Memo to Kerry: Get the Hell to Work!

[Stevendsmith]

I realize the campaign is a marathon and not a sprint. The Kerry attack must be measured to be effective. Despite the title of my post—which I hope will provoke discussion— I am constantly reminding myself to be patient.

But dammit, the post below from Josh Marshall has put considerable strain on my patience and threatens to unleash my simmering anger and doubt about Kerry, who, support him or not, is our dog in this colossal fight.

Quoting from a column by Eleanor Clift, and in reference to Kerry’s half-assed response to the first salvos of the Bush campaign:

Kerry knew this was coming. “Bring it on,” he said so often it became his battle cry. Well, now they’ve brought it on, and what is Kerry doing? He’s going on vacation in Idaho, leaving behind the festering story of his unholy bond with foreign leaders. “Before long they’ll be calling him Jacques Kerry,” says a Republican strategist. “It’s only a matter of time.”

Marshall then correctly adds:

A thought: if your opponent has $100 million to portray you as an effete snob, don't go on vacation to a fancy ski resort in Idaho.

More at:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_03_14.html#002731

Dammit! Kerry better take of the gloves, break out the bullhorn that is his candidacy, and start cataloging for the American people the massive body of lies and failures of this administration. Jesus, this stuff is sitting on a platter!

Who the hell is running Kerry’s campaign? Who is our general? There is no one more important to this country right now.

Seriously, if these guys are going to speak in broad soundbites when they criticize Bush and play by the Washingtonian rules of engagement (i.e., keep the gloves on and not get specific and devastating) then we are finished.

My patience is waning. Can someone set me straight if I am way off base here?

[Dookus]

1. I think you are off-base.

First, the man deserves a vacation. He's spent many grueling months securing the nomination. Now he has it, let him take a short break. Few of us here could maintain the solid pace of a campaign as well as Kerry has.

As for choosing a ski trip, Marshall is being naive. Name me ONE vacation activity Kerry could've done, and I'll tell you how the attack machine would smear it.

The false assumption is that they're attacking him for going skiing because he went skiing, and that if he'd done something else, they wouldn't attack. That is simply not true.

[Stevendsmith]

3. I agree that he deserves a vacation

I guess my point is that I am having doubts that the Kerry campaign will be an effective voice of the righteous outrage against this most criminal of American administrations.

Time to start pounding. Kerry is armed with the facts.

[Festivito]

29. I think his vacationing looks great for the campaign.

It makes the current Republican battle cries appear listless, ineffective, and impotent.

Illuminates and puts perspective to Bush's month long hiding, hiding that has bothered many Republicans.

And, it sends a message that there is more to life than earning money to give to children. As noble as taking care of children as "the least of these" underdogs needing protection, many parents forget that children need a reason to want to grow up and be older than 25. I applaud Kerry for setting a national example that you do not have to be young to have a life.

Just my opinion. I understand the concern and fear; I have both.

All candidates are a risk, but, I am becoming more certain that Kerry will surprise and gratify his supporters in a similar manner that Clinton did. I didn't like Clinton until a while after he took office, he was too slick in the campaign. I voted for him, but wanted Tsongas. Now you can not seperate me from my appreciation of Clinton for anything.

[mouse7]

30. Kerry could have gone to Darlington SC for the NASCAR races ;-)

You asked for one. That's one....

I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

[Gloria]

2. I'm not too happy, either....

I thought he started out OK, but suddenly I sense deflation.

I read a lame quote from Meehan (?) about how they didn't expect Bush to come out of the gate so hard, so soon.

Please! What's wrong with these people??? Where have they been??

[bigtree]

4. He has responded

It isn't getting reported. Perhaps you could go to his site and get some of the responses there and amplify them here and elsewhere to further effect that response.

Here's some of it:
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0319c.html

Trail of Broken Promises and Failed Policies Leads Straight to Bush's Florida Campaign Kick Off

Graham, Nelson and Meek Say John Kerry Will Create Jobs, Improve Schools, Support Veterans, and Make Health Care More Affordable for Floridians
March 19, 2004
Miami, FL -

Just 24 hours before George W. Bush kicks off his campaign in Florida, U.S. Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson and Congressman Kendrick Meek today revealed the impact of George W. Bush’s broken promises and failed policies on Florida’s working families.

