Pre-election reflection.
My dad and I made a bet sometime in the middle of 2003. I was a Dean supporter and my dad was for Kerry. We made a pact that we would support the eventual nominee. At the time, Dean was on the rise but he was still considered a long shot. I think my dad feared I might do something rash like vote for a third party candidate should Dean not win. For me, that was not an issue: we both would support the Democratic nominee because we both agreed that Bush was terrible.
So when it became obvious that Kerry would win the nomination, I asked my dad to tell me a little more about Kerry. They were classmates at Yale and have remained friends, so he has some special insight. Historically, we don't talk much about anything. We're two, typical non-communicative males. So this information was new to me.
As an aside, I met Kerry once in 1991. I was working the Yale renunions in my sophomore year at Yale. My dad and Kerry were attending their 25th. At one point at a dinner in the Commons, Kerry found out that I was not registered to vote. Oops. He launched into a little bit of a diatribe which I certainly deserved to hear.
My dad, being a lawyer, sent me two emails regarding Kerry and his qualities. It's similar to what we've all learned from reading the papers and books, but there's a little bit more. Enjoy.
Email #1: As you know, John has been described in the media as being cold and
aloof. Based upon a 40 year friendship, this is an inaccurate
characterization. To be sure, he is not as naturally outgoing as some
politicians. He does not "work the crowd" like a Bill Clinton. On the
other hand, he is loyal to his friends, and has a good sense humor.
Like many people, you need to get to know him and spend time with him
before these qualities become apparent. More importantly, do you want a
President about whom you feel warm and fuzzy or to you want one who
makes good decisions and provides leadership?
The "flip-flop" label has been used ad nauseam, and it, too, is
inaccurate. John is like many lawyers in the sense that his
decision-making process is based upon listening to others who have views
on the subject, analyzing the facts and circumstances and reaching a
reasoned decision. If the facts or circumstances change, he is capable
of looking at them in a new light and making new decisions, some of
which may not be completely consistent with earlier decisions. I view
this as a strength, not a weakness. Stated differently, he is not rigid
or artificially and forever constrained by ideological views.
I have no doubt whatsoever that John would be a strong advocate and
leader in the battle against terrorism and the promotion of national
security. As he has been trying to explain, there is a vast difference
between combating terrorism and increasing national security, on the one
hand, and initiating nearly unilateral wars that do not attack terrorism
but, rather, encourage more terroristic attacks against the United
States.
Between you and me, I wish John could show more charisma and provide
more inspiration as a leader. On the other hand, Presidents who
actually are able to inspire and lift the spirits of people are rare.
In my lifetime, I think only John Kennedy truly achieved that status.
We need to be content with someone who will consistently make good
decisions and who may occasionally inspire.
Email #2: A mutual friend of John's and mine in college was Dick Pershing, who was the grandson of "blackjack" Pershing, the world war I general. Dick was killed in Vietnam in 1968, and we all missed him terribly. In 1993, on the 25th anniversary of Dick's death, John arranged an event in Washington that was attended by approximately 10 of us. We went to Arlington Cemetery, where Dick is buried next to his grandfather, and then returned to John's office for a private luncheon. It was a very poignant and memorable day that united old friends, and it would not have occurred if John had not taken the initiative and arranged it.
John's friendship and sense of loyalty were demonstrated earlier this year when he wrote a letter of recommendation for your mother. Although he was in the middle of the primary and then preparing for the convention, it was important enough to him to take the time to write a letter.
Instances that exemplify his sense of humor are more difficult to identify and convey. Among his friends, however, he was always the subject of good-natured ribbing over the same things that the press the rides him about now. Specifically, we kidded him about such things as the size of his jaw and his ambition to be President, and he took all of it in the spirit in which it was given.