First meeting of the Kerry for President Committee 2008

Okay, that's a joke. But it was a joke spoken last Friday night by a man who has some authority on the subject, Ted Kennedy.

Thanking 1,200 supporters gathered in Boston's Westin Hotel last night, Sen. John F. Kerry joked: "According to the exit polls, there are 2 million people in this room tonight."

Kerry, striving to be upbeat as he addressed staffers and campaign volunteers from his failed White House run, was propped up by his Bay State colleague, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

"This is the first meeting of the Kerry for President Committee 2008," Kennedy declared as Kerry and his wife, Teresa, looked on.

In a meeting earlier in the day with Herald editors and reporters, Kennedy predicted Kerry would be an even more formidable candidate if he runs again in four years.

"He's got to make his own judgment," Kennedy said. "He'd be a stronger candidate the next time."

I was there, and it was an evening to remember, intensely emotional for everyone in that room. Attending in addition to John and Teresa Kerry and Ted Kennedy and some 1200 campaign workers were Kerry's brother Cam and sister Diana.

John Kerry faced his volunteers with utter humility, and those present returned the favor with an outpouring of love and affection. If Kerry does choose to run again in 2008 he will have no trouble rallying his local supporters to the cause.