Graham, Nelson, and Meek contrasted Bush’s failed policies on jobs, education, health care, and veterans benefits with John Kerry’s plans to create jobs, establish an education trust fund, make health care affordable for all Americans, and provide mandatory funding for veterans health care.

"I wish the President would spend some more time in Central Florida and speak to people other than his most loyal supporters, because he needs to hear that his misguided policies are hurting people,” said Graham. “In greater Orlando alone, the unemployment rate has shot from 2.5 percent in December 2000 to 4.4 percent in January 2004. That's a loss of more than 40,000 jobs."

“Today marks an entire year that we've been fighting in Iraq,” said Nelson, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “I think it would be fitting if we started keeping our promises to all of our veterans. The President could start by supporting repeal of the disabled veteran’s tax,” Nelson said, referring to the administration's threatened veto of a measure to end the practice of denying wounded military retirees disability compensation along with their retirement pay.

“President Bush's economic policies have failed Florida,” said Meek, Kerry’s State Campaign Chair. “His corporate buddies have shipped 70,000 Floridian manufacturing jobs overseas, and now it's time for Mr. Bush to get the pink slip.”

JUST THE FACTS
GEORGE W. BUSH: A FAILING AGENDA FOR FLORIDA AND AMERICA

ISSUE #1: A REAL PLAN TO CREATE JOBS:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: Bush has presided over the loss of 3 million jobs. He has consistently promised that his tax cuts will deliver jobs but the results are terrible. Bush said that his first tax cut would create 800,000 jobs, but instead we lost 1.9 million jobs. Bush said that his second tax cut would create 510,000 jobs, but instead we lost 53,000 jobs. Now he’s promising that we’ll create 2.6 million jobs in 2004, but even Alan Greenspan says that’s unlikely to happen.

JOHN KERRY

YES: Kerry understands that tax cuts for the rich will not bring back the three million jobs lost under George Bush. Kerry has a comprehensive plan to create good jobs:


Tax Credit to Create Manufacturing Jobs: Bush has done nothing to end incentives that encourage companies to move abroad. John Kerry supports a corporate rate reduction for manufacturers who produce goods in the U.S., and he has proposed a new jobs tax credit to encourage manufacturing companies to stay and expand in America.

More Jobs in Small Business: Bush is proposing to cut the Small Business Administration by 25 percent. John Kerry has a plan to make it easier for small businesses to get capital and loans. He also has a health care tax credit for small businesses and a comprehensive energy plan that will help businesses cut costs.

Jobs Through Energy Technology: Bush’s energy plan is a handout to big oil and fails to invest in the innovative energy technology of the future. John Kerry has a plan to invest in renewable energy and technologies that will create 500,000 jobs and make energy more affordable for businesses.
ISSUE #2: KEEPING MANUFACTURING JOBS IN AMERICA:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: The Bush Administration has done nothing to end incentives that encourage manufacturers to move their jobs overseas and has given lucrative government contracts to companies that haven’t stood by their workers.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry supports a corporate rate reduction for manufacturers who produce goods in the U.S. and a new jobs tax credit to encourage manufacturing companies to stay and expand in America.

ISSUE #3: ADDRESS THE RISING COSTS OF COLLEGE:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush’s fiscal policies have resulted in enormous state deficits. Many states have been forced to cut higher education funding and increase tuition costs. Over the past two years, the cost to attend a public four-year college or university has increased by 10 percent, and the cost to attend a pubic two-year college has increased by 8 percent over the same time period.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry will make four years of college affordable for all Americans. His “College Opportunity Tax Credit” will provide a credit for each and every year of college on the first $4,000 paid in tuition – the typical tuition and fees for public college tuition. The credit will provide 100% of the first $1000 and 50% on the rest. It will also make this credit refundable for those who receive other credits.

ISSUE #4: FUND PUBLIC EDUCATION:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush walked away from his promise to fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act, falling over $8 billion short this year.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry will fully fund public education and education for children with special needs.

ISSUE #5: PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ALL:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush has no plan to ensure that all Americans have health insurance. The number of Americans without health insurance is on the rise. There are currently 43 million people without health insurance in the U.S., two million more than when Bush took office.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry has an affordable plan to provide health care to 96% of Americans including 99% of America’s children.

ISSUE #6: REWARDING RETIREE HEALTH COVERAGE:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush signed a prescription drug benefit into law that will cause two million Americans to lose their retiree health coverage.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry believes prescription drug benefit should relieve employers and employees from high drug costs by counting retiree coverage.

