Speechwriters: How should Kerry address Bin Laden tape?

[Qutzupalotl]

DU armchair speechwriters, post your suggestions on how Kerry should address this latest Bin Laden tape. Someone in the campaign is sure to see it.

[loveable liberal]

1. acknowledging it gives it legitimacy. i say ignore it and...

hammer away on domestic issues.

[Qutzupalotl]

8. Bush has ignored Bin Laden for years.

Time for a new strategy.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

2. Kerry: "Bush couldn't find Osama if Osama

was a dingleberry in Bush's underpants. On the other hand,
I could, and will."

I think that would be memorable and to the point.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

6. snarf

[ibegurpard]

9. I'd try to reword that

Something about the way it was written implied to me that Kerry would be willing to hunt for dingleberries in Bush's underpants... not a pretty picture.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

12. Kerry: "I reword nothing.

Hunting terrorists is not a pretty picture. If you are
afraid of a little dingleberry or two, then you are not
ready to join me in the hunt. You better stay back on
the farm and cook pies."

[ibegurpard]

15. LOL

:D

[Qutzupalotl]

3. "Osama Bin Laden does not have a say in this election."

"The American people will decide the outcome of this election, not Bin Laden. No matter who wins, the American people can feel safe in knowing that we will hunt down and capture or kill Bin Laden, the Al Qaeda leadership, and anyone who works for them. We will not rest, we will not relent, an we will not negotiate. And let me say this directly to Bin Laden: if you want to be a martyr...that can be arranged."

[The Doctor.]

4. Good sound byte...

Trumps Bush's 'tough guy' image.

It would definitely be a variation on that.

[jfk2004]

16. THIS IS THE BEST RESPONSE

"The American people will decide the outcome of this election, not Bin Laden. No matter who wins, the American people can feel safe in knowing that we will hunt down and capture or kill Bin Laden, the Al Qaeda leadership, and anyone who works for them. We will not rest, we will not relent, an we will not negotiate. And let me say this directly to Bin Laden: if you want to be a martyr...that can be arranged."


This is the best, intone with what kerry might say. And yet clear enough. I agree, don't use cliche of 'hunt down and kill terrorists'. This response by nrk is how I'd go about it.

[Qutzupalotl]

18. Thanks, jfk2004!

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[Orlandodem]

21. SEND THIS TO TAD DEVINE AND EVERY OTHER

JFK operative NOW!!!!!!!!

[JohnnyCougar]

5. I'd rather do the Lockhart press release!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chad Clanton or Phil Singer

Yesterday we learned that Osama bin Laden is still alive and well taunting Americans from afar. Let us make one thing clear: John Kerry is itching to get his hand on the trigger finger to end his reign of terror. John Kerry is ready to pick up the job President Bush has left for the American people, and finally sack Osama bin Laden and his evil network. Sadly, President Bush has diverted our energies to the sideshow that is now Iraq, and this mission is yet to be accomplished.

President Bush has announced nothing but excuses, whereas President Kerry will announce nothing but action. In the coming days, the American people must decide whether they are tired of excuses and distraction or not, and whether they want a real leader in the White House. The choice to elect John Kerry could not be more clear.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. He should say,"First let me finish kicking Bush's ass

and then I'll kick Osama's."

[lapauvre]

10. I do hope that most of you know

That this question was posted by Fox News. And I promise any replies will be used against you;

[A-Schwarzenegger]

13. "I promise any replies will be used against you"

Wow. Really? Are you Fox News?

[Ruffhowse]

11. Point out the fact that OBL is still free after all this time

and tie this to the ongoing theme of Bush's incompetence on the War on Terror. It actually nicely dovetails with what Kerry has been emphasizing for weeks now, the whole idea that Bush has screwed up badly in the War on Terror and OBL's continuing freedom is a perfect example.

[NightOwwl]

14. Whatever you do...

Don't make this into another sound bite. We know you are going to "hunt down and kill the terrorists." So please, be sincere, honest and and genuine. Is that too much to ask?

[flordehinojos]

17. perhaps kerry should acknowledge the fact that the OBL appears to be an

effort to refocus the American people on the fears of 9/11 and the GWB campaign message of fear away from the kerry message of hope is on the way just a few short days before the election.

Perhaps Kerry should acknowledge that despite this effort by OBL and the possible joint effort of POPPY BUSH in yet another OCTober Surprise, HOPE IS STILL ON THE WAY for better health care, a stronger middle class, the safegaurding of social security for the elderly, and that along with that promise of hope Kerry also offers the promise that OBL will not hurt Americans, that he will know how to find and capture OBL and his deadly AlQaeda group and that the first step towards finding OBL and eradicating AlQaeda is the one taken by American voters to send GWB back to Crawford, Texas on Nov. 2nd.

Yeah! I think Kerry needs to take the above steps to refocus Americans' attention back on him, his campaign and his promises to better the nation and give us a safer America. This is one way I think he can keep GWB from taking momentum away from him in this so incredibly important election.

[kentuck]

19. No need to mention Bush...

Simply address Osama. Implicit in anything about Osama is the failure of Bush ot capture him.

[RememberTheCoup]

20. You're a little late, aren't you?

Kerry issued a statement yesterday:


For Immediate Release
October 29, 2004

Kerry Statement on Bin Laden Tape

West Palm Beach, FL – Senator John Kerry released the following statement today:

"In response to this tape from Osama bin Laden, let me make it clear, crystal clear. As Americans, we are absolutely united in our determination to hunt down and destroy Osama bin Laden and the terrorists. They are barbarians. And I will stop at absolutely nothing to hunt down, capture or kill the terrorists wherever they are, whatever it takes. Period.”


I think it was the perfect response.

[Qutzupalotl]

22. I saw that.

While it's good, he won't be able to just repeat it all weekend. He needs to bring it up in his speeches, so it will need fleshing out. This thread is here to help his team if they need it.

Some have criticized his switch to first person singular in the quote, which I think is a valid concern. He should say "we", not "I" when talking about a shared threat.