David M: John Kerry SF-180 clock

You might notice the new John Kerry SF-180 clock on the top of the right column of this blog. (Hey, it's never too soon to prepare for 2008.) To get one for your web page, visit PoliPundit. (Hat tip: Mickey Kaus.)

By way of background, the SF-180 is a form which, if Kerry were to sign it, would make his military records available for public perusal. For further context, here are two recent media appearances where Kerry discussed signing the form:

Here is an excerpt from the transcript of John Kerry's January 30 appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press" [ellipses in original]:
MR. RUSSERT: Many people who've been criticizing you have said: Senator, if you would just do one thing and that is sign Form 180, which would allow historians and journalists complete access to all your military records. Thus far, you have gotten the records, released them through your campaign. They say you should not be the filter. Sign Form 180 and let the historians...

SEN. KERRY: I'd be happy to put the records out. We put all the records out that I had been sent by the military. Then at the last moment, they sent some more stuff, which had some things that weren't even relevant to the record. So when we get--I'm going to sit down with them and make sure that they are clear and I am clear as to what is in the record and what isn't in the record and we'll put it out. I have no problem with that.

MR. RUSSERT: Would you sign Form 180?

SEN. KERRY: But everything, Tim...

MR. RUSSERT: Would you sign Form 180?

SEN. KERRY: Yes, I will.
Here is NewsMax's February 7 transcript of Kerry's appearance on the "Imus in the Morning" radio show [ellipses in original]:
IMUS: You also told ["Meet the Press" host] Tim [Russert] that you would sign Form 180 releasing all of your military records. Have you done that?

KERRY: Yeah. We're gonna do that. Absolutely, I will. But listen, I also think ...

IMUS: When are you going to do that?

KERRY: As soon as I get, as required by the military, precisely ...

IMUS: Why don't you do it today?

KERRY; Because I have a stack of different material they sent me. Every time they send me something I want to know what they sent me. I'll get it done. ...

IMUS: By noon today?

KERRY: No. But shortly.

[Kerry continues by suggesting that those who have challenged him should release their records as well.]