Kerry Press Release: Press Quotes on Kerry-Edwards

[Skinner]

For Immediate Release
July 7, 2004

America Is United: The Kerry-Edwards Ticket Is A New Team for A New America

CHOICE REFLECTS KERRY’S PRESIDENTIAL QUALITIES

Kerry “Passed The Test.” “The first test of a presidential nominee is the choice of a running mate, which indicates the capacity of the nominee to make wise decisions. John Kerry passed the test. In selecting Senator John Edwards to join him on the Democratic ticket, Kerry showed his focus on winning by choosing the person among those mentioned who adds the most strength to the ticket. He also showed the self-confidence to not be afraid of sharing the stage with an eloquent former rival who might well out-shine him on the campaign trail. That's a positive sign about Kerry's character.” Des Moines Register, “Kerry chose wisely,” 7/7/2004

An “Astute Choice.” “Sen. John Kerry has made a politically astute choice of a running mate.” Canton Repository, 7/7/2004

Kerry’s Choice “Speaks Well of His Capacity for Leadership.” “Kerry has made the most important choice that faces a national candidate, the selection of the person who would take his place if the Democrats should win and he should be incapable of serving. Kerry took his good time. He may even have had to overcome some prickly questions about Edwards' ambition, which is abundant. That Kerry could, in the interest of the party and the nation, have made such leaps as were necessary speaks well of his capacity for leadership.” Houston Chronicle, 7/7/2004

Kerry “Chooses Well.” “According to the conventional wisdom, the choice of a vice presidential candidate has the potential to hurt more than help. By that or any other standard, Democratic hopeful John Kerry has chosen wisely. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina is not going to hurt the ticket; he is more likely to help it.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Kerry chooses well,” 7/7/2004

A “Smart” Move. “Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's choice of Sen. John Edwards as his running mate is a smart, even safe, move that will bring excitement to the ticket and help sharpen differences between the two parties.” Cincinnati Inquirer, 7/7/2004

A “Smart Choice.” “John Kerry made a smart choice.” Detroit Free Press, “Kerry and Edwards: Ticket will help keep Democrats united in battle for White House,” 7/7/2004

Decision Shows That Kerry Is “Discreet, Cooly Pragmatic and Exceedingly Self-Assured.” “As a result, many Democrats said Tuesday, this highest-profile decision of Mr. Kerry's public life was as instructive about the party's presumed presidential candidate as it was about Mr. Edwards. It was the move of a candidate who is proving to be methodical, discreet, coolly pragmatic and exceedingly self-assured.” NYT, 7/7/2004

Kerry’s “Daring Choice” Reflects His Self-Confidence. “Yet in some ways Kerry made a daring choice that reflects his self-confidence.” USA Today, 7/7/2004

DEMOCRATS THRILLED WITH CHOICE

“Rejoicing,” Not “Quibbling.” “Importantly, there was no mainstream Democratic quibbling — and much rejoicing — in the wake of Kerry's announcement.” Houston Chronicle, 7/7/2004

Choice Popular Among Virginia Democrats. “Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry's choice of fellow U.S. Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., as his running mate proved popular Tuesday among Virginia Democrats” Daily Progress, 7/7/2004

Selection “Delighted” Democrats. “Kerry's selection of his former campaign rival, after months of stringent secrecy, delighted many Democrats, who think Edwards will broaden the ticket's appeal to his native South, as well as to independents and voters who share his small-town, blue-collar upbringing.” LA Times, 7/7/2004

Northwest Democrats Call Kerry-Edwards a “Winning Blend of Experience and Energy.” “Democrats in the Pacific Northwest hailed John Kerry's selection of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards to be his running mate, calling the new Kerry-Edwards team a winning blend of experience and energy.” AP, “Northwest Democrats hail selection of Edwards,” 7/7/2004

