Theresa Kerry

[medeak]

Don't get me wrong .... I LOVE HER! LOVE HER SPUNK! But next to the barbie doll yes lick George Pickles...she's coming off badly.

Received phone calls from family today saying same and why I'm posting. Theresa talks a LOT about herself and not the most flattering person to introduce Kerry... friend met her two weeks ago and said she was grimacing and could not make eye contact...it's obvious she is getting weary of campaign. And I don't blame her...

Perhaps she needs vacation? I don't know guys..any thoughts?

[yardwork]

1. Theresa Kerry is not running for office

[medeak]

2. It makes me sad

to post this...but in this world..it's all marketing unfortunately

[newsguyatl]

3. sadly i agree

as much as i adore her, i think she's a real liability to kerry... and we're going to see a lot more attacks against HER in the coming months...

[Fovea]

6. If she is a liability to Kerry

what are the twins to *?

[newsguyatl]

10. the twins wouldn't be "first lady"

teresa would... and that scares a lot of middle america.

don't ask me why, i'm not middle america, but it does.

the "foreign accent" the "independant woman" the "opinionated woman" the "billionaire heiress" -- that kind of stuff scares joe blow, and the bush cabal know it -- and they're gonna use it against kerry in the coming months, watch and see.

[Fovea]

49. I am from middle America

And I am not scared by smart, successful women.

Red America is not sincerely threatened by Teresa. They are just jumping on whatever they are told to jump on. Like the Germans of 1944, they are now trying to decide wether to be more afraid of the Soviets, or the SS. They are afraid and furious at the same time.

It takes a lot to make the flip from pro to anti fascist. It can be quite rapid, but it takes a sincere loss of fear, either by anger, or desparation, or both. That is the danger that BushCo is in. Every attack is having to get even dirtier and more shrill, and the real election season is just starting. At some point the Joe Welch moment will occur.

[zulchzulu]

4. It's "Teresa"

She kicks ass. I've met her. She is smart as a whip. Yet elegant and down to earth.

If people want to pick on her, then it's open season on Stepford Laura, who comes across to me as a fairly clueless but nice woman.

At the RNC HateFest, she came across to me as a new Pixar animated character with not much marketing power for a doll.

[MaineDem]

53. I've met her, too

I found her very honest, very open, and very engaging. She was a delight to talk with and very intelligent and witty.

People may be put off by the accent, or the fact that she's not a native-born American, or by the fact that she's wealthy. None of those issues matters.

Get her talking about grandchildren! :)

[salvorhardin]

5. I'm really tired of this BS

Yeah, I know, marketing. I prefer to call it sexism. Theresa Kerry and Hillary Clinton. Two very different women, both reviled in the popular press and right wing gasbag pillhead shows. What do both have in common? Both were strong, intelligent, opinionated women. Something you'd have thought we'd gotten beyond by 2004.

Note: I'm not saying you personally are sexist, I'm sure you're not. I am saying that American society in general is still quite sexist, and IMHO much more so now than at some times in the past.

[medeak]

8. am reacting

to phone calls this pm..and they really brought me down. Was told Maureen Dowd was horrible on Letterman re Theresa...don't think I can read her anymore.

[silverlib]

7. There is a huge difference - and I love it!

Pickles is just sad and uncomfortable - She comes across as not being a success in her own right.

THK comes across as confident, genuine, compassionate, extremely intelligent and a woman who has made a name for herself by herself. She is a woman who is with her husband, not because she needs to be, but because she wants to be.

Some people in our nation still cater to the "little woman." I pity them. THK cannot possibly make eye contact with everyone.

I saw the THK and JFK kids today on a C-Span rerun. I mean to tell you, there is a huge difference between the Bush offspring and their offspring. I saw with them, also, intelligence, warmth and self-assuredness. Of yes, and with this group was Edward's oldest daughter, who fit in just fine. I can't imagine the Bush children on a forum where there was an open mike asking them questions about where their father stood on national issues.