ISSUE #7: CUTTING PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush caved to the pharmaceutical companies and his plan explicitly won’t let Medicare negotiate for a better deal for prescriptions or let seniors buy drugs from Canada.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry will sign a prescription drug bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate better prices and will allow people to buy more affordable prescriptions from Canada and other countries.

ISSUE #8: ELIMINATING “THE DISABLED VETERANS TAX”:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush’s Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, said he would recommend to the President that any legislation repealing the tax should be vetoed. A compromise measure brought by Congressional Republicans leaves 400,000 veterans paying the tax.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry will eliminate this archaic tax on our military retirees who receive both pensions and disability compensation. Disabled veterans should not have to pay more.

ISSUE #9: FULLY FUNDING QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush has left nearly 90,000 veterans waiting for health care appointments. Current policy will exclude 500,000 veterans from the VA health care system by 2005. Bush has also proposed increasing fees and co-payments to shift the burden for care onto veterans. The President thinks a $308 million increase for the entire VA health care system is enough. Coincidentally, Congress provided that same amount of money this year to help defray the costs of new patients at Florida facilities alone. The President's budget seeks to close 8,000 nursing home beds nationwide, at a time when the demand for long-term care services is high.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry has pledged to end the game of playing politics with funding for veterans health care. He will insist on mandatory funding for veterans health care for all veterans. Kerry will work to end lines for all types of care for veterans – primary care and specialists.

ISSUE #10: NOT CUTTING PAY FOR OUR TROOPS:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: Bush sought to roll-back increases in imminent danger pay and family separation allowances. The Administration wanted to cut imminent danger pay from $225 to $150 a month and the family separation allowance, which goes to help military families pay rent, child care or other expenses while soldiers are away, from $250 from $100 a month.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry opposed the Bush cuts. He will not abandon our troops or cut their pay, particularly at a time when so many members of our military are facing danger.

ISSUE #11: GIVING OUR TROOPS THE PROTECTION THEY NEED:

GEORGE BUSH

NO: George Bush failed to provide the equipment our troops need. There have been reports of crews scavenging for AK-47s because there are not enough M-4s to go around and Troops deployed to Iraq with Vietnam era body armor.

JOHN KERRY

YES: John Kerry will fight for the equipment that the troops need. John Kerry believes there is no excuse not to provide our troops with the body armor, up-armored HUMVEEs, and weapons they require.


More:

Kerry Launches New “D-Bunker” Web Site to Help Supporters Beat Back Misleading Bush Attacks
March 11, 2004
Washington, DC –
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0311g.html

Today John Kerry said he stands by his comments yesterday about the right-wing smear machine. He saw what they did to John McCain in South Carolina, and Max Cleland in Georgia. Now, they’re coming after him, and he’s not going to take it.

In keeping with that, the Kerry campaign is launching a new rapid-response website to help supporters beat back the right-wing smear machine. The “D-Bunker” website, http://blog.johnkerry.com/dbunker/ linked to www.johnkerry.com, is our new rapid response center on the web. It will serve to debunk lies and distortions both on and off-line.
Log on now to view the truth about George Bush’s new misleading negative ad: http://blog.johnkerry.com/dbunker/.

Since yesterday, the Kerry campaign’s has been flooded with phone calls and emails from people saying that they agreed with Kerry’s comments and urging him not to back down. The Kerry campaign website has also seen a sharp spike in financial contributions since the comments were made. This is just another reminder of how hungry the American people are for change, and how big this President’s credibility gap has gotten.

Here are just a few excerpts from emails the Kerry Campaign has received today:

“Please, Senator Kerry don’t apologize for the comments the microphone picked up after your AFL-CIO speech. I hope your remarks were intentional. You don’t need to apologize for speaking the truth.” (Georgia)

“It’s about time someone just said it outright. I think there are many who feel as I do, and that we’re fed up with THEM and are just as happy to have someone just tell it like it is without having to rely on political speak to convey that message. We’re fired up out here, and we’re behind you.”(New Mexico)

“Please don’t apologize for any remarks you made. Instead, expand your remarks and tell why you're right. These people – the Republican operatives and other ultra-right attack dogs, indeed are ‘the most crooked...lying group of people...’ They’ve lied about your record, your positions and your policies. They’ve distorted what you stand for and what your record is. Distorting, by definition, is crooked.” (New York)

