How to waste potential, by John Kerry

by blogswarm, Wed Dec 28, 2005 at 03:10:08 PM EST

During the 2004 election, John Kerry's campaign built a huge email list of people who wanted to beat George Bush (and a few who managed to be excited by Kerry's campaign).

Following the campaign, Kerry refused to share his list with the DNC and sat on a bunch of money that we donated and raised to beat Bush -- and Kerry never spent.

Since Kerry conceded, he has shown he cares more about himself then the party. But today he really proved it and demonstrated how to waste one of the best email lists ever built.

Instead of using his email list to help win back the Senate, Kerry has decided to use the list to try and boost his standing in the Democratic Caucus. Here is what the losers who are still working for him sent out today:

In the final 72 hours of 2005, Keeping America's Promise -- the leadership committee I helped launch -- is pulling out all the stops to help women candidates locked in crucial, must-win elections across America. We need to make sure that these impressive women have the resources they need to get their voices heard.

Senator Maria Cantwell has boldly stood up to powerful special interests to defend the Arctic Refuge. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a leader on health care and prescription drugs, faces a tough re-election battle after winning one of the closest Senate races of 2000. And Lois Murphy is locked in a tight, swing district Pennsylvania Congressional race against a close ally of Karl Rove and Tom DeLay.

I urge you to rush a critical year-end donation to help one, two, or all three of these strong Democrats in must-win 2006 contests

No I'm all for helping female candidates, but nobody thinks Cantwell or Stabenow are vulnerable. While almost everyone is looking towards 2006 as a year Democrats will pick up seats, John Kerry is raising money for incumbent Democrats who don't need it -- all in a pathetic attempt to boost his own standing in the Democratic caucus.

Now I'm all for helping Lois Murphy pick up a congressional seat (you can and should donate to her here), but Cantwell and Stabenow aren't the Democratic women running for senate who need money from the largest Democratic email list.

If you want to support Democratic women, give to Clair McCaskill who can actually pick up a senate seat. Or donate to one of the two women running to hold on to Minnesota's open seat. That is what you would do if you cared about our Party more than John Kerry's standing in the senate.

Kerry is wasting potential, but not that much because most of the people on his list joined to beat Bush, not to elect Kerry. It would be nice if he used the email list for the same reason people signed up, to stop Bush. But instead Kerry has decided trying to help his career is more important than helping the Party.

P.S. If Kerry really cared about the Democratic Party, he would send an email to everyone asking them to join the DNC list and then disperse the remaining 2004 funds to the state parties. Of course, Kerry has had a year to do this and instead he's decided to let the list whither and the potential waste away.

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Didn't he throw a bone to WA gov. recount?

I think he threw a crumb or two from his millions of unfuckingspent campaing 04 cash to help with that recount, but really, that doesn't absolve the man of monumental unproductiveness.

Kerry will always be that one foot in, one foot out, hokey-pokey frustrating candidate. I don't read his email he sends me, or any other pol's for that matter (I am the choir, I keep up on current events and I don't need convincing). My hope is that the next couple of elections help grow and harvest a new generation of straight-talking, gutsy and bold Democratic leaders who will take Kerry's place on all the talk shows once he retires.

by Sam Loomis 2005-12-28 04:37PM | 0 recs

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Great Post

Great post Bob. Kerry sure knew how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and seems to be on the same track. He would do himself and the party as a whole a lot more good helping the Dems pick up either the House, Senate or both.

by John Mills 2005-12-28 04:39PM | 0 recs

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Best diary in a long time

This is right on. If Kerry was the team player he makes himself out to be, he would turn that money over to the DNC or to the campaign committees. This kind of stuff will hurt him when he tries to run in '08. Folks like Clark and Richardson have been stepping up and playing team ball, while Kerry's just been playing for more power and posturing for the cameras. I hope to God he doesn't run again.

by bluenc 2005-12-28 06:29PM | 0 recs

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So how much did Clark turn over to the DNC,

and how much does he still have in his own 2008 war chest?

What about Feingold and Hillary? Richardson? (he can't seriously think he's running in 2008?)

by MH in PA 2005-12-28 07:42PM | 0 recs

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Re: So how much did Clark turn over to the DNC,

I was referencing Clark's stumping for Kaine and Pederson. Richardson did the same in VA (as did Obama, B. Clinton, and others).

by bluenc 2005-12-28 08:16PM | 0 recs

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Kerry has stumped for Corzine, gave money to Kaine

stumped for Chris Coleman in Minnesota, Baldacci in Maine, and a few others whose names escape me at the moment.

I don't know if Kerry stumped for Kaine, it may have been felt he was "too liberal" to show up in VA (I'm guessing, I don't know). However he definitely raised money for Kaine - sent out several fundraising appeals (which you should remember if you are actually on his email list).

Perhaps you don't like Kerry using his name recognition and following to help other candidates (gawd we wouldn't want Kerry to get credit for it, so let's not do it), but I think it's great. Frankly if Wes Clark or Mark Warner or even Joe Lieberman is out there raising money for Bob Casey and Paul Scoles this year, I'll heartily welcome it!! (I'll give my own money via KAP, but I won't be out here bitching about the others trying to help.)

by MH in PA 2005-12-29 03:44AM | 0 recs

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Re: So how much did Clark turn over to the DNC,

Kerry has stumped for many, many democrats in 05 and is keeping on stumping. Corzine was one, as was the newly elected mayor of Saint Paul, ...

