Posted on 08/19/2004 2:23:36 PM PDT by ArcLight
Nightline Daily E-Mail August 19, 2004
TONIGHT'S FOCUS: It sounds like John Kerry has decided that the pushing and criticism have just gone too far. Today he sounded angry as he took President Bush on. He was referring to the campaign ad funded by a Republican group that attacks the veracity of John Kerry's war record. Kerry accused the President of letting others do "his dirty work" and invoked the President's own words "bring it on" to challenge him to a one on one debate on their respective war records. The President has not responded. So what happened to make Kerry so mad? And why did he do it now?
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A Republican-funded campaign ad disputing John Kerry's war record has been airing in a few battle ground states since the beginning of the month. The ad consists of interviews with Vietnam veterans, some who served with Kerry and have supported him in the past. They all say he's lying about his record. Today, the Washington Post broke news with documents that directly contradict one of those veteran's assertions against Kerry in one of the ads. Meanwhile, the President is being accused of not being willing to condemn these specific ads while continuing to say that he won't criticize John Kerry's war service for this country.
But the story has continued to grow and it seems to have reached a peak level. It's the lead topic on talk radio and the cable stations and is taking on a life of its own. This has led some senior members of the Democratic Party to push John Kerry to hit back, saying that his strategy of just letting the attacks happen was not working. So today, in front of a room full of firefighters, John Kerry switched tactics and turned to his own wartime service and experience to announce his next move. "More than 30 years ago I learned an important lesson. When you're under attack the best thing to do is turn your boat into the attack. That's what I intend to do today." Anchor Chris Bury bring us an anatomy of a story fueled by the media. How did it get so big so quickly?
So why did he do it? Did he take a lesson from Michael Dukakis who didn't counter attack in his bid for the Presidency? Why now, at this point in the campaign? Has it really reached a point where not responding would harm his candidacy? And what's the effect on the voter? Chris Bury talks to campaign reporters about how we got here and what might happen next.
I hope you'll join us.
Gerry Holmes and the Nightline Staff
Nightline Offices
ABC News Washington Bureau
Yup! Even though we know that there is a very close relationship between Kerry and these groups.
Another lie. When the mine blew under the flotilla of Swift Boats, Kerry fled.
I didn't think it was possible - but I think the Dems managed to nominate a candidate for president who is an even bigger pathological liar than Slick was.
Ask Whoopi Goldberg and all the rest of those bleeding heart liberals!!
Interesting. What stories aren't "fueled" by the story-telling media? Or does he stories should only be fueled how campaigns want them to be - outsiders forbidden?
That is the STUPIDEST angle yet. They're still stuck on reportorial incest instead of going after the facts.
Exactly, instead of seeking the truth about Kerry's four months in Vietnam, they prefer to lament the power of the internet and talk radio.
You mean Nightline covers Kerry's butt.
I didn't know these veterns ever supported Kerry. From the sounds of it they were happy to see Kerry leave Vietnam early.
They all say he's lying about his record.
First line of truth in the article.
Today, the Washington Post broke news with documents that directly contradict one of those veteran's assertions against Kerry in one of the ads.
That's because those 'documents' were written by some guy named Kerry or we based on reports written by Kerry. Pretty shocking that those documents actually support Kerry's version.
Meanwhile, the President is being accused of not being willing to condemn these specific ads while continuing to say that he won't criticize John Kerry's war service for this country.
Bush has condemned all 527 ads, while Kerry says nothing about big-money Democratic ads which attack Bush.
There is no one to bail him out? Only those who are in a cave will miss the onslaught of support for Kerry by the MSM.
Hold on to your hat. Here they come!
Nightline Lie #1
It will be difficult for Ted to mutter a word while he is doing a McGreevy on Kerry. Sorry Monica.
YEP
Oh, talking to reporters. That will be enlightening. NOT.
In other words, Kerry believes the President should be campaigning for his own opponent.
Can you fill me in on this Bronze Star issue. I seemed to have missed it somehow. Thank, Jan
Do you have their phone number?
Hello, Bush Campaign....this needs repeating!
"Bush needs to get out there and say: "There are a number of ads out there targeted at me which I feel distort my record, but they are being broadcast by 527s. I'm not holding Senator Kerry responsible for the ads, even though they are funded by Senator's Kerry's contributors. There is no reason for Senator Kerry to blame me for ads that I have nothing to do with. He should address the people who are criticizing his war record. I'm not criticizing him on his wartime service, but on his record in Congress."
Phone: 202-222-7000,
Email: niteline@abc.com
Good catch. Not only raise Hell with them, call your local ABC affiliate.
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