“Hey, it was encouraging to hear you say those words. It needs to be said because it is true. We need to stop tiptoeing around that bunch. They’re mean and dangerous, and we have to stand up to them, or they will run all over us.” (Missouri)

“Yesterday was my fifty-seventh birthday. Senator Kerry’s comment about the ‘crooked’ and ‘lying’ regime was the best present I could have asked for. I hope he does not apologize because one does not need to apologize for telling the truth.” (California)


More:

Set the Record Straight Now:
http://blog.johnkerry.com/dbunker/

[tobius]

10. not many joe six packs or mary margarita's will be logging on to these

sites. this will continue to be a full frontal assault to help shape peoples perceptions of kerry. he can ignore at his peril.

[bigtree]

13. But you will

Use the responses to strike back at the attacks, here and elsewhere.

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[calimary]

23. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT LIST OF CONTACTS!

Everyone should cut and paste this, permanently. Bookmark it. WHATEVER it. And best and most important of all - USE IT!

[Exultant Democracy]

22. Then the only thing we can do is donate,

Money talks, and when it come to presidential politics it can buy you a big freaking bullhorn too.

[Hippo_Tron]

5. If they want to attack Kerry for a ski-trip we need to attack Dubya...

For his month long vacations to his ranch in Texas.

[leyton]

6. But clearing brush is the national pastime, don't you know? n/t

:)

[spooky3]

24. Exactly. I can't imagine ANY voter's vote changing because Kerry took

a very short break. And if he likes skiing, he's more than entitled to ski. There are lots of students who find a way to afford a ski trip so it can hardly be characterized as an elitist way to spend time.

Any candidate who believes he has to spend 24/7 campaigning and that it is even POSSIBLE to do so effectively, especially at age 60, will end up losing the election AND ruining his health.

It's essential that our candidate get his rest regularly throughout the campaign.

[leyton]

7. They should have sent out surrogates.

I understand that Kerry needs a break. It's likely that he would have made more slip-ups like the "foreign leaders support me" thing, and those could hurt him just as much as Bush is at the moment. However, they should have sent out surrogates en masse. Every Democratic Senator, Congressman, Governor, also-ran should be out stumping for Kerry at least one day this week. They should be on TV talking to reporters, attacking Bush in their speeches, TPing the houses of prominent Republican donors, etc...

[nodictators]

8. You're on target. Kerry is adrift without a paddle.

His rebuttals to Bush's lies are: "misleading" and "Actually, I voted for it, and then I voted against against it." Huh? Yesterday he claimed that Bush didn't understand the economy, or some such thing. Wow, that line will really bring the voters out to the polls, eh?

I've been getting some very bad vibes. A few more weeks of this stuff and the Dems won't even have a presidential candidate.

Kerry returns from his vacation on Tuesday. Let's hope he's well-rested and ready for battle.

[mouse7]

31. No... Kerry is just going for undecideds, not the party base.

We're the base and we love our red meat attacks. Kerry looks like he's planning a "standard" Democratic general election campaign for the middle. Whether or not you agree with the strategy, it is not correct to attack Kerry claiming he isn't acting on a strategy just because he's pursuing a different strategy than the one some want him to pursue.

Nobody will be paying the campaign any attention until the VP selection process begins. There is no news in the campaigns right now, so nobody cares right now,and they won't care until there is important developments to care about. Clarke is THE only important development right now. Kerry is right to stand on the sidelines right now in order allow the charges Clarke is making in his book be "breaking news" for as many days as possible before they fall back into the area of "partisan" politics again.

[Adelante]

9. I think you are a bit off base

The Dems have been strongly representing all over this past week. Clark alone is logging more face time on TV news defending Kerry than he did as a candidate. Terry McA kicked serious butt. Richard Holbrooke has been outstanding. They're bringing in Jamie Rubin and Howard Wolfson. Dean's out there. Charlie Rangel. Graham and Nelson. And the list goes on and on. I don't know where Edwards is, maybe I just haven't caught him, but the Dems are on the case as far as I can see. Kerry needs a rest to prepare for the 20-state tour he's going on. I'd rather see him strong and fighting than exhausted and fighting.

