John Kerry has a political death wish.

[Raven]

I have tried to be for Kerry. I have wanted to be for Kerry. I agree with most of his positions. I would love to have another President from Massachusetts. But this guy is so wooden, so wishy-washy, so hard to connect with that Dean has become my choice. Then today I hear that Kerry has used an obscenity in an interview with Rolling Stone and that's enough for me. Who is he trying to impress? Why go shoot your foot with a good part of this country that doesn't appreciate that kind of stuff? Why create a side show when the issues at stake in this election are so critical? Why hand the Bush guys something to carp about. I think John Kerry is a goner and he knows it and, sadly, I know it too.

[Khephra]

1. Good to have you aboard!

But be prepared to get slammed from Kerry supporters now. It's not going to be pretty.

:loveya:

:hi:

[Raven]

3. Hi Kef!

Long time since we talked. I hope you are well. I have my flack jacket on and I hope people will take me at my word that I have long wanted to support the guy and have known him for years. But, with him, some things never change...unfortunately.

[Hawkeye-X]

12. Nomex, Raven, you need Nomex

for flamewars..

[bearfartinthewoods]

17. here ya go....for the convenience of the attackers

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=842918

ya'll can just cut and paste from this thread and not strain yourselves trying to deflect the discussion...

[oasis]

52. The media slammed Gore for being wooden and wishy washy. America is

at a loss for that shallow assessment. Gray Davis lacked pizzazz and now Kaleeforneea is "blessed" with the charismatic Arnorld.

Will strong, sober, no nonsense administrators ever be in vogue again?

[Uzybone]

85. Very good question

as everything crumbles around us because people are more interested ina guy who can "rile you up" or a guy you can have a beer with. Seasoned serious decision makers (in the vein of Lincoln, FDR, JFK) are being ignored.

[Khephra]

30. The jacket will come in handy

Good to "talk" to you again too! I'm much better. The killer flu is finally gone over here. Here's hoping you all avoid it this year.

:hi:

[NewYorkerfromMass]

2. Support of Dean and resentment of Kerry

seem to go hand in hand. I prefer to elect a president, not a personality, which is why I like Kerry.

[PVnRT]

5. Where was the "resentment" of Kerry in Raven's post?

I can't seem to find it. I don't resent Kerry either, although some of his supporters sure have earned it.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

13. wooden and wishy-washy

are about as subjective as you can get. Raven obviously doesn't like him, just his issues.

[Padraig18]

20. he *is* wooden and wishy-washy.

He makes Al Gore look like Carrot Top. :eyes:

[TLM]

58. LOL! That's a great line...

[Padraig18]

60. Thanks!

:P:bounce:

[sandnsea]

31. Supporters always say that

don't they? He's wooden and wishy-washy, but what really sent me over the edge was the word fuck. :eyes:

[sandnsea]

33. Yesterday, it was "he'll cave"

He didn't. So today it's something else. Some people on this board are determined to hate him, not saying you Raven, just some people.

[Old and In the Way]

55. I'll bet Dean never used that word.

And a little advice to my compatriots who are fans of Dean. If you play holier than thou and skewer Kerry for using a remarkably accurate, if pedestrian term, for the Bush stewardship of the goverment, you better make sure that Dean has never uttered the same word in an off-the-record conversation. Let's not become the party of language policemen...Republicans do that remarkably well.

Don't let the Republican discredit the statement by focusing on the choice of language. Bush has used the term and, I suspect, every grown adult that would ever consider voting for Kerry. Those that are "outraged" by his choice of words would never have voted for him anyway.

[PVnRT]

43. Let me get this straight

Non-positive opinions about Kerry are now "resentment." Give me a break.

[Raven]

24. You have hit the nail on the head with respect to me.

I would prefer the same thing, but in this country people tend to consider personality when making their decisions. I just don't think John Kerry is connecting with people and on that basis, I don't think he can win.

