(2002-12-01) — Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, told NBC’s Tim Russert today that he is “excited” about exploring the potential for a presidential campaign.
Aides quickly explained that the Senator’s excitement is a “virtual” emotion, not attended by the traditional physical or vocal manifestations of true “excitement.”
Mr. Russert himself seemed genuinely excited for Sen. Kerry, but the lawmaker’s face and voice maintained the same stoic “flatline” whether he spoke of his excitement about the campaign, or his deep concern for the condition of our nation.
Sen. Kerry, a multi-millionaire many times over, said he looks forward to spending millions dollars in campaign contributors’ money in an effort to convince Americans that the economy is in trouble, and that higher taxes are the answer.
Asked what motivates him to run for president, the plain-talking 15-year veteran of the Senate said, “I’m willing to do almost anything to get out from under Ted Kennedy. Look at me. I’m 58, and I’m still the “junior” Senator from Massachusetts.”