Let the Chicago Tribune hear it for casting aspersion on John Kerry.

[lindashaw]

I sent an e-mail reminding Jill Zuckman that Kerry had just had shoulder surgery. Sheesh!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/chi-0404240211apr24,1,7377945.story?coll=chi-electionsprint-hed

By Jill Zuckman

Candidate's best tag: A likable kind of guy
Sen. Kerry battles aloof, remote image

NEW YORK -- Bored with the political speechmaking in Harlem's Alhambra Ballroom, 6-year-old Iris Kerry Kaler reached out with both arms for her uncle, Sen. John Kerry, to pick her up.

The Massachusetts senator, however, ignored his niece's entreaty, offering Iris only an awkward pat on the stomach despite the array of television cameras poised to record the potentially precious moment. It was a missed opportunity to demonstrate his warmth by holding the little girl in his arms just days before last month's New York primary.

As Kerry runs for president, he is not competing only against President Bush. He's also battling a long-held perception that he is remote, aloof and perhaps even unlikable.

[eleonora]

1. focusing on trivial things

This is the perfect example of a useless article. FOCUS on the issues Kerry represents. Who cares if he didn't hug his niece that day!!

edit: My opinion is targeted to the journalist who wrote that crap.

[IndianaGreen]

2. I agree, we must focus on the issues, not on trivial things

such as that cow Candy Crowley when she complained about a candidate's sweater.

Meet the Press (NBC News) - Sunday, April 18, 2004

MR. RUSSERT: But do you have a plan to deal with Iraq? This is what you...

SEN. KERRY: Yes.

MR. RUSSERT: This is what you wrote in The Washington Post last Tuesday: "Our country has committed to help the Iraqis build a stable, peaceful and pluralistic society. No matter who is elected president in November, we will persevere in that mission."

SEN. KERRY: Yes, we will.

<snip>

MR. RUSSERT: On Thursday, President Bush broke with the tradition and policy of six predecessors when he said that Israel can keep part of the land seized in the 1967 Middle East War and asserted the Palestinian refugees cannot go back to their particular homes. Do you support President Bush?

SEN. KERRY: Yes.

MR. RUSSERT: Completely?

SEN. KERRY: Yes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4772030

[PROGRESSIVE1]

3. This is what they did to Gore in 2000. Instead of attacking his policies.

they attack miniscule things like personal gestures.

Democratic POlicies are much more popular and we can't let the people see them, now can we "Fat Candy"!?!

[T Roosevelt]

4. My reply

Ms Zuckman:

Just finished reading your column "Candidate's best tag: A likable kind of guy" and I have to say you have not only done a disservice to the millions of Americans who go skiing and snowboarding every year (myself included), but you have ignored the millions of people recovering from shoulder surgery (that both I and Senator Kerry have undergone) when you villefy him for not picking up his niece. What?

And why is it bad for Kerry to be well-to-do, but not Mr Bush? Both attended private schools, though I would venture to guess that Senator Kerry did significantly better. I think it's fortunate that Kerry has traveled the world; it certainly hasn't helped Bush get along with our allies.

Both have led lives of privilege, though I would say that Kerry moreso than Bush has earned it. While he was risking his life in Viet Nam, Bush was partying hard in Texas and Alabama, and has the medals and record to prove it. Now Kerry serves full time in the Senate, while Bush spends much of his time on vacation at his fake ranch in Crawford, or at Camp David (where he traveled today from Florida), or Kennebunkport. I can see that he's really slumming it, particularly after those rough 9 to 5 hours he puts in, with time for naps and exercise.

I would also suggest that likability does not equate to leadership qualities. Yes everybody wanted to have a beer with Bush, but now that he has driven this country into an economic and security ditch, I would ask that you start talking to people who are now drowning their sorrows in their beers. They might just feel a little differently.

Maybe if you stopped telling us Senator Kerry's personality, and actually made an effort to find out who he really is, we in America might have a fair picture of the man, rather than that he speaks French (which my step daughter also speaks).