Iowa candidate asks Kerry to cancel campaign visit

[truthpusher]

http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5616595&nav=F2DO

Iowa candidate asks Kerry to cancel campaign visit

DES MOINES, Iowa A Democratic Congressional candidate from Iowa is canceling a campaign event later this week with Senator John Kerry.

Brucy Braley says Kerry's recent comments about the Iraq war were inappropriate.

Braley is running against Republican Mike Whalen in Iowa's First District congressional race. It's a contest considered to be one of the most competitive House races in the country.

Braley's decision to distance himself from Kerry came as a furor grew from comments Kerry made about the Iraq War during a campaign stop in California on Monday.

(snip)

link: http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5616595&nav=F2DO

[Connie_Corleone]

1. The Republican Noise Machine Strikes Again.

They sure are good at spreading shit and making it stick.

[SharonAnn]

55. Exactly right! Bruce is slightly ahead so they want to make it about

Kerry instead.

Bruce is a very progressive, very liberal Democrat and will do us proud in Washington. There was just no point in falling on his sword for this and letting the GOP take the seat.

He's in a tough, tough race and had to make the decision he thought was right for the last few days of his campaign. I think he's outstanding and he's shown what can be done when Democrats take on real issues in Republican districts.

It's my hometown and I know the area and the people. Bruce needs to stay focused on his campaign and not get all wound up this.

I wish it hadn't happened but I think he's doing the right thing this week.

[ewoden]

2. OooooKaaaaaay so we Democrats are no better than the

Republicans in this reard. How comforting.

[madfloridian]

3. Our Democrats are a cowardly bunch.

.

[madfloridian]

6. This is just like some of the Southern candidates...

who think they are so much better than Dean, and don't want him to come to their state.

They think they are better Christians, superior...to those of us in the party who are not religious.

Well, this guy Braley is a coward.

[The Wielding Truth]

101. You think a taken out of context statement ever stopped a great leader?

Get his body out there and set this straight!

His reference was about the ignorant student,George W Bush, who took us into Iraq and took this country down because he didn't take his education seriously!

Set it straight. Kerry would never hurt the soldiers he lives to support. Rovian lies are not to be spread out like poison to be consumed by non questioning masses.

Protect democracy with the truth.:kick:

[Debi]

103. Sorry, you feel that way Mad - and we've agreed on so much in the past

Braley is sick of the negative biting going on in the race and I can only assume wanted to have a great campaign rally. Instead he would have had more negative crap and Kerry playing defense. Seems Braley wants the focus of the race to be about the differences between Braley and his opponent, not what Kerry said compared to what Kerry meant. Braley is not a coward any more than Dean was when he was running. One news story and you turn on a man who has contributed mightily to Democratic causes and candidates - has volunteered his time to his community and his party - who has a family history of volunteerism and Democratic activism? Go to his web site and take the time to read some of the news articles about his race before you make such a sweeping judgment. Please.

[bluestateguy]

4. This will do her absolutely no good

The people who will vote against her, will still vote against her, and the people who will vote for her, will still vote for her.

[laylah]

84. As an aside,

Braley is a "he". That said, I had great respect for the man, although I live on the Illinois side of the QC and cannot vote for him anyway. After having read he rescinded his invitation to Kerry earlier yesterday evening, he went down several notches in my opinion.

Jenn

[DURHAM D]

5. Well, I am glad I did not send that wimp a donation - I would be

asking for it back.

[DianeG5385]

7. Wow what a coward. It's dems like him that don't stand on

principle that give us Dems that weak kneed rap.

He's an ass for feeding in to the Puke ramp up of this issue leading in to 11/07. Note, Kerry flubbed a line. The GOP went "nucular". Kerry wouldn't back down. The Pukes are upping the ante as Bush will be on Rush tomorrow.

Hopefully Kerry stands his ground as he said absolutely NOTHING inappropriate!!!!

I hope this guy loses.

(edited to correct gender)

[BrotherBuzz]

8. Booooo!

and Braley starts running!!!!! Jeez Louise, I guess he's not ready for prime time. :crazy:

[DURHAM D]

22. The only poll I could find was from Oct 4th and he was

down by 14 points. If his numbers are still that off - what a mistake.

[BrotherBuzz]

44. Good, you found that poll, I wonderd and looked...

but couldn't find anything. I also checked, and rightly determined he isn't a Fighting Dem, because the Band Of Brothers don't cut and run.

[9119495]

94. It was a Zogby web poll. Braley was up 13 in September but

the big money came in from republicans and the lead shrank to 7% (in three polls). One of the ads had a fully dressed soldier who throughout the commercial was stripped down to his underwear because he opposed funding the war. Sleazy shit.

You all can bash Braley all you want but in Iowa we know the following:

1. His opposition is about as right wing as you can get so withhold your donations to Braley so you can have a Speaker Hastert all you want.

