“I Am a Fighter”

“I am a fighter,” said Senator John Kerry after winning the primaries in nine out of 10 states on “Super Tuesday.” The victories have led him to be practically assured of the Democratic presidential candidacy.

Kerry’s words appear to stress that he would win the fight with President George W. Bush, returning the favor for the Democrats’ support of him.

Senator Kerry won the primaries in nine states except Vermont on Tuesday. Most Vermont voters expressed their support and encouragement by casting their ballots to former Vermont Governor Howard Dean who dropped out of the race two weeks ago.

“I will not formally withdraw my candidacy in order for the wind of changes to be continued,” said Howard Dean when he gave up the primaries.

Senator John Edwards (picture) received 42 percent of the votes in Georgia, his stronghold, but he was crushed in other states.

Senator John Kerry received 52 percent of votes in Ohio; 58 percent in Connecticut; 59 percent in Maryland; 72 percent in Massachusetts; 61 percent in New York; 71 percent in Rhode Island, capturing the majority of votes in those states.

As Senator John Edwards announced his withdrawal of candidacy on Tuesday, the race is now down to three candidates—Senator John Kerry, Representative Dennis Kucinich, and Reverend Al Sharpton. Nevertheless, Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton’s approval ratings are low, and it seems only a matter of time before they withdraw.

Senator Edwards did not announce his withdrawal right away even though he sustained a crushing defeat on Tuesday. “Senator Kerry’s election campaign is strong and powerful,” praised Edwards. “He is a defender of our belief in a representative government.”

“Senator Edwards is a statesman with a powerful voice and eloquence,” responded Senator Kerry. “He will be the leader of the Democratic Party in several years.”

Meanwhile, in an online vote of American children by Scholastic, the global children’s publishing company, Senator Kerry topped the list, receiving 37 percent of votes, while Senator John Edwards ranked fourth, receiving 16 percent of votes.

Soon-Taek Kwon Young-Sik Kim maypole@donga.com spear@donga.com