JAO. The media, GOP, some Democrats and liberals have done (somewhat) permanent damage to Senator Kerry in terms of image and perception; especially in noted praise for Obama's likability.
Just look at comments here and elsewhere that still note how Gore and Kerry are/were stiff like Romney and can't/couldn't connect. One Grio.com article brought up him "losing" the "wanna have a beer with" argument because of being "aristocratic." Holla back when someone who was at an 04 rally or on the street/place where the Senator visited, and answer what motivated them to show up for somebody that wasn't an extrovert and you know the rest.
Aside from the Ohio drama and everything else, very convinced that other strong factors (i.e. hunting, the stereotypes of NE liberals and wealth, etc.) cost him 1600. Just an observation.
Things happen for a reason, and noticed that the authors used the word "humbling" to describe his loss. Some have said the POTUS and FLOTUS are the embodiment of staying humble during or after difficult experiences in life. Experiences like that can and should humble a person, and that is what's missing in DC pols on the Hill.
That said, glad that Team Obama is seeing the Senator as a close ally on Foreign Policy, even if isn't a rah-rah issue like jobs and the fact that some might ask what about VP Biden (since he has been going after Rmoney on FP). Not many understand the role of the SFRC and see that the Senator has a right to speak out also.
As for the SOS rumors, (thought he and his spokespeople denied it?) he got game. However, after watching the O administration the last three years, it seems like working for them isn't all that it's cracked up to be (the behind the scenes dramas, etc). He seems to be happy as an independent voice as the Senior Senator from MA (though still don't think he has the same type of respect from MA like Uncle Ted had, yet). Though people have a very low view of the US Senate, in terms of lack of diversity, hopefully that will change one day.
People may get on me for saying all this, and this wasn't meant to shade Kerry, Gore or anyone, just adding some 2 cents about the article.
Peace. 
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