[molly]

11. I often wonder about the life experiences of posters here

some are very obviously naiive - maybe young and full of vim and vigor - but still naiive - not a bad thing. Some are older - desperate and sad. Others have been affected by this mis-administration for their over 20 years career (me).

Kerry is a very wise politician. Some would call him "politically motivated". But, we need to remember that WE elect politicians that best reflect our needs and wants. For most Democrats - at this point in history - it is Kerry.

You are way off base.

P.S. Tell us what motivates your very obvious anger and oppostion?

1.) you lost your job
2.) you still support another candidate
3.) your political affiliation is not DEM
4.) you have never voted

[Desertrose]

17. OK...here are MY reasons

1.) Am self employed...the ecomony sucks...the reasons are not just R vs D thing- its the corporate money vs the rest of the people...
Kerry is in with the corps & big money- his stands on the issues prove it...we should get our asses out of Iraq ASAP- there are ways.To believe the lies that we can 't have universal healthcare is just beyond comprehension- its all about profits. Kerry stands for the same old BS we've been hearing ofr decades .

2) I still support Kucinich, but that does not render me incapable of thinking and seeing what is happening...the DNC/media/corporate interests have chosen Kerry for us....he will protect them...fight for them- not for me.

3) I am a dem thank you

4) I have been voting for 34 years
I am angry because I am tired of voting for people who do not represent me or give a shit about me beyond my vote. I see through what Kerry is....I had really hoped we had collectively seen through the lies enough to make a different choice...but its obvious the media spin is too strong and maybe some people are just plain happy with the way the world is going. I'm not one of them.

I remember when the US was not a bully...taking over a country to get what they want....stomping over whoever is in the way...and for what..to benefit the cictizens of America? nope...for the corporattions to make even more money....

My unease with Kerry goes way beyond the simple reasons you offer...way beyond.

Peace
DR

[bigtree]

18. You see through Kerry?

I think you see what you want to see. You don't appear to take him at his word that he would excercise restraint and act against those very influences that you decry. You would dismiss his words and substitute your own cynical judgement about bullying and stomping. Nothing in Kerrys words or actions suggest that he would have the U.S. act as a bully, taking over countries, or favor corporations to the exclusion of the interests of everyone else.

BTW, I was one of the one's who chose Kerry notwithstanding the fact that the media was telling me at the time that Edwards was the best bet, before that, Dean.

[Old and In the Way]

21. Disagree.

1) I'm self employed too. And Kerry has not been a lackey of corporate interests.
2) I'm happy you support Kucinich. That said, it was not the "the DNC/media/corporate interests" that chose Kerry...it was the rank-and-file Democrats. Now, perhaps you are being elitist and really saying that your opinions are far superior to the majority of Democrats....or maybe you are just out in leftfield playing the game without a glove.
3) You're welcome.
4) I, too, have voted for 34 years, so we come from the same historical perspective. Except I'm more interested in getting a Democrat elected than I am trying to keep my principles pristine.

Not sure how far beyond simple reasons your unease for Kerry goes, but I know how far my unease for the current administration goes....and it's light years beyond my concerns about Kerry.

[molly]

25. One comment - I lived in Cleveland when Kucinich was

boy mayor. That memory sticks in my mind and the mind of many-many-many voters. Maybe he has changed, but he had views that were not workable in a major society system.

on edit - and I've got to hurry to watch 60 minutes - I was self employed - the phone rang off the hook. Now - I can't even get a small contract. I'm voting Kerry.

[Old and In the Way]

12. Do you really think anyone's going to remember Kerry took a

1 week vacation 2 months from now?

IMHO, his taking a vacation is counter to the Corporate Media CW which is that he will have to fight this administration every second of every day if he's to have a chance to win.

No, he doesn't have to do that. He can take time for some well deserved R&R now....it's not like this will cause a 20 point drop in the polls. In fact, this gives him some neat photo-ops to see Kerry has a fit dude who can relate with the winter sports crowd.

Much as the Republicans would like to see us panicking at the sight of JK not spending every waking moment on the campaign trail, I think this does more good in the long run, than bad.

[molly]

14. When people are tired - they make mistakes

he's got to be "bone-tired" - he worked his donkey's ass off! He'll come back and the gloves will be off!

[suegeo]

15. I like the Kerry photos

It shows him as athletic, fit, and coordinated.

Compare/contrast with Smirky, who cannot sit on a couch and eat pretzels without nearly choking himself to death.

