Slowpoke_Rodrigo
New member
STORY
Gore eyes Kerry for VP
by Andrew Miga
Monday, May 8, 2000
WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kerry has been tapped for a ``significant role'' in Al Gore's campaign for the White House as the vice president considers him as a running mate.
Gore has expanded the Massachusetts senator's role as one of his most reliable and aggressive surrogate campaigners, tapping him for key speeches, appearances, media interviews and policy advice.
``Kerry will be used more and more as we ramp-up to the August convention,'' said a Gore source. ``It's a significant role.''
In an interview with the Herald, Kerry said, ``I made a commitment to support the vice president. In a personal conversation (Gore) asked me to do things, to be helpful. I help him. I help him particularly when they ask me to help.''
Kerry, however, brushed aside any suggestion that his labors for Gore's presidential campaign would enhance his vice presidential prospects for the 2000 Democratic ticket.
``Look, these are very smart people,'' insisted Kerry. ``They're going to look and see . . . what meets their needs nationally. Nobody's goning to affect that.''
The junior senator said other more weighty political factors - such as geography, electability, even gender - would guide Gore's eventual choice. Besides, he said, it's far too early to speculate.
``I am not kidding when I say it is really premature to start, (speculating),'' said Kerry. ``They haven't even put together a long list, let alone a short one.''
Kerry's reluctance to openly lobby for the vice presidential slot is no surprise. Political protocol calls for VP hopefuls to publicly downplay their interest in the job.
``Kerry is keeping his head down for the most part and that is certainly the most desirable profile for someone who wants to be seriously considered,'' said one senior Gore adviser.
Kerry might also be a strong candidate for a cabinet post such as secretary of state or attorney general, the source added.
Dozens of congressmen, governors and Clinton administration officials are quietly jockeying for an edge with Gore as the Aug. 14 Democratic National Convention approaches.
Gore will make his choice shortly before the convention.
At the behest of the Gore campaign, Kerry launched a sharp attack on Gore rival Texas Gov. George W. Bush's environmental record during an Earth Day speech on the Washington Mall a few weeks ago.
When an environmental group recently named Houston as the nation's most polluted city - an embarrassment for Bush - the Gore camp called on Kerry to do a round of radio interviews lashing the governor.
During the primaries Kerry spent nine days stumping for Gore in New Hampshire, three days in New York and three days in Iowa.
Kerry, a Gore source confirmed, did more than 50 talk radio show interviews for the vice president in primary states as well as speeches to many veterans' groups.
Gore has tapped former Secretary of State Warren Christopher to begin his formal search process and check the backgrounds of possible choices, but little progress has been made, said a Gore source.
Kerry's strengths, a Gore source said, are his Vietnam War hero background, his skills as a debater and his strong performance in beating then-Gov. William F. Weld in bruising national showcase race.
``Kerry is a tough, seasoned candidate who has been thoroughly vetted,'' said a Gore source. ``You know what you are getting, no big surprises.''
The list of potential Gore mates includes Defense Secretary William Cohen, Sen. Bob Graham of Florida, North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, Energy Secretary Bill Richardson and California Gov. Gray Davis.
Kerry enjoys strong ties to Gore and his campaign. Gore's top political strategist, Boston native Michael Whouley is a former Kerry adviser who often consults with the senator.
Gore appreciated Kerry's early formal endorsement back on Nov. 20 when the vice president's primary bid was foundering.
``I don't believe in tokenism and I don't believe in walking away from those kinds of commitments,'' said Kerry.
Kerry and Gore first met one-on-one to discuss the 2000 race at the vice president's residence last May after Kerry had abandonned his own plans to run for president.
During the session, Kerry said he convinced Gore to borrow some of his ideas about education reform, including a stronger role for faith-based groups.
``(Gore) thought I had some good ideas and we shared them,'' Kerry said. ``I'm glad he embraced a huge amount of it. I'm pleased.''
------------------
Slowpoke Rodrigo...he pack a gon...
I voted for the Neal Knox 13
I'll see you at the TFL End Of Summer Meet!