I don't normally strongly disagree with things posted on this forum. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I just don't understand this one at all.

[medeak]

11. too many phone calls

especially one from Sun Valley Idaho...it was horrible the impression she had.

[blondeatlast]

40. Idaho? I have dozens of relatives near SV,

Fuggeddaboudit.

It's about as LW as Zell Miller.

She's a class act with a mind of her own, and JK adores her. It's nice to see a couple like that.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

9. SOMEONE needs a vacation, yes....

:eyes:

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

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

[bobbieinok]

14. ??????????

[Lex]

13. Are you KIDDING? My 60-something parents LOVE her

and my own almost 40-something self LOVES her and she's a big reason I'm voting for Kerry.

She is an amazing woman, and a refreshing change from Stepford Wife Laura Bush, who totally creeps me out with that insane clown smile.

[Nite Owl]

15. I have seen her on cspan

talking to small groups and she is just terrific. Warm and intelligent. She's very knowledgable about health care and woman's issues. She's going to help getting the woman's vote out. She comes across as very sincere.

[medeak]

16. truly ... I couldn't agree with you more

but the last two weeks haven't been good...and I didn't want to bring up the publicized screaming fest in Las Vegas resulting in separate rooms...

just suggesting the tired 60 something divine woman gets a reprieve?

[A_Possum]

20. gossip stuff

i just googled this Las Vegas inference, that's drudge and free republic slime. Jeez, get a grip. :eyes:

[medeak]

21. how about a small vacation

that's all I'm suggesting. Believe me...the phone calls I received couldn't be from more dedicated dems.

Just a helpful thought. I think she's tired.

[Maddy McCall]

33. If that's the type of phone calls you are receiving, then...

believe me, your friends AREN'T very dedicated dems.

[spooky3]

37. Don't you think her family and the people around her

are looking out for her?

It seems to me that if she were truly pushing herself too hard, someone near would see it and insist on a rest.

That's why I am doubtful that things are as you describe.

I agree with the poster that if your relatives' vote is influenced by their negative perceptions of Teresa, they aren't Democrats.

[blondeatlast]

43. Puh-leeze. nt

[blondeatlast]

42. Funny, even with the RW press, I didn't hear a thing about this.

Hmmmm...

[2Design]

17. Excuse me!

Teresa is excellent

Your family must never have heard her. They need to listen and read up on her before giving those false statements. You too!!!

[A_Possum]

18. Everyone is not gonna love everybody they come across

Sometimes people are just put-off by other people. I was (and am) put-off by Dean--there's just stuff about the guy I don't like--but obviously many many many people think the world of him, and I certainly respect that. I thought * was a creep from Day One, but clearly, to my utter bewilderment, half the country actually would like to have a beer with the man.

Don't overreact to a couple of people who had negative opinions on a personal basis. That's gonna happen no matter what.

[vetwife]

19. She is not Mrs. Cleaver and thats good this is 2004....A woman

who is a free thinker is a good thing. She has opinions and has every right to express them without worrying about an idiot husband cramming the car into a garage every time she opens her mouth to disagree. I am afraid your family wouldn't like me. I too am opininated but I am from the South. Accent there too.

[Sugarbleus]

22. I've had my misgivings about Mrs Kerry but then there are many

First ladies from our history that have been a little eccentric..it's no big deal. She speaks her mind..so do I. Like now. lol :D

She will be busy with her interests and Kerry will be running the country. I'm not worried anymore. Tell other's that worry about her attitude/behavior to go look up "First Ladies" of these USA. If not for Eleanor Roosevelt, we may not have had any social programs. Don't forget, we've had some real movers and shakers from the women in our history...they didn't shut up either.

Strong, determined women have made enormous contributions to this country.