Kerry and Dean did not stump for Kaine because Kaine was afraid of the image of NE liberal, but both contributed money and fundraising to the campaign.

by hello 2005-12-29 04:51AM | 0 recs

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Re: So how much did Clark turn over to the DNC,

Kerry also stumped for Antonio Villaraigosa durring the LA Mayor's race.

by jkfp2004 2005-12-29 10:50AM | 0 recs

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Re: Best diary in a long time

Kerry has been a team player. He has worked for a requested funds for many of the winners in the recent 2005 election and he continues to work for those trying to get elected and those other Dems running for reelection in 2006.He has donated a lot of this money to the DNC and particular candidates. He was one of the most vocal supports in defense of Murtha recently, and he has co-sponsored several important bills on secret prisions, ANWAR- which in fact- was something he has worked on for a long time and more and better benefits for our soldiers.
He has every right to and is not wrong to do what he wants with his funds and his e-mail list-which by the way has grown since the election.

by wisteria 2005-12-28 10:04PM | 0 recs

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John Kerry is President of my In-Box

And I demand a recount.

by RANT 2005-12-28 07:41PM | 0 recs

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I call bullshit.

So you think he shouldnt be collecting for Cantwell and Stabenow. Where's the figures? Where's your evidence that they need NO money to keep their seats?

FWIW I just gave money to KAP across the board but the lion's share to Lois Murphy, kind of for the reason you state about incumbents not needing it so bad. Also that Murphy is in my own state.

If you don't want to donate through KAP, the email is still a good reminder of WHY it is importanat to donate to candidates before 12/31. Don't like KAP? Donate through the candidate website then, or donate to the DNC. JUST DO IT BY 12/31.

Believe it or not, Kerry's are the only emails I routinely actually read, even though a slew of others fill my inbox. So his little reminder that you are so quick to dis, resulted in my remembering to beat the deadline, and probably a few others like me.

But that's ok, just another excuse to bash Kerry I guess, never mind if his actions actually HELP Democratic candidates. We wouldn't want that now, would we?

by MH in PA 2005-12-28 07:48PM | 0 recs

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Re: I call bullshit.

yeah, it's good that it reminded folks to give before the deadline, but that's not why Kerry did it. He's trying to build up a war chest for 2008. What I'd like to see him doing is turning all his money and infrastructure into a real effort to win in 2006. If he did that, then maybe he could come to me asking for my vote in 2008.

by bluenc 2005-12-28 08:19PM | 0 recs

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Re: I call bullshit.

So some of his money may be saved for that potential run- big deal. That money was given to him. Many others, including me may have given a lot of that money to him and we don't want to see it given to the DNC. I'll give to the DNC individually if I want too. Besides, I receive many e-mail requests from Kerry requesting support and help for other candidates I have yet to receive any from the DNC. Other than those e-mails requesting direct contribution the the DNC. With Kerry's requests, I know where my money is going and I know who to direct addtional funds to. The DNC, seems less open and less trackable. What I'm saying is I trust Kerry's judgement. I think he is putting his money and efforts to good use.

by wisteria 2005-12-28 10:17PM | 0 recs

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Are you kidding me?

What I'm saying is I trust Kerry's judgement.

I contributed $100 to Kerry's Ohio Recount Challenge fund two days before he dropped the ball and conceeded. Kerry should have been fighting tooth and nail with The Greens, John Conyers and the Black Congressional Caucus to demand a recount in Ohio.

Have you forgotten the 1,000 lawyers Kerry had on the sidelines to make sure every vote was counted? How can any Democrat trust Kerry after that?

by Gary Boatwright 2005-12-29 05:30AM | 0 recs

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And nobody else is, I guess.

Get off your cloud. This is the game of politics. They all do it.

by hello 2005-12-29 04:53AM | 0 recs

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Wasted potential- No way!

Your diary offers up assumptions as facts and lacks in any real proof of wasted potential.

You assume those on Kerry's e-mail list weren't already on on the DNC lists. I for one am on both lists and have been for some time.

You assume most of those who went on his list did so just because they were ABB people. I don't by into this thinking and I bet you have no data that hold up to back up what you claim.

You assume that just because a candidate isn't in a higly contested race that they aren't in need of funds- completely wrong. You should never assume a candidate is safe. If one was to follow your way of thinking then Hillary Clinton really wouldn't need to raise funds for her senate run.If she is safe- and it sure looks that way on the surface- why does she continue to raise funds? (Oh, and don't drag in 2008, that entirely different race)

I am most interested in your claim that Kerry was asked to turn over his e-mail list and refused. To make an accusation like that and not back it up with a reference and offer real proof, is very deceitful and exposes your unsaviory motive in doing this.If you can't discredit a man with his past, then resort to false statements and lies.

