July 14, 2004

NO FURY:

Not ready for prime time?: Kerry rivals get convention snub (HELEN KENNEDY, 7/14/04, NY DAILY NEWS)

All of John Kerry's primary rivals - and potential future contender Hillary Clinton - were snubbed yesterday when the Democrats announced their prime-time convention speakers.

The four nights in Boston beginning July 26 will feature ex-Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and 2000 nominee Al Gore, along with lots of veterans, minorities and Kerry relatives.

Shut out were Howard Dean, who still commands legions of passionate followers, running-mate runnerup Dick Gephardt, Joseph Lieberman, Wesley Clark, Bob Graham, Al Sharpton, Dennis Kucinich and Carol Moseley Braun.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the convention chairman, said all of Kerry's ex-rivals will get to speak, though apparently not during the evening hours when TV audiences tune in.

"They will all speak - I don't know when," Richardson said. "They were in the arena, and they deserve a chance to speak."


Everyone knows the Clintons need Senator Kerry to lose, but why goad her?

Posted by Orrin Judd at July 14, 2004 8:57 AM
Comments

This is known as "Tickling the tail of the dragon."

Posted by: Bruce Cleaver at July 14, 2004 9:07 AM

Kerry had to swallow Edwards, or the press would already be predicting the margin of landslide, but giving all of the other dwarfs center-stage would have been too much.

Sharpton spoiled his chance for glory by being such a lousy candidate (although who is really surprised?). Lieberman might say something dangerous about fetal viability or freedom in Iraq, Bob Graham might read from his diaries, Gephardt might highlight problems with labor (especially if there are picket lines nearby), and Hillary - well, if Bob Shrum wants another convention like 1980, then let her speak. As for Kucinich, Clark, and Moseley-Braun, Kerry doesn't want America to see them at all.

Posted by: jim hamlen at July 14, 2004 10:14 AM

Usually evening television slots are used for people who may run in the future for president or need a boost in their current races. I don't think these criteria applies to any of the 2004 candidates. Lieberman is unlikely to run for President again. Clark may, but first he needs to get elected to the Senate or other office.

Posted by: Chris Durnell at July 14, 2004 11:36 AM

Seems like another political tin ear move by Kerry. What's to stop these people, who would probably benefit from a Kerry loss, from sticking it to Kerry in some way?

Posted by: AWW at July 14, 2004 12:21 PM

You are surprised that Kerry has a tin ear? He benefits from a seat so safe he could include it in his will ... a seat so safe that one can retain it even with the rhetorical skills and political acumen of John Kerry. This is the toughest political challenge he has ever faced, and as such you can't be surprised that the 19-year Senate veteran is making rookie mistakes ... at this level (and level of scrutiny) Kerry IS a rookie.

Posted by: John Barrett Jr. at July 14, 2004 12:54 PM
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