Kerry Lashes Out at Republican Criticisms

Washington Post ^ | April 4, 2003 | Nedra Pickler (yes, I was born with it )

[Michael.SF.]

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry lashed out at top congressional Republicans on Friday after they assailed him for saying the United States, like Iraq, needs a regime change.

"The Republicans have tried to make a practice of attacking anybody who speaks out strongly by questioning their patriotism," the Massachusetts senator said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "I refuse to have my patriotism or right to speak out questioned. I fought for and earned the right

to express my views in this country."

Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, backed a congressional resolution last fall giving President Bush the authority to use force to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, but he repeatedly has criticized the president for failing to give diplomacy more time.

[Michael.SF.]

I did not fight in Vietnam John, my draft number was 322. So I guess I do not have a right to express my views in this country?

Yes, John you do have the right. You also have the right to remain silent.

Ketchup boy.

[Zebra]

I have said it here before: Americans are not prepared to elect as President a guy who could be type cast as a mortician. Add to that a knack for saying stunningly stupid things like this, and Kerry is the first guy out of the primary. He is pissed that Dean is polling better with his constituents and that Edwards can raise more cash.

Time to replace those spark plugs in your neck, John.

[3AngelaD]

I saw this on TV and the only way to describe it is to say that he had a hissy-fit right there in public. He better grow a thicker skin or he's never going to make it thru the upcoming campaign. His original remarks sounded to me as if he wanted to get rid of the Constitution.

[RightWhale]

I fought for and earned the right

He has the same right as any other citizen, although he can get a special vanity plate for his buggy if he is so vain.

[Kay Soze]

"Some people’s ideas of free speech is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone says anything back, that is an outrage!" – Winston Churchill

[antaresequity]

Email John Kerry

[Alberta's Child]

John Kerry is the latest in a long line of irrefutable arguments in support of the idea that U.S. Senators are the dopiest presidential candidates in American history.

[friendly]

Career ending verbal vomit from Ketchup Boy.

[linear]

What an idiot. Nobody is questioning his right to say what he did, but you can sure question the substance of it.

He knew exactly what he was doing when he said it, and he should pay the price.

[Falcon4.0]

Ten years ago, when the Fedral Government bulldozed a house killing 80 People. Mostly unarmed Women and Children. The People who questioned the motives of the Government were called "Anti-Government Extremists". Now your a "Patriot".

Did I miss something?

[Brett66]

I fought for and earned the right

Hiding behind your military record doesn't excuse you, ketchup boy. You're not ready for prime time, deal with it.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Ketchup Slut, John Kerry, invokes the liberal 'Rat's right to lie. No one is saying he can't express his opinion, but he, like everyone else, has to bear responsibility for having done so. Of course, 'Rats don't believe in responsibility--for themselves, that is.

Despite the fact that Ketchup Slut is a Vietnam vet, I and everyone else have the right to question his patriotism. Unpatriotic Ketchup Slut, on the other hand, has no right to rest on laurels earned decades ago.

[Senator_Blutarski]

"I fought for and earned the right to express my views in this country."

No one is questioning his right to make stupid statements in public.

We are simply noting that he is an idiot and treating him as such.

[lilylangtree]

Oh puhhllleeaassee, Johnnie! This is political rhetoric. We know you're wanting Bush's job. Johnnie, playing the victim doesn't suit you.

[Travis McGee]

"JFK" Kerry planned this "ascent" to the presidency as a toddler.

He selected his VN service in the brown water patrol boat Nacy just so he could imitate the real JFK as closely as possible for future political purposes.

He's scum.

[mass55th]

It isn't the fact that you've spoken out John Boy, it's the fact that you lied when you said you wouldn't speak out against the President once the war started. You violated your own promise and can't handle the criticism.

[Pete'sWife]

This is the sound of desperation going down the drain.

[CdMGuy]

Between his throwing away someone else's medals and saying they were his own, his Irish/Jewish morph, his recent prostate cancer surgery, and now this totally imbecile statement, this guy is dead meat. I wonder if he will even make it to the Iowa caucuses.

Adios Kerry.

[Mihalis]

Are there any polls on Kerry after his "regime change" remarks?