Kerry On Bush, Gore, and The War On Drugs

[DrFunkenstein]

But despite significant media attention this week, the only government official to touch upon the disconnect between the drug use of political leaders and the punitive drug policies that they often espouse was Sen. John Kerry (D-MA).

On Monday, Kerry was asked by reporters to explain why he thought that questions surrounding George Bush regarding whether or not he had used cocaine were more substantively relevant than Gore's use of marijuana. Kerry, noting that Al Gore had already admitted his use of marijuana, said:

"(H)e (Gore) said 'I used it.' So that's not an issue... And I don't think Al Gore intends, you know, to make prior use an issue of other people, except to the degree that it affects public policy."

Pressed later on the question of the Bush cocaine rumors, Kerry laid out his thinking on why Bush's drug use, if substantiated, is indeed an important issue for voters to consider:

"The issue about George Bush is not the fact that he may have used it, said Kerry. "The issue about George Bush is, how can you, if you have (used cocaine), have a position that is so at odds in terms of being a governor where you send a lot of other people who may have done the same thing you do to jail. That's the issue. It's not a question of whether he used it or when he used it, it's a question of what his policy is today and whether that's hypocritical and dangerous."

The Week Online spoke with Kerry Spokesman David Wade, who reiterated the Senator's position.

"The Vice President has long admitted that he has used marijuana," said Wade. "Governor Bush, on the other hand, will say only that when he was young and irresponsible, he was young and irresponsible. But when Bush has had the opportunity to score political points in Texas by promulgating tough, extremely punitive new laws against drug users, he has been happy to do so."

http://www.stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/123/gorequestions.shtml

On "Fox News Sunday," John Kerry claimed Gore was better than Bush because he admitted use, and better than Clinton because he didn't claim he only used it once and didn't inhale. Then he turned around and said Bush's rumored drug use should be the only issue since he supported tough drug laws.

http://www.mediaresearch.org/BozellColumns/newscolumn/2000/col20000203.asp

First he refused to confirm or deny it. Later he would say only that "when I was young and irresponsible, I was young and irresponsible." Next he said that the issue wasn't relevant. Then he said that he wouldn't address "rumors." Then he said that he could pass a standard security check dating back seven years. Finally, he said that he could've passed the security check in his father's White House -- fifteen years. Though he had to think before specifying whether he could've passed it then or now. Now, no matter what he says, the issue seems destined to dog him until the day he comes clean.

As governor of Texas, George W. Bush, Jr. supported and signed legislation increasing penalties for drug possession in that state. In one instance, Governor Bush signed legislation mandating jail time for people caught with less than a single gram of cocaine. As a candidate, Bush's handling of the cocaine question offers clues as to how he deals with embarrassing mistakes -- admit them and move on, or obfuscate and side-step. As President, Governor Bush would preside over a national drug policy that is increasingly punitive, the driving force behind the nation's ascendancy to the title of world's most prolific incarcerator.

In 1992, Republicans asked whether Democratic candidate Bill Clinton could summon the moral authority to send young people to war, given the fact that he had successfully avoided military service during his youth. Today, Governor Bush must be asked whether he can summon the moral authority to send young people to prison, given the fact that he had avoided the DEA in his youth.

http://www.progress.org/archive/drc12.htm

Also, keep in mind that Bush has NEVER answered questions about his cocaine abuse and that his National Guard flying privileges were suspended because he refused to take a medical exam that tested urine.

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[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. It was a common sense and politically incorrect Senate speech of Kerry's

in the early 90s about the drug war, mandatory minimums specifically, that first got my attention.

[mdmc]

2. I feel for Kerry

Kucinich has all the criminal justice reformers on board, except those who have taken up with Dean because of his ability to campaign.

:dem:

[DrFunkenstein]

3. Anyone Think Drugs Will Be An Issue In 2004?

I would love to hear someone confront Bush with Coke and AWOL. Throw in Harken for good measure.

Anyone think it'll actually happen?

[blm]

4. I absolutely think kerry will confront Bush on EVERY issue.

And I love how Kerry always stuck up for Gore throughout his campaign, including the recount period when few stood and spoke out for Gore.

[sweetheart]

5. kerry is admirable

I really think he's a great man... just i LOVE dennis, and i like Mr. Kerry... that does not mean i would not be honoured to have him as president. I wish him the best fortune, he is a great leader nevertheless. He fights the noble fight and he is a real hero.

[blm]

6. Kucinich and Kerry are the Special Ks in my book.

And you're right...they both fight the noble fights and have for over 30 years.