Forsberg spoke about alternatives to war in responding to terrorism at the event.

But Institute of Politics (IOP) Director Dan Glickman said Kerry’s support of the resolution was deliberate and well-thought out.

“The Senate did debate it very fully, and Kerry came down on the side with 80 percent of the Senate, including many Democrats,” Glickman said. “I’m sure he knew that his vote would engender controversy, but I think he made his vote based on conscience. He’s not someone who would make this kind of vote cavalierly.”

Kerry’s spokesperson echoed that sentiment.

“John Kerry is listening to and working for all the citizens of Massachusetts, fighting for their security,” said Kelley Benander, his press secretary.

Forsberg is also currently directing the “Urgent Call” national campaign to protest the Bush administration’s arms control and nuclear arms policy and to make disarmament a major issue in the 2004 elections.

“I really see nuclear policy as a spearhead issue for challenging the entire approach to foreign affairs, which are imperialist, militarized and elitist,” she said.

Glickman said that Forsberg’s campaign will contribute to the dialogue about potential conflict in Iraq but that he doubted she would be successful in her bid for the Senate seat.

“In the sense that democracy is always served by contested campaigns, it’s probably more helpful than not that there is an opposition candidate, but I don’t think it poses any serious threat,” he said.