I'm so glad that he got this thoroughly deserved recognition! (But, FYI, the video included Jim Baker, not Howard Baker.)
Yes, persistence and integrity (and thoughtfulness, diplomatic creativity, and courage) are his hallmarks.

Any video of JK's acceptance speech?

https://www.c-span.org/video/?435336-1/john-kerry-receives-lifetime-achievement-award

As someone who cast their first ballot for McGovern, I can say that by election day 2004 - there was no vote that I was happier to cast and it was far more seeing how good Kerry was than wanting to get rid of Bush. Then over the next decade, I learned so much more and realize that he really is the best statesman of his generation.

In 2004, I could see he was a good man, eloquent and passionate on many important issues. The possibilities that might have been had he become President actually became stronger after seeing him as Secretary of State, where he accomplished at least two things that no one really thought possible - getting nearly 200 countries to agree to a climate accord and the Iran deal, which genuinely avoided a war that really would have happened. (One that the neocons, Netanyahu et al now crying crocodile tears over the protestors fought hard to get.) Imagine if that persistence, dedication, creativity, passion and intellect had the power of the presidency behind it.