I Was Wrong. Bob Kerrey's Apology (Almost An
Endorsement) Proves It Was a Mistake

post from TPMCafe - The Coffee House feed on 20 December 2007 11:44:29 AM. © TPMCafe - The Coffee House feed

I just read Sen. Bob Kerrey's apology to Barack Obama and I have to conclude that the guy who wrote this letter would not intentionally engage in Muslim-baiting or anything like it.

Is the letter sincere? It has to be. If it wasn't, why would Kerrey essentially make an apology that Obama-backers can use as an endorsement and which Kerrey indicates he would allow to be used that way.

Kerrey says he didn't mean his remarks as an insult. His letter proves it, especially the following:

Kerrey writes:

"After you and I met during your primary campaign for the Senate, I wrote a public letter in which I said that that you were among the two or three most talented people I have ever met in politics. Nothing in your performance in the Senate or your campaign for the Presidency has altered that view....

?With the benefit of my computer?s capacity to make certain that my words reflect my belief let me answer that question in this letter which you are free to use anyway you choose.

You are exceptionally qualified by experience and judgment to be President of the United States. I do not doubt that you would use the power of the Presidency to bring peace and prosperity to as many people as possible on our fragile planet. You inspire my highest hopes for that office?s potential: That it be used as a force for good in America and the world.

It is your capacity to inspire hope that is your greatest God given talent. Without spending a dime of tax payer?s money or changing a single law your presence in the Oval Office will send a clear and compelling message to four groups of people who will be altered for good as a consequence. That was what I was trying to say on Sunday and what I hope I said more clearly in this letter."

Kerrey is a mensch.