[Terwilliger]

35. and you don't think that politics is personality driven?

Kerry's problems are his own. He should have the nomination locked away and he can barely generate some poll numbers. It's not resentment of Kerry to point out that he sucks, is it?

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

48. I support Dean and have no problem whatsoever with Kerry

Sorry.

[eissa]

4. I really think

the obscenity used in the interview was appropriate and any rw nut-job who is "offended" by the comment is transparently attacking for political purposes. Where was the outrage when bush referred to a journalist as an asshole? I'm certainly not attacking you and am happy you are swinging to Dean, but if we are NOT going to support a democratic candidate, let it be based on the issues and not on the use of a justified profanity.

[CMT]

6. Great to have you

but I forgive Kerry for his profanity regarding Bush's Iraqi policy.

[Cocoa]

7. what he said was true

It's both factually true, and it's the way Kerry feels about it.

I have no problem with politicians occasionally droppipng the hypocrisy for half a second, I'm sure you don't either. I say let's let the people that care about that kind of stuff worry about it.

[NicoleM]

8. I'm almost committed to Dean but

I think this whole "Kerry said the f-word!" thing is ridiculous. How many people can you find under the age of 80 who haven't said the word? George W. Bush has used it in public and in interviews more than once.

I may be naive, but I'm choosing to believe that Kerry was speaking his mind at the time and not calculating for political benefit. We Dean supporters love it when our guy does it. And I'd be willing to bet that before next November, somebody will catch Howard Dean swearing, too.

[deutsey]

29. I agree

100% behind Dean here, but I don't see where this is a big deal.

I know what you're saying about giving the ringmasters in the media circus another excuse to avoid reporting on things that matter, but I still don't think we should see Kerry's remark as something to fret about.

However, Kerry supporters who accuse Dean of putting his foot too often in his mouth should take note that this is the third instance I can think of where Kerry's comments to the media have distracted from his record and his attempt to explain why he's running for president:

His "shooting doves" interview with a Washington Post reporter at the height of the anti-war movement.

His "quit crying in your teacups, get over it" quip to Democrats about the 2000 election.

and now using "salty" language.

Regardless of what you feel about these instances, they each created a media "buzz" that really took away from Kerry's overall message for America...I'm not a supporter of his, but I do believe he has the experience and the vision to be a good president. This kind of stuff unintentionally takes away from that.

[CTLawGuy]

36. its not a big deal

but my first reaction was "this guy is trying too hard"

Doing something like that is totally outside kerry's formal and dignified personality.

After the Waterskiing, hockey, windsurfing, riding a motorcycle, and guitar playing, this is just another transparent attempt to make Kerry seem "cool".

If he said "fuck" out of genuine contempt, it would be no problem, but I would not go using it all the time. However, based on past actions it seems a contrived and desperate attempt to convey a different personality.

Its like that recent South Park episode, where, at the boys school, a musical troupe in the manner of NSync comes to teach kids about the dangers of smoking. they try to be hip and fun but come across as lame and condescending. the performance is the product of adults trying too hard and having no clue how to relate to young people, and the boys see right though.

In fact, at the end, one of the singers says "ifyou dont smoke, you'll grow up to be like us". Next scene shows the 8 year old boys in the parking lot coughing while smoking cigarettes.

[slinkerwink]

9. welcome to the Dean campaign!

:hi:

[cindyw]

10. What part of the electorate are you talking about? The one that elected

Bush? Bush is famous for his cursing, so try again. I think it is obvious by your attitude that you have been looking for a reason to decide you don't like Kerry.

What you see as wooden is merely the media interpretation. I have seen him i person and he is inspiring. It is hard not to think President when you see him. I'm glad to see him express what we were all thinking. He gets it. That's all that matters.

About issues...Kerry has had the most issue based campaign and yet, he is not leading. Maybe it was time to start showing that he understands the mood of the electorate. Then we can talk issues.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

11. Why is John Kerry swearing an issue?

Why should we turn our guns on a Dem on such a nonsensical matter?

