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After 24 Years, Kerry Comes Into His Own

No longer aloof, he's interested in local issues, collaboration

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2009 1:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – John Kerry is a changed man, his colleagues tell the Boston Globe. Gone is the seemingly aloof Kerry known for his solo speeches and patrician habits. These days Kerry is a consensus builder, holding weekly strategy sessions of the kind his state's senior senator is known for. Kerry’s also found a sudden interest in local issues, stepping into the current void left by Ted Kennedy's illness, and keeping in close contact with local officials.

“I would go through the wall now for John Kerry,” said one Massachusetts mayor, “and I wouldn’t have said that 10 years ago.” Capitol Hill colleagues say he seems happier now that he’s settled into his role as Capitol Hill’s top foreign policy authority. “He seems to be much more of a team player,” says Barbara Boxer. “John has emerged as one of the great leaders of the Senate.”

John Kerry, right, and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry meet with Chinese officers during their visit to the Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, Tuesday, May 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, Pool)

John Kerry attends a session at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East in Jordan, May, 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Nader Daoud)

John Kerry speaks during a committee hearing on Capitol Hill in this file photo. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

Mad

Jun 29, 2009 10:14 AM CDT

I never liked the pompass ass Kerry myself and was disappointed when the Dems set him against Bush; but only the deeply retarded would actually believe that stupid failed joke Kerry flubbed was actually directed at the troops

easterner

Jun 29, 2009 8:18 AM CDT

Kerry’s also found a sudden interest in local issues, stepping into the current void left by Ted Kennedy's illness, and keeping in close contact with local officials.................. It takes a U.S. economic melt down to figure out this state with high unemployment needs you HERE after 24 years............Thanks for giving a crap.

easterner

Jun 29, 2009 7:40 AM CDT

I agree 100 percent !!

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After 24 Years, Kerry Comes Into His Own

No longer aloof, he's interested in local issues, collaboration

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John Kerry • Senate • Ted Kennedy • Massachusetts • Capitol Hill • foreign policy

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More Newser Stories

Mass. Election Could Seal Fate of Health Reform

Dems' options if Brown wins not looking good

Blame Kennedy for Coakley

If he hadn't held his seat so long, Democrats would have more talent

Scott Brown Pulls Ahead in Mass. Senate Race

Republican leads Martha Coakley 50% to 46%

Dems Could Actually Lose Kennedy Seat

Swing voters weak on Coakley—even some who back health care

Republican Rakes In $1.3M in Race for Kennedy Seat

16,000 online donors respond to request

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After 24 Years, Kerry Comes Into His Own

No longer aloof, he's interested in local issues, collaboration

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John Kerry • Senate • Ted Kennedy • Massachusetts • Capitol Hill • foreign policy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Mass. Election Could Seal Fate of Health Reform

Dems' options if Brown wins not looking good

Blame Kennedy for Coakley

If he hadn't held his seat so long, Democrats would have more talent

Scott Brown Pulls Ahead in Mass. Senate Race

Republican leads Martha Coakley 50% to 46%

Dems Could Actually Lose Kennedy Seat

Swing voters weak on Coakley—even some who back health care

Republican Rakes In $1.3M in Race for Kennedy Seat

16,000 online donors respond to request

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?