The Boston Fog: Kerry Is Foragainst Missile Defense

George W. Bush ^ | August 8, 2004

[RWR8189]

The Boston Fog Report
An ongoing examination of John Kerry’s “nuances and shades of gray in both foreign and domestic policy.” (Editorial, “A Primary Endorsement,” The New York Times, 2/26/04)

for·a·gainst adverb.

1. To be both for and against something at the same time: e.g. “I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.” (Glen Johnson, “Kerry Blasts Bush On Protecting Troops,” The Boston Globe, 3/17/04)

"John Kerry is claiming to support missile defense as he plans to cut it, and he is pledging to reduce troop strength in Iraq after previously saying he would support the decisions of military commanders. Kerry's political expediency on issues of national security has undermined his credibility and has called into question his ability to fight and win the War on Terror."

- Steve Schmidt, Bush-Cheney '04 Spokesman

Kerry Is Foragainst Missile Defense

Today Kerry Promises To Continue Missile Defense Research. "'I believe in pursuing and researching and developing missile defense. I've supported missile defense research. I don't believe in rapid deployment of a system that hasn't been adequately tested. I will continue missile defense research, I will continue missile defense work, because it's important for the country,' Kerry said." (Steven Paulson, "Kerry Says Americans Need To Train To Respond To Terrorism," The Associated Press, 8/8/04)

But Kerry Previously Said He Would Finance A Temporary Increase In Troop Numbers By Curbing Weapons Programs Such As Missile Defense. "Kerry said the new full-time troops can be paid for without raising the military budget by cutting weapons programs. He has yet to detail the reductions, other than suggesting that spending on missile defense deployment can be curbed until there is better evidence the system works." (John F. Harris and Mike Allen, "Cheney Enters Campaign Fray," The Washington Post, 3/18/04)

Kerry Said He No Longer Supports The Development Of A Missile Defense System. "His advisers said Mr. Kerry would not proceed with deployment of a ballistic missile defense system now under development, saving more than $1 billion a year." (Nick Madigan and Kathrine Seelye, "In Speech, Cheney Attacks Kerry's Record On The Military," The New York Times, 3/18/04)

Kerry Proposed Cancellation Of Missile Defense In 1984. ("John Kerry On The Defense Budget," Campaign Position Paper, John Kerry For U.S. Senate, 1984)

Kerry Voted Against Funding Missile Defense At Least 53 Times, In 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000.

Kerry Is Foragainst Letting Military Leaders Decide Troop Levels

Today Kerry Pledges To Significantly Reduce Troops In Iraq, Surprises Aides. "Kerry and Rubin also are detailing a new Iraq policy to 'significantly' reduce the number of U.S. troops in Iraq during the first six months of a Kerry administration. In an NPR interview Friday, Kerry said: 'I believe that within a year from now, we could significantly reduce American forces in Iraq, and that's my plan.' His comments took several aides by surprise. Until the interview, Kerry's stated policy was to significantly reduce troops by the end of his first term." (Jim VandeHei And Mary Fitzgerald, "Kerry Defends Position on Iraq," The Washington Post, 8/8/04)

But Kerry Previously Said, "If Our Military Commanders Request More Troops, We Should Deploy Them." "But to maximize our chances for success, and to minimize the risk of failure, we must make full use of the assets we have. If our military commanders request more troops, we should deploy them. Progress is not possible in Iraq if people lack the security to go about the business of daily life. Yet the military alone cannot win the peace in Iraq. We need a political strategy that will work." (John Kerry Op-Ed, "A Strategy For Iraq," The Washington Post, 4/13/04)

Kerry Told The Wall Street Journal He Would Consult With Military Commanders Before Reducing Troop Strength In Iraq. "Instead of acting promptly to reduce troop strength, he said he would consult with military commanders to determine how many more troops might be needed in the near term to safeguard Iraq. 'I know how to do that,' said Mr. Kerry, a Vietnam veteran who has previously accused the president of insufficiently taking the needs of U.S. troops into account. 'I think I'll do that more effectively than this president, and I'll ... listen to them with greater respect than this president and this secretary of defense did."" (John Harwood And Jacob Schlesinger, "Kerry Sets Test For Iraq Withdrawal," The Wall Street Journal, 7/16/04)

[Former Proud Canadian]

Oh, come on. Just because he voted against missle defence 53 times, does that really mean he is against it????

[NonValueAdded]

I'm glad to see them pick up on this latest Kerry foragainst statement from Kerry. I was floored when I saw claim "I've supported missile defense research." That is utter nonsense.

[UpInArms]

Is "foragainst" a new word popping up in the English lexicon?

Kerry is foragainst kind of guy, if you know what I mean.