Kerry expects unifying inaugural

Boston Herald ^ | Dec 17, 2004 | Andrew Miga

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Sen. John F. Kerry [related, bio] can expect President Bush [related, bio] to defuse a potentially awkward scene with conciliatory words when the pair meet next month for Bush's second inaugural at the Capitol.

``The last time they spoke, they talked about uniting the country,'' said Kerry spokesman David Wade, recalling the senator's last conversation with the president, his concession phone call to Bush the morning after the Nov. 2 election. ``That seems to be the message on their minds.''

After largely evading the public spotlight as he recovers from his loss in the 2004 contest, Kerry plans to be among the hundreds of dignitaries crowding the Capitol steps for inaugural ceremonies.

It will be Kerry's first face-to-face meeting with Bush since the pair met for their third and final debate in October.

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, will accompany her husband, aides said.

Kerry advisers as well as Republican sources with strong ties to the White House said despite the negative tone of the 2004 contest, they expect Bush will strike a conciliatory tone about his failed Democratic challenger during his inaugural remarks next month.

``It is a hallmark of the Bush family, reaching out after victory or defeat,'' said one veteran GOP operative with Bush ties. ``Even after the mess four years ago, Bush took the high road.''

During his swearing-in after the bitterly contested 2000 race - an inaugural marked by large-scale, raucous protests - Bush literally extended a hand of civility to his rival Al Gore, thanking him for ``a contest conducted with spirit and ended with grace.''

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Kerry ain't part of it no more. Get used to being last.

[mombonn]

kerry will find a way to spoil it, just like clintbilly did.

[xJones]

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, will accompany her husband, aides said.

With or without diamond studded muzzle?

[Highway55]

Kerry?

Is that the guy that was in Viet Nam?

[Moral Hazard]

The proper statement from President Bush:

"I would like to thank my opponent, Senator Kerry, for running a spirited campaign. I would also like to note that this is the last time 90% of the country will hear his name mentioned."

[MisterRepublican]

This assumes anybody gives a damn about what Kerry says, does, thinks.

[OSHA]

The DUers went from kissin' him to cussin' him when he conceded back to kissin' again (they think he's got a secret plan to take back the election).

Looks like it's cussin' time again!

[onyx]

Kerry, in his gross arrogance,
does not realize that he was relegated
back to his "small player" status the
day after the election...lol.

[Prime Choice]

``The last time they spoke, they talked about uniting the country,'' said Kerry spokesman David Wade.

Then explain this asinine recount bullcrap, Mr. Wade.

[rocksblues]

Imagine this! Kerry as a unifying force for America.

You can't make this stuff up.

[Prime Choice]

I always suspected that the DUmmies were (ahum) kissin' cussin's.

[11Bush]

In my world, W would walk up to kerry and punch him square in the face.

[pke]

Just stand there and smile on the sidelines traitor.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Kerry, in his gross arrogance,
does not realize that he was relegated
back to his "small player" status the
day after the election...lol.

ROFL. Taking orders from the Clintons...Not good....Not good. LMAO

[GenXFreedomFighter]

Is that the guy that was in Viet Nam?

From listening to his stories, I concluded that he was the only guy who went.

[onyx]

Yeah.
He's nothing but the junior senator from MA.
He remains arrogant and boring.

[OSHA]

Kerry is sending them secret signals. Very nuanced of course!

[BigSkyFreeper]

There's a reason why his desk is in the back of the "classroom". LOL

[BigSkyFreeper]

Problem is, the DUmmies think he's a gutless worm because he conceded the day after the election and even said he wouldn't contest the results in the close elections.

[onyx]

Is it?
That would seem rational to me.