2. Kerry is not that popular in Iowa. We went Dem for three state elections and have a popular 2 term Dem governor.

3. He will take over god dammned Jim Nussle's seat.

4. Congressman Braley will win you over after the election.

[Pirate Smile]

9. So now Bruce Braley is the enemy because he doesn't want the

final week of his campaign to become about John Kerry?

I don't think so.

[madfloridian]

12. It is cowardly.

Shame.

[Pirate Smile]

20. No, it isn't. He is using his brain. The cons outweigh the pros.

[jefferson_dem]

24. Totally right on. It has to be about winning, not about defending Kerry's honor or

making some kind of "principled" political point. Remove the target. Thanks for your support, John, but we don't need "the spectacle" right now, not NOW.

EDIT: I say this not because i'm frustrated that Kerry just now found a backbone. I'm saying it because i want to fucking WIN, and the costs easily outweigh the benefits!

[Name removed]

29. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Telly Savalas]

41. When does it stop?

After the Democrats take back Congress, every time one of them tries to veer to the right of Ronald Reagan, there will be whining that it will alienate people in red areas and undermine the winning chances of Democrats there in '08 and '10.

[madfloridian]

25. No one should ever be ashamed to appear with a fellow Democrat.

They have done this crap to Dean, and I will no longer excuse it.

I have a daughter in Iowa, and we will be calling her to contact people.

[Pirate Smile]

32. I'm in Iowa. We need Nussle's old seat. This election is NOT a

referendum on John Kerry.

It should be a referendum on Iraq and Bush.

[SharonAnn]

52. For heaven's sake, call her to help Bruce get elected so that she has

some representation.

If you want to save Kerry, don't do it at the expense of one of the best Democratic candidates that we've had step up and be willing to run.

This will be a Democratic pick-up seat, helping obtain a majority in the House.

[SharonAnn]

57. "No one"? "Ever"? Why make a local race about Kerry?

[justgamma]

58. Yeah. Let's just throw this guy away.

We'd really like this seat to go to the Bushbot Braley is running against. :sarcasm:

[saigon68]

85. Ask Joementum Limpmann a "New" Republican

[IA_Seth]

98. This has got nothing to do with Dean...

Nor does it really have anything to do with Kerry as a person...and Braley wants to keep it that way.

Winning here is important. We don't need the distraction a week out.

[DURHAM D]

34. What are his numbers ? n/t

[Pirate Smile]

38. He should win. It will be a Democratic pick-up. Nussle is running for Governor

so he isn't running for re-election.

[DURHAM D]

40. Do you have any real numbers? The only thing I found had him

down by double digits.

[jefferson_dem]

43. No clear favorite. It's declared a "toss up"

Here are the latest - back and forth ---

Bennett, Petts (D) 10/05 - 10/08 400 LV 37 48 15 Braley +11.0
Reuters/Zogby 09/25 - 10/02 500 LV 47 34 16 Whalen +13.0
Selzer & Co. 09/10 - 09/13 439 LV 37 44 17 Braley +7.0
RT Strategies/CD 08/27 - 08/29 1,014 RV 41 54 5 Braley +13.0

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/writeup/iowa_1-22.html

[Pirate Smile]

47. That was the only thing I could find also. It is pretty wacky since it

went from the Repub up 13 to Braley up 11.

I just looked and Charlie Cook has it as Toss Up to Lean Democratic.

[DURHAM D]

49. These are all pretty old - and what a variance.

I can't find this race listed anywhere as even being "contested" for Dems - not 2nd tier and not 3rd tier. Anyone ? Anyone ?

If this guy is several points down then he is really, really stupid not to shake things up. Tonight the conversation among some portions of the media and here on DU is about the messenger. Within 48 hours it will be about the message - the bad news from Iraq.

[SharonAnn]

50. It's First Tier. He gave the Democratic radio address 2 months ago.

He's a very progressive, very liberal Democrat in a very, very tough race.

It's my hometown so I know the situation he's in. He can win it if he stays on topic.

At this point, Kerry can hurt him but can't help him. There are only a few days until the election and Bruce has to make the decision that's right for his campaign. That would be to keep the focus on Bruce's campaign, not a Senator from Massachusetts.

Bruce is being smart about this. Cut him some slack!

[Pirate Smile]

53. SharonAnn, well put.

:)

[madfloridian]

65. No more slack, not over something this serious.

I cut slack for Gov. Freudenthal in WY when he said Dean could not come to his state. Dean is sending them 120,000 the next two years, but he is not worthy?

I cut slack for Harold Ford when he went on Imus to make fun of Dean and say he did not want him in his state. And he would perhaps want him to resign. Who the hell does he think he is?

If we keep cutting slack, it will never end.

And because no one bothered to be irate about about all of that....they are now feeling free to tell Kerry not to come.

That is enough.