Kentucky Democrats Say Edwards Understands Southern Values. “Top Kentucky Democrats predicted that John Edwards' rise to their presidential ticket would broaden the party's appeal in a state easily carried by President Bush in 2000. Edwards - tapped Tuesday by presidential candidate John Kerry as his running mate - is a "son of the rural South" who understands the "issues and values of Southern voters," said U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Ky. Chandler said that Edwards would "instantly expand the ticket's appeal across Kentucky and across the country." AP, “Kentucky Democrats hail addition of Edwards to ticket,” 7/7/2004

Arizona Democrats Call Kerry-Edwards Ticket “A Hit.” “Immediately embracing the duo on a first-name basis, Arizona Democrats voiced approval Tuesday of the "John and John" presidential ticket. From state party headquarters to the Governor's Office to the homes and businesses of Valley residents, the selection of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards as John Kerry's running mate was a hit.” Arizona Republic, 7/7/2004

Democrats “Enthusiastically Embraced” Ticket. “Democrats enthusiastically embraced John Edwards as their vice presidential candidate on Tuesday, predicting that the charismatic southern senator will help them win back Congress as well as the White House.” Reuters, 7/7/2004

Democrats “Saluted Kerry” for Pick. “In statements echoing across Capitol Hill, Democrats saluted Kerry for setting aside past differences in picking Edwards, saying the two former rivals for the party's presidential nomination will provide Democrats a strong team in the November elections.” Reuters, 7/7/2004

Rivals for Running-Mate Position “Heaped Praise” on Ticket. “Even some of those passed over for the second spot on the Democratic ticket heaped praise on Edwards, calling him a powerful populist campaigner. "A great choice," said Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, who was believed to have been on Kerry's short list of possible nominees. "As he proved during his inspiring campaign, John Edwards is a strong and compelling voice for our small towns and rural communities and for all working Americans."” Reuters, 7/7/2004

Pick is “Immensely Popular.” “The pick is proving immensely popular with rank-and-file Democrats, who said Mr. Edwards, with his smooth Southern style and "Two Americas" message, are a good complement to Mr. Kerry's war service and 20 years in the Senate.” Washington Times, 7/7/2004

Former Rivals Praised Kerry-Edwards Ticket. “Within a few hours, several erstwhile rivals had issued statements praising the new ticket. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, once the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, called Edwards "a smart choice." Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who ran as Al Gore's vice presidential pick in 2000, said Kerry's selection was "a home run."” LA Times, 7/7/2004

Selection Drew “Enthusiastic Response.” “Edwards' selection drew an enthusiastic response from Demo-crats, who said he will give the ticket an injection of charisma, a campaign focused on middle-class concerns and an ability to reach out to Southerners, independents and moderate Republicans.” Raleigh News-Observer, 7/7/2004

EDWARDS CLEARLY THE BEST CHOICE

Kerry Brought One of “Brightest” and “Talented.” “In announcing Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina as his vice presidential running mate Tuesday, Sen. John Kerry added one of the party's brightest stars and most talented campaigners to the Democratic ticket.” The Oregonian, 7/7/2004

Edwards “Could Serve the Country Well As Vice-President. “Sen. John Edwards is an energetic campaigner and a thoughtful, fair-minded Southern Democrat who could serve the country well as vice president.” Kansas City-Star, 7/7/2004

Edwards An “Eloquent Voice” for Democratic Issues. “Edwards, he adds an eloquent voice for an entirely different set of issues that Democrats want to push into the forefront of the campaign, including anxiety over the economy and worries about the rising cost of health care.” Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Edwards the “Best Public Speaker in National Politics.” “John Edwards is the best public speaker in national politics. Better than Bill Clinton. Better than the late Ronald Reagan.” LA Times, 7/7/2004

A “Smart Choice.” “During his own presidential campaign here, Edwards was "smart, engaging and upbeat, comfortable before any audience and often inspiring."” Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, “Edwards a smart choice,” 7/7/2004

Edwards Brings “Optimism, Energy, Charisma and Eloquence.” “Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina brings optimism, energy, charisma and eloquence to the Democratic ticket as the running mate of Sen. John Kerry, who announced his selection yesterday.” Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/7/2004

