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A not-so popular club

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 13, 2009 09:49 AM

Senator John F. Kerry's latest attempt at political humor appeared to fall flat, again.

Opening the confirmation hearing today for Senator Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, Kerry remarked on the history about to be made: for the first time ever, a US senator will become president (Barack Obama) and another senator will become vice president (Joe Biden). Obama is the first sitting senator to be elected commander in chief since John F. Kennedy.

Then, Kerry quickly noted that he (the failed Democratic nominee in 2004), Chris Dodd (an also-ran last year), and even Clinton herself (the runner-up to Obama) know first hand that it isn't easy to win campaigns.

"Trust us, it ain't automatic," Kerry quipped.

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