Reply #90: I'm not convinced that it was on the strength of his candidacy [View All]

[Orrex]

He was competing against a strongly disliked and wildly incompetent incumbent and rode the tide of Anybody-But-Bush, but very little in his campaign (outside of the debates) showed him to be a strong candidate in touch with the voters.

I heard it said, in the weeks following his "defeat," that part of Kerry's problem is that any random person could give a better articulation of Kerry's positions than Kerry himself could give.

Caricature:

Moderator: How are you, Mr Bush?
Bush: Ahm great, thank ya.

Moderator: How are you, Mr Kerry?
Kerry: Let me begin by saying that I'm glad that you've asked this question. In answer, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell the American people about my views on this very important subject. We live in a time of great change and great challenges, but together we can rise to these challenges and stand united as a stronger nation. Mr. Moderator, I am very pleased to declare that I am fine, that the American people are fine, and our great country can be fine once again.


Kerry didn't begin to connect until very late--too late--in his campaign. He will continue to be painted as an out of touch elitist whose sharp-tongued wife is out of control, and he will be so painted from the moment he announces his intent to run.