Edwards is “America’s Best Natural Politician.” “Senator John Edwards is America's best natural politician since Bill Clinton, and he'll help with the Democrats' most crucial task: reconnecting the party to Middle American voters.” Kristof, NYT, 7/7/2004

Edwards Appeals to the “American Story.” “The key to Edwards's twin appeal -- to upscale voters and to those trying to climb the ladder or helping their kids do it -- was explained many years ago by the great American sociologist Seymour Martin Lipset. Lipset argued that the two core American values were "equality" and "achievement." Americans want a level playing field and don't like people who put on airs. But they also admire strivers. Edwards can give his "two Americas" and "dad in the mill" speech as someone who used the education system to rise up and get rich. That's the American story.” Dionne, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Edwards Has “Uncanny Ability” to Connect. “Edwards has shown an uncanny ability to connect with both core Democratic constituencies and independent voters in every campaign he has run. That is how he won his only Senate race against a Republican incumbent six years ago.” Broder, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Edwards Stump Speech “A Thing of Beauty.” “His stump speech when I first saw him in New Hampshire early in 2003 was acceptable but not overwhelming. By the time he got back to New Hampshire, nine months later, it was a thing of beauty -- a populist depiction of "two Americas," divided between the privileged and the working people but devoid of the anger and frustration so often linked to populism.” Broder, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Edwards Will Outshine Cheney. “Edwards could win a talking contest against his GOP rival with one tongue tied behind his back. Vice President Dick Cheney gives speeches that are so barren of any effort to charm or persuade that the delivery alone seems to reflect contempt for democracy.” LA Times, 7/7/2004

Edwards Has “Sweetest Song.” “"Edwards has the sweetest song of any of the Democrats on the campaign trail," said Allen Lichtman, a presidential scholar at American University in Washington.” Raleigh News-Observer, 7/7/2004

Positive Message Resonates With Families in North Carolina and “All Over The Country.” “Working families here, many of the them bruised by a shaky economy, share with people all over the country many of the same fears about financial security and opportunities for their children. One reason Edwards seems to hit home with such people is that his message has been a positive one, one that essentially says: America can provide opportunity for you and your family with the right leadership and a government that keeps faith with the people it is supposed to serve.” Raleigh News-Observer, 7/7/2004

North Carolina Voters “Didn’t Buy” Attacks. “Six years ago, voters in North Carolina didn't buy criticism of him as a trial lawyer.” Raleigh News-Observer, 7/7/2004

Edwards Will Offer a “Sharp Contrast” to the “Dour Man From Halliburton.” “While playing nice toward his fellow Democrats in the primaries, Mr. Edwards displayed plenty of fire against President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. And stylistically, his résumé as the small-town lawyer taking on the big special interests in behalf of the little guy offers a sharp contrast to the often dour man from Halliburton he will be seeking to replace.” Witcover, Baltimore Sun, 7/7/2004

Choice is “Bad News” for Bush Strategists. “The Bush strategists, or should we call them apologists, got two pieces of bad news in the past few days. One: The June job numbers showed a sharp decline, deflating talk of a "Bush Boom." Two: Sen. John Kerry had the guts to select Sen. John Edwards as his running mate...War hero Kerry is the right foil to the party-weekend-warrior that is Bush. And who would you rather have as VP, the snarky Cheney or the inspiring Edwards? We can hardly wait for the debates.” Philadelphia Daily News, 7/7/2004

Republicans Are Mistaken When They Disparage Edwards’ Experience. “When you hear Republicans disparage Sen. John Edwards's lack of experience, remember the words of Sen. Orrin Hatch, spoken to George W. Bush at a debate on Dec. 6, 1999. "You've been a great governor," Hatch declared of his rival for the Republican presidential nomination. "My only problem with you, governor, is that you've only had four and going into your fifth year of governorship. . . . Frankly, I really believe that you need more experience before you become president of the United States. That's why I'm thinking of you as a vice presidential candidate."” Dionne, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

