The Boston Fog: John Kerry's Shifting Positions on Funding Our Troops in Iraq

George W. Bush ^ | September 8, 2004

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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)

"Kerry voted for $87 billion in funding for our troops before he voted against it and then said we should increase funding to secure victory in Iraq before saying we are spending too much. Kerry's constantly shifting positions on the War on Terror are hurting his credibility with the American people."

- Steve Schmidt, Bush-Cheney '04 Spokesman

Kerry Now Criticizes The President For Money Spent In Iraq

Kerry Says America Is Spending Too Much On Iraq. "'$200 billion for Iraq, but they tell us we can't afford after-school programs for our children; $200 billion in Iraq, but they tell us we can't afford health care for our veterans; $200 billion for Iraq, but they tell us we can't afford to keep the 100,000 police officers we put on the street,' Kerry said." (Mary Dalrymple, "Kerry Says Bush Broke Promises, Set Wrong Course In Iraq," The Associated Press, 9/8/04)

But Kerry Previously Supported Increasing Funds For Iraq

Kerry: We Should Increase Funding To Iraq "By Whatever Number Of Billions Of Dollars It Takes To Win." MR. RUSSERT: "Do you believe that we should reduce funding that we are now providing for the operation in Iraq?" SEN. KERRY: "No. I think we should increase it." MR. RUSSERT: "Increase funding?" SEN. KERRY: "Yes." MR. RUSSERT: "By how much?" SEN. KERRY: "By whatever number of billions of dollars it takes to win. It is critical that the United States of America be successful in Iraq, Tim...." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 8/31/03)

Kerry Now Says He Supports Our Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan

Kerry Claims To Stand With The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. KERRY: “I also want to speak directly to the more than 150,000 troops who are currently serving and risking their lives as far away as in Iraq or Afghanistan and to the sons and daughters like Gill O'Brien, that Robin just talked about, who’ve served once, who are here now, but who are going to go back. Your country is proud of you. You are the most dedicated, capable military that we've ever had in our history. We are united as a nation in support for you. We pledge to stand with you and with your families, as you are standing on the front lines for ours.” (Remarks By Sen. John Kerry, Cincinnati, OH, 9/8/04)

But Kerry Voted Against Funding For Our Troops

Kerry Voted Against $87 Billion War Supplemental To Equip Our Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan With Critical Supplies Like Body Armor And Ammunition.

Kerry Said He's "Proud" That He And Edwards Voted Against The $87 Billion. KERRY: "Here is the value that John Edwards and I will put in place. I'm proud to say that John joined me in voting against that $87 billion when we knew the policy had to be changed." (John Kerry, Remarks at "Women's Voices: A Luncheon with John Kerry," Boston, MA, 7/12/04)

Kerry Offered A Tortured Explanation Of His Vote Against The $87 Billion To Support Troops In Iraq. "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." (Richard W. Stevenson and Adam Nagourney, "Bush's Campaign Emphasizes Role Of Leader In War," The New York Times, 3/17/04)

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Kerry's new nickname: "The Boston Fog" or even better "The Boston Frog"