On another board, with a politically mixed membership, someone asked Kerry supporters to make the case for him. I support him strongly, but found it difficult to explain why. I could not find the words I needed to explain what I think of him, perhaps they don't exist. Since I put some effort into my response, I shamelessly decided to post it at a second site.
Below the fold.
Kerry is the rarest kind of person in the world. He is incredibly self-confident and strong. Most people who are strong and self-assured will not let anyone else be strong and self-assured. They surround themselves with people who are less in some way: less intelligent, less charismatic, less strong, less certain. Kerry does not. He surrounds himself with people who are strong, confident, intelligent, outspoken. This means that either he does not feel challenged by those around him, or that he likes to be challenged. Either way, I regard that as a great compiment.
Men like John Kerry are natural leaders. They take charge effortlessly and keep control without difficulty. You do not get the self-assuredness I talked about unless you also have incredible personal courage and the ability to act in the appropriate way in a moment of crisis. Kerry has shown this time and again throughout his entire life. The near hero-worship expressed by all (except one) of the enlisted men who served with him shows you that Kerry is a true leader.
The only person I can think of to compare him to is Eisenhower. Eisenhower could be supreme commander because he could let Patton grab glory and Montie bluster and he never felt the need to assert himself. He was in charge and he knew it, so he didn't need positive reinforcement from those below him. Kerry has that same quality.
Kerry can admit a mistake. This is also a sign of strength. Admitting that you were wrong is one of the toughest things to do, and I have great respect for someone who can do that publicly. Bush would greatly enhance his standing in my esteem if he were to do so.
Kerry's entire public life is one example after another of his willingness to make powerful enemies if he feels that he is right. Personal courage is a quality that he has, and frankly, Bush lacks it. Kerry will face unpleasant facts and act on them.
Kerry's record in the Senate isn't great if you look at legislative accomplishments. Being the junior senator from Massachussetts isn't an easy job! Several Bush supporters have asked if this doesn't indicate that Kerry shouldn't be president, but to me it shows just the opposite. What he has accomplished shows him to be a better fit for an executive role than legislative. For example:
Looking into the POW/MIA situation in Vietnam. Legislative skills are useless and executive skills are vital. He had to control and direct the staff that was researching the situation, prioritize, analyze the data, and make decisions based on it.
Same with the investigation of BCCI, which he spearheaded. There was a lot of resistance from his colleagues on this investigation, and every roadblock that could be put in his way was thrown at him. BCCI was a corrupt organization that helped druglords launder money and terrorist to acquire financing. Kerry guided the investigation and brought down the terrorists favorite bank, long before terrorism was an issue in the U.S.
The investigation of the drug running of CIA supported paramilitary operatives in Central America that eventually turned into Iran-Contra was very similar. He was "rewarded" for his efforts in this investigation by being removed from the panel. But he was the one who is responsible for unraveling it.
His experience as a prosecutor is also relevant. As a prosecutor, he completely overhauled the DA's office making it more responsive to victim's needs and more effective. As a lawyer, he had to not only have possession of the facts and arrive at the correct conclusions, he also had to be able to think on his feet and act correctly in the heat of the moment.
Kerry is intelligent and wants to understand a situation thoroughly.
Kerry exhibits calm under pressure. He can size up a situation quickly and act correctly.
Kerry will be a good president, he has all the skills the job requires. The more I learn about the man, the more I am impressed with him.
Kerry is a man, in the largest sense of the word.
I would be proud to have him as president.