Kerry at the Hiroshima Peace memorial Park

[karynnj]

5. Same here

I remember in 2005 as many of you were planning to go see the Kerry event in Boston, having some fear in the back of my mind that I could have been wrong in 2004 in believing so strongly -- more strongly in any previous election that I could vote in -- that our nominee was not just the better choice, but an exceptional man of integrity and principle with great eloquence and intelligence as well. Seeing a hero in person is a bit scary. I remember how happy I was to read the comments of all of you who attended then and was happy to myself attend later events.

What has amazed me is that since that election, we have all in this group followed his actions, speeches and votes very closely. There were times that some or all of us disagreed with him, but what is remarkable is that if anything respect and admiration for him as a statesman and as a good person has increased even as we learn more.

As to President Obama, I think even at this early date he will be seen as the transformational President he sought to be. I think it likely that even after time passes he will reside in the list of the 5 or at least 10 best Presidents.