Kerry's Wife Calls Presidential Debates 'silly'

TBO ^ | 11/4/03

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

BOSTON (AP) - Teresa Heinz Kerry, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, says nine-way presidential debates are "silly" and a waste of time for the candidates and the voters. "I don't think it really helps the American people, I don't think it helps the candidates," Heinz Kerry told the Boston Herald in an interview published Tuesday, the same day her husband was to face his rivals in a debate in his home town.

Heinz Kerry said debates have become about scoring a punch with quick soundbites.

"It's just silly," she said. "I think those debates are really unproductive and they made it hard for all of them to (get their message across)."

Eight of the nine Democrats were scheduled to appear Tuesday night at the 90-minute Rock the Vote forum in Boston that will air on Cable News Network.

Heinz Kerry said she has suggested Democrats focus on smaller group debates that alternate among all candidates or pick three or four candidates leading in particular states - though she conceded the latter idea might not be fair to all candidates.

Heinz Kerry's comments are in line with frequent complaints from her husband, who has said the face-offs are not "real debates."

[Bluegrass Federalist]

I was thinking the same thing. It hurts to think about it. But then, it is Kerry.

[GulliverSwift]

Algore lost the debates. John F. Hairy keeps losing the debates. Therefore, debates are bad.

As foolish and ridiculous as the "debates" are, I think they have proved valuable in the past. And they are right now: the current ones are helping the public see how dangerous these nutjobs who are are trying to get the nomination really are.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

I wondered the same, what if he were winning?

[Charlie OK]

I agree with her. Side note: I recently convinced my wife to go for the Del Monte ketchup at the grocery store.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Which is thicker?

[RightWhale]

My shoulder looked like hamburger meat for a week.

Never fire a 12-gauge shotgun from the shoulder. You will be quicker shooting from the hip, and about as accurate. It's not skeet. Hold low and to the right if shooting righty.

[Arrowhead1952]

Never fire a 12-gauge shotgun from the shoulder.

Also, never fire a 10 guage with 3 1/2" magnums straight up over your head. It will kick you into the ground!!

[wi jd]

I agree with her. Side note: I recently convinced my wife to go for the Del Monte ketchup at the grocery store.

I am torn. I cannot stomach Del Monte or Hunt's ketchup. Heinz is far and away the best. But I do not want to support Kerry, directly or indirectly. So I have been using other condiments.

[RightWhale]

Shooting wasps' nests out of trees? A rapid exit plan might be handy.

[Arrowhead1952]

Shooting wasps' nests out of trees?

My cousin did that when we were dove hunting years ago. Not a good idea.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

What mustard do you prefer?

[wi jd]

Woeber's spicy brown.