[truthspeaker]

16. agreed 100%

I'm not a Kerry supporter, but his use of the term "fucked up" in Rolling Stone is a total non-issue. I am sure there are Americans who would be bothered by a politician using that word, but they aren't reading Rolling Stone.

PS: fuckety fuck fuck fuck

[Hypoxis]

79. Saying the F word shows a loss of control

Someone vying for the top job cannot be talking like trailer park trash.

[truthspeaker]

84. Trailer park trash?

It's exactly that kind of mamby-pamby let's-not-offend-anyone thinking that leads Americans not to take Democrats seriously. If you don't want dirty words spoken in your drawing room with the lace doilies and floral wallpaper, fine. But Kerry has to work in the real world, where people use real language.

[Rooktoven]

14. As far as I'm concerned

Kerry used the most appropriated word possible discussing shrub's Iraq actions.

[Zolok]

15. John Kerry told the truth

in unvarnished terms, isn't that what you all wanted?
I guess not, this sudden outburst of puritanism is very heartening on the DU...normally the usual anglo-saxon expletives are thrown around like frisbees.
And anyway I suspect your mind was made up a long time ago... Kerry calling Bush a fuck up was par for the course on the DU-til now.
:)

[IronLionZion]

18. His heart is not in it

the way Dean's heart is. Kerry would make a great president but I don't think he has any fight left in him. I liked Kerry at first because he has a solid platform, but the problem is with the guy himself. Gore was the same way.

[On the Road]

19. Kerry Will Probably Not Win, BUT

using the f-word will have nothing to do with it.

One of the key talents in winning the nomination in a crowded field is to attract attention and generate controversy in ways that are not damaging.

Personally, I think using the f-word was a good move and is generating the type of attention that will help Kerry a point or two in the polls. I just don't think it will be enough.

And BTW, Kerry is a professional politician. Saying "fuck" in an interview is a HUGE departure from normal political discourse. Not a chance this was an accident.

[Cooley Hurd]

21. Raven, I was much more troubled by his mentioning of Baker...

...as a possible mideast envoy than by his use of the "f" word. The fact that he would even consider a scumball like James Baker for such a high-profile post made me lose all faith in his ability to be Chief Exec. Cripes... if he'd use Baker as a diplomat, who's to say he wouldn't tap someone like Perle for Sec of Defense? It shows me his judgement is poor...

P.S. Won't your decision make Christmas @ your house a little uncomfortable (w/ Will)? ;)

[Khephra]

27. Will doesn't push his candidate on others

We get along perfectly. My support of Dean and his support of Kerry has never been an issue between us, and I have to work closely with him every day.

[Raven]

34. Naw. No problem at Christmas dinner!

My parents always encouraged us to have our own opinions and ideas and I have tried to do the same with Will. Having said that, I must say that if I had a kid who was for Bush, he wouldn't be invited to Christmas dinner. So much for my tolerance!

[CWebster]

22. I would agree

and he doesn't look well to me. Campaigning must be grueling but he doesn't look robust and healthy. His color is off.

[Catherine Vincent]

23. Doesn't seem like your support of Kerry was stable anyway.

So you switched to Dean. Nothing wrong with that. As long as you vote for the democratic ticket come November 2004.

[Raven]

32. I've been voting for Dems for almost 50 years (yeeeesh!) and

I've known John Kerry for half of that time. I agree with many here that there are many more important things than a candidate using the F- word... but John Kerry has to appeal to many more than those posting here if he is going to win this... and he is not helping himself with this kind of thing.

[trof]

25. I've said this before, often, but here it is again:

I AM TOTALLY COMMITED TO WHOEVER HAS THE "D" AFTER THEIR NAME IN NOVEMBER.

