Keep the Momentum Going

One thing we know about politics, you are either moving forward, or you are falling behind. The progressive movement had what we want to believe was a seismic win on election day -- but it's really only seismic if it continues to reverberate.

So -- here's the next most immediate round: the Republicans aren't resting, they're trying to
staunch the bleeding -- sending Dick Cheney out to help out in the runoff election in Louisiana this weekend. I won't repeat that Paul Carmouche needs our help to grab his seat. Putting aside the MN recount and today's GA run-off, this is the last election of 2008, and I want us to end it as winners.

Tomorrow, I'll have a post here at Huffington Post looking forward to what we can do next year on foreign policy, but let's make sure to finish this year strong. I sent out this email to some of the johnkerry.com community, and I just wanted to flag it here at Huffington Post as well:

Victory is sweet, but we're not done yet. On November 4, you made history but even after today's election in Georgia and the recount in Minnesota, there's still one more fight in 2008.

Down in Louisiana, there's a runoff election in what the pundits like to call a "deeply red" district where Democrat Paul Carmouche is neck and neck WITH HIS REPUBLICAN OPPONENT. This is a district the Republicans consider so conservative that even Dick Cheney has been allowed to come in and campaign and the GOP candidate isn't running in the other direction! STILL, you are on the verge of turning one more piece of red America blue.

We need your help. Dick Cheney is working hard. We need to work harder. Dick Cheney needs to hear from you one last time before you send him home in January.

Please donate to Paul Carmouche's campaign today.

This is your chance to show that real change starts with the grass roots. We need to keep building the 21st century governing coalition that WILL keep progressives in power for years to come. This is no time to let up.

Let's end 2008 with one last message to Dick Cheney and the Republicans: Change is on the way. Please do what you can to help.

Please donate to Paul Carmouche's campaign today.

You've already made history this year. Now let's win one more race together.

Thank you,
John Kerry

Comments

[secondedition]

Senator,
What happened to your post on foreign policy. I was looking forward to reading it. You sir, know your stuff and are the real one with experience and a full background in foreign policy.

[abiodunaodeleye]

Thank you Sen Kerry for all you've done for the Progressive Movement. We know you are not perfect, like the rest of us aren't.

[Luvial]

Obama is turning out to be a Clinton. He is using tried and true bait-and-switch tactics. Obama portrayed himself as a progressive during the election, but after being elected he turned back into a right-center, DLC ,corporatist, Clintonista. No more money from me for the Obama/Clinton Administration. Dude, I want my vote back! Nader in 2012?

[Alternate Reality]

It's a shame that Obama hasn't found a place for such a great mind and patriot. Kerry supported Obama early and often. Shouldn't he get at least a bone?

[Weldonn]

"WE"?.....WHO'S "WE"?

YOU'RE INCLUDING YOURSELF?

[stephanemot]

Elections are not over yet. There's asymetric warfare waging right now in GA and MN.

[Steamboater]

The progressive movement is only seismic if those we help to elect keep their promises and that means Obama needs to bring all combat troops home within 16 months and end Don't Ask, Don't Tell and not put it off, as well as revamp healthcare so all Americans have it quality guarenteed healthcare.

[strangelet]

I agree with you in principle, but while you're monitoring the situation try to recall that no major candidate promised to "revamp healthcare so all Americans have it quality guarenteed healthcare." That would be single-payer, or "nationalized" health care, and Obama, McCain, and Clinton -- among others -- were careful to say clearly that they were not going to try to implement single-payer coverage.

Judge the guy against the promises he actually made, not what you wish he had promised.

[kauffmanr]

I'm with you. Tell your elected friends to blog more often on sites like huffpo and dailykos so we feel like we are all part of the conversation and the movement. Thats my 2 cents.

[MyNameIsJames]

Senator Kerry - You talk about Progressives -yet we are getting centrists and center-right types in the Obama administration.

I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for 12 months -- Then its time for REFORM.

Progressives should get the same respect in the Democratic Party that Conservatives got in the Republican Party

[Octoberon]

The pace of reform needs to be carefully measured. I'd say allow a period of transition. Bush is still pushing away at his negative agenda, and won't be stopped until January 20, but if the tide were to turn dramatically the other way, wouldn't that just lead to turmoil?

[strangelet]

Actually, one could argue that traditional Conservatives have gotten very little respect in the Republican Party for the last twenty years or more. Religious zealots have had influence, mega-rich scam artists have had influence, neo-con Pax Americana chicken-hawks have had influence. Conservatives, not so much.

[DrPaulProteus]

I'm so tired of hearing that nonsense. How many so-called "traditional conservatives" voted for anyone other than Bush and their Republican congresspeople, or McCain this last time? My bet is 95 to 100%.

[stanjz]

I'm with you Senator Kerry. This is a long term fight. We're(progressives) getting our second wind. I'm off to make more calls for Jim Martin.