[Gloria]

16. I don't begrudge Kerry a vacation nor do I care if he's skiing

or snorkeling. In fact, I know that some pretty important stuff has been on the schedule to be dealt with during this vacation.

What disturbs me is the whole bit about the $87 billion vote...that one line lifted from an appearance......OUCH!

The GOP has the bucks to drag us into this tit-for-tat war...I read the whole unfolding of preempting Bush, then the Kerry speech being preempted by the Bush team, then the Kerry team coming back only with a lousy quote that left them wide open.

If you don't have the bucks to do this, you should be developing some good stock sound bite answers to the questions you know will be raised, and have them ready to paste together into an ad. That's what the Bush team did...they figured they knew what Kerry would say and put an ad together...then added the Kerry gaffe to it after it was committed in retaliation.

Even if Kerry's responses aren't an exact match to a Bush attack, that's OK..the point is to get Kerry's viewpoint out and CLEARLY. Take what you know Bush will push...terror, taxes, etc. and just go after those key topics for now....don't get too cute and cut out that "bring it on"---they already have!!

He can't win a tit-for-tat type of thing without very big bucks and a huge staff research, create and to place the ads every time the Bush team does it.

In fact, today I heard Ron Brownstein commenting that both Bush and Kerry have made some statement in these ads that leave them both out on a limb...but Kerry a little worse (he mentioned the $900 M tax hike bit....the Bush team added it all up and came up with that; and even though Kerry has never said he'd raise taxes that much, in actuality, his program does cost about that much...it's exploitable by the Bush team, they will just distort it to death...)

[looking glass]

19. Ups and downs

Most voters don't want to be bothered right now. I think that it is way too early to pull out the big guns just yet.

[adadem]

20. totally agree

let the pugs show their hand first and spend their money. We keep the upper hand that way.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[Saint]

26. General Wesley Clark has you covered.

I would not worry about it. As you say, it is a marathon. Furthermore, Senator Kerry DOES NOT STAND ALONE.

General Wesley Clark is all over every threat. The General is "walking point". He is identifying the threats and responding with definitive force...not the force of muscle, but the force of intellect.

The General has vowed to continue this role as needed by Senator Kerry. When you have a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, twice Knighted by our allies, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart awarded Four-Star General leading the way, Senator Kerry can rest assured that every attack that GWB and his minions can regurgitate toward the Senator will be answered and dealt with authority.

Senator Kerry rest now, the battle is not yet over. Allow your supporters to deal with this rift-raft called Bush. There is absolutely nothing that the Republicans can hurl at Senator Kerry that General Wesley Clark can not handle.

Senator your back is covered.

Saint N Memphis
A General Wesley Clark Moderate

[newyawker99]

33. Hi Saint!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[rasputin1952]

27. Everyone needs some time off...

and while the pressure is off, Kerry and his staff are planning the next phase of the cycle.

I am sure that Kerry will come out in the fighting mode. Let the GOP bash away, when bush takes his next 30 day vacation, the hypocrisy will ripe enough to pounce.

So everyone calm down...bush does not have a record to run on, and all of the negativity against Kerry is already starting to tick people off. The GOP has nooses tied, all they have to do is fall off the chair, and that is not far away.

O8)

[LividLiberal]

28. I have no objections to the man taking a break.

He just wrapped up the nomination - has another 8 months to go. He has to take a break some time. This is going to be a hard battle.

[VOX]

32. It's still early, but Kerry should learn that this was an image-blunder...

Nobody begrudges Kerry a vacation. But his advisors should be far more cautious about the *image* being communicated by Kerry, and the timing of same.

On the first anniversary of the Iraq invasion, with the media "reverently" covering * strutting around in front of troops and looking "strong on defense," and "acting like a leader," Kerry is off playing on the slopes.

The images of this sharp contrast of the two candidates cannot help Kerry in the mind of the undecided voter who is concerned about issues that frighten him/her.

Most thinking people can discern that the two images are quite distinct and not connected. But "thinking" is the operative word -- far too many individuals would rather not think, and tend to accept media images and content at face value. It's unfortunate that the superficial gets so much shrift these days, but that's the reality.

IMO, this kind of blunder should not happen again -- it's simply handing ammo to the enemy; or at the very least, it's the Kerry campaign discharging that same ammo into its own foot.