[maddezmom]

68. so what are you suggesting, people not support Braley?

I'm not sure of what you want the people in Iowa to do?

[madfloridian]

69. I am not in Iowa. I am an American, a Democrat. I speak as that.

Am I advocating not voting for him? No.

Am I advocating stop being apologists for people who are so afraid of controversy? Yes.

This is serious, very serious. It is not just something to play around with. I have seen it happen to others.

It is one reason I stayed at DU when few other Dean supporters did or were able to do so. I wanted to defend a man who was being wronged by his party.

I would NEVER advocate not voting for a Democrat in this election. I would be banned from DU at once.

I am advocating being honest about it...not defending him. People are falling all over themselves here at DU being fearful because Kerry spoke up. I say good for him, and others need to call Mr Bruce Bailey to speak their mind.

When a mod asks me if I am advocating not voting for a Dem, I get worried. I hope I have made my position clear.

If you need further clarification, please let me kmow.

[maddezmom]

77. I don't think any one on this thread is an apologist

Mr Braley spoke his mind he doesn't want the Kerry to come. :shrug:

[madfloridian]

78. Yes, they are saying it is ok for him to snub Kerry.

That is being an apologist. I think that Democrats need to be grown-ups now. I think every candidate from the north should be just as welcome in the south as a southern man or woman. I think that we are either in this together or we are not.

I think it is wrong to apologize for a state candidate who rebuffs the former presidential candidate.

I think it is wrong for Gov. Freudenthal to insult the party chairman, I think it is wrong for Harold Ford to think he is superior enough that he can lecture the party chairman (and the rest of us) about religion and morality. He should never have told Dean not to come to TN. There is a huge group that who supported Dean and formed DFA groups later.

This is all just wrong. This is NOT about Iowa, or TN, or WY. They are not better than the rest of us, and they should act like real Democrats. Kerry and Dean are doing that.

[maddezmom]

79. so again, I'll ask what are you suggesting we do with these candidates

that "snub", "rebuff", "insult" the party chairman or Kerry? :shrug:

[madfloridian]

80. Read my post again. I said it clearly.

I always hate to discuss things with a moderator, but I feel strongly about this.

This time we need to vote for them, even if they don't respect the people of the party and other democrats.

I think what we do right now is to quit apologizing and saying it is ok because they live in a red leaning or red state. They are Democrats, and they have an obligation to the rest of us.

Their obligation is NOT to keep from offending the opposition. It is stand for what our party is about.

Again, to be clear, since I fear I am under scrutiny....we vote for them.

But we quit saying it is ok.

[madfloridian]

82. In fact, I posted it again at the end of the thread.

I feel I am under scrutiny. After you read it if things are not clear, I will be glad to repeat it.

Vote for anyone with a D after their name. But don't apologize when they are not being brave and honest.

[IA_Seth]

99. Stay the Course!

That's about as strategic as Bush's tactics in Iraq.

This election is like a battle, and its one we must win. Should we then 'stay the course' and allow this local race to be about Kerry and his botched joke, or should we adjust tactics, eliminate the distraction, and win this thing?

[Le Taz Hot]

93. I appreciate hearing

from a local on this. How's the campaign set for $$? Perhaps some of our loyal DU Democrats could find a few dollars for this seemingly close race?

[walk softly]

141. REPUGS ARE TRYING TO BUY THE IOWA VOTE..

and they think the First District is a sure thing because we've allowed the re-election of the House Budget Chair - the guy who puts into $$ the insane wants of Mr Bush. None other than Jim Nussle - Rep candidate for Gov. Check us out at:

www.democrats.org/page/outreach/view/2006/joyce

this site has been approved by DU moderators

I'm walking to win!

[9119495]

95. He was up 7 in the last poll. The Zogby poll was a web-only poll.

Braley has been ahead the whole time but has been called a Communist and a Taliban supported candidate in ads. Does his opponent seem more pallatable now?

It also used to be a first tier race (among the tope five likely to switch) but as Braley pulled ahead, the DCCC pulled money out to more needy races.

[Debi]

115. Nov. 1st Zogby article

Hope this is current enough information for you...

http://elections.us.reuters.com/top/news/usnN31248778.html


<snip>

Three districts switched leaders, with two Democrats, Ken Lucas in Kentucky and Bruce Braley in Iowa, and one Republican, Rep. Thelma Drake of Virginia, moving into the lead after trailing in October.

"Democrats are getting very close to that magic number of 15," pollster John Zogby said. "Republicans are really on the ropes."

The polls were taken between Oct. 24 and Oct. 29 in 15 of the most competitive House districts across the country. The surveys of at least 500 likely voters had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

<snip>

+++++++++

The seat Braley is vying for is necessary for the Democrats to retake the House. Public support for Braley is VERY important in the next seven days. Let's keep our eye on the prize, a Democratic Congress and an end to the republican debacle that has plagued us since the Contract ON America!

