Kerry vows to counter GOP critics, calls Republicans 'extreme'

[CatWoman]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Democratic front-runner John Kerry vowed Saturday to aggressively counter Republican critics, drawing a stark contrast between his party and the GOP. "They're extreme. We're mainstream, and we're going to stand up and fight back," he said.

The Massachusetts senator, under fire from White House allies, sought to assure Democrats that he won't repeat mistakes of 1988 Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, who responded cautiously to George H.W. Bush's assertions that he was a Massachusetts liberal.

"This week, George Bush and the Republican smear machine have trotted out the same old tired lines of attack that they've used before to divide this nation and to evade the real issues before us. Well, I have news for George Bush, Karl Rove, Ed Gillespie and the rest of their gang: I have fought for my country my whole life. I'm not going to back down now," Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran, said in remarks prepared for delivery Saturday night to Virginia Democrats in Richmond.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-11/107620014391640.xml

[NV1962]

1. Is he going to co-opt the L-word then? Thought so, either... n/t

[mlawson]

2. Well, he needs to set up a "War Room", like Clinton had in 1992.

And run it 24/7, always on alert. Always. I am glad to hear that he doesn't want to be another Dukakis, as well.

[gristy]

8. That is an excellent idea

I seem to only vaguely recall this w.r.t. Clinton. And Kerry should not deny its existence either. Should say it is what it is - an organization to stay on top of and respond to the spins, distortions, and lies from team BFEE. That would be e.x.c.e.l.l.e.n.t!

[mlawson]

9. Yes, the War Room was called just that, by the media.

Believe it or not, it was run by George Stephanopoulos, and I think Paul Begala was in there, as well. Their 'official' functions were called 'Immediate Responses', and after a while, the (Poppy) bush team respected them, and was careful not to run afoul of them, because every time they did, there was hell to pay.

I will NEVER understand why the Gore team didn't bother to do this.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. What took so long?

:shrug:

[sallyseven]

4. He has been doing this all along

Dukakas got blind sided. Kerry will not he is waiting for them. You can't fight them if they don't start coming after you.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

10. He has?

Could've fooled me in 10/2002 1

Could've fooled me in 3/2003 2

Could've fooled me in 5/2003 3

Could've fooled me in 12/2003 4

Could've fooled me today 5



1 IWR passed. For

2 War starts. For

3 Post "Mission Accomplished" attacks. Against

4 Saddam captured. For

5 500+ dead. Against




What will tomorrow bring?

[blm]

5. He's finally being heard. He's been saying this for months.

.

[CatWoman]

6. Have you read the latest Conason?

Kerry’s Record Should Scare Bush
by Joe Conason

The rapid rise of John Kerry’s Presidential campaign is causing grave concern in the Republican Party’s upper management. Although G.O.P. leaders denigrate him as a "Massachusetts liberal," invoking doom-laden memories of Michael Dukakis, such glib chatter only provides a temporary relief from their worries.

If he wins the Democratic nomination, Mr. Kerry will pose certain challenges that aren’t so easily solved: He’s a decorated war veteran, a hunter and a politician who doesn’t hesitate to fight back when attacked. Those qualities distinguish him from the soft targets that Republicans enjoy hitting most.

Caustic assessments of the Senator’s personality and character began to leak out last year, only to subside when his prospects seemed to dim. Now emergency experiments in Kerry-bashing are again on the front burners, boiling up unwholesome little pots labeled Botox, French-looking, rich wife, special interests, Jane Fonda, high taxes and, of course, liberal, liberal and liberal.

http://www2.observer.com/observer/pages/conason.asp

[ibegurpard]

7. I'm not worried about him fighting to achieve his ultimate ambition

I'm worried about what he will fight for once he gets there.