John Kerry in the Senate: "The Man Who Wasn't There"

George W. Bush ^ | July 31, 2004

[RWR8189]

Yesterday on ABC's World News Tonight, John Kerry attempted to refute the notion that he has a thin record in the United States Senate, stating, "I've introduced many pieces of legislation that are the law of the land today…" The reality is that during his 19 years in the United States Senate, only five bills and four resolutions John Kerry has been a lead sponsor on have become laws. These bills and resolutions are listed below, following a quote from Dick Morris on Kerry's meager Senate record during the Clinton years.

Dick Morris: Kerry Is A "Back-Bencher." "Where did his 20 years in the Senate go? Oddly, his absence of biography confirms the impression I formed of him during my White House years: He's a back-bencher. I never can recall a single time that his name came up in any discussion of White House strategy on anything. He was the man who wasn't there." (Dick Morris, "The Bagel Candidacy," The New York Post, 7/30/04)

Kerry's Five Bills That Became Law:

1. A Bill To Amend The Small Business Act With Respect To The Women's Business Center Program. (S. 791, Latest Major Action: 12/9/1999 Became Public Law No: 106-165) 
2. A Bill To Redesignate The Federal Building Located At 380 Trapelo Road In Waltham, Massachusetts, As The "Frederick C. Murphy Federal Center." (S. 1206, Latest Major Action: 4/14/1994 Became Public Law No: 103-234)
3. A Bill To Authorize Appropriations For The Marine Mammal Protection Act Of 1972 And To Improve The Program To Reduce The Incidental Taking Of Marine Mammals During The Course Of Commercial Fishing Operations, And For Other Purposes. (S. 1636, Latest Major Action: 4/30/1994 Became Public Law No: 103-238) 
4. A Bill To Authorize Appropriations To Carry Out The National Sea Grant College Program Act, And For Other Purposes. (S. 1563, Latest Major Action: 12/4/1991 Signed by President)
5. A Bill For The Relief Of Kil Joon Yu Callahan. (S. 423, Latest Major Action: 11/19/1987 Became Private Law No: 100-2)

Kerry's Four Resolutions That Became Law:

1. A Joint Resolution Designating The Week Beginning October 20, 1991, As "World Population Awareness Week." (S.J. Res. 160, Latest Major Action: 10/30/1991 Signed by President)
2. A Joint Resolution Designating November 13, 1992, As "Vietnam Veterans Memorial 10th Anniversary Day." (S.J. Res. 318, Latest Major Action: 10/24/1992 Became Public Law No: 102-518)
3. A Joint Resolution Designating September 18, 1992, As "National POW/MIA Recognition Day," And Authorizing Display Of The National League Of Families POW/MIA Flag. (S.J. Res. 337, Latest Major Action: 9/30/1992 Became Public Law No: 102-373)
4. A Joint Resolution Designating October 22 Through 28, 1989, As "World Population Awareness Week." (S.J. Res. 158, Latest Major Action: 10/25/1990 Signed by President)
   

[counterpunch]

But he was in Vietnam for 4 months 35 years ago!

[anniegetyourgun]

World Population Awareness Week? Hey, now that's monumental stuff. About as memorable as the Kerry Awareness Week we just had.

[tuvals]

Yes, he was in Vietnam 35 years ago and fortunately or unfortunately, he's back!!! His idea of leadership qualities are having his name emblazoned on a bus and stating I would of if I could of but didn't cause I can't. Another one who uses the "it depends on what is is" mentality! Hopefully he and his running mate will ride into the sunset after this election.

[Mamzelle]

As I was walking up the stair

I met a man who wasn't there

He wasn't there again today

I wish, I wish he'd stay away

Hugh Mearns

[mc5cents]

A Joint Resolution Designating The Week Beginning October 20, 1991, As "World Population Awareness Week." (S.J. Res. 160, Latest Major Action: 10/30/1991 Signed by President)

WTF is that? What are we supposed to do during that week? Look around and say, "Wow, there sure are a lot of people here." Maybe. That is so lame it defies explanation.

[Freeper]

But he was in Vietnam for 4 months 35 years ago!

He was? </scarism off> I am beginning to want DNA proof. Lets start with the first Purple Heart. Where are the records. The second one. Now complete my dance card, give me written proof by the US Navy (Gov't) that three Purple Hearts have been earned and deserved.

Does Kerry's SUV's have PH plates?

Oh slow me down please.

[AmericaUnited]

WOW! These were giant, globe changing pieces of legislation. Put Lurch on Mount Rushmore now!

[mc5cents]

Here is the whole thing, it sort of sounds like a Kerry speech:

What The Blind Man Saw

One bright day in the middle of the night
Two dead boys got up to fight
Back to back they faced each other
Drew their swords and shot each other
A deaf policeman heard the noise
He came and killed those two dead boys

As I was walkin' up the stair
I saw a man who wasn't there
He wasn't there again today
Oh how I wish he'd go away

Jaybird sittin' on a hickory limb
He winked at me and I winked at him
His eyes were red and his teeth were green
Sat there pickin' on a tambourine

(chorus) One bright day in the middle of the night

A monkey and a flea and three blind mice
Sat on a curbstone shootin' dice
The monkey did a flip and fell on the flea
The flea said, "Whoops, there's a monkey on me"

A Twinkie and a Tastykake knockin' at the door
They just come from the mini-mart store
The lady went upstairs to get her gun
Should-a seen the Twinkie and the Tastykake run

(chorus) One bright day in the middle of the night

As I was walkin' down the street
Who do ya think I chanced to meet?
It was Godzilla and old King Kong
Stompin' on buildings and singin' a song

Red and blue and delicate green
The King can't catch it 'n' neither can the Queen
Bring it in the house through the 'lectric socket
Catch a rainbow and put it in your pocket

(chorus) One bright day in the middle of the night

If you don't believe these lies are true
Ask the blind man, he saw it too

[Mamzelle]

Thanks! I had done a quick google, hunting for the poem, but only found the quad.

[Mamzelle]

Wait a minute. Mearns was a late Victorian poet--and there's refs to King Kong and Godzilla here. Also, the original is "I wish, I wish he'd go away" that much I'm pretty sure of.

[mc5cents]

You're welcome. I liked that one so much I have it in my favorites.

But don't you think that it just exemplifies the democrat logic? It is what they are always asking us to believe. Just ask the deaf man. He heard it too. LOL

[mc5cents]

Yea I know. This one is a song by... can't remember. I just love it though. It just incorporates that "Going up the stair" line.

[Wil H]

That list of bills should be made into a Republican TV ad..

[what's up]

5. A Bill For The Relief Of Kil Joon Yu Callahan.

What in the world?

[DustyMoment]

Well, given his record in the Senate, one can easily see that he has been a busy, busy man. No wonder he didn't have time to read the intelligence briefing that he criticized. No wonder he doesn't know what kind of vehicles his "family" owns. No wonder he doesn't have time to cast votes in the senate.

John Kerry is one busy, busy dude. Just ask him.

But, don't ask him what he's been so busy doing. It could be over 100 degrees in Fairbanks, Alaska before you get an answer.