Kerry was never likely to beat Bush. But obviously Obama would not have run if Kerry were elected in 2004, instead he’d have waited till 2012.
The stupid hype over his BS pap rainbow speech in 2004 was proof powerful elements in the rat party were keen on selling Obama for the next opening. They knew of course it would be a battle royale with Shrillery so I’d hardly call it “anointing”.
JFK gave away part of Texas to Mexico--at least some people would see it that way. (An international court had ruled in Mexico's favor--it had to do with a bit of land called El Chamizal in El Paso, where the Rio Grande had shifted its course).