The WaPo has a story on the Nixon admin wanting to co-opt Kerry and get him to run as a Republican.
Because of his background (He’s went to Yale), they thought that he might be able to bring him into the fold.

One of Kerry’s comments is prize:

I experimented with a number of things in college. Being a Republican wasn’t one of them. Besides, going to Yale doesn’t make you a Republican. Going to Bob Jones University makes you a Republican.

Lol!!!!!!