Sources: Democratic leaders urge Kerry campaign changes (CNN)

[Khephra]

Campaign refutes reports of shake-up

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Democratic leaders, increasingly concerned that John Kerry's presidential campaign is adrift, are urging the presidential nominee to make changes in his staff before Labor Day, according to some party sources.

If not, said one party strategist, "it could be too late." Sources say major changes could come at the campaign's highest level.

The concern, according to these sources, is that Kerry has failed to effectively respond to attacks from Republicans and criticism of his military service in Vietnam, particular ads from a group calling itself Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

Several campaign sources dismissed talk of a "major" shake-up. But these sources acknowledge there will be some changes in the coming days and some "evolving roles" at the campaign's senior level.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/31/kerry.campaign/

[Bunny]

1. That would suit me fine.

I love John Kerry, but he has to get out there and be more aggressive against attacks. The Swift Boat Liars are just the beginning - he's got to get out in front of this.

Because of the convention, I think it's okay that he lays low this week, but he should come out slamming on Friday.

[goju]

2. NOT a big deal

I feel alot safer seeing the strategy/team/playbook revised than to stay lockstep while poll numbers drop. (Im not a poll watcher, I leave that to the pros) But thats what makes a good leader. See a problem, take steps to fix it. If there are no problems, no big deal, just more gossip from the media.

[SOS]

3. Kerry can respond

day and night. The junta media will not give that response one minute of air time.

[independentpiney]

10. Agreed, but he needs better spokespeople too

I'm seeing Laura Ingram making the rounds shouting weak Kerry reps down. I'd love to see Al Franken start making the rounds. The gloves really need to start coming off.

[lancdem]

11. Joe Lockhart is joining the campaign

[newyawker99]

13. Hi independentpiney!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Old and In the Way]

4. If you were in the Republican corner, but had to pretend to be

objective...how would you do it? Maybe like this?

[xchrom]

5. i wonder if these anonymous guys know the anonymous guys

who said cheney wasn't going to be on the bush ticket?

[Khephra]

6. That's one reason why I made sure to label this thread as coming

from CNN. They DO get a lot of inside info, but there's also an agenda going on with the people who wrote this article.

[Raven]

7. Relax! John Kerry is doing just fine.

This is panic time. The last thing Kerry needs to do is purge the folks who got him where he is. It is going to be a roller coaster ride from hereon in. I travelled through a number of NH towns today and there are just tons of Kerry signs, in Hancock NH...a sign on almost every lawn. I've seen ONE Busk bumper sticker and ONE Bush sign. Relax everybody and quit the talk...get the vote out! As my Dad used to say "keep your mind on the main tent and avoid the sideshows"!

[fearnobush]

15. No worries, but do worry as it leads to action.

Just a thought, a little shake up gets media attention. Remember Kerry's last shake up??? any one... well it took him from basically last place to winning the primary. Shake ups are good.

[fearnobush]

16. Dupe

[The Sushi Bandit]

8. I'm cool with that!

Maybe he should get Dennis Kucinich on his team!

[TheFarseer]

9. and I thought the Gore campaign was bad

Maybe Kerry is trying to flaunt his vaunted "closing" ability. I think he has just not been in enough tough races(primary against other dems doesn't count) and doesn't really know how to appeal to moderates and republicans that might be persuaded to switch sides.

[fearnobush]

18. What! He beat the current Gov of Mass a Repuke for the Senate.

[lancdem]

12. There was a story earlier about people joining the campaign

including Joe Lockhart. Did CNN miss this?

[Beetwasher]

14. ROVE INSPIRED PROPOGANDA!

Good grief, could it be more obvious?

All of a sudden DU is inundated with all these doom and gloom posts...

They're pushing the Kerry is self destructing meme...

[meisje]

17. Time to bring in The Big Dawg!

[JerseygirlCT]

19. Heard a good interview today on local radio with Lowell Weicker

who was saying pretty much the same thing -- it's not too late, but Kerry needs to get busy and get some more clarity. More about marketing himself effectively, really. Keep on message, make it strong and (shudder, apologies, can't think of a better word now) decisive. He felt the statement that knowing now what we know, he'd still have voted for the Iraq war was pretty bad.

He's supporting Kerry, but thinks the campaign needs a kick in the butt.

[IronLionZion]

20. He should do whatever Big Dog did in 92

I don't know what that was since I was 10 in 92 but it must be good. I understand Bill was ranked behind Ross Perot in the polls and managed to dominate that election. I think James Carville was a big part of it.

[SKKY]

23. I remember the Big Dog in 92...

...appearing on the Arsenio Hall show, and playing the Sax live on TV- but the kicker is he played really well. He had on a dark suit and black sun glasses- total Blues Brother deal. From what I can remember, that's when his popularity seems to shoot up. I also remember the town hall meetings being very popular.

[quaker bill]

21. This is about as good as it gets for the Republicans

They will probably peak around Saturday with a small lead. From there on out the have to contend with the news.

The economy is not breaking positive for them.

Iraq, while modestly better this week, will continue to be a source of bad news.

Oil prices are coming off the summer driving peak but probably will not move far.

There is a spy in the pentagon office of special plans which as just one more Bush scandal will put a quick chill on any convention bounce.

Kerry and Bush will be evenly funded for the rest of the race.

Things will change.

[SKKY]

22. I'm not worried folks, not one bit.

...because after watching the band-aid fiasco, I've realized each candidate is being identified in the media by his support base. We have Ben Afleck. The republicans, whether they want it or not, have now purchased the services of an amazingly haggard looking old lady with corn-like teeth wearing an old Circle-K purchased cowboy hat making fun of a War veteran and his service to his country. They're shooting themselves in the foot. If we hold this until the debates, that's when I expect Kerry to absolutely clean his clock and not let up.