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
Its the Halliburton meme again. Now the Kerry clan is channeling Mad Howard. Yeah, the Iraq War was all about oil - NOT! These people can't help themselves when they have to attack America.
What's the Party of 9/10 so worried about? It NEVER happened and besides, its time to move on.
I often wonder if those boys' Daddy is spinning in his grave from the way she had taken them to the "other" side and used his money to do it...
as for that womans book "How to get stupid white men out of office", I assume shes from Boston and if so I agree hahahahhahaha
Don't you love it when they swap between the "Bush diverted us from the WOT by invading Iraq" and "the threat of terrorism is exaggerated" talking points?
Yes Dums, keep reminding everyone that the dum candidate is a GIGILO.
Doesn't Junior have an inheritance to play with or something?
First I've heard of him. Apparently it took a long time to get his programming installed.
That's hardly what comes to my mind when thinking about John Kerry.
Watch out! He's going to think he's another John Kennedy!!
That remark is stomach churning. Can't wait for Nov. 2
No. Sissy Boy. It's because of your stoooopid step-father and your mentality that are contributing to the deaths of AMERICANS. You bastards should go back to France and Frigging-Mozambique! (jeeze. I broke my rule in hy-phen-ating a country). Regardless, I feel better about my rant.
A good question for the the priviledged young man.
"Do you think your deceased father is rolling over in his grave right now?"
Interesting that the writer didn't think Heinz's answer was worth anything, either.
Yeah! That one cracked me up!
To Mr. Heinz,
1. No one cares what you think. You seem to be a well-programmed talking points dispenser.
2. Bush is not out to win you over. The grace and humility you thought you saw was just an act to appease you and you fell for it. This is the man who is spending your inheritence on himself!
Here's the other hilarious part:
Nearly 100 students came out to listen.
Wow - 100 - is that a lot?
HAHAHAHA
At Bush's Ohio rally yesterday, there were probably 100 people using the port-o-potties at any given time.
He sounds like a chip off the old block.
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