, and while congressional colleagues like Capuano and Lynch were still weighing their own campaigns.

The suggestion was that, in exchange for the nomination, the White House had pressured Kerry to make an early endorsement, the goal being to clear the field and give the Democrats the best possible chance of retaining the seat in the special election.

One potential Republican opponent is former Senator Scott Brown, who was defeated for reelection in November but stunned Democrats by winning the seat in the first place during another special election in January 2010.

Kerry aides, however, say the White House didn’t influence the decision.

The senator, they say, made the endorsement based on his own feelings, as well as the belief that he couldn’t delay much longer as he readies for what must legally be an apolitical posting as secretary of state.

Bolstering that argument is a key fact: the newly composed Senate is now split 53 Democrats to 45 Republicans, a net gain of two seats for the Democratic Party.

Even losing Kerry’s seat to the GOP would have no material effect on passing Obama’s legislative proposals.

[Mass]

2. Once again, learn about MA before posting.

What you want is irrelevant as you do not leave in MA, but you make exactly one of the points why what I pointed is absurd.

Why would the White House pressure Kerry into endorsing somebody who was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton? As for the rest, why is it surprising for Kerry to endorse Markey, who is a friend and has been for more than 40 years?

BTW, given your interpretation, why did Vicky Kennedy endorse him? Do you have another scurrious interpretation?

Barney Frank sabotaged himself. Deval Patrick is pretty mad at him as is anybody else who is thinking about running. Why would you want somebody who has no sense of discretion try to be the center of attention during a campaign that is going to be hard fought. Nobody needs that, whatever Barney Frank's other qualities are. And remember that he decided that his seat was too hard for him, something that this Kennedy kid was not afraid of.

except in the interpretation of this idiot of reporter here and the Boston Herald. You can believe them, but very soon you will change into a pumpkin (Republican), as this is their leaning.

Last point, this is not the Kennedy seat, and this is because of things like that that we lost it. People resent that here, even Democrats.

Last point, the quote is truncated. Kerry said that in the contest of Warren becoming a senior senator after a few weeks and added that nobody would have wanted him to become senior senator because everybody wanted to keep Ted Kennedy. Yes, this is what happens when you talk without knowing. You lose context, and Glenn Johnson is not somebody to provide context.

[karynnj]

3. What is nearly dishonest is saying the Senate is divided

between 53 Democrats and 45 Republicans. This ignores that Bernie Sanders and Angus King are caucusing with the Democrats. It is 55 to 45!

To say losing a state won't hurt - even from this higher number - is just not true. This is Johnson trying to help Scott Brown. All you need to do is go back to Dodd/Frank any of the Democrats would not have required giving the banks $19 billion for the fund to bail them out if that is needed. Brown ALONE insured that the next bailout is paid for by the treasury.

The way this is written, with this written as fact (that it wont hurt the Obama legislation) is very disingenuous, dishonest and sneaky on Johnson's part. Clearly he is attempting to take away the Democrats' strongest reason to support ANY Democrat. By saying that who is elected could not hurt Democratic legislation passing, I guess he is saying to pick on likability and personality. His next step is to claim that Brown excels there. (Though I see personality and likability meaning more than looks, a quick smile and a truck! )

Does the Boston Globe think the WH pressured Vicki Kennedy as well?

[beachmom]

4. It's obvious why Kerry would back Markey. Climate change.

Markey's bill actually passed the House. He is really good on this and we continue to need a voice for climate change in the Senate. End of story. Frankly, I'm surprised the WH backed Markey since that issue has not been a top priority for them.