SURPRISE SURPRISE......
Ted K gives support to Kerry in 2004 race for White House
by Andrew Miga
Monday, December 16, 2002
WASHINGTON - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, a strong backer of Al Gore's presidential bid two years ago, is praising Sen. John F. Kerry as the early Democratic favorite in the 2004 race for the White House.
``He's certainly right up at the top,'' Kennedy (D-Mass.) told the Herald. ``He's clearly broken out of the pack. . . . John has moved out of the (starting) blocks and is making the strongest case.''
Kennedy, who is friendly with nearly all of the Democratic presidential hopefuls, has been largely silent about his Bay State colleague's White House ambitions.
But in the wake of Kerry's announcement earlier this month that he is forming an exploratory committee to run for president, Kennedy was willing to speak out.
``He's doing exceedingly well,'' said Kennedy, citing Kerry's strong showing in early polls conducted in key primary states and the country.
Gore, who yesterday said he would not run in 2004, had enjoyed wider name recognition but Kerry had been running close in a spate of recent polls.
The senior senator, viewed as perhaps the most powerful liberal voice on Capitol Hill, said while he will not make any formal endorsement among Democratic presidential hopefuls until next year, he is fully behind Kerry's White House bid.
``I'm very supportive of his efforts,'' said Kennedy. ``He'd make a great nominee. . . . He's been an important voice for the American people.''
Kennedy, who made an unsuccessful bid for the White House in 1980, has already served as an informal adviser to Kerry as he prepares to launch his national campaign.
``I'm talking to him frequently,'' said Kennedy, adding that the pair chatted about presidential politics last week as Kerry was celebrating his 59th birthday. ``We talked about the challenges of national leadership.''
There was speculation earlier this year about whether Kennedy, who has forged a strong friendship with prospective 2004 Democratic presidential contender Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), would support Kerry's presidential bid.
But Kennedy clearly seemed eager to dispel those notions.
``I wish (Kerry) the best,'' said Kennedy. ``I hope he concludes he will run.''
Kerry is expected to make a full-blown formal declaration of candidacy sometime this spring.
Kerry's background as a Vietnam War combat hero, coupled with his 18 years serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, gives him solid credentials to challenge President Bush's policies fighting terrorism and countering Iraq, backers said. ``At a time when the country is concerned about national security, he brings a unique perspective. He is an authentic war hero. He's talked about national security with great sensitivity and power,'' Kennedy said.
Kerry, meanwhile, has been busy in recent days traveling across the country, raising money for his fledgling candidacy in key states such as Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Kennedy said he plans to sit down with Kerry sometime before the junior senator makes a final decison on running next year.
``Ultimately, running for president is a difficult personal decision,'' Kennedy said.
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