Transcript: Democratic Radio Address (Kerry)

[Khephra]

I'm sorry that this is a Fox link. It's the only place I could find it.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,113470,00.html

[Maat]

1. Thanks for the link ... even though I did have to patronize...

FOX to read it. It was a great speech.

[TinaTyson]

2. What does this part mean?

"That's why I believe we need to relieve the reserves by temporarily expanding the size of our active duty forces by 40,000 troops."

I am unfamiliar with Kerry's platform on Iraq. Is he talking about replacing or adding 40,000 troops?

[mobuto]

3. He's talking about increasing

the size of our Army by 40,000 troops. Which makes sense. We don't have enough troops to field all the commitments Bush has made. We can't fight two wars, keep the peace in Kosovo and Haiti, and still expect to have much left over as a deterrent. We spend far too much on gadgets for generals, and too little on men in boots.

[TinaTyson]

4. Is that an increase that can be reasonably achieved with a

recruiting drive?

[mobuto]

7. Yes it is

40,000 troops is not a whole lot. The problem isn't in recruiting 18 year olds, its in keeping soldiers in after they've just gone through hell in Iraq.

[TinaTyson]

5. What is his position on Venezuela?

I wonder if that will be another need by the time Bush leaves office. If they are going to lose they will go for broke.

[Duck90MPH]

6. Is that an anti-war message?

If it is then I am not getting it loud and clear. I would think getting the hell out of there would take precedence.