Chris Heinz at Waterville Valley
Posted on 09/28/2004 2:51:40 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
WATERVILLE -- With unusually blunt language, John Kerry's stepson on Monday blasted President Bush during a visit to Colby College, calling the Republican "a complete flop" and asserting that American soldiers are "dying because of oil."
Chris Heinz, 31, is the son of Theresa Heinz Kerry, who married John Kerry after the death of her first husband. Heinz has spent 18 months championing his stepfather's presidential bid and made stops Monday at Bates and Colby colleges and the Portland campus of the University of Southern Maine.
Heinz's Maine campus tour is part of an ongoing effort by Democrats to get younger voters -- who tend to eschew politics but usually support Democratic candidates when they vote -- to the polls in larger numbers this November.
His tour also comes as the sons and daughters of presidential candidates are playing a prominent role in this year's race. Alexandra and Vanessa Kerry have campaigned extensively for their father, although neither has appeared in Maine since Kerry won the nomination.
President Bush's twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, have also been visible on the campaign trail; Dwayne Bickford, executive director of the Maine GOP, said Monday it's "likely that they will come to Maine" before Election Day.
Bickford also said Republican positions on economic issues are helping the party make gains with newer voters. "Historically, young voters have voted with Democrats," he said, "but what I see is the pendulum swinging the other way."
At Colby, nearly 100 students and college employees gave up part of a glorious fall day to gather and listen to Heinz, who dressed casually and tailored his remarks to a young audience.
Saying it's difficult for any young person to accept a stepparent, Heinz said he didn't initially welcome Kerry's relationship with his mother after his father, Sen. John Heinz, a Pittsburgh-based Republican, died in a plane crash in 1991.
But Heinz said Kerry won him over with his humility and grace -- qualities that he said Bush has lacked during his for years in office.
Referring to Iraq and Afghanistan, Heinz said Bush has "started two wars in four years" and said neither is going well. Noting that there are many dictators who the U.S. has not overthrown, Heinz asserted that Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq partly because of the nation's energy reserves.
"Like it or not," Heinz said, "young men are dying because of oil."
In response, Bickford said Republicans view the Iraq war as a success because its people have been liberated from tyranny and elections will soon occur. He said Kerry has confused voters by frequently shifting his position on Iraq.
And he accused Heinz of negativity that is, he said, typical for the Kerry campaign.
"He sounds like he's blunt," Bickford said, "and I disagree with all of his assertions."
The Colby audience was largely supportive of Kerry; many in the crowd had Kerry-Edwards stickers plastered to their shirts.
Still, Heinz faced difficult -- and politically astute -- questions.
One student, for example, wanted to know why Kerry, relative to other Democrats, is struggling to attract strong support from female voters.
Heinz, citing GOP claims that the Democrat is weak on terrorism, responded by saying Republicans "have scared a lot of women into thinking that voting for John Kerry is like jumping into a barrel of lighter fluid and lighting yourself on fire."
And when asked about Republican charges that Kerry changes his mind too frequently, Heinz said, "It's better to be a flip-flopper than a complete flop."
Heinz's visit is part of a string of Colby College stops designed to sway student voters.
Candace Gingrich, half-sister to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, visited Colby last week, and Piper Anderson, a co-author of "How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office," lectures on campus tonight at 8 p.m.
Anderson, a Brooklyn-based poet, will also give a 6:30 p.m. talk at the Waterville Public Library.
Chris Churchill -- 861-9252
cchurchill@centralmaine.com
And when asked about Republican charges that Kerry changes his mind too frequently, Heinz said, "It's better to be a flip-flopper than a complete flop."
What a shame, to be so lame at such a young age.
Well Chrissy, you gave Kerry 13 years to win you over. Seems fair you give W another 4.
Ck post #22.
Chris Heinz at Waterville Valley
Colby has 1768 students, including 682 Varsity athletes. No, for a small liberal-arts college in Maine, I'd think that's a fairly dismal turnout.
Thanks for the link. It's very amusing - they are way off into wishful thinking land.
They seem to think Santorum is Satan.
I like the one post where they can't wait to see next weeks' polls (dated 9/6). HAHAHA
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.....
In response to accusations that he had the reasoning and wit of a five year old, Heinz responded: "I'm rubber and you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you."
And the Dems are thinking about having little Chris run for Rick Santorum's seat.
my hubby's quote "well what do you expect from a tomato squsher"
I noted this young man at the convention. He has a particulary self satisfied snooty look on his face all the time. He looks like a spoiled, self involved, rich young man who is used to talkiing down to the butler. I think he forgot his father in his emulation of Kerry.
He also seems, well, not that bright. The kind of man who may end up picking tomatoes for a living.
It would be nice to see Senator Santorum trounce Mr. Heinz 60-40 before going on to be elected President in 2008.
Heinz, citing GOP claims that the Democrat is weak on terrorism, responded by saying Republicans "have scared a lot of women into thinking that voting for John Kerry is like jumping into a barrel of lighter fluid and lighting yourself on fire."
Yup. That's Teresa's boy all right.
Holy cow...what is it in her family's genes that makes them say this wild, flailing, nonsense?
Oh, please, please, please, try that, Democrats. I beg you.
DU is discussing it at Post # 22.
LOL
Sounds like one of those brain-dead slackers muttering, "It's all about oil...'nd like Halliburton, man."
This young man needs to be on the campaign trail. I bet we can even get Freepers to contribute money for his expenses.
OK, now let's hear what his sister's hairdresser's cousin has to say.
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