John Kerry

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John Forbes Kerry (born December 11, 1943) is an American politician and diplomat who currently serves as the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. He previously served as the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Kerry was the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in the 2004 United States presidential election, losing to incumbent President George W. Bush.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

John Kerry was born on December 11, 1943, in Aurora, Colorado, to Richard John Kerry, a Foreign Service officer and lawyer, and Rosemary Forbes Kerry, a nurse and social activist. He attended boarding school in Massachusetts and New Hampshire before enrolling at Yale University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. At Yale, Kerry was a member of the secret society Skull and Bones.

Military service[edit | edit source]

After graduating from Yale, Kerry enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve in 1966. He served a four-month tour of duty in South Vietnam as officer-in-charge of a Swift boat. Kerry was awarded several combat medals, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and three Purple Hearts.

Political career[edit | edit source]

Early political career[edit | edit source]

Kerry began his political career as a prosecutor in Massachusetts. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1982, serving under Governor Michael Dukakis.

United States Senate[edit | edit source]

In 1984, Kerry was elected to the United States Senate from Massachusetts. He served in the Senate for 28 years, during which he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Kerry was known for his work on issues such as climate change, international diplomacy, and veterans' affairs.

2004 Presidential campaign[edit | edit source]

Kerry ran for President in the 2004 United States presidential election as the Democratic nominee. He chose John Edwards as his running mate. Despite winning the Democratic primary and a strong campaign, Kerry lost the election to incumbent President George W. Bush.

Secretary of State[edit | edit source]

In 2013, President Barack Obama nominated Kerry to succeed Hillary Clinton as the United States Secretary of State. During his tenure, Kerry was involved in significant diplomatic efforts, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate[edit | edit source]

In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Kerry as the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, a newly created position aimed at addressing global climate change.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kerry has been married twice. His first marriage to Julia Thorne ended in divorce. He later married Teresa Heinz, the widow of Senator John Heinz. Kerry has two daughters from his first marriage.