CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS -Drudge Alert

Drudge ^ | February 12, 2004 | Drudge

[BJungNan]

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS -Drudge Alert (Thread II)
CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS

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Update 1:

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS: KERRY FIGHTS OFF MEDIA PROBE OF RECENT ALLEGED INFIDELITY, RIVALS PREDICT RUIN

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Update 2:

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS: KERRY FIGHTS OFF MEDIA PROBE OF RECENT ALLEGED INFIDELITY, RIVALS PREDICT RUIN

**World Exclusive**
**Must Credit the DRUDGE REPORT**

A frantic behind-the-scenes drama is unfolding around Sen. John Kerry and his quest to lockup the Democratic nomination for president, the DRUDGE REPORT can reveal.

Intrigue surrounds a woman who recently fled the country, reportedly at the prodding of Kerry, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

A serious investigation of the woman and the nature of her relationship with Sen. John Kerry has been underway at TIME magazine, ABC NEWS, the WASHINGTON POST and the ASSOCIATED PRESS, where the woman in question once worked.

MORE

A close friend of the woman first approached a reporter late last year claiming fantastic stories -- stories that now threaten to turn the race for the presidency on its head!

In an off-the-record conversation with a dozen reporters earlier this week, General Wesley Clark plainly stated: "Kerry will implode over an intern issue." [Three reporters in attendance confirm Clark made the startling comments.]

The Kerry commotion is why Howard Dean has turned increasingly aggressive against Kerry in recent days, and is the key reason why Dean reversed his decision not to drop out of the race after Wisconsin, top campaign sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

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Update 3

FROM CONRESSIONAL QUARTERLY'S CRAIG CRAWFORD: 'Drudge item on Kerry intern issue is something Chris Lehane (clark press secy) has shopped around for a long time -- it was one reason the Gore vetters in 2000 shied away from Kerry as a running mate choice -- their conclusion that it wasn't bad enough to disqualify him, except for the fact that they couldn't risk it as they were trying so hard to distance themselves from Clinton's personal failings (note: Lehane worked for Gore at the time -- and briefly advised Kerry during this campaign). The Kerry camp has long expected to deal with this, and have assured party leaders they can handle it'...

[sheikdetailfeather]

The Clintons gain by the Dems losing this time around so they can win in 2008. Edwards stays to make it look like a race. Just so that the media will cover it.

[Rutles4Ever]

If this is true, Kerry is proven vulnerable to BLACKMAIL as we fight a war on terror. This will the talking point for dem candidates. He's radioactive now.

[utahagen]

I maintain that the CLintons have backed Clark because they knew he'd never get the Democratice nomination. The Clintons want Bush to remain the the White House so HRC has a clear field in 2008.

Bill CLinton is a shrewd politician. He would know that there would be no way the Democratic Party would nominate Clark, who is such a nominal Democrat that he voted for Reagan and Bush the Elder. I mean, would we Republicans nominate a candidate who had voted for Clinton and Gore? No way. The Clintons know that Kerry has the best shot of all the candidates of beating Bush, or of at least positioning himself to run again in 2008. The CLintons do not want this! They want HRC to get the nomination in 2008.

[Semper Paratus]

the Post cancelled the event because they're on this story, and don't want to be flooded with questions about it till they're ready to publish.

They are waiting for the spin control points from McAuliffe.

[j_k_l]

[Mudboy Slim]

"Could she pick up Clark's structure and run with it?"

I believe all of these State primaries require getting on the ballots months in advance, so if Hillary is to be the nominee, it would have to happen at the Convention.

FReegards...MUD

[Blue87]

Kerry just spoke about the Allegations.
He said and I quote. I DID NOT HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH THAT WOMAN. THOSE LETTERS ARE FAKE.

[CyberAnt]

BINGO!! This is the quote of the day.

Like Rush says, a tiger is a tiger!

[Howlin]

What they GAIN is retained control of the DNC and the $$$.

This has been Clintons v. Kennedys v. Gore.

Gore is out.

Kennedy is out.

Look who's left. Edwards won't win, but they STILL have control. He's a complete empty suit.

[nicksaunt]

If Edwards gets the nomination and loses in 2004, he will be labeled a "loser" and Hillary will have no viable competition in 2008. Interestingly enough, this story not only gets rid of Kerry to make room for Edwards, it also stops Ted Kennedy's increasing influence within the Democratic power/money base.

[Rutles4Ever]

But where does Ted Kennedy fit in?

[Angelwood]

I just heard from someone who called Kerry's office in DC. When asked if Kerry had issued a statement about the allegations in the Drudge Report, a Kerry staffer said, "The statement is that the allegations are false." Kerry's office number in DC is 202-224-2742.

[ShandaLear]

Didn't Teresa say she'd kill Kerry if she found out he cheated? Maybe that's what happened to him.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

They are waiting for the spin control points from McAuliffe.

I don't follow the Post as closely as the NY Times, but my sense is that even though they're liberal, if they're convinced there's a real story here they'll go after it pretty hard.

[Blue87]

Rush is saying, he wouldn't be shocked if a close associate of the Clintons leaked this. They want Kerry to lose to Bush. They figure if Bush wins in 2004, Hillary will have the best chance of winning in 2008.

[maryz]

Yeah, look for a Kerry/Heinz 60 minutes interview this Sunday.

Didn't Teresa opine in an interview that Hillary should have shot Bill for his infidelities?

[Mudboy Slim]

Talking Points Live
Terry Neal
washingtonpost.com Chief Political Correspondent
Thursday, February 12, 2004; 1:00 p.m ET

CANCELLED

Hmmmm...that is interesting!! Rush is saying that no networks have picked up this story yet, and ABC radio is ignoring it so far, too.

FReegards...MUD

[Darlin']

"I'm thinking of watching CNN the rest of the afternoon JUST so I can see the look at Judy Woodruff's face when they break it."

FOFLOL. I'm betting her head will do a full 360.

[Helms]

Right from their website.

[r9etb]

I must strongly disagree. Particularly with Kerry in trouble, if she got in she'd sweep every remaining primary by huge margins.

Both Dean and Edwards would be digging and accusing, and she'd have to do debates. She wouldn't be able to do that. Her only chance is to operate in controlled venues, and the primaries wouldn't allow that.