[PerceptionManagement]

42. No, from what i've seen, people are responding to Kerry's comments positively.

It was a mistake. He should have embraced him. This is classic demacus lackspinicus syndrome.

[wanpete]

16. I totally agree with you Pirate. I know it's not a popular opinion around here tonight

but I just don't think this is the issue that needs to be discussed for the next five days. Let's stay focused on iraq, the economy, healthcare, and all the other stuff that will help us to victory. It's just not freakin' worth it.

Kerry needed these balls in 2004!

[DURHAM D]

36. You have missed the point. The Repubs only want to talk

about the economy. They do not want to talk about the war. The war does not work for them. Now, we will be able to talk about the war.

[wanpete]

39. we may talk about the war, thugs, and the media whom they own, will

talk about disrespect for the troops and the elitist way that many dems look down at soldiers. I'm being real. And this crap works for those that want any reason to vote for a stinking rethug even though they know deep down that they suck. I'm being real. We cannot afford to miss the point. We've missed too many of them and lost too much.

[leesa]

35. Guess what? His final week just became about John Kerry.

What a coward!

[Pirate Smile]

51. Nah, I don't think so. The press can ask and all he has to say is that

it is clear, from everything he has seen, that John Kerry was talking about the President and how he didn't have the knowledge, judgment and wisdom when he sent this country's brave men and women into war. He has prosecuted it incompetently, etc. but now the RW circus has decided to try to make Kerry the center of this election but he isn't, the people of this country and Iowa are and the Republican leadership that has rubber-stamped, blah, blah, blah.

He didn't want to bring the circus to town. It isn't Kerry. It is the RW massive echo chamber that is in full swing and will be hounding John Kerry now. It is an attempt by the Republicans to deflect from the real issues - raising the min. wage, implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, etc.

I don't think he should dis Kerry in any way.

[Placebo]

60. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

[TheFarseer]

86. yeah

he needs to be sticking to his issues, not defending what John Kerry said.

[madfloridian]

10. A google does not show up a website under any spelling...

how to contact?

[Pastiche423]

28. here you go...

http://www.brucebraley.com/

, mf!

[progdonkey]

30. there's a misprint in the article... it's "Bruce," not Brucy...

I just Googled "bruce braley" and his website is the first result.

Before you contact him with (I assume) a critical letter, I should say that I personally don't see any problem with his snubbing Kerry. Like Pirate Smile wrote, the fact is that Kerry is once again being bitched about by the talking heads and everywhere he goes, it's going to be "Kerry thinks the troops are uneducated" and everybody he stumps for is going to be asked questions about Kerry instead of about themselves. And in narrow races, you need every last opportunity to explain your vision for your district/state, and you can't risk having to spend that time answering completely irrelevant, BS questions about someone else.

Braley likely just wants to spend this last week answering questions about why he's good for his district, instead of answering idiotic questions about whether he "agrees with John Kerry that US troops are stupid."

[emulatorloo]

11. Glad I don't have to vote for him - not my district EOM

[9119495]

96. Do you hate progressive liberals?

Because he is one...and as I said above Kerry is not popular in Iowa. He was the first Dem NOT to win Iowa since Dukakis. We have a popular two term Dem Governor and will elect our new one next week. Braley could be sunk by a Kerry visit because the man just wasn't popular in that part of the state. Wish I lived there so I could vote for him.

[Debi]

106. Nice comment...

Keep it all together for Iowa buddy. :thumbsdown:

You've been in the Iowa forum enough to know the support Braley has (and the support the forum has given YOUR candidate AND the support BRALEY has given Loebsack)!!

That was a cheap shot and unbecoming of and Iowa DUer.

[partylessinOhio]

13. Never heard of Braley - sounds like a loser.

Kerry should just keep steppin'.

[SharonAnn]

54. No Braley will be a winner if he can keep his lead. Kerry lost in 2004

[Freddie Stubbs]

89. The polls are indicating otherwise

IOWA 1 - Democratic lawyer Bruce Braley leads Republican businessman Mike Whalen 49 percent to 42 percent, reversing his deficit from early October in the race for the open seat of Republican Rep. Jim Nussle, who is running for governor.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/01/AR2006110100890.html

[Hobarticus]

102. Never heard of you, either....

What does that mean?

Bruce Braley's a great candidate, in a part of the state that is an uphill battle.

If by some twist of logic he doesn't deserve this seat because of backing away from Kerry's comments, then we are phucked.

[Debi]

107. Funny, I thought every house seat counted in this election

Especially one that can (and will) be occupied by a Democrat for the first time in several years.

You may not have heard of Bruce Braley today - but come January you can watch Congressman Braley take his seat on the House Floor.