McCain Criticized Bush’s Weak Experience and Judgment. “"When it comes time to make the decision to send our young men and women into harm's way, that decision should be made by a leader who knows that such decisions have profound consequences. There comes a time when our nation's leader can no longer rely on briefing books and talking points." That was McCain in 1999. He was talking about the man who became our current president.” Dionne, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

EDWARDS COMPLEMENTS KERRY’S STRENGTHS

Kerry More Likely to Win With Edwards. “For Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, the choice of Edwards was pragmatic. He wants to win, and the popular Edwards appears most likely to help him win.” Patriot Ledger, 7/7/2004

Economy Will Become Pillar of Campaign. “The vice-presidential candidacy of Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, a silver-tongued freshman known for his vigorous advocacy of working families, is a sure sign that Sen. John Kerry intends to make the American economy a pillar of his campaign for the presidency this fall.” Denver Post, 7/7/2004

Kerry-Edwards Ticket “Naturally Delineates Critical Differences” With Bush Administration. “Edwards' depiction of a growing divide between the wealthy and the struggling poor stresses the importance of maintaining a strong, aspiring middle class. It is a natural platform from which to talk about jobs, about targeting tax cuts to those who need them and about a social safety net threatened by rising deficits, out-of-control health costs and hostile public officials. The Two Americas theme quite naturally delineates critical differences between the Democratic challengers and the Bush administration on policy areas from health care to taxation.” Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 7/7/2004

The “Liveliest, Most Complementary Pairing.” “In choosing John Edwards as his running mate, and in doing so now, John Kerry has at once set the stage for a vibrant three-week runup to the Democratic Convention and ensured a competitive fall campaign. This is the liveliest, most complementary pairing that Kerry's vice presidential short list contained.” Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 7/7/2004

“A Balanced Ticket.” “In essence, Kerry-Edwards is a balanced ticket.” Polman, Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/7/2004

Kerry-Edwards Ticket “A Thing of Beauty.” “The traditional grinning-candidates-at-the-podium shot from the Democratic convention will be a thing of beauty, compared with the Republican version, featuring a lumpish Cheney and President Bush trying hard to suppress his patented smirk. That shouldn't matter. But you know it does.” LA Times, 7/7/2004

Kerry Experience “Needs No Bolstering.” “In Kerry's case, he obviously feels that his own Washington experience -- 19 years of Senate service, including a major role in foreign policy -- needs no bolstering.” Broder, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Ticket Forged Along Campaign Trail. “This ticket was forged back in January, when Kerry and Edwards finished one-two in the Iowa caucuses. The Democrats could have done a lot worse.” Broder, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Skills Propelled Meteoric Rise of Edwards. “Those skills - persistence, eloquence and a Bill Clinton-like ability to connect with voters - have propelled the meteoric rise of Edwards, 51, a political unknown until his run for the Senate six years ago.” Baltimore Sun, 7/7/2004

Edwards Brings Powerful Life Story and Engaging Campaign Style. “Edwards, 51, the son of a millworker, has a powerful life story and an engaging campaign style.” USA Today, 7/7/2004

Kerry-Edwards a Contrast to Current Administration’s Failure to Create a Civil Tone. “Amazingly, given the current administration's failure to create a civil tone in Washington, as it pledged in the 2000 campaign, the first adjective in the Republicans' anti-Edwards brief was "disingenuous." That's rich.” Houston Chronicle, 7/7/2004

CHOICE AFFECTS PRESIDENTIAL RACE IN THE SOUTH

Choice Adds “Dynamic, Articulate Voice;” Puts Republican Control of Senate in Doubt. “John Kerry's selection of John Edwards as his running mate seems a sound one. Putting his Senate colleague from North Carolina on the ticket not only promises to add a dynamic, articulate voice to the Democratic presidential campaign but signals that the campaign will also be about which political party controls the Senate. Edwards puts a Southern face on the ticket just as five Southern Democrats are retiring from the Senate. Choosing Edwards shows that Kerry is willing neither to cede the South to Bush nor the Senate to Republicans. Edwards is not just a Southerner, but a successful lawyer who rose to wealth from a hardscrabble childhood.” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 7/7/2004

