Bob Noel wrote:
I hope Kerry, or anyone else, doesn't think the pilot needed their
blessing to exercise his authority as PIC.

Kerry explicitly said "...So the pilot exercised his judgment...."

I believe Kerry has a commercial certificate. Likewise instrument, glider,
and seaplane ratings. And has flown since 1966.

I'm pretty sure he understands who had PIC authority and nothing in the
story suggests otherwise.