I became a yellow dog in 2000.
I will back this up with more actual cash money that I can afford to spend as soon as the nominee is named.
I have preferences, yes.
But having said that, I would vote for Zell Bleeding Miller if he got the nod.
Period.
My new motto: The WORST Democrat is preferable to the BEST Repug.

[Jerseycoa]

26. Cursing

I like Kerry's stand-up handling of the backlash. It's part of his vocabulary, is what the campaign is saying. It's part of every politician's vocabulary I have ever known, and I've known quite a few. We know it's part of GWB's vocabulary. And it was Rolling Stone, not some family publication. If I had a buck for every time the word was used in Rolling Stone, I'd be a Republican.

Anyway, best of luck in your new choice of candidate.

:-)

[sendero]

28. Isn't it funny...

... how differently different people see things?

I have never really been a Kerry fan. In fact, his, "get over it" comment *really* frosted me. That was enough to take him off my list.

But, while I think that his comment is basically an attempt to out-Dean Dean, I don't really hold it against him. I wonder just how many Americans would? I mean, look at our culture - the F word is all over the place. It is hard for me to see this as some big transgression.

[Raven]

37. I invented the F-word!

Or , at least, that's what my kid would tell you. Some people here have seemed to mis the point. The use of the word was unnecessary and just invites criticism. Kerry does not need a side show. And, contrary to what some folks might think, the English language is full of words to describe George Bush without resorting to that one.

[KoKo]

63. It seemed like he used it to get media play. Like his Harley. That kind

of trick sort of turns us off because it's too much like Dumbya. I feel like he keeps trying "tricks" to get his campaign revved, and nothing seems to work and digs him deeper in the hole.

As I've said many times. He would have been my Candidate before IRW and even after that if he'd been honest and not waffled around, done his Harley thing and the other gaffe's from then on. Raven has a good point about him. It seems he keeps putting his foot in the wrong place all the time for some of us. Baker comment was the last straw for many, also.

[imhotep]

38. the reason behind Kerry's self-destruction

is that within his unconscious he does not want to be President.
I wouldn't either.

[Anaxamander]

39. Who's really offended by the word "fuck"?

I mean, it's probably the most popular word in the English language besides "okay."

[JanMichael]

41. Fuck if I know. I'll say this once again: I one isn't apoplectic by...

...now then they just haven't been paying attention.

[Raven]

42. I'm offended...unless I'm the one using it!

:-) but I honestly don't think it has a place in public speech. I know for a fact that JFK had a filthy mouth but you never heard it in public...for good reason.

[Misinformed01]

44. Does your son know this???

:)

Happy Holidays, Raven.

Stephanie

[Raven]

45. He knows about JFK's filthy mouth but

it seems he hasn't learned about saving the F-word for private conversation!!! I've been a bad mother! Oh, well, what the f---! Happy Holidays to you too. :-)

[mdmc]

40. I still love Kerry

and would vote for that guy that introduced John Lennon and opposed the Vietnam war. That guy could beat Bush!
But this 2003 Kerry, well, I would still dig him if he opposed the drug war and death penalty.

[Scott Lee]

46. Johnny Come Lately

OK, out of the gate...I have zero problem with Kerry publically saying that Bush-hole "fucked up". In fact it made me like him more. But this is not being perceived as a saavy, from the gut street lingo stab at the opposition. It is just the latest in a series of missteps for John that is definitely pointing to the exit door for him.

When he started his campaign, it seemed like everything was in place. I mean here you had a candidate loved in his home state, long in Congress, respected for his work in social causes, Vietnam war vet; is this not a winning combination? But then the veneer cracked and we saw problems.

He came off as stiff, aloof. Another Insider fluffing the pillow for what he thought was his entitled political brass ring. Dean, with his rolled up sleeves and surging populous campaign base, was knocking down the polls and John wanted to break the aloof aura he had around him. So now we had jacket and tie-less John. John at a PacMan game. John in leathers and on a motorcycle on a late night TV show (ok that one was really silly). But the public wasn't buying it. Why?

