Meaning: The quote by politician Harold Ford discusses the importance of voters learning more about John Kerry and his message, particularly in relation to the post-war plan in Iraq. Let's explore this quote and provide some context to better understand its significance.

Harold Ford's quote reflects the broader political landscape during the time it was made. It was during the 2004 United States presidential election campaign, where Senator John Kerry, the Democratic nominee, was challenging the incumbent President George W. Bush. The Iraq War, which had begun in 2003, was a central issue in the election, and both candidates' stances on the war and its aftermath were heavily scrutinized.

Ford's statement touches on the idea that as voters become more informed about Kerry and his message, they will likely desire a President who is willing to acknowledge and address the lack of a post-war plan in Iraq. This implies that Kerry, in Ford's view, is better positioned to address the shortcomings of the Iraq War's aftermath compared to his opponent, President Bush.

The mention of the "post-war plan in Iraq" is significant because it points to the widespread criticism at the time regarding the Bush administration's handling of the war and its aftermath. Many political analysts and commentators, as well as some military and foreign policy experts, had raised concerns about the lack of a clear and effective plan for stabilizing Iraq following the initial military operations. This lack of planning was seen as contributing to the subsequent instability and violence in the country.

Ford's assertion that voters would want a President willing to address this issue reflects a broader sentiment among some Americans who were dissatisfied with the handling of the Iraq War by the Bush administration. It also suggests that Kerry, in Ford's estimation, was better suited to tackle the challenges posed by the aftermath of the war.

In the context of the 2004 election, this quote can be seen as part of the ongoing debate about the candidates' respective qualifications and abilities to address national security and foreign policy issues, particularly in the aftermath of the Iraq War. It also speaks to the importance of candidates' messages and their ability to communicate their plans and solutions to voters.

Overall, Harold Ford's quote captures a moment in the political discourse of the 2004 election, highlighting the significance of the Iraq War and its aftermath as key issues for voters. It also underscores the role of informed decision-making by voters and the impact of candidates' messages in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.

In conclusion, the quote by Harold Ford reflects the intense focus on the Iraq War and its aftermath during the 2004 presidential election. It underscores the importance of voters becoming informed about the candidates and their messages, particularly in relation to critical issues such as the lack of a post-war plan in Iraq. Ford's statement is a reminder of the pivotal role that informed decision-making and candidates' messages play in shaping the political landscape during election campaigns.