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And the word is... Mr. Kerry Would Like a Word with YouBy Rick Horowitz
"...so expect a few more delays as we work our way through the morning rush. Now back to you, Bob." "Thanks, Paulie. We're here once again with Massachusetts senator John Kerry, who was kind enough to call in on the Chat Line this morning. We've just got a few minutes left, senator -- let's look ahead to the fall campaign. You were telling me during the break that you're pleased with the way things are going so far." "I really am, Bob. We're running very strong in all regions of the country, among independents and moderate Republicans as well as Democrats, and I think that's just going to continue to build as we get closer to November. People are hungry for a change." "Do you really believe that? Because the head-to-head polls, as you know, still show you and President Bush in a real dogfight." "Yeah, but it's moving in our direction, Bob -- that's really the key at this stage. And all the indicators are very strong." "But doesn't President Bush still come out on top -- and by a pretty big margin -- when it comes to who'll do a better job fighting terrorism?" "I think the American people are looking for strong and capable leadership, Bob. And as the American people see over these next few months that I'm offering just that kind of strong and capable leadership, I think those numbers will start moving in our direction." "So you're not worried?" "Not worried at all, Bob. I'm certainly not taking anything for granted, but I've got a strong faith in the judgment of the American people. They want a president who'll keep America safe and strong, and that's what I'll provide." "On Iraq -- you've had some pretty angry things to say about the job President Bush is doing with Iraq." "I wouldn't say 'angry.' I'd say 'strongly worded.'" "'Strongly worded,' then. Basically -- and correct me if I've got this wrong -- you think he's made a real hash of things over there." "I strongly believe that." "And that we should have been in much better shape for the handover of sovereignty at the end of the month." "I strongly believe that, too. We said we'd be liberators, Bob, but we've put ourselves in a position where we're seen as occupiers. America's power has always been in the strength of our values, not just the strength of our numbers. I always say one man with the right values can fight with -- " "The strength of ten?" "Exactly! How did -- " "Lucky guess." "Now, that's not to say that we shouldn't have the strongest military in the world -- we have to be able to take a strong stand when circumstances dictate. But as someone who actually fought in a war -- " "Vietnam." " -- and then spent many years in the Senate dealing with foreign-policy issues and meeting with foreign leaders, I know that war should be a last resort. We need to show that we're confident enough in our strength to work with the rest of the world. That's what gives us really strong strength, which is the best kind." "Final question, senator: Do Democrats -- how should I put this? -- do Democrats worry they don't measure up to the Republicans, that they have to prove themselves when it comes to these kinds of national-security issues? One of your campaign slogans, for instance, 'A lifetime of service and strength...'" "'And strength.' Don't forget 'and strength.'" "I already said 'and strength.'" "We're thinking of adding another one." "'A lifetime of service and strength and strength'?" "You want to hear about my motorcycle?" Posted 6/3/04. Strengthen
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Rick Horowitz
