John Kerry exhorts Obama faithful in Del Rio to get to work

February 24, 2008
By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer

“You can’t just sit down at some coffee shop, and say ‘Boy, it’s a mess!’” Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) implored a packed house at the Sul Ross University auditorium, Saturday night (Feb. 23), to roll up their sleeves for the twin opportunities Texans have to put Sen. Barack Obama into the White House: The upcoming March 4 primaries and the November general election.

Kerry drew standing ovations for his oratory and persuasive reasoning underpinning his support for Obama, beginning with his endorsement of the Illinois senator in Charleston, S.C., Jan. 10. Introductions of the charismatic Kerry began with “Get out and vote,” messages from Val Verde County Clerk Janie Ramon, urging the audience to participate in early voting, and to call her office with any questions.

Next Esther Morales, Obama’s south Texas campaign organizer, introduced Bobby Barrera, whom she hailed for his honor as 1998 Outstanding Veteran of the Year, severely wounded in Vietnam, and noted deliverer of inspirational speeches to veterans, churches and schools throughout Texas.

Barrera told the crowd, “I first had the pleasure of meeting Senator Kerry in Washington, D.C. at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Vietnam Memorial. With the Vietnam Wall as a background, the senator delivered a very inspiring presentation to a group well-represented by Vietnam veterans. Senator Kerry, not surprisingly, focused on our country’s responsibility to meet the needs of our veterans. I was very impressed.”

Barrera acknowledged the enthusiastic attendance of veterans honored with front row seats in the Sul Ross auditorium, adding, “Today, Senator Kerry is with us on behalf of Senator Barack Obama. I must remind you that Senator Obama serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Ladies and gentlemen, probably still fighting jet lag from a recent trip to Afghanistan, I present to you an American hero, the Honorable John Kerry.”

The first of his standing ovations came when Kerry entered the side door of the auditorium, relaxed, yet energetic in a blue blazer and open-collar shirt. Still, fatigue was evident from his Thursday (Feb. 21) emergency helicopter landing in the snows of Afghanistan with Sen. Joseph Biden and Sen. Chuck Hagel, followed by a taxing Saturday of Obama campaign speeches in Galveston, Brownsville, and Del Rio.

Kerry began, teasing the audience, “I’m not here telling any Texans how to vote!” Then he asked, “But how many of you have not made up your mind yet.” He noted only four raised hands, and said it was his job to settle the matter for everyone. Work for change became Kerry’s theme, including work to make government more responsive, and work to demand wiser spending of federal tax dollars.

Kerry ticked off the list of governors and public officials who have endorsed Obama, including Sen. Ted Kennedy. “He’s for Barack Obama, and do you know why?” Kerry queried. “Because he’s frustrated like we all are!” adding that he and Kennedy believe Obama has “a bigger, more tangible opportunity” to effect change than any other candidate.

Citing Obama’s record on environmental issues, Kerry listed historic milestones in environmental legislation that came out of public demands for change. “Even Richard Nixon was brought to the signing of the National Environmental Policy Act. That’s accountability, my friends!” said Kerry. “What I see in Barack Obama is his creating the grass roots change that’s needed to get things done … I believe he has the best opportunity to unite Americans.”

Kerry cited his own 24 years on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, during which tenure he has seen dramatic successes and failures of international policy. Kerry linked the need in diplomacy for credibility and inspiration to Obama’s growing renown for persuasion and integrity. “Just think if we prove to the nations of the world that we are the country we say we are!” Kerry thundered.

Refuting Sen. Hillary Clinton’s allegation that Obama has little experience, Kerry asked, “Would it surprise you to learn that Barack Obama has more legislative experience than Hilary Clinton?” Alluding to Obama’s eight years as a leader in the Illinois state senate, Kerry added that such legislative experience put Obama ahead of Clinton’s record as a legislator.

Kerry wrapped up his presentation reminding the audience of Obama’s recent success and rising popularity among primary voters and caucus participants. “Barack Obama has won 25 states in the days of these elections, and he has won more delegates every day than has Hilary Clinton.”

In closing, Kerry admonished the crowd to spring into action and work diligently to get out the vote and secure more support for Obama.

Reporters were hustled to an anteroom to visit with Kerry privately while he finished responding to questions from the audience. LIVE! asked Kerry if he and Obama had similar views on the problems of illegal immigration and the current emphasis on building border walls. Kerry he responded that the two senators have identical positions.

Kerry describes the credentials that he believes prepare Obama for office, including a legislative background in Illinois and Washington D.C. as well as an ability to communicate effectively with world leaders and the broad constituency of the people of the United States. (LIVE! photo/Bill Sontag) (click image to enlarge)

Kerry explains that much work is needed in Del Rio, and surrounding south Texas communities, to get out the vote to improve Obama’s chances in upcoming primary elections. (LIVE! photo/Bill Sontag) (click image to enlarge)

 

Kerry said he believes “partial walls” may be needed in specific locations, but not without careful discussion with local communities and officials to learn their views first. “It’s got to be thoughtful,” Kerry said, adding that “Human and technological restraint is preferable to a wall.”

Asked if Obama would support removal of barrier fence that may be erected before he is elected, Kerry replied that the hypothetical is probably pointless. “In the next ten months, I just don’t think that [wall construction] is going to happen,” Kerry said, reiterating that human resources are desperately needed now. “We’re asking folks to do an impossible job without the people to do it,” Kerry said.

An estimated 150 attended Kerry’s speech, filling the campus auditorium to standing room only. Asked by a Washington D.C. reporter why he chose to come to Del Rio, Kerry replied sharply, “Because Texas is important, and it has a chance to make the decision … Every state should be contested.”