[texpatriot2004]

14. Bad move on Braley's part nm

[BeyondGeography]

15. Kerry should cancel his visits

and get the fuck out of the way. He has nothing left to offer in the next week except the potential for more rhetorical flubs. We were doing fine without him. The next week is about winning at the local level, not saving the national profile of John Kerry, or whatever is left of it.

[LittleClarkie]

17. Should he cancel his donations too?

Or do y'all still want them.

[BeyondGeography]

19. Teresa can keep doing whatever she wants with her money

Satisfied?

[LittleClarkie]

21. What the flying fuck are you talking about?

Do try and make sense, darling.

[partylessinOhio]

132. Good question. Today Ford said Kerry should apologize.

He was asked by Norah O'Donnell if he received campaign money from Kerry and he said that he did. She asked Ford if he would be returning the money. Ford said, "No."

[LittleClarkie]

140. Next question. Is Ford stupid, or a horse's ass

Stupid if he doesn't get that it was a botched joke against the prez.

A horse's ass if he does, and is playing the political game anyway.

[wanpete]

18. I hear ya beyond...and I agree! We needed the Kerry in 2004 when he sat

and watched the swiftboaters drown him and didn't lift a finger to stop them.

[LittleClarkie]

23. Pffffffftttt.

Actually, that's a myth.

[wisteria]

73. LOL, he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

Kerry made the right move, the Repubs aren't interested in apologies, they wanted to change the subject to Kerry. Remember, Repubs don't apologize and they never recognize others. Just ask Senator Kennedy and Senator Byrd and Senator Durbin.

[wisteria]

70. Oh really. Just FYI, Kerry has raised 11 million dollars for candidates

this cycle, he has campaigned tireless and supported candidates even when the party didn't. And, what he said on Monday was similar to jokes and comments he has made in the past, only he forgot a word.
Actually, we weren't doing fine without his help. He was the first one to realize that this election was going to be about Iraq and he pushed for other Dem's to take a stand against this war. Soooooo, don't go around claiming Kerry had done nothing for our party and that we were doing fine without him because is sure isn't the truth.

[BeyondGeography]

76. That's an overstatement

Dems of all stripes were recruiting Iraqi war veterans because they knew this election was going to be about Iraq. Where do you think Eric Massa came from in NY? (Hint: he's an ex-staffer of Wes Clark's); Tammy Duckworth was recruited by Rahm Emanuel. Were they taking their cues from the great Kerry?

[tinfoilinfor2005]

88. What word did he forget??

I had out of town family here all week, so I missed the whole Kerry thing and am now just catching up. They played his remark this morning, but I didn't realize he'd left out a word. Can you clue me in? :)

[LeahD]

142. Kerry gave a speech to students in CA and said this:

"You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
-- Sen. John Kerry

These are the intended lines that he botched... a joke he's told before:

"I can't overstress the importance of a great education. Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq."

[Placebo]

74. You said it.

Agree, agree, agree.

[buddysmellgood]

26. Well, I guess we know what kind of backbone we'd get with Braley. God this

makes me sick. On Halloween, someone says boo and they freak.

[0007]

27. What a piece of chicken shit Brucy Braley is.....He's afraid of the

truth?

[9119495]

97. Check out his GIANT PIECE OF SHIT opponent Mike Whalen

then tell me who you would vote for.

He said Braley was a commie and supported by the Taliban.

[0007]

100. Sounds like two turds live in Iowa. The Commie & Taliban

is so yesterday, they both need a reality check.

[BootinUp]

31. Dammit, Kerry was countin on that news coverage too!

lol.

[tkmorris]

46. Well, you are in overdrive today

Supporting Wes Clark really is no excuse for your incessant Kerry bashing you know. Be positive about your guy, not negative about everyone elses.

[madfloridian]

75. And may I say a big amen to your statement.

Thank you.

[Name removed]

33. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[madfloridian]

37. Kos has something to say to a coward like Bruce.

"If Republicans want to debate who supports the troops more, let's have that debate. I'd love to talk about nothing else than Iraq for the next week.

And for the rest of you who think this is the end of the world -- stop being afraid of your own shadow. Just stop it. Fight or get out of the kitchen. It will get hotter than even this."

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/10/31/173116/88

[ninkasi]

45. Republicans don't apologize, not really

had this been a republican, any apology would have been along the lines of, "Hey, I'm sorry you idiots misunderstood what I said."

[Erika]

72. Agreed 1000% Let's bring up Iraq at every chance n/t

[Hobarticus]

127. Paging Jean Schmidt...eom

[HCE SuiGeneris]

48. Cut and run-- my f'n god!!!

Kerry muffed a joke FFS! He did not insult anyone other than Chimpy and crew... if you actually bother to turn off Faux news and learn the facts. Braley is a fool and hurts the Democratic party by distancing himself and playing into the GOP's hands. Good riddance to the coward.

[treestar]

56. How stupid, does he even get that it was not meant that way?

Talk about playing into repuke hands.