Choice Makes Virginia More of a Player This Year. “Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's choice of North Carolina senator John Edwards as his running mate suggests that Virginia may be more of a player in this election than it has in the past. Putting Edwards on the ticket signals Kerry's intent to put some effort into Southern states, say political analysts. The North Carolina senator could swing some votes in his home state, neighboring Virginia, Florida and others. "For Virginians, this is yet another sign that this state is not going to be taken for granted in 2004," said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth.” Free Lance-Star, 7/7/2004

Kerry-Edwards Ticket Will Challenge Bush for Virginia Votes. “Kerry-Edwards, the Mason-Dixon Democratic ticket unveiled Tuesday, figures to challenge President Bush for critical electoral votes in North Carolina and other Southern states - perhaps including Virginia - according to Democratic leaders and some independent analysts.” The Virginian-Pilot, 7/7/2004

Edwards Choice Could Affect Virginia Race. “Presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee John Kerry has spoken - and his choice of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards as his running mate is likely to have an impact on the November balloting in the Old Dominion…A small bump or otherwise, Tuesday's announcement energized Virginia Democrats, more than three out of four of whom had voted for Kerry and Edwards in the state's Feb. 10 presidential primary.” Augusta Free Press, 7/7/2004

Edwards Forces Bush to Campaign in the South. “Putting a Southerner on the ticket was essential…Forcing the president to compete on terrain he had mostly considered safe alters the election's dynamics.” Dionne, Washington Post, 7/7/2004

Pick Shows Kerry Will Compete in the South. “"The choice of Edwards is an indication that Kerry does not plan to write off the South," said a Wake Forest University political scientist, Jack D. Fleer.” Boston Globe, 7/7/2004

Choice Will Help Kerry in South. “Democratic lawmakers yesterday said the recruitment of a Southerner would help move the ticket to the political center and could help Kerry in such potential battlegrounds as Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Louisiana, and West Virginia. Some even believe the choice of Edwards could push Kerry to an upset win in North Carolina, an increasingly conservative state that has elected Democrats to Congress but has long been considered safe Republican territory for presidential candidates.” Boston Globe, 7/7/2004

Edwards On Ticket Helps Campaign in South And Midwest. “Merle Black, an expert in Southern politics at Emory University in Atlanta, said Edwards helps Kerry in Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas, and also in states that have lost jobs, such as Ohio and Michigan. "He can talk to the concerns of workers who lost their jobs or fear losing their jobs," Black said.” Raleigh News-Observer, 7/7/2004

Kerry-Edwards Ticket Will Help Will Control of the Senate. “Democrats say John Edwards will help them win control of the Senate in November by boosting Democrats running in key states in the South and the West. "There's no question he's an asset for our Senate races. He's a voice from the South," said New Jersey Sen. Jon Corzine, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.” Newsday, 7/7/2004

OVERNIGHT POLLS SHOW AMERICA ENERGIZED BY KERRY-EDWARDS TICKET

Kerry-Edwards Beats Bush-Cheney 49 to 41. “Following wall-to-wall veepstakes coverage for Kerry-Edwards coming out of a long holiday weekend, a poll taken last night for NBC News by Princeton Survey Research and aired this morning on TODAY shows Kerry-Edwards beating Bush-Cheney 49% to 41%, with Nader-Camejo at 4%” and “24% say it makes them more likely to vote for Kerry.” NBC, 7/7/2004

Choice Met With “Positive Response.” “Sen. John Kerry’s naming Tuesday of North Carolina Sen. John Edwards as his running mate met with a positive response, slightly improving the standing of the Democratic ticket, and also improving Kerry's image among voters, according to a CBS News poll.” CBS, 7/7/2004

