Kerry sends letter to President Bush calling for a debate on the war

[MrPeepers]

Dear President Bush,

Over the last week, you and your campaign have initiated a widespread attack on my service in Vietnam, my decision to speak out to end that war, and my commitment to the defense of this nation. Just today, Saxby Chambliss-- a man elected to the US Senate on the back of one of the most despicable campaigns ever conducted against Max Cleland, a true American Hero-- was carrying this attack for you.

As you well know, Vietnam was a very difficult and painful period in our nation's history, and the struggle for our veterans continues. So, it has been hard to believe that you would choose to re-open these wounds for your personal political gain. But, that is what you have chosen to do.

I am fighting to become the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. Even before Democrats make their choice, you’ve launched a campaign of attacks against me. I am determined to run a campaign on the great challenges facing this country-- from creating jobs, to solving our health care crisis to getting our nation's ballooning deficit under control. But I will not sit back and allow my patriotism to be challenged.

America deserves a better debate. If you want to debate the Vietnam era, and the impact of our experiences on our approaches to presidential leadership, I am prepared to do so.

This is not a debate to be distorted through your $100 million dollar campaign fund. This is a debate that should be conducted face to face.

Mr. President, I hope you will conduct a campaign worthy of this nation’s future.

Sincerely,


John Kerry


http://johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0221d.html


As if Bush would respond to such a thing... But I'd love to see it, you better believe!

Peepers

[Skittles]

1. KERRY IS FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE

IT'S ABOUT F***ING TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jbfam4]

2. Thanks for posting

This is a great letter....Good for Kerry....he is taking the puppet by the strings.

"Saxby Chambliss-- a man elected to the US Senate on the back of one of the most despicable campaigns ever conducted against Max Cleland, a true American Hero-- was carrying this attack for you."

Every time I see Saxby Chambliss I gag........payback time for him.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

3. Looks like Bush took the bait and Kerry serves out some more

The debate inevitably turns to Vietnam and the GOP just couldn't help themselves. Chambliss was the absolute most wrong dude to attack Kerry.
They are choosing to attack Kerry on HIS terf! If they were smart they'd end it now but they seem to have little other choice.

[cindyw]

4. whether Bush says yes or not, Kerry should do it.

He should say where he will be and when and sit there with an empty podium next to him and talk about Vietnam, his service and his protesting for an hour and a half. What an awesome political stunt would that be.

Can you imagine a campaign where Kerry says this is what we are talking about whether Bush shows up or not.

[creativelcro]

8. That WOULD be an interesting concept

But I'm not sure Kerry can keep anybody's attention for 90 minutes... C'mon, it was hard not to fall asleep during his pieces at the debates, and there were already many candidates...

[jean]

5. Bravo, John Kerry! I can't wait for the next WH briefing!

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

6. DUPE

[Guaranteed]

7. OH...the VIETNAM war...LOL

Thought I was in the Twilight Zone for a second there.