[SquireJons]

64. No

...and neither will the rest of America. Folks here forget that there is an election to win and this is a democracy, not a progressive commune.

I really don't understand all of those here who are congratulating themselves over this. Kerry stepped in it and with a week to go, the media is focusing on whether or not the Democrats hate the troops. This is bull shit and Kerry should have known better. This is why he can't win a national election. He has all the charisma of a wolverine. Perhaps he can repair the damage with a few dozen six syllable words. That should play well in Kansas.

Yes, I know he's right, but that's besides the point. The average American will see this a a slap at those who are currently serving in Iraq. And why shouldn't they? Many of them volunteered out of sincere patriotism. The fact that they were mislead is irrelevant, at this point. They die, and Kerry pokes fun at them. Way to go, John.

[Erika]

71. BS. Kerry served two tours in Nam

The average American is seeing this as BS. The Iowa guy has to do whatever.

Kerry is owed a big apology.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

83. So easy to criticise... wakeup SquireJons

Your statement that, "the media is focusing on whether or not the Democrats hate the troops" is correct. Kerry was "poking fun" at them is... incredibly incorrect. To cower and succumb to the GOP/corporate MSM position that blames Kerry (as you do by iterating "Way to go, John") is foolish. You lend credence to their argument and undermine democrats because Kerry mangled a line of a speech. Please, support what the real message is, and stop belittling the "average American".

[SquireJons]

137. Obviously, Kerry isn't as smart as you.

Seems that he and his advisor's realized something that you never will. It was a stupid, stupid thing to say. But, then a lot of stupid things get said on this board too. Here's the link to Kerry's apology today.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/washington/01wire-kerry.html?hp&ex=1162443600&en=29deda084e693019&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[HuffleClaw]

59. what a complete moron

to fall for this crap.

[GemMom]

61. Will this..

affect the 2008 Iowa caucuses?

[brentspeak]

62. Speaking as a big fan of Kerry...I can't fault Braley on this

[SharonAnn]

63. Me neither. Braley had to keep the focus on his race. He can win!

And kerry will have to deal with the issues for now, Bruce Braley has only a few days left to finish his campaign. It has to be about HIS vision, not about someone else's statements or what others interpreted them to be.

[madfloridian]

66. I fault any Democrat who won't stand up for truth.

It is done, I will speak out on this from now on.

This simpering cowardly way the Dems have had because of people like Al From and Will Marshall and all lecturing them to play nice.....is sickening.

No more.

[brentspeak]

67. Here's something to contradict your theory:

I don't follow or pay attention to either Al From or Will Marshall.

[madfloridian]

81. I need to make it clear....I say vote for him...vote for any Democrat.

I feel some think I am advocating not voting for this guy, Bruce.

I am not. Please vote for him. Please..

But please do not apologize and say it is something he has to do...that is not being honest.

The first obligation of a Democratic candidate is to stand up for the people of the party and support its leaders.

NOT to pacify the opposition.

I am making it clear. VOTE for the Democrats. Then after the election we start finding courageous Democrats to take the places of the fearful ones next time around.

[geek tragedy]

90. The first obligation is to win. John Kerry is a liability

and should be treated as such. Is that fair? No. But, that's the truth.

[against all enemies]

87. John Kerry please go home before you ruin everything.

[Seabiscuit]

91. All the Braley bashing in this thread is, in the words of another poster,

"DU-think run amok".

Neither Braley nor any other Democratic candidate for office this year needs the kind of media circus a Kerry appearance would create during the last week before the election. Kerry flubbed a dumb joke and he of all people should know that one just can't afford to do that with the the Bush people and the rapacious Repuke apologists in the media today. I'd love to see this distraction die down, and I'm sure Braley would as well, but it probably won't by the time Kerry was scheduled to appear with Braley's campaign on Thursday.

Sadly, the Braley cancellation thing could be the tip of the iceberg - I can't imagine any other Dem candidates wanting Kerry around during the last week of their campaign, because that would just keep this non-issue joke flap thing in the news longer than it should be, distracting everyone from our real concerns.

A seasoned politician like Kerry should by now have a better repertoire of jokes (the one he told wasn't the least bit funny) and at the very least be able to deliver them without mangling them in such a way that the Bush crowd can so readily distort their meaning.

[Hobarticus]

105. I'll see you, and raise you...

Lots of DUers are going off on Braley, who admittingly know NOTHING about Braley.

Bruce is a great candidate, very progressive in a state that doesn't always look kindly on that. He's also shrewd enough to not let the last week of his campaign get twisted around into "with or against Kerry".

Win a seat back for the Dems, by staying on message, or allow your campaign to collapse into a war of soundbites, in the eleventh hour? Hmm, choices, choices...

And you're right; I respect Kerry very much, but he needs to think about the GOP spin machine that everyone is up against. He's smarter than that.

