Is Kerry is finding his stride?

[RummyTheDummy]

I was just watching MSRNC and they had a clip from the Leno bit last night about Edwards and Kerry hugging all the time. Personally, I think that stuff is to be expected, and even though Leno is a total wingnut, it really doesn't offend me.

Then they showed a clip of a Kerry rall this morning where he made light of it. Kind of self-depricating. He just turned it back on them. He did the same thing with the hair earlier this week.

Obviously it's not earth shattering, but he seems infinitely more comfortable on the stump than I've ever seen him before. His interview with Larry King last night was also very strong. I think he's starting to find his stride, especially on the stump.

[annxburns]

1. I have noticed the same thing ...

... and whoever is coordinating his campaign is doing a great job. Take the republican slime and fear and turn it into a joke - that is the way to handle it absolutely.

Bush likes to invoke God every other sentence - but I remember South Carolina. That isn't Christian behavior. Bush, Murdoch, Drudge are in cahoots trying to smear Kerry. But no matter - the mistake McCain made was letting it get him off track and angry. Kerry won't make the same mistake.

[Manix]

2. I agree....don't get angry at their mudslinging...blow it off!

[deacon]

10. Yes, he really is finding a stride he is growing INTO a national campaign

seems like he is starting to enjoy himself more.

[bossfish]

3. Agree...

He seems relaxed and confident in his appearances - and with a touch of humor. I liked the line about the hair.

[cheezus]

4. doing a great job

waited for the implosion to do it's thing, then picked edwards and came out swinging.

[JI7]

5. Kerry is a better campaigner than most think

but he is also really enjoying campaigning with edwards now also. self deprecating humor isn't new for him. he often jokes about the aloof and other stuff they always say about him.

[annxburns]

6. Nice article on Kerry's strategy ...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5359360/site/newsweek/

[LTR]

7. He seems to be campaigning to his strengths

He's a reserved guy, very well-spoken, calm and cool, whereas Clinton was a more personable, down-home, 'aw shucks' kinda guy.

Clinton took advantage of his strengths, and he became known as a master campaigner.

Kerry knows this as well. He learned what to do (Clinton) and what not to do (Mondale, Dukakis). He's got a dry sense of humor as well. The fact that he picked Edwards really helps to soften him up. A very good choice for VP.

The fact that he can stand firm and take on any attacks is a phenomenal asset. Nothing phases him.

I groaned about Kerry last fall and winter because he seemed pretty stiff and dull. He has surprised me. Looking back, I do think he is the best of the primary candidates.

[annxburns]

8. I feel the same way ...

...

I didn't like Kerry that much during the primaries. I really gravitated toward Clark and Edwards. But frankly, I think Kerry was the best choice now. You need to pick someone who can withstand the smear machine and the right wing echo chamber effect on the media.

So far, Kerry is doing that.

I felt so bad during 2000 that Gore had to just stand there and take it from the Drudge/Fox/NationalReview cabal. But Kerry seems to know how to fight back. I'm feel hopeful because Kerry is such a tough closer too.

[opihimoimoi]

9. I believe he is honed razor sharp....lets hope he can keep the sharp edge

until the Pretty Lady Sings.

[Kanary]

12. "The Pretty Lady Sings"....... good one, opi!

Muuuch better!

mucho megalo mahalo!

Kanary

[opihimoimoi]

14. I coulda said :"Until the Person/Animal/Bird with a good voice Sings." LOL

[Kanary]

15. Whaddya have against *rocks*, opi?

:hi:

:)

Kanary

[opihimoimoi]

18. Have yet to acquire Rocks that sing... much less hear of them....

and I don't refer to them iron rocks when hit...vibrate... there are a few of them guys lying around....

[Kanary]

19. I'll share mines with ya.....

:)

They're as much fun to listen to as sea shells.

Kanary

[Kanary]

20. I'll share mines with ya.....

:)

They're as much fun to listen to as sea shells.

Kanary

[deacon]

11. He also seems genuinely proud of his VP choice, it seems to have

energized him.

[Still_Loves_John]

13. I think it's genius

the way he takes the Republican jokes about himself and uses them as his own jokes. It totally disarms them. I missed what he said this morning though about the touching though--what did he say?

[funkybutt]

16. I was very impressed with the LK interview lastnight

he was so calm and clever. I loved it when he said "i don't know what to think about Dick Cheney!"

what a great way to get around openly saying he's an asshat while still getting the message across. I just laughed and laughed.

[Taverner]

17. Not sure Leno is a "total wingnut"

Probably Repub, yes, but voted for Clinton twice...


Ahhh...the "Clinton Republican", never gets mentioned as much as the "Reagan Democrat" does