Posted on 08/23/2004 2:03:39 PM PDT by kattracks
Presidential candidate John Kerry telephoned former Sen. Bob Dole Monday morning to complain about Dole's demand a day earlier that he apologize to Vietnam veterans for protesting the war, the one-time Republican presidential candidate revealed Monday afternoon."John Kerry called me this morning, which surprised me," Dole told radio host Sean Hannity. "He said he was very disappointed, we'd been friends. I said John, we're still friends, but [the Swiftvets] have first amendment rights, just as your people have first amendment rights.
Dole told Kerry, "I'm not trying to stir anything up, but I don't believe everyone of these people who have talked about what happened are Republican liars.
"And very frankly, Bush is my guy, and I'm tired of people on your side calling him everything from a coward to a traitor to everything - a deserter."
Dole said he urged Kerry, "Why don't you call George Bush today and say, 'Mr. President, let's stop all this stuff about the National Guard and Vietnam - and let's talk about the issues."
Dole said Kerry responded, "I haven't spent one dime attacking President Bush."
But the Republican war hero shot back, "You don't have to. You've got all the so-called mainstream media, plus you've got MoveOn.org. and all these other groups that have spent millions and millions of dollars trying to tarnish Bush's image."
"Don't tell me you don't know what some of these people are doing," he told Kerry.
"Everybody like quiet heroes," Dole added, saying he told Kerry, "John, everybody knows you were in Vietnam and the less you say about it, the better."
Dole said he tried to end the tense conversation cordially by telling Kerry, "I wish you good luck, up to a point."
I join you in the "shame" I was so much younger and un-informed back then. Thanks goodness for FR which has taught me so much in so little time...
Told to be presidential by his moronic handlers: "Bob, we know you have a quick wit, but people won't take you seriously if you're cracking wise. Bob, people say you have a mean streak and that you're dark, keep your passions in and you won't have a blowout. Better to be a little reserved than melt down."
And so the Bob Dole we saw in '96 was a man fighting against all his natural tendencies resulting in blank, zip, dullsville.
'Dole added, saying he told Kerry, "John, everybody knows you were in Vietnam and the less you say about it, the better." '
LOL. The Truth is a beautiful thing.
Ooooh. That'll leave a mark. Cue to others that actually have market share. Maybe AP will do a story.
"Everybody likes a quiet hero". Bob Dole said it!
and I agree!
Now that the president has condemned the attack ads the question is will the attack ads (by right wing nut jobs) continue?
Why did Bush give Kerry a big stick to beat the swifties? Why did he cut the legs out from under Bobe Dole? WTF?
Alas, I had two young boys I was tutoring and had to refuse the busride. I was so honored......
I did vote for the man in '96, but he was as exciting as a wet mop. Where was this Bob Dole then?
Dole can attack Kerry on this subject. Both are veterans, decorated in theatre, in foreign wars. Bush can stay away from direct participation, and stick to "Both men served their country. Kerry should be proud of his service."
Excellent!
CNN is more important to Bush than FOX.Undecideds and people who don't care tune in .The Gop has a chance to gain votes when they make a case on CNN.I love Fox but it is preaching to the choir for the GOP.
The MSM media will spin this and the same fools will believe them.
Don't sweat it... I voted for Xzkaliky in 3001 six times and it doesn't bother me!
he did no such thing. President Bush has consistently called for the end of all of the 527 ads, emphasis on ALL. And he has never said a critical word about Kerry's service.
President Bush is consistent in taking the high road. Bob Dole has known the President's position all along.
Why do you not see the stategery?
Also being reported by CNN:
Bush urges Kerry to condemn attack ads
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1197681/posts
This whole defense by Kerry of attacking the President for not condemning the Swfit Boat Ad ihas now done a 180 and become Bush urges Kerry to condemn 527 ads. I have read on another thread that even DU is shaking now because they realize that they need 527's more than Republicans.
Dole was on the Hannity show this afternoon. Newsmax has it right, and they left some of the better parts out.
If you can, listen to an archived snip of this with Dole. He sounded pretty emotional.
Bob Dole is the old Dole of the '70's.
Go Dole. Stick it to 'em. (metaphorically of course)
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