[Debi]

110. Thank you Seabiscuit

Braley needs to keep the focus of his campaign on the race between himself and his opponent. :thumbsup:

[Canuckistanian]

92. All this Democratic solidarity is heartwarming

If one of your brethren is invovled in a controversy, you shut up about it.

You do not give more ammunition to the RW media. No doubt this will be played over and over on Hannity, Rush, etc.

This will do more harm than good. Braley should be ashamed.

[TankLV]

108. I couldn't agree more. It's become sickening...

And as you all know, I'm hardly a Kerry supporter here.

But I'm with John all the way on this one, among others...

I am ashamed for some in our party - they just don't get "it"...

[Hobarticus]

111. Why would Braley be ashamed?

He's an excellent candidate. Get to know him. He's likely trying to keep his campaign focussed.

As for Dem solidarity, while Kerry's Dem bretheren are trying to win back Congress, how about keeping his piehole shut in the eleventh hour, so that the elections stay on message and not get sidetracked in a war of soundbites?

Who's feeding the RW spin machine ammunition? I hear them screeching about Kerry, not Bruce Braley.

[Canuckistanian]

120. Because what I said just became true

Rush Limbaugh is now trumpeteing the fact that some Dem candidates are asking for Kerry's apology and some are telling Kerry to stay away from their campaigns (just heard it).

This all validates the right wing spin on Kerry's statement.

And it may help Braley in the short run, but it helps gives Democrats in general a black eye.

[adigal]

123. I offered people on daily kos $100 to their candidate

if I was wrong in saying that Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. are going to make hay with Ford's demand for an apology from Kerry. If I was wrong, they had to send my favorite candidate a $100. Nobody took me up on it. People who never listen to right wing radion think they understand the Republican mentality, but they don't. I force myself to listen, and I KNOW that any crack in the foundation of togetherness of the Dems will be used to bludgeon the other Dems.

Look what Lieberman did for years.

[IA_Seth]

124. And those that listen to Rush were previously voting Dem?

I highly doubt that.

[adigal]

128. No, that was no my point

Perhaps I was not clear. My point is that Ford's remarks will be used, first by the right wing radio nuts, and then echoed by the MSM, as proof that Dems hate the military.

[Hobarticus]

126. So Kerry's asinine comment didn't possibly give Dems a black eye...

Interesting. Kind of a 'blame the victim' mentality, but okay.

[Hobarticus]

104. Yes, please, let's yield this seat to the GOP because Braley won't kiss ass

That makes perfect sense.

:silly: :crazy: :silly: :crazy: :silly: :silly:

[lebkuchen]

109. IA has lost a lot of soldiers, active duty and NG

If Iowans wish to vote for a republican who is going to support a never ending war, which has killed nearly 3,000, based on something Kerry said, if they have kids of military age, they're effing stupid.

The logic does not compute.

[Debi]

112. Smart move by Braley -

Keep the foucs on his Republican opponent and not let the media hounds or his opponents spin machine change the theme of his campaign in the last week.

It's too bad that Kerry messed up his joke about Bush's intelligence - It's crap that the MSM has ran with the GOP talking points - But Braley can WIN this campaign and needs to not LOSE his momentum taking a day to let Kerry explain and defend himself.

This race is about Bruce Braley and his right-wing opponent. Kerry can have the spotlight later.

And for all you who are calling Braley a coward and accusing him of 'snubbing' Kerry do some research on the district Braley is running in.

In 1990 the republican candidate for congress in the 2nd District of Iowa won because ONE member of the Democrat's staff had their mother register in the wrong district and vote for their candidate - the Republican caught wind of it and created a media storm and WON THE ELECTION. The Republican? JIM NUSSLE the Chair of the House Budget Committee (you can call and thank him for the wealthy person's tax cut and the student loan cuts made by this past years congress). In 1992 Nussle defeated 3x Democratic Congressman Dave Nagle in a redistricting battle by what equaled 1 vote per precinct. (Nussle had stared a whisper campaign that Nagle's marriage was in trouble and that Nagle knew nothing about 'family values' since he had no children of his own - what wasn't whispered was Nussle's infidelity and his inability to ever come home to Iowa...liking Washington D.C. much more than Manchester, Iowa - Nussle joyfully used his daughter with Down Syndrome in his campaign ads - only to later divorce her mother and marry his mistress, Newt Gingrich's former press secretary). In 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000 Nussle clobbered his opposition even though his extramarital affairs and divorce from his wife and abandonment of his children for Washington were made very public - didn't matter - the now 2nd District of Iowa had a high republican voter margin and Nussle could do what he wanted (and to whom) and he would still get elected. The redistricting of 2002 created the new 1st District of Iowa (Jim Leach (R)had represented the old 1st District but did not want to get into a battle with his fellow republican so he moved to the new 2nd District to run). Nussle again defeated the Democratic candidate in both 2002 AND 2004 even though the Democrats out numbered the republicans by some 6,000 voters. NOW, Nussle is running for Governor and the seat is open - Democrats have a chance to be represented in congress for the first time in somewhere between 16 to 32 years in some counties. The District should lean Democrat but has consistently voted republican for congress even when the republican has had open scandals or the top of the ticket has gone to the Democrats (Clinton in 1992 & 1996 - Gore in 2000 - Vilsack & Harkin reelection in 2002).

