I doubt whether Kerry's Catholicism was that much of a factor. One of the boys in my class at an Episcopal prep school was Catholic, and went to Mass in town on Sundays. He was eventually chosen as Head Prefect and was probably one of the most popular boys in the school, even though he was not a notable athlete, the usual grounds for popularity.
No, the problem with Kerry is that he is not clubbable. As you can see from looking at him and listening to him, he's an obvious narcissist, in love with himself. He's not a team player, as his refusal to pass the puck illustrates.
Moreover, his Kennedy accent is a fake, which he taught himself. He had presidential ambitions very early and put the accent on for that reason. Boys quickly recognize that kind of fakery.
Right. But I will give him a pass on the axxent. George Bush's accent is also an affectation. Compare the way he talks with the way the presnt governor, who also comes from West Texas, talks. I gather Bush cultivated his because he wanted to show where his heart lay. Incidentally, R.E. Lee's sons were sent to Yale but were never assimilated either.