My Theory on Kerry's "Heavy Cards to Play"

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by John Kerry on his Heavy Cards to Play

"I have spelled it out, and let me make it very clear, ladies and gentleman, very clear," Kerry told about 350 voters and business leaders gathered here. "Statesmanship means something. Leadership in building alliances means something."

The Democratic presidential nominee repeated his proposal to appoint a high commissioner who would have a hand in Iraq's reconstruction, to appeal to other nations who do not want to serve American interests or masters in Iraq, and also restated his belief that a new US president is needed to "restore America's credibility" with global leaders who believe that Bush went to war in Iraq under false pretenses, such as the existence of weapons of mass destruction.

"I will do the diplomacy necessary, and I have heavy cards to play -- I'm not going to lay 'em all out on the table, no future president, no president should negotiate this in public. But let me tell you, I've got big cards to play to bring people to understand the stakes here," Kerry said.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce you to the high commissioner who would have a hand in Iraq's reconstruction and bring the allies back to the table.

At first I thought he might be made Seceratary of State. But I don't know that he'd take that kind of demotion. This new high commissioner gig would be just the trick to build his UN Resume, though.

Just my theory...

[Hogan11]

Interesting.....but I have my doubts on what his effectiveness would be.

Did I hear Jon Stewert right when he said he's gonna be on The Daily Show next week?

[Taco John]

He's also contemplating SNL.

[TexanBob]

Clinton would demand his 72 virgins up front just for starters.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

If he was going to appoint Bill C to the position, why does he keep it a secret? Despite Clinton's negatives, his perceived positives by probably the majority of the country would outweigh them. That would be something to put on the table for the American people to know about going into the election.

Kerry won't give his plans on Iraq (and he's said basically the same about his economic plans), because he knows they won't pass muster with the American people.

[Rohirrim]

I think the "heavy cards" would be the rebuilding contracts currently almost solely in the hands of Halliburton. But Clinton would be an excellent choice for that role. I'm thinking Holbrooke would be SofS. Or the dark horse candidate: John McCain.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

I'm thinking Holbrooke would be SofS. Or the dark horse candidate: John McCain.

Yeah. McCain who has said he's no #2 would take SoS. He wants to be President and there's no way that will happen if he takes a role in a Democratic administration.

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

If he was going to appoint Bill C to the position, why does he keep it a secret?

It's all in the timing... I'm thinking October Suprise.

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

I think the "heavy cards" would be the rebuilding contracts currently almost solely in the hands of Halliburton.

I have my doubts about that... The thing that ISN'T going to happen, is we sacrifice any of our National Security Interests in Iraq. I don't care what anyone does or doesn't think of Kerry. He's not going to alter the course over there a great deal. We've got too much invested in the situation, and Kerry believes in it, despite him allowing the posturing that's going on with the left to paint him as Anti-Iraq.

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Yeah. McCain who has said he's no #2 would take SoS. He wants to be President and there's no way that will happen if he takes a role in a Democratic administration.

I agree... I'd be very surprised to see McCain take a job for Kerry. He's looking for the Republican nomination. He'd be stupid to sully his chances in the way that Powell did.

[Rohirrim]

I agree, but I know that Russia spent many years in Iraq working on the pipeline sytem. They had huge, outstanding contracts with Saddam that obviously disappeared after the invasion. That's probably one of the reasons why they're cutting their production now; they're pissed off. Give them a little sugar and they'll put some boots on the ground. Same with France and Germany. The only national interest they would have in Iraq would come via rebuilding contracts and oil. I doubt that the Bush/Cheney regime would ever cut loose a single penny of that money from Halliburton's pockets. Kerry would.

[Taco John]

Ultimately, I think that the fact that Bush has zero chance of winning our allies to add additional troops and help shoulder the load in Iraq is going to be his undoing.

[Rohirrim]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Yeah. McCain who has said he's no #2 would take SoS. He wants to be President and there's no way that will happen if he takes a role in a Democratic administration.

I'm not sure about that. That last primary was downright nasty. Maybe the base of the GOP would stand up for him, but the right wing won't. Plus, he's getting old. Secretary of State for eight years is (IMO) bigger than VP as far as the historic connotations go. He could make a big impact on the world, upgrade the standing of the U.S. in the world, help destroy terrorism, help re-unite Americans, and then ride off into the sunset.

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Ultimately, I think that the fact that Bush has zero chance of winning our allies to add additional troops and help shoulder the load in Iraq is going to be his undoing.

The list of military and intelligence types who agree with you is growing longer with each passing day.

[Crushaholic]

Originally Posted by Taco John

Ultimately, I think that the fact that Bush has zero chance of winning our allies to add additional troops and help shoulder the load in Iraq is going to be his undoing.

The terrorists are lending a hand there. They are scaring our allies away with hostage-taking. I don't see anything to make me think John Kerry will be able to convince those countries to come back.