7 Out of 10 Happy With Choice; 2 Out of 3 Think Edwards Has Right Experience. “A majority of all voters, and seven in ten Democrats, say they are glad that Edwards was chosen. Only one in ten think Kerry should have named someone else. By more than two to one, voters think Edwards has the right experience to be a good vice president, though many are not sure he has enough experience to be a good president.” CBS, 7/7/2004

“Little Doubt” That Kerry’s Choice of Edwards is Popular. “There is little doubt that the choice of John Edwards was a popular one. Most voters said they were glad Edwards was chosen, and few would have picked anyone else.” CBS, 7/7/2004

Positive Reaction Exceeds Previous Running-Mate Choices. “The general good feeling about the Edwards nomination exceeds the positive reaction towards two former vice presidential nominees about whom this question was asked. In 2000, 45 percent of all registered voters said they were glad that Al Gore chose Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman; in 1988, only 33 percent said they were glad that George H.W. Bush named Dan Quayle.” CBS, 7/7/2004

“Significant” Satisfaction Within and Outside of Democratic Party. “When asked specifically about the Edwards choice, there was a significant level of satisfaction – both within the Democratic Party and outside it. Nearly three in four registered voters said they were satisfied (one in five was enthusiastic about the choice). As for Democrats, 90 percent were satisfied. Very few voters admitted they were angry about the choice.” CBS, 7/7/2004

Edwards “Far More” Favorable Than Cheney. “At the moment, Edwards enjoys far more favorable assessments than does his opponent, Vice President Dick Cheney. Vice President Cheney has been under attack lately, and in the last few weeks, his image has declined somewhat. In late June more of this sample’s voters had an unfavorable opinion of the Vice President than had a favorable one, by a margin of 23 percent to 37 percent.” CBS, 7/7/2004

64 Percent Say Choice Excellent or Pretty Good. “A CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll taken Tuesday found that 64 percent of registered voters surveyed viewed the choice of Edwards as excellent or pretty good, while just 28 percent termed it only fair or poor. Seventy percent said they were either enthusiastic or satisfied by the choice, while only 19 percent described themselves as dissatisfied or angry.” CNN/UST/Gallup, 7/7/2004

Two-Thirds of Americans Said Choice Reflects Favorably on Kerry’s Ability to Make Important Presidential Decisions. “In a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Tuesday, nearly two-thirds of Americans said Kerry's choice of Edwards reflected favorably on his ability to make important presidential decisions.” USA Today, 7/7/2004

-30-

Paid for by John Kerry for President, Inc.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. I nominated this thread for the homepage

first time! ;)

[colonel odis]

2. go get 'em, senators. n/t

[lovedems]

3. They are a dream team.

Victory in November!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

4. What a collection of complimentary tributes

I think this is the BEST ticket we've had in a long time....led by a statesman with an injection of Clinton's charm without all the baggage that came with that.

[JI7]

5. it was as perfect as can be pick

good for kerry.

[Crewleader]

6. They balance each other,

plus they have nice hair...:)
Seriously, they are the team most Americans wanted since the primaries started in Iowa. With all the positive support they will succeed with the unity of the Democratic Party,and with a warm welcome to Independents and Disgruntle Republicans to join together and get rid of the corruption we have in the white house today!

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

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

[soup]

8. Somebody help me, Please.

Didn't get even 1/2 way into the list before my head was invaded by

That's the way, uh hunh uh hunh, I like it. uh hunh uh hunh.
That's the way, uh hunh uh hunh, I like it. uh hunh uh hunh.
That's the way, uh hunh uh hunh, I like it. uh hunh uh hunh.
That's the way, uh hunh uh hunh, I like it. uh hunh uh hunh.

Please, make it go away. Or flip the switch on the disco ball.

They really are a good team. A lot of positive energy there. (Kerry and Edwards - not KC and the freakin Sunshine Band.)