Kerry issues call for national unity

BOSTON – In the end, Sen. John Kerry finally found the warmth and passion he was often criticized for lacking, emotionally telling those who fought so hard for him that he wished he could “wrap you up in my arms and embrace each and every one of you.”

In a speech as gracious as it was eloquent, the senator from Massachusetts ended his quest for the presidency Wednesday afternoon, hours after it became painfully clear that all roads to the White House had closed for him.

“I’m sorry that we got here a little bit late and a little bit short,” said Kerry, standing alone on a stage at historic Faneuil Hall, as staff and family wept in the front row. “In America, it is vital that every vote count … but the outcome should be decided by voters, not a protracted legal fight. I would not give up this fight if there was a chance that we would prevail.”

After a two-year campaign that lurched from a sense of inevitability to despair and then back again, the end for Kerry came quickly. Just before 11 a.m. Wednesday in the kitchen of Kerry’s Beacon Hill townhouse, aides Bob Shrum and Mary Beth Cahill told him that the numbers would never add up for him in Ohio, his last hope – that there were simply not enough ballots left to change the course of history.

“That’s it,” Kerry said. Then he went into his study with his wife, Teresa, and called his running mate John Edwards, and then President Bush to concede the race.

“We talked about the danger of division in our country and the need, the desperate need for unity, for finding the common ground, coming together,” said Kerry of his four-minute conversation with the president.

“We are required now to work together for the good of our country. In the days ahead, we must find common cause, we must join in common effort, without remorse or recrimination, without anger or rancor. America is in need of unity and longing for a larger measure of compassion.”

Kerry assured all the people who supported him that their work “made a difference” and pledged to keep fighting for them.

“And building on itself … we go on to make a difference another day,” he said. “I promise you that time will come. The time will come, the election will come when your work and your ballots will change the world. And it’s worth fighting for.”

Kerry and Edwards came out to together and stood before a 27-foot-wide oil painting depicting a 1830 historic Senate debate between Daniel Webster and Robert Hayne. Inscribed on the frame are Webster’s famous words: “Liberty and Union, Now and Forever.”

Edwards introduced Kerry, thanked supporters and pledged to keep working for them. “You can be disappointed, but you cannot walk away,” he said. “This fight has just begun.”

As for himself, Kerry offered no regrets.

“So, with a grateful heart, I leave this campaign with a prayer that has even greater meaning to me now,” he said. “And that prayer is very simple: God bless America.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Percy Levy, who served 17 years for drug-related crimes, outside his new business Redemption Auto along Highway 99 on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man, arrested on drugs, weapons charges, moved to federal detention

In addition to Percy Levy, U.S. marshals transferred a second suspect in the case to federal custody.

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

Gary Petershagen
Lake Stevens council member announces reelection run

Gary Petershagen is seeking a third term on the council.

2025 Emerging Leader Megan Kemmett (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Megan Kemmett: Seeking solutions to any problem or obstacle

Executive director of Snohomish Community Food Bank overcomes obstacles to keep people fed.

Director for the Snohomish County Health Department Dennis Worsham leads a short exercise during the Edge of Amazing event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department faces up to $3.4 million in cuts

The two federal grants provided funding for immunizations and disease prevention awareness efforts.

2025 Emerging Leader DeLon Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
DeLon Lewis: Helping students succeed

Program specialist for Everett Community College believes leadership is about building bridges.

Daron Johnson, who runs Snohomish County Scanner, stands next to his scanner setup on Tuesday, April 1 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Snohomish County law enforcement to encrypt police airwaves

The plan for civilian police scanners to go dark pushed a host to shut down his popular breaking news feed.

Richie Gabriel, 1, jumps off the bottom of the slide as Matthew Gabriel looks down at him from the play structure at Hummingbird Hill Park on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds residents show up for Hummingbird Hill Park, Frances Anderson Center

After a two-and-a-half hour public comment session, the council tabled its votes for the two comprehensive plan amendments.

Students Haddie Shorb, 9, left, and brother Elden Shorb, 11, right, lead the ground breaking at Jackson Elementary School on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett Public Schools breaks ground on Jackson Elementary replacement

The $54 million project will completely replace the aging elementary school. Students are set to move in by the 2026-27 school year.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.