Gore eyes Kerry for VP
by Andrew Miga
Monday, May 8, 2000
WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kerry has been tapped for a ``significant role'' in Al Gore's campaign for the White House as the vice president considers him as a running mate.
Gore has expanded the Massachusetts senator's role as one of his most reliable and aggressive surrogate campaigners, tapping him for key speeches, appearances, media interviews and policy advice.
``Kerry will be used more and more as we ramp-up to the August convention,'' said a Gore source. ``It's a significant role.''
In an interview with the Herald, Kerry said, ``I made a commitment to support the vice president. In a personal conversation (Gore) asked me to do things, to be helpful. I help him. I help him particularly when they ask me to help.''
Kerry, however, brushed aside any suggestion that his labors for Gore's presidential campaign would enhance his vice presidential prospects for the 2000 Democratic ticket.
``Look, these are very smart people,'' insisted Kerry. ``They're going to look and see . . . what meets their needs nationally. Nobody's goning to affect that.''
The junior senator said other more weighty political factors - such as geography, electability, even gender - would guide Gore's eventual choice. Besides, he said, it's far too early to speculate.
``I am not kidding when I say it is really premature to start, (speculating),'' said Kerry. ``They haven't even put together a long list, let alone a short one.''
Kerry's reluctance to openly lobby for the vice presidential slot is no surprise. Political protocol calls for VP hopefuls to publicly downplay their interest in the job.
``Kerry is keeping his head down for the most part and that is certainly the most desirable profile for someone who wants to be seriously considered,'' said one senior Gore adviser.
Kerry might also be a strong candidate for a cabinet post such as secretary of state or attorney general, the source added.
Dozens of congressmen, governors and Clinton administration officials are quietly jockeying for an edge with Gore as the Aug. 14 Democratic National Convention approaches.
Gore will make his choice shortly before the convention.
At the behest of the Gore campaign, Kerry launched a sharp attack on Gore rival Texas Gov. George W. Bush's environmental record during an Earth Day speech on the Washington Mall a few weeks ago.
When an environmental group recently named Houston as the nation's most polluted city - an embarrassment for Bush - the Gore camp called on Kerry to do a round of radio interviews lashing the governor.
During the primaries Kerry spent nine days stumping for Gore in New Hampshire, three days in New York and three days in Iowa.
Kerry, a Gore source confirmed, did more than 50 talk radio show interviews for the vice president in primary states as well as speeches to many veterans' groups.
Gore has tapped former Secretary of State Warren Christopher to begin his formal search process and check the backgrounds of possible choices, but little progress has been made, said a Gore source.
Kerry's strengths, a Gore source said, are his Vietnam War hero background, his skills as a debater and his strong performance in beating then-Gov. William F. Weld in bruising national showcase race.
``Kerry is a tough, seasoned candidate who has been thoroughly vetted,'' said a Gore source. ``You know what you are getting, no big surprises.''
The list of potential Gore mates includes Defense Secretary William Cohen, Sen. Bob Graham of Florida, North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, Energy Secretary Bill Richardson and California Gov. Gray Davis.
Kerry enjoys strong ties to Gore and his campaign. Gore's top political strategist, Boston native Michael Whouley is a former Kerry adviser who often consults with the senator.
Gore appreciated Kerry's early formal endorsement back on Nov. 20 when the vice president's primary bid was foundering.
``I don't believe in tokenism and I don't believe in walking away from those kinds of commitments,'' said Kerry.
Kerry and Gore first met one-on-one to discuss the 2000 race at the vice president's residence last May after Kerry had abandonned his own plans to run for president.
During the session, Kerry said he convinced Gore to borrow some of his ideas about education reform, including a stronger role for faith-based groups.
``(Gore) thought I had some good ideas and we shared them,'' Kerry said. ``I'm glad he embraced a huge amount of it. I'm pleased.''
------------------
Slowpoke Rodrigo...he pack a gon...
I voted for the Neal Knox 13
I'll see you at the TFL End Of Summer Meet!