Posted on 01/20/2005 4:09:28 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
US Democratic Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, who had hoped to replace George W. Bush as president yesterday, instead sat in the cold and clapped as the Republican began a second four-year term.
Iowa Democratic Senator Tom Harkin patted Senator Kerry on the back shortly before the inauguration Senator Kerry had hoped would be his.
As Mr Bush delivered his inaugural address, Senator Kerry, about 10m away on the steps of the US Capitol, joined other lawmakers and the crowd in repeated applause.
Senator Kerry looked relaxed, at times wistful. He frequently smiled, able to hide any disappointment over what might have been.
Mr Bush was re-elected, capturing 51 per cent of the vote last November, while fellow Republicans expanded their majorities in both chambers of the US Congress.
In a statement released by his office, Senator Kerry, who has not ruled out another run for the White House, hailed American democracy and expressed hope he would be find common ground with the President he bitterly campaigned against.
"When we look around the world and see the increasing violence as Iraq's election draws near or see the fragility of democracy in Ukraine's elections, we are reminded what a powerful example our political system sets for the world," Senator Kerry said.
"We have strong differences," Senator Kerry said, yet "our system endures because we Americans expect nothing less."
"There has been a lot of talk over the last four years about uniting Americans.
"I hope now there will be a real effort to make true bipartisanship a priority.
"I'll be ready to reach across the aisle anytime we can work in good faith to make our country stronger."
Senator Kerry spent much of Mr Bush's big day out of the limelight.
Yet when he first stepped out of the US Capitol to attend the inauguration ceremony, his smiling face was shown to the crowd on a big outdoor television screen.
A smattering of cheers from the predominantly Republican gathering was quickly drowned out by loud groans and a few jeers. One man shouted, "Loser."
I was wondering how many might have missed that! ;-)
Stole it from the Inaugural thread...definitely a keeper, and sure does fit with the theme of this thread! lol...
Are you talking about the "roast". Ha! that was a debacle for Clinton and wife!
I was just going to comment on the look on Lieberman's face.
I was thinking the exact same thing as you.
He should've voted for Condi as Sec'y of State instead of making his symbolic No vote.
Is that clown really still saluting and "reporting for duty"? Sheesh.
Is that dapper Ted in the left lower corner? Hahahahahaha
Lieberman thinks Kerry sucks. And he does!
What does she wear on her shoulder???????????
Must be a costume jewelry tin piece, no???
"I was wondering how many might have missed that! ;-)
Stole it from the Inaugural thread...definitely a keeper, and sure does fit with the theme of this thread! lol..."
===
I'd bet folks that have a faster connection than a dialup, unlike me, didn't miss it the first time around.
Gosh, that is a hoot! And, you're right - it does fit the thread! I tried keeping up with today's live threads...they go too fast for me. But I enjoy reading them.
Today was a GOOD day, wasn't it! I bet Freepers are having a great time at the ball tonight, eh? Here I am in my jammies and slippers dancing to my own tune, lol.
Thanks! I swiped it here from you and added it to my photobucket/kerry. LOL! Thanks. That original photo, without the comment is the real deal. He was goofing off as usual, and the only thing photoshopped is the caption at the bottom!
He was playing soccer with some kids, and he truly is this dorky.
I still gotta wonder, though, if his photographer wasn't a FR-type and just shot these terrible PR photos, just for our amusement, eh? LOL!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.