"Run John, Run!"

Senator John Kerry is deciding about another run for the Presidency.

As reported today in the Boston Globe:

WASHINGTON _ After two years of sending strong signals about a second run for the presidency, Senator John F. Kerry has held no public political events in more than two months, even as his potential rivals ramp up their own campaigns.

Behind the scenes, Kerry has been more active, hiring several top operatives and hosting several major fund-raisers with Democratic activists, including a breakfast yesterday in New York City and a birthday event at his Beacon Hill home last month where he raised $250,000. Aides to the Massachusetts Democrat said he is still mulling whether he should run again for president in 2008, with a decision likely to come before the end of the month.

But Kerry’s low public profile in recent weeks has fueled speculation in political circles that the 2004 presidential nominee will forego another run, in recognition of the difficult task he would have in convincing primary voters to turn to him a second time.

``I wouldn’t be surprised if he sees the handwriting on the wall,’’ said Alan Wolfe, a political science professor at Boston College. ``I don’t see any chance of him getting the nomination. The only question is, does he think he has a chance?’’

To that end, Kerry has kept up his contacts with major fund-raisers through a series of meetings with his finance committee. He has a top-tier Democratic operative, Ed Reilly, running his political operation, and has a potential campaign team in place that includes former top Democratic National Committee aides John Giesser and Jackson ``Jay’’ Dunn.

Through his Senate office and his political action committee, Kerry has recently signed on several prominent political aides. Theo Yedinsky, who ran Kerry’s New Hampshire operation in 2004, is joining the PAC, along with Erik Smith, who was a spokesman for former representative Richard A. Gephardt. Vincent Morris, a former New York Post reporter who was communications director for outgoing Washington mayor Anthony Williams,joined Kerry’s Senate staff yesterday.

There are plenty of nay-sayers.

The polls have not been kind to Senator Kerry. The Swift Boaters are still out there spinning their web of lies and distortions, ignoring Senator Kerry's leadership and military experience.

John, please run for President!

You cannot become President unless you enter the race. You will not be able to shape the discussion unless you are at the table. There really isn't anything to lose. But there is everything to gain.

As President Bush prepares to launch his "surge", only you will have the credibility of asking our leadership when they will stop sending brave young American men and women to Iraq to die for a mistake.

$100 billion for reconstruction in Iraq?

How much is being spent to reconstruct New Orleans? How much is being spent to bring the 9th Ward back to life? To repair the levees? To restore the wetlands preventing the loss of the Gulf Coast adjacent to New Orleans?

There are many goals in life that seem unreachable. You are a dark horse Senator Kerry! You have been written off by the pundits who check the latest polls on the latest rage for the Presidency. Many seek form for the Presidency while you offer substance. Many seek the newest fad, while you indeed were last year's nominee.

But our nation doesn't need trendy. Our nation doesn't need just a new face. Our nation needs wisdom that comes with experience. Understanding of war that comes from living through it as a soldier. Our nation needs your leadership at our helm to guide us through these troubled waters. America needs the very best that you offer our country!

You have navigated difficult waters in your past. You have trudged through the mud that was Vietnam and you shall have to trudge through the mud of American politics. But your journey started years ago and hasn't yet revealed its destination. We are here waiting to slog through the difficult time ahead to work to make your pursuit of the Presidency the success this nation deserves.

Keep on Coming John! And keep on Running! We have got your Back!

Bob