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Posted on 04/14/2003 6:17:00 AM PDT by Gothmog
WASHINGTON - Introducing himself to a crowd of Democrats gathered in an Iowa home recently, Sen. John F. Kerry joked he comes from Massachusetts, an Indian name meaning ``Land of many Kennedys.''
During his three-day campaign swing last week, the presidential hopeful did not shy away from references to the famous clan that produced the last Bay State Democrat to occupy the Oval Office.
In fact, Kerry embraced their liberal legacy and cast himself in the tradition of former presidents from John Adams to Franklin Roosevelt, while also playing up his own dramatic life story.
Although some political pundits have suggested the public might dismiss Kerry as just another ``Massachusetts liberal,'' Kerry drew on the Kennedy image at events across Iowa.
He frequently referred to President John F. Kennedy's 1961 proposal to put a man on the moon by the end of that decade.
But Kerry twisted the reference, using it to address his domestic priorities, including education, health care and the environment.
``I say to you that we need to challenge ourselves to go to the moon right here on earth,'' he said.
Kerry said in several speeches that the first radio report he heard when sailing back from his first tour of Vietnam in 1968 was news that Robert Kennedy had been assassinated.
Kerry often repeated a line of poetry quoted by U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy during his eulogy at St. Patrick's Cathedral for his brother: ``Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and ask why not.''
Taking the line as a slogan for his own efforts, Kerry said, ``We have to get back to dreaming again and asking why not.''
Highlighting his military service, Kerry pointed out he's the only candidate for president who has served in the armed forces.
Kerry volunteered to serve in Vietnam, earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Kerry argued his background makes him the one who can neutralize Bush on defense and security issues and thus turn the debate to domestic issues.
He said several times he believes that two-thirds of the job of president is being commander-in-chief of the armed forces and head of state, or ``chief diplomat.''
But Kerry faced numerous questions about his stance on the war in Iraq. He voted for a resolution last fall authorizing Bush to use force against the country, if necessary, but criticized the president for a rush to war.
Kerry explained his action by saying the resolution required diplomacy through the United Nations and war to be a ``last resort.'' He added he believed voting for the resolution ``was the best way to avoid going to war.''
The campaign swing came seven weeks after Kerry underwent surgery for prostate cancer, but to those concerned about his ability to maintain a demanding schedule, he said, ``Don't worry about it. I saw him the other day and Dick Cheney looks just fine.''
This is one of the stupidest, clunkiest phrases I've heard from a supposedly 'experienced' politician in awhile. What a moron.
What a space cadet...
The phrase evokes an image of Ketchup Boy's space ship crashing to the ground.
Hmmmm...could be a fitting metaphor...
I stopped right here. I had to clean off my screen from the coffee. I keep telling everyone, the 2004 campaign for the Dem nomination is going to be as funny as Blazing Saddles.
Or, as another Massachusetts liberal Barney Frank says..."``I say to you that we need to challenge ourselves to go to Uranus right here on earth,''
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Who does Kerry pay to say such dopey things?
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