Because it was forced. It came across as mimicking the Dean mojo. It just did not fit him.

As Dean has been ravaged by the media and fellow democrats for the "anger factor", his support and fundraising continues to push through like a juggernaut. "You're not angry enough, John. You're not tough enough on Bush." So John Kerry, out of a combination of mimickery, frustration and panic, lets the F word fly in the Rolling Stone interview. Now why should any of us wince at that? Bush IS a fuck up.

The answer, once again, is clear. It does not fit him.

John Kerry does not wear all this latent New Dem Anger politik well. It just doesn't fit him. He would do the best for all involved if he just went back to being himself, and let the chips fall where they may.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

50. You think Kerry faked his prowess at Pac-man?

Yours is just more proof of the subjective prejudice Kerry is up against. I'm sorry, but if you knew anything about playing video games, you'd know you can't just walk up to a game and win without being good at it already.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=108&topic_id=87807

[Scott Lee]

56. Man - nothing gets by you, does it.

This isn't about PacMan. It's about Kerry running to catch up to a persona that is not his to own.

Do you get it this time?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

62. The only persona Kerry can be accused of trying to catch up to

Is John F Kennedy. Otherwise, he's definitely his own man.

[NashVegas]

47. I Find Myself With MORE Respect for Kerry, Now

Because he's refusing to back away from the comment. Considering Dubya's well-documented potty mouth, I don't see why this is a problem.

[Redleg]

49. Seems to me you were looking for some justification to dislike Kerry

and with his use of "f@ck" you found it. I believe the media and right-wing pundits are making much ado about nothing- it's a tempest in a teapot.

[batesboys]

65. Much ado

about nothing and of course they are making a big deal out of it because the it's John Kerry that the GOP really fears. Some of the others, too, but shrub could never win in a debate with Kerry.

[opihimoimoi]

51. I too was a Kerry guy but this is over the top.

I heavily suspect his campaign got infiltrated with some moles as did the Gore Camp 4 years ago. Bad advice, but worse, it was taken and used.

Come, we see what the fallout will be.

A Bean for Dean, a Hill of Beans is gonna do it, way better than a Hill of Shit from the Pig Farm

[slinkerwink]

53. that's why a top-down campaign can't work anymore in this election

[opihimoimoi]

69. Yup, good guy but poor advice, poor strats, and poor timing.

Not every candidate makes it across the election highway, Mongo 1974 Mynah Mattahs

[DemLikr]

54. Oh bullshit. Perhaps he's just tired of this fake American sanctimony

I'm leaning Dean or Clark, but I respect Kerry more now than before.

All this pretending to be something else that goes into American politics is crapp.

If a majority of the American public are more offended by the word FUCK than by nearly 500 dead U.S. soldiers, thousands maimed, countless dead Iraqis, etc., then george Bush is who they deserve.

And sadly, this may well be the state of political affairs in the U.S.

I think John Kerry has been MADE to seem wooden by the campaign straightjacket...perhaps he should discard it, say fuck in every speech, and damn the consequences.

At least he'd be alive as a real individual...unlike most American politicians

[PaDUer]

61. Kerry's being nailed

also because he married Teresa Heinz Kerry who was a R..they can't stand to see the momentum behind Kerry so they'll jump on anything and everything to discredit him..Let Kerry say what he wants because he's not talking about a choirboy!

[batesboys]

67. Also, Teresa

is rumored to be quite the potty mouth. Many families, like mine, use certain "cuss" words as part of their normal vocabulary. So, it may have been off the cuff.

[sandnsea]

66. Fake American Sanctimony

Never mind about this word, but that is exactly exactly exactly what I hate most about what's been happening in the last 15 years or so. From both sides. Lieberman and his stupid jelly doughnuts and Hollywood attacks. The right with their phony "family values". All this Fake American Sanctimony. Back in the 60's the only two things I ever remember anybody caring about was whether a guy supported his family and whether he helped his neighbors. That's it. A person's politics or activism or church or whatever never entered into personal relationships. We were alot better off when we focused on our own backyard instead of preaching to everybody else about theirs.