Relax, it's all good. :hi:

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

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[medeak]

25. self delete

[Name removed]

28. Deleted message

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

[blondeatlast]

46. Damn, they are dropping like flies. nt

[AP]

24. Republicans women I know LLLLOOOOVVVEEEEE her.

And I think they kind of love what you described. She's honest. She's made it so she can say what she wants. She's above the fray.

Democratic women I know love Elizabeth E.

Men don't have an opinion about either, generally.

So the ticket has everyone covered. Target them at the right audiences and it's cool.

[pacalo]

26. I adore her!!!! She's a breath of fresh air!

She's no phony -- what you see is what you get. I'm sick of the pretentious, robotic Stepford first lady who stole Tipper's place. No way Teresa Kerry "comes off badly next to" Laura Bush -- NO WAY.

[ngGale]

27. She's will be a hell of a first lady...

speaking 5 languages can't hurt us while trying to repair over seas damage. I think she is unique, I love her. Everyone who talks bad about THK I could say "shove it" to their face.

[Maddy McCall]

29. Well, maybe Kerry should divorce her and marry someone like...

Laura Bush. You know, just to make the idiots happy. :eyes:

Anyone who would not vote for Kerry because he is married to Teresa is a stooge.

[VolcanoJen]

30. Well, I had the wonderful opportunity of briefly meeting her...

... on a rope line, at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, just after John Edwards joined the ticket.

Her handlers were pulling and tugging at her, but she would not leave until she had spoken with every single person on the rope line. She was so warm and engaging, and it was a pleasure just to be in her company for that brief moment.

That being said, I understand that you're just being the messenger here, but the anti-Teresa movement is based on nothing but sexism, and it's shameful that in this day of modern politics, strong, accomplished women are still being vilified in such a way.

I really don't know what you can tell your family to change their minds; from my personal experience, Teresa was gregarious, upbeat, patient, and pulled-together. Everything I expect in a First Lady.

[medeak]

31. agree

I've seen her in action...staying to talk to people while handlers are tugging at her.."no..this person hasn't decided who to vote for..we need to talk to her"

Criminy...everyone is overreacting here...am just suggesting the poor woman needs a break! A vacation! A respite! A spa! Jesus...she's older than Kerry...and not superwoman?

[VolcanoJen]

32. I don't think anyone is overreacting.

It's just that folks around here are tired of the anti-Teresa stuff.

I'm sure she could use a bit of a break... the campaign trail would be hard on the youngest and most fit of persons. However, she's doing a bang-up job, we need her, and I admire her tireless devotion to our common cause.

She'll have a little time for relaxation and spa visits on November 3, as she prepares for her new role as First Lady. But it's crunch time, the campaign has begun in earnest now, and we need her out there engaging voters. She's not hurting the campaign one bit... in fact, I think she's crucial to its success.

[democratreformed]

48. I'm so jealous.

I would be thrilled to meet her in person. Let's not forget that Teresa is a great philanthropist as well.

[Piperay]

34. People who want to will always

find something negative in everyone. Some people didn't like Judy Dean so it seems that no matter who the nominee was going to be the wife was going to get attacked too. :-(

[TexasSissy]

35. Yes, Laura is the more traditional First Lady, and comes off better.

Teresa, like Kerry, is more somber, serious. She is unlike any First Lady we've ever had. She's also strong and independent, which I'm sure reminds the GOP of Hilary.

I don't think she helps the campaign, but in the end, it's not the First Lady that voters vote for. But when your friend met her a couple of weeks ago, maybe she wasn't feeling well. She was just hospitalized for some tests for upset stomache.

[Cheswick2.0]

38. You honestly think Pickles comes off better?

I think she comes off like a Xanaxed harpy doing a mildly good job of covering up her miserable personality. I think she's as much of a killer as her husband.

Imagine this: you see your ex=boyfriend at an intersection and you step on the gas and run the stop sign. You want to shake him up, but OOOps, he dies. Then you NEVER face charges at all, not even a moving violation for running the stop sign. Imagine what a sense of entitlement you would feel after that.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

36. Why do Americans want some ding dong Stepford Wife?

What about those American ideals of "independence" and "individuality"?