BRUCE BRALEY IS OUR CHANCE! He can't be called a coward because he made the very brave decision to run for office in the first place in a district that has not been favorable to Democrats in YEARS!

Democrats in the First District of Iowa trust Bruce, support Bruce and will be voting for Bruce.

[Hobarticus]

113. Debi, again, I stand in awe of your posts...

Excellent!

[Debi]

114. My pleasure

and thanks for the compliment.

Can we go back to the safety and non-conflict of our home forum now? (that is except for in primary season ;))

[Ophelia Rising]

129. Can I get a BIG RAAAAAAMEN!

I was going to write a small post to add my voice of support for Bruce, being from Iowa and knowing him, but I can't possibly follow that! So I'll just say RAAAAAMEN, Debi, RAAAAAAMEN! :D

[Debi]

130. Thanks OR! Let's get back to the Iowa Forum and

PARTY FOR BRALEY!!! :party:

[Duppers]

116. oh fucking christ! with dems like this

who need kkkarl rove!

[Debi]

117. Looks like John Kerry agrees with Bruce Braley

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/11/01/quote_of_the_day.html


"I'm coming back to Washington today so that I'm not a distraction, because I don't want to be a distraction to these campaigns."

-- Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), on the Imus in the Morning radio show, after canceling several campaign appearances today in the wake of his botched joke.

[IA_Seth]

119. That bastard!

Oh my gosh, Kerry is a wimp, I can't believe he would turn his back on himself like this.

What a turd!

I am glad I can't vote for him!

Boo!

With dems like this....

------

Ok, so I hope you realize I was being sarcastic, but jeez people...Braley did the right thing by focusing on HIS campaign. John Kerry is a smart enough, and classy enough, individual to understand that and deal with it OUTSIDE of our candidates races.

If only group-think, mob-politics were limited to the 'other' sites.

[Debi]

121. Yep, cut and run coward Kerry

:eyes: How dare he not stand up for Democrats everywhere :eyes:

Looks like he has a little more political savvy than many of the posters here.

Like him or don't, he made the right choice to step back and let Democrats win their races - I'm sure he'll be welcome back to Iowa (and elsewhere) when the Democrats are in control of Congress.

d.

[Name removed]

118. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Debi]

122. How does this post help the thread? n/t

[genieroze]

125. nevermind

[Debi]

131. Bruce Braley leads his opponent by 7%

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/11/01/news/local/doc45490d9bbb9c6502618746.txt


A new poll says Democrat Bruce Braley is leading Republican rival Mike Whalen going into the final days of their battle for Iowa’s 1st District congressional seat.

The poll, released Wednesday, said Braley led 49 percent to 42 percent.

<snip>

Whalen’s campaign had trumpted the previous survey and Russ Perisho, Whalen’s campaign manager, said Wednesday: “The only poll that counts is Election Day.”

<snip>

The new poll of 500 likely voters was conducted Oct. 24 through 29 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent.

<snip>

+++++++++++++++

So much for Braley being a loser :eyes:

[youthere]

136. Damn straight...Well put Debi.

Both Braley AND Kerry understand that the focus of this election isn't about a poorly delivered joke..and they aren't going to LET it become about that. This election is about poorly delivered POLICY and the focus needs to stay on that, without being distracted by republican smears. Whalen would like nothing better than to get voters chattering away about "Braley's opinion of soldiers" instead of his own piss poor politics. I'm glad Braley sees through the smoke and mirrors.
Braley gave this all the attention it deserves...none. Back to the REAL issues folks.

[Debi]

138. Thanks! And you got it

This is about a Democratic majority in the House (and with help the Senate) to stop Bush's attack on America and Americans. We can have NO distractions in these final days, we need to focus on GOTV and collecting any absentee ballots that have not been retrieved. Every vote will count and discouraging talk and badmouthing our candidates ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR won't assist in our tasks at hand.

GO BRALEY!! GO CULVER!!! GO DEMOCRATS!!! :bounce:

[ckramer]

133. Is this another "Howard Dean" scream moment for Kerry?

This is just unfortunate.

[Fluffdaddy]

135. Kerry hopes for 08 just died via his own Mouth.

[Fluffdaddy]

134. Smart move by Brucy Braley

[Debi]

139. It's Bruce Braley and he is smart!

Check him out: www.BruceBraley.com