Sec. Kerry (with dog Ben) talks to kids at Take a Child to Work day

[MBS]

wonderful Q & A, interesting for adults as well as kids.
Sec. Kerry was really great with the kids.
Sec. Kerry's "diplomutt" Ben Franklin Kerry adds extra charm to the occasion, too.
Thanks to karynnj for first calling this to my attention.

Highly recommended!
Transcript and video here:
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2016/04/256699.htm

[karynnj]

1. I thought it great, that where he clearly made his answers easy to understand, he

did not talk down to them. They clearly loved Ben, who the secretary claims is better behaved than in his younger days.

I liked that he spoke of intending to find a way to remain active on climate change, though he spoke of being too busy to consider what he will do when his time as Secretary of State is over.

[MBS]

2. agree on all counts.

I also noticed that he said that the SoS CANNOT look for jobs, make inquiries to companies, etc, while he is still Secretary, because of possible conflict of interest. I am so proud to be represented on the world stage by someone with real integrity.

[mylye2222]

8. And that draws a stirring comparison to the previous SoS lady,

wich we knew of, although she wasnt searching a job, still was obviously serving there, unlike him, mainly more in a career pursue purpise than a true passion for foreign policy.

[larkrake]

3. We lost everything when he lost

[brer cat]

4. That one was very painful! nt

[MBS]

5. yes indeed. n/t

[karynnj]

6. We did lose a chance for an exceptional man to be President

It still angers me to remember Paul Begala and Carville speaking of Kerry as just anybody but Bush. This thoughtful, brilliant, moral man deserved the full support of his party.

Even if I hadn't been impressed by Kerry, the phrase IN THE GENERAL ELECTION also annoyed me because it was intellectually dishonest. That phrase "anybody but .." made sense only in the primary -- and it mostly does not work in practice. No one actually because the ABC in 1976 to capture all the people preferring someone other than Carter - the same in 1992. In the general election, you always have about 40% supporting almost anyone in their party. In 2004, I was clearly against Bush from the point he became President, but Kerry was the person I most wanted to win ever. Sure, beating Bush was important, but I still think he was and is the best statesman of my generation. (far better than those would were or may become President - ie either Clinton or GWB - and IMO he is so much better this is faint praise.)

All I know is that in 1992, it never occurred to me to say I was anybody but Bush - though Clinton was nowhere near my first choice.

[ladym55]

7. What a cool video

He is just such an amazing man. There are so many days I give thanks that he is our SOS. He has done an amazing job, and since it is John Kerry DOING that job, we take it for granted.

His interactions with the children were so genuine--those kids will remember this day for a LONG time.

I did get teary once or twice when he talked about the level and complexity of the violent problems the world is experiencing right now. So much of the mess the Obama administration has inherited is the result of the inept leadership of Bush, Cheney, and Company. The damage could have been limited if 2004 had turned out the way it was supposed to.