:eyes:

Oh, that's right, Americans only believe in them on the surface when they want to buy more and more material goods. It has nothing to do with people's individuality as humans.

:eyes:

[mbee]

39. The neocons only like Stepford Women so naturally they would

have a problem with John and Theresa Kerry, people who believe all people are equal!

[democratreformed]

41. This is one of those divisive topics too.

There are many, many people (including myself) who love her individuality, spunk, and independence. To me, she is a very impressive woman.

Unfortunately, there are others who don't think women should be independent and that the woman's main job is to be a subservient little "stand by your man" type.

I believe that it is time for America to move forward in this regard and realize that strong women exist and deserve just as much respect as any others. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen.

[BootinUp]

44. I thought her speech at the DNC

was quite moving, and shows that she is very aware of the world around her and the importance of democracy and free speech.

I do not see her as a negative. She will grow on Americans as they get to know her.

[in_cog_ni_to]

45. Teresa is WONDERFUL!

She's a strong woman.

She was put in the hospital 2 days ago for stomach pains. Perhaps THAT is why she was grimacing? She was sick.

Give her a break. She's an AWESOME lady and the Kerry campaign is lucky to have her.

[SayitAintSo]

47. My first impression of Theresa 1.5 years ago in SC was 'Not Good'

She was here with Kerry at the annual Clyburn Fish Fry (clearly not the type of event she is use to attending I'm sure! Lot's of common folks whooping it up having good time!). And what I and others observed at that time was that she looked incredibly bored, disgusted, and didn't want to be here. She clung to Kerry's side like she was afraid one of the commoners might touch her. She made no attempt to conceal her disdain and boredom. Me and several others were shocked at her apparent indifference to how that reflected on Kerry, who was just the opposite - very personable, approachable and engaging.

Since that time I have been pleased to see that she has turned out to be a pretty effective campaigner - if she wants to. I like Theresa, and have been pleasantly surprised by her campaigning, but I still can't shake that image of her as a potential liability for Kerry.

[bushwakker]

50. Keep her off the trail - people don't like her

being brutally honest here.

[sandersadu]

51. THK v. EE

I agree. Keep her out of the media, at least (but still doing small group forums).

Elizabeth Edwards is also successful, smart and independent but is non-threatening and face it, "All American."

Anyone who thinks Theresa is smart, sexy and sassy is already on our side anyway. Trust me when I say that Theresa does not fit the "mold" of what most want in a First Lady. Rich, spoiled, opportunist (married 2 Senators), exotic, arrogant, aloof, and just plain weird.

That's what I hear. Let's celebrate THK after JFK/JE get elected.

[MaineDem]

54. EE is "All American" but keep Teresa hidden?

I'm sorry, perhaps you didn't mean that as a biased statement but it came across that way.

And you're characterizations of her ("just plain weird"???)are way off mark. Wow!

edited to add: Welcome to DU!

[Amaya]

52. Teresa is

confidant, independent, and spirited. Great qualities for a first lady.

[athena]

55. Teresa Heinz Kerry will be the coolest first lady ever!

Unlike LB, she actually has a personality! Once she becomes first lady, the media (yes, the right-wing media) will turn her into the next Jackie Kennedy.

I just can't believe this thread. I can't believe self-identified liberals would argue that THK is bad for the Kerry campaign because she's too independent and that LB is a great first lady because she is a surrendered wife.

Teresa Heinz Kerry is going to bring out the votes of all the single independent women in this country who are sick and tired of being represented by a Botox-poisoned(*) Stepford wife who thinks we're still living in the 1950s.

* Yes, THK also gets Botox treatments, but:

1. She obviously doesn't get as many as LB: she has a very expressive face
   
2. Unlike LB, she admits that she gets them: she is honest.