[DemLikr]

75. You are fucking fucking fucking right on, Sandnsea

I don't know this country I was born, raised and lived in for 46 years. Everything is bullshit it seems.

[Hypoxis]

81. As we have seen, character DOES matter

in our elected candidates. How they conduct themselves personally says lot about their trustworthiness. I thought America recently learned that hard lesson.

[TLM]

57. Welcome to the Dean side....

Good! Use your aggresive feelings, boy. Let the anger flow through you. Feel the power of the Dean side.

[Old and In the Way]

59. I think all Democratic candidates are quite happy with Kerry's choice of

words to describe the Bush record.

Is there anymore better understood phrase that succintly describes the multi-dimensional bungling Dimson is responsible for? Now that it is out in the open, it can travel throughout the body politic as part of the Bush meme. When a presidential candidate can say exactly what the majority of Americans think, I don't think that is such a bad thing.

If any Republican wants to whine about that, I'd be happy to discuss my idea of obscenity- like starting immoral, unjustified wars against defenseless countries with the intention of stealing their natural resources.

Way to go John!

[Crewleader]

64. Raven I happen to agree with you about John Kerry.

He doesn't touch into the people's heart of their desires to want someone to stand up to Bush fully and voting for the GO with Iraq Invasion was a complete turn off to alot of us.

I observed John Kerry at the 2002 Democratic Florida Convention, not when he spoke to the Veterans or to the delegates but I really noticed that passing through the Halls and in the Lobby he did not reach out to the crowd. Not by eye contact or hand shakes and what better time to reach out for many delegates passing and not many acknowledge him because of it. I was going straight up to him but he was on his full strive walking in the Lounge so I didn't get a chance to speak with him personally.

He's been a great Senator in Massachusetts and his voting records prove that and his impressive military career.

But my over all feelings of Senator John Kerry, is he just doesn't connect with most Americans that want to hear and see the actions of what it will take to beat Bush because people are angry and alot are in desperation which alot of politicians never feel what most Americans feel and the best candidate will really tap into that and show it to win the nomination.

[helleborient]

68. As far as the language issue...why I see it as a problem...

It would be easy for me to sit here and say Kerry's language doesn't bother me...the reason it should bother Democrats, however, is...

There are a tremendous number of older folk in this country for whom using words like f*** in public is tremendously offensive. These are people who vote more reliably than any other single demographic group.

There are others to whom that language is deemed highly unprofessional to be used by anyone in a leadership position in any kind of public setting. I wouldn't imagine using it in my job. It's deemed by many as crude and disrespectful to others...and when you use it in public, you never know who is listening. For those to whom it is seen as crude and disrespectful, you've automatically lost standing in their eyes.

The Democratic Party is not in a position to willingly wave goodbye to potential votes because a candidate or nominee can not, or is unwilling to, meet a common standard of civility in our country.

[drfemoe]

70. I almost respected him ...

I listened to the replay of one of his speeches in Florida Saturday. (It is getting harder and harder to make myself listen to him.) He almost had me agreeing with him!! Then he went too far. He just can't stop himself from going on a John Kerry trip fest at every opportunity. He ended up talking about how wonderful HE is. I AM THE ONE. That turns me off.

Then we have the RS interview and profanity. I don't care if he says 'the f word', not that it enhances his image as a presidential contender, which I find lacking anyway. And when AndyC*rd took time out of his day to smack Kerry, again, I almost liked the guy.

But then I read the rest of this article:

"John Kerry saw combat up close, and he doesn't mince words when it comes to politicians who put ideological recklessness ahead of American troops," said spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter. ...