Finally, John Kerry's e-mail list has actually grown since the election and I for one am happy he continues to attract new people. I like his efforts on behalf of other candidates and he was working hard, helping with their campaigns. In the DC Governor's race, in defeating Schwartenager's inititives, helping Corizion get elected,supporting those up for election in 2005 and 2006 is one of his major goals. IMO, he has been good for the party. He has supported Dean's grassroots efforts and encouraged others to support Dean. Frankly, I see nothing wrong with him or his motives. I would love to see him run and win the Presidency. I was never ABB, and I would bet those that were were a small minority just like yourself.

by wisteria 2005-12-28 09:13PM | 0 recs

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Re: Wasted potential- No way!

"You assume those on Kerry's e-mail list weren't already on on the DNC lists. I for one am on both lists and have been for some time."

But what about all the people who are NOT on both?

"I am most interested in your claim that Kerry was asked to turn over his e-mail list and refused."

One only has to know if he has not handed it over. Obviously DNC would want it, and obviously Kerry would know that.

"IMO, he has been good for the party."

I agree, but wouldn't the list be good for the party as well?

"I would love to see him run and win the Presidency."

So would I, but to do that he would have to know that you have to respond to smears -- in fact be expecting smears from Bushes and therefore be prepared to respond -- as well as not to say things like "I voted for it before I voted against it."

by davej 2005-12-30 11:23AM | 0 recs

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He helped Claire months ago

He sent an email out for Claire a very long time ago. And others too, the person running against Kyl comes to mind. More people than I can remember.

Did Edwards give up his email list? Or Clark? No. So neither should John Kerry. Besides, most of us are on both the DNC and Kerry's list anyway. And Edwards and Clark and a bunch of others as well.

This has all been explained so many times in the last year, it's hard to understand the motivation in bringing up non-issues that help fuel the appearance of a divided Democratic Party. Oh wait..

by sandy 2005-12-28 09:49PM | 0 recs

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opportunities

I think e-mail information is considered privillaged information and can not be shared with others with out the individuals consent. Privacy laws apply here,I think. If Dean did in fact request this information he would have been wrong in doing so.

by wisteria 2005-12-28 09:53PM | 0 recs

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McCaskill

needs our financial help immediately. Thank you Bob Brigham for posting this diary. Another diary can be found here. Contribute to McCaskill's winning campaign. She is the most formidable challenger we have in the 2006 cycle.

by ilyayavitz 2005-12-28 10:20PM | 0 recs

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How to waste our time and our energy

Bob Brigham showed us a perfect example with this diary.

If Bob Brigham actually cared about the Democratic Party, he would stop these types of diary and focus on what is really important.

I am happy that Dean has proved himself to be exactly the opposite of people like you.

by hello 2005-12-29 04:48AM | 0 recs

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Re: How to waste our time and our energy

If Bob Brigham actually cared about the Democratic Party, he would stop these types of diary and focus on what is really important.

What do you mean by "these types of diary"?

If you think there is a more important issue that Bob should be discussing in a diary, why don't you write it yourself?

by Gary Boatwright 2005-12-29 10:58AM | 0 recs

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Re: How to waste our time and our energy

Distributing funds to multiple campaigns is a laudable task. What do you recommend? Pouring millions of dollars into two campaigns at the expense of others? By the way, I am a reliable Cantwell contributor, but I also believe McCaskill has not received the attention she deserves.

by ilyayavitz 2005-12-29 12:33PM | 0 recs

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With all due respect to a great Democrat activist

This is a waste of hard drive space. It is disingenuous to suggest that a candidate who will probably run in 2008 to give up their campaign funds and start from scratch again.

I would guess that you wouldn't have advised Hackett to do the same after his try at Schmidt..

by mapKY 2005-12-29 05:09AM | 0 recs

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vulnerables...

Both Cantwell and Stabenow are on Cook's list of vulnerable incumbent Democrats.

by Matt Stoller 2005-12-29 05:28AM | 0 recs

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Re: vulnerables...

But Cook's prognostications are simply false. Donate to Cantwell and Stabenow, but do not forget about McCaskill.

by ilyayavitz 2005-12-29 12:34PM | 0 recs

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Where's the Beef?

I don't get it. If Kerry is running in 2008, he's obviously going to hang on to the dough. If in 2008 he decides not to run, he'll dump it our candidates then. What's the problem with that?

by jkfp2004 2005-12-29 10:46AM | 0 recs

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i think the point is..

we all donated money to beat George Bush....not to finance John Kerry's ego (which is the only reason why he'd run in 2008)

by ben114 2005-12-29 01:53PM | 0 recs

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Well, then...

Ask for it back. People request the return of their contributions all the time. Write a nice, polite letter to Kerry detailing the dates and amounts of your contributions and explaining just how he is not using the donation in the manner in which it was intended.

He might or might not return the contribution, but you have a decent chance. After all, if he is the candidate in 2008 (which I doubt) he will want to be able to ask for money again and he can't do that if his previous donors are all mad as hell.

by Jay 2005-12-30 12:34AM | 0 recs

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I also

believe Tammy Duckworth is a waste of the Democratic Party's time and resources.

by ilyayavitz 2005-12-31 05:13PM | 0 recs