Hum the tune to "The Way We Were" as you read this:>Kennedy Withdraws Commitment to Kerry in 08
By Rick Klein, Boston Globe Staff | December 12, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Senator Edward M. Kennedy yesterday dropped his public commitment to support Senator John F. Kerry in a 2008 presidential race, saying that he won't wait "indefinitely" for Kerry to declare his intentions while the Democratic primary field takes shape.
Kerry aides promised that the senator would make a decision "shortly after the turn of the year," despite recent signals that Kerry could wait until late spring before deciding.
A Kennedy spokeswoman said Kennedy would continue to support Kerry if the junior senator jumps into the race on that time line.
But in an hourlong interview with Globe reporters and editors, Kennedy offered strong praise for two of Kerry's possible presidential rivals: senators Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, calling them "formidable figures" who are connecting with rank-and-file Democrats.
Kennedy said his oft-stated commitment to support Kerry -- made repeatedly after the 2004 election -- was based on the assumption that Kerry would state his intentions by early 2007.
Since Kerry pushed back his decision following an election-eve "botched joke" that damaged his public standing, Kennedy said he has informed Kerry that he may get behind another Democrat for president.
"I was under more of the impression before that he was going to run and was waiting in time [to declare his candidacy], but now he's deferred that decision," Kennedy said. "I have no plans of supporting anyone else at this juncture. I'm also not going to just wait indefinitely until he's made a judgment or a decision."
Kennedy's comments mark the first public fissure between the two Massachusetts Democrats on Kerry's presidential aspirations. Kennedy had been one of Kerry's strongest supporters in the 2004 race against President Bush and in early discussions about the 2008 race.
In March 2005, when asked about a possible Clinton run on ABC's "This Week," Kennedy said, "My man is John Kerry." Kennedy endorsed Kerry again in an October interview with the Associated Press: "If he runs, I would support him."
David Wade, a Kerry spokesman, said Kerry values the senior senator's friendship and guidance. While Kerry won't set a specific deadline, Wade said, the senator realizes that he must decide soon.
"He has no intention of waiting too long, kicking the can down the road, or holding this decision in limbo," Wade said. "Senator Kerry remains very grateful for Senator Kennedy's ongoing counsel, friendship, and support as he makes this decision" and as they work together in the Senate.
Kennedy made his comments at a difficult time for Kerry. Early polls suggest that he is far behind the leading Democrats in potential presidential fields, and many party activists want Democrats to look for a fresh face in 2008.< |
