Dean, Kerry launch 2004 race in Maine

[Feanorcurufinwe]

Democratic presidential contenders Howard Dean of Vermont and U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts rolled into Maine on Saturday night for the Maine Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner, the kickoff to the state's 2004 presidential election campaign. More than 500 people paid up to $500 per plate to attend the fund-raiser at the Cascades Inn in Saco. A crowd of about 75 boisterous Kerry supporters greeted Democrats at the entrance, waving signs supporting Kerry and chanting "Bush is scary. We want Kerry."

In their public comments, both candidates were careful to avoid criticizing each other. Instead, they focused their attacks on President Bush's policy in Iraq, his environmental record, and the loss of jobs during his presidency. Republican Party officials responded by saying Democrats should focus on issues rather than personal attacks.

"We've lost face and our moral purpose around the world because of this present use of humiliation rather than humility," Dean said, referring to the current administration's policy in Iraq.

"George Bush is taking our country in a radically wrong direction," Kerry said. "All across this country is this trail of devastation and all across this country is evidence that this is the beginning of the end of the Bush presidency. Just like his father, he is going to be a one-term president."

<snip>

Dean said job creation is greatly needed, "and that, Mr. President, means we need to balance the budget. No Republican president in the last 34 years has balanced the budget. It shows you can't trust the president with your money."

Dean also accused Bush of misleading the nation into believing that Saddam Hussein was somehow connected to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Kerry promised to stand up to "powerful, special interests," and to fight for health care for all Americans. He also called for a new energy policy that seeks sources other than fossil fuels.

"When will we have a president who stands up and says: We can't drill our way out of this (energy) problem, we need to invent our way out."
http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/031109deankerry.shtml

[Don_G]

1. I Believe MaineMary

Had dinner with both of them yesterday evening.

[izzie]

2. Lucky you. I sort of wish I could do those things but I just can not.

How did you like them? Now do not tell me you sat and ate in front of TV and watched them eat!!!!!!

[blm]

4. No. She really did go to the dinner.

We eagerly await her report.

[Padraig18]

3. This is what everyone needs to get back to doing!

Focus on attacking the *real* enemy--- BushCo.

[MaineDem]

5. I was there

So was Maine Mary.

That line by Kerry about not being able to drill our way out of the energy problem brought nods of agreement from the Dean people behind me. I saw one woman actually write it down.

Both candidates were pretty strong in their condemnation of the Bush administration. One of Kerry's statements was that one thing we learned after September 11 was that this is not the time for on-the-job training. Dean made great statements about sexual orientation and a woman's right to chose; both statements went over well at our table.

I think it's interesting that Maine Mary was with Gov Dean after the dinner and I was with Sen Kerry before the dinner. The important thing is that we will be together once a candidate is chosen. The Chair of the Maine Democratic Party made that clear in her opening remarks.

The room was packed. I have never seen so many people at a Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. I started going in the early 70s and missed many years but the crowd was phenomenal! The Kerry kids out front (in the bitter cold) were fun to watch. :D I couldn't stay out there with them. I'm too old to do that anymore.

[blm]

6. You never sounded old to me.

;)

Looking forward to the FULL report when you have time.