Odd photo: John Kerry being condescending to his African-American aide?

Reuters via Yahoo News Photos ^ | 8/19/04

[Wolfstar]

A news report posted on another thread indicates that John Kerry was not happy about the reception he received at the VFW convention. He was ticked that his staff said he'd get a warm reception, but instead it was cool, if not downright cold.

This photo shows Kerry in what appears to be a fully condescending mode toward his black aide. Kerry's face is grim and stern. His eyebrows are raised and he's wagging that finger at the poor aide, who looks startled.

Here's Yahoo's caption: U.S. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry talks to his campaign trip director Setti Warren (L) before a 'Front Porch Visit' on health care in Derry, New Hampshire August 19, 2004. Kerry accused U.S. President George W. Bush of using surrogates to 'do his dirty work,' as the Democratic presidential challenger hit back on Thursday at a Republican assault on his Vietnam War record. REUTERS/Brian Snyder US ELECTION

[dead]

I am with you.

Kerry's an ass, but I see nothing condescending or anything else in that photo.

It looks to me that he's about to close the door and the black is backing up so he can do it.

[Joe 6-pack]

Maybe this guy was wounded a lot worse in 'Nam than we think...those appendages looks more like prostheses than a real man's arms!!!

[NonValueAdded]

"I said, don't touch the hair ... don't ever touch the hair." "Ok, ok, I'm backing off ... no need for a hissy fit."

[adam_az]

It looks sorta like Kerry is calling him "boy."

[LibWhacker]

Don't make me do my silly walk, boy!

[VisualizeSmallerGovernment]

Meanwhile, they refer to Moveon.org as an independent, non-partisan group of concerned citizens, and Fahrenheit 911 as the product of Oscar Winning Documentary Film Maker Michael Moore.

[mass55th]

Oh, Rochester!!

[Wolfstar]

...but I don't see what you saw in this photo.

Fair enough. That's why I posted it as a question. Other FReepers can make up their own minds. But the juxtaposition of the man's startled face, Kerry's stern face and boney raised finger sure struck me that way.

[Saundra Duffy]

Scary Kerry. (Remember when we used to call Gary Condit - Scary Gary?) By the way: WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN; GARY CONDIT'S ROTTEN!! I heard the Condit's have moved from Modesto CA to somewhere in AZ. Good riddance!

[Prime Choice]

John Kerry is incapable of treating anyone who is not of his "class" as an equal.

Same is true for Te-RAY-za. If those two had their noses any higher in the air, they'd drown in a rain storm...

[Steve_Seattle]

"He's Setti Warren, Kerry's trip director."

I'm wrong about him being a secret service guy (who, now that I think about it, probably wouldn't be holding a folder full of paperwork), but I don't see anything condescending in Kerry's demeaner; I don't even think he's talking to Warren in this pic, but to someone off-camera.

[Wolfstar]

Please see my posts #7 and #28.

[Wolfstar]

I hate people who do things like that.

Once again, read the Yahoo caption. The man is Kerry's trip director.

[dead]

Bwaaa!!

That's a new one on me, and without a doubt a keeper.

I salute you sir!:

[EggsAckley]

Actually, I believe that the gentleman is from India. But you're right on.....Kerry is in full upbraiding mode in that pic. I'm beginning to really hate that finger of his.

[nmh]

#3 Did you catch him picking his nose AGAIN!

[Sgt. Pile E-6]

I wonder what this croud WANTS TO HEAR....

[Bahbah]

Wolfstar, I think there is a difference of opinion on this one, and maybe it's just a question of reaction. I worked with someone who would hold up his finger like this everytime someone "beneath him" came into his office to indicate that he was not to be interrupted until he was ready. That may not be what is going on in the photo, but that was my read. I have no doubt that I can be wrong.

[glock rocks]

Sir, you want that finger?

[TomGuy]

"The wind is blowing in this direction, so
this is my position on that subject....today."