On the 62nd anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Kerry laid a wreath in remembrance at the Navy base in Coronado, Calif., where he trained before shipping out to Vietnam, where he was wounded and was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with combat V. Kerry, a swift boat commander in the war, was joined by his daughter Vanessa and two crew mates who served with him in Southeast Asia.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apelection_story.asp?category=1131&slug=Democrats%202004
bolding added

Like clockwork, he makes sure that he (and his military career) are center stage. I AM THE ONE.

But what is most disturbing is watching as he (and Clark) cloak themselves in their medals as some kind of 'proof' that they are fit to govern this country. Who is gaining profit from the war here?

If we were in peace time would anyone give a rat's patoot about 'military service'? Would Clark even be in the RACE if we weren't at 'war'? Would Kerry be tooting his combat horn at every turn?

Kerry can play high and mighty about his military 'career' (of three years) precisely because we are at 'war'. I don't like it.

Several times I have gone into a Kerry thread to make amends for 'vowing' never to vote for the man. Normally, making vows is not my style, and god only knows what can happen in the next eleven months. But then I read more Kerry supporters' posts, and they reaffirm my disgust. Oh well. I know I haven't always been totally nice either. However, as a Dean supporter, I have never accused another candidate of destroying the Democratic party or of assuring certain defeat in the general election.

Personally, I'm just preparing myself to deal with more suffering. Because if we don't get a change, all of us are going to get real used to it.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

71. Given the AWOL pretender in office now

perhaps you could be more appreciative of Kerry's tack re: comparative histories/ bios.

[drfemoe]

73. actually that's a

criticism heard frequently ..

..snip..
"John Kerry: His campaign has been more about his polished résumé than his fresh energy, and his site is in keeping. It repeats his name, well, repeatedly, just to remind you who's important. It recently featured a rather formal, stiff shot of him. Now, to show more energy, there are action photos of Kerry riding his motorcycle and kite-surfing. But the site still feels a little stilted - much like his campaign so far.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2003-12-07-webber_x.htm
bold added

If it is wrong for the res to 'use' the war for political gain (and I believe it is), how can it be okay for a dem?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

78. Kerry is contrasting his actions while in uniform to shrub's

I don't see why not. It certainly is a selling point. And not only did Kerry volunteer for duty rather than wait to be drafted, he embraced the opportunity to go to a live theater.

It's a pretty stark contrast, and one that should be played up.

[kerryistheanswer]

74. Kerry bashers need to chill out

We're at war, social darwinism is taking over this world and all you can talk about is a four letter word.

Grow up and get real.

[drfemoe]

76. a four letter word

is NOT what I was talking about at all.

I'm sorry you didn't read my post before commenting.

[arewethereyet]

72. what did he have to lose ?

hell it could be just the ticket if it gets him connected to gen x and wannabes

[kerryistheanswer]

77. Maybe it will appeal to the Dean wannabees

who actually believe him when he claims that Wycleaf Jean is his favorite artist. First of all, he has mispronounced his name several times. Second, Jean only has three to four albums out. Does Dean own all of them? Cuz I'm sure he has all the Jefferson Airplane CDS. And what does he think about Jean's fling with Lauryn Hill? Does he like the Fugees?

Dean needs to get real. Stop bashing Kerry for having diverse leisure interests.

[poskonig]

80. Kerry's trying to look "tough"

when he should be trying to look professional and statesmanlike.

Kerry has this quality none of the other candidates have, and he refuses to use it.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

82. LOL! Kerry lives sleeps and breathes "professional and statesmanlike"

And look what that's done for him. He can let the hair down anytime and anyway he wants. He kicks ass no matter what.

[poskonig]

83. Why would Kerry want to throw away a natural advantage?

Motorcycles, swearing, et cetera, is not part of the image he should be packaging. Even if he *does* swear and ride motorcycles in real life.

I keep giving positive ideas, but all I get is how Kerry's campaign doesn't need to improve to win, and everyone is obligated to vote for Kerry because of x, y, and z.

It is symbolic of his entire campaign.