John Kerry

when who will be our next Senator will be decided by a handful of true independents, who see Brown as moderate and dont know much about Warren. They often decide on impressions that have little to do with what Brown will do, but whether he seems to care enough to talk to real people about their individual problems.

Coakley lost because of things like that. Any sentient being knew she was the best prepared to be a senator (compared to Brown, I mean. Capuano was better prepared, but never made it through the primary). However, Brown connected, seemed to care about people's problems on an individual level, and won.

It does not matter if Vennochi made this a bigger story that it is. Rivers is influential in Boston, and this is a story among many on how Brown connects to people and seems to care.

I am not posting this as a reflection of Kerry vs Brown. It would be stupid. Kerry is a lot better than the media credit him to be on these issues. I am posting this as an example of how things work in MA (if your last name is not Kennedy, I mean), and why Brown, despite all his weaknesses (political and at the policy level), is still leading Warren in most polls. Contact matters. Seeming to care about individuals matter as much as big ideas.