John Kerry

beachmom

(15,239 posts)

48. Fred Kaplan thinks if asked Kerry should turn down job at Pentagon

Fri Nov 16, 2012, 09:22 AM

Nov 2012

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/war_stories/2012/11/john_kerry_would_be_a_great_secretary_of_state_but_he_isn_t_the_right_choice.html

He says a lot of nice things about Kerry in the article, and also that he would be good at State (although he does think it is pointing to Rice for that position), but not a good fit at Defense. One nice thing in the article I learned is that the top military brass largely don't care about his anti-war activities during the Vietnam War. I found that interesting and heartening.

Don't everyone shoot me, but Kaplan is making sense about how management is not JK's greatest strength. Diplomacy is. So I'm going to call it: State or stay in the Senate.

Also, someone commented somewhere that Teresa had health issues -- it's my understanding that her treatment of the breast cancer was successful. Has anyone heard anything different from that? That surely would be a factor against taking a cabinet position.

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Defense Secretary? [View all] beachmom Nov 2012 OP

at least Kerry is a dem lol...but maybe better he stays in the senate nt msongs Nov 2012 #1

Leon Panetta is a Dem. beachmom Nov 2012 #3

First thoughts: beachmom Nov 2012 #2

we'll get a good Dem from Duvall Patrick but when is Kerry's seat up for re-election? NMDemDist2 Nov 2012 #4

More details from Chuck Todd: beachmom Nov 2012 #5

Or may be it is just the people wanting Rice making noise. Mass Nov 2012 #13

Exactly. wisteria Nov 2012 #14

Sounds bogus. n/t ProSense Nov 2012 #6

I don't think it's bogus. I just think it is a trial balloon that might deflate quickly. beachmom Nov 2012 #7

Yeah, maybe I'm missing something, but ProSense Nov 2012 #11

Never I think. LOL n/t wisteria Nov 2012 #16

That could be to. He is more suited for SOS, IMO. wisteria Nov 2012 #15

I'm good with it TomClash Nov 2012 #8

How about Jim Webb. fearnobush Nov 2012 #9

I haven't heard his name come up. I don't think he actually cared for politics, so he might not beachmom Nov 2012 #10

More DC parlor games. Mass Nov 2012 #12

Can't see certain people ever accepting Kerry for This position JI7 Nov 2012 #17

Republicans actually saying same thing I did: beachmom Nov 2012 #20

For what is it worth, the same WP just a few day's ago, said Kerry was a no go because Reid karynnj Nov 2012 #18

Great points. ProSense Nov 2012 #19

Gleeful tweets from Republicans that Scott Brown will have his Senate seat back. beachmom Nov 2012 #21

I am so tired of the irrational fear of this idiot. Mass Nov 2012 #22

I really dislike Kornaki, but I am surprised and happy to read this. Mass Nov 2012 #23

Kerry would make as good a Defense Secretary as Secretary of State. That said, though... Blaukraut Nov 2012 #24

Kerry wants it, if he really didn't there would be no point to consider him JI7 Nov 2012 #29

This message was self-deleted by its author politicasista Nov 2012 #26

A few more points beachmom Nov 2012 #25

This report, sourced contrarily to others, makes a lot more sense. Mass Nov 2012 #27

this does make sense karynnj Nov 2012 #28

Actually, this leak is a progress. Mass Nov 2012 #30

Incidentally, if Rice IS his choice, I totally agree with Kevin Drum that the Benghazi stuff beachmom Nov 2012 #31

Totally agree. Mass Nov 2012 #32

if Rice is picked KErry will have a huge Role in DEfending her JI7 Nov 2012 #34

Totally agree. Counter McCain/Graham. beachmom Nov 2012 #36

I don't think he should be placed in a position to defend her at all. wisteria Nov 2012 #64

he is on the senate foreign relations committee, and he would be defending JI7 Nov 2012 #67

Possibly, but others could do perform that role too. n/t wisteria Nov 2012 #70

Thanks for the wise words karynnj Nov 2012 #33

What does everyone think of the POTUS's rightful defense of Rice today? beachmom Nov 2012 #35

I could see it either way karynnj Nov 2012 #37

Although few GOP Senators have said anything. beachmom Nov 2012 #38

I think he has to nominate her now or look like he caved. wisteria Nov 2012 #40

That's how I see it as well Inuca Nov 2012 #45

The attacks on Rice are unfounded and unfair. wisteria Nov 2012 #41

I quite agree, but Republicans can treat people in unfair ways karynnj Nov 2012 #42

It was the right thing to do, but I am not sure he will name her. Mass Nov 2012 #39

how realistic is it for him to convince Hillary to stay on ? JI7 Nov 2012 #43

I will stop with this topic as I still think Obama is getting setup. Mass Nov 2012 #44

I see a set up also. n/t wisteria Nov 2012 #46

Venocchi says, Sen. Kerry should get SOS. wisteria Nov 2012 #47

Nice article, but I strongly disagree with her criticism of Susan Rice. beachmom Nov 2012 #49

It seems the more a Republican is promoted the more of an empty suit he is. wisteria Nov 2012 #54

She is right, but her motives are wrong. Mass Nov 2012 #50

Thanks for sharing your thoughts from a Mass perspective. n/t wisteria Nov 2012 #55

Fred Kaplan thinks if asked Kerry should turn down job at Pentagon beachmom Nov 2012 #48

this seemed to me a good analysis MBS Nov 2012 #60

You know, if he is offered the post and turns it down, wisteria Nov 2012 #72

Yeah, what you said Noisy Democrat Nov 2012 #75

While we're discussing it, don't you think we've had enough Shitpublicans rock Nov 2012 #51

I agree, it got President Obama nowhere the last four years wisteria Nov 2012 #57

Sec.Panetta Blue Nile Nov 2012 #52

Welcome wisteria Nov 2012 #56

It is heartening to read that Walsh protect our future Nov 2012 #53

I have to say at this point, I feel sorry for Kerry. Mass Nov 2012 #58

I agree with you. wisteria Nov 2012 #59

I am angry at President Obama. wisteria Nov 2012 #61

it sure feels like the situation is being mishandled, that's for sure MBS Nov 2012 #62

Thank you, how exciting that you got to see him. wisteria Nov 2012 #63

Happy Thanksgiving to you! karynnj Nov 2012 #68

That could be. n/t wisteria Nov 2012 #69

Other reasoning could also be in play. wisteria Nov 2012 #71

Listen, I understand your anger and share it, but I am not certain it is Mass Nov 2012 #65

Thanks for the input. wisteria Nov 2012 #66

I don't know what's really going on but I'm inclined to agree Noisy Democrat Nov 2012 #74

It appears that Kerry as SOD is now the new target. wisteria Nov 2012 #73