HT to JimCaralis, who notes a CNN story reporting that John Kerry has “curtailed” his campaigning in light of the firestorm over his botched joke.
Sen. John Kerry has canceled plans to campaign for several fellow Democrats after controversy over his comments to college students about getting “stuck in Iraq.”
President Bush’s 2004 presidential rival — who explained Tuesday that his comments were a “botched joke” targeting Bush — will not appear with Pennsylvania Senate candidate Bob Casey on Wednesday night in Philadelphia, as originally planned, a Democratic official said.
“I would be surprised if you see him welcomed out there anywhere,” the official said, “and certainly not in a race that is meaningful.” …
Kerry’s office said two House campaign appearances by the senator also have been canceled — by mutual decision — so as not to “allow the Republican hate machine to use Democratic candidates as their proxies in their distorted spin war in which once again they’re willing to exploit brave American troops.”
A good move. The reality is that no one (including Tony Snow & Co.) really believes that John Kerry thinks the troops are undereducated or whatever. Everyone now knows it was a botched joke. So if Kerry keeps himself out of the limelight for a few days, this whole thing goes away, and it has no impact on the election. Kerry has done a tremendous amount for a lot of Democrats this cycle, and he should be proud of it. He’s smart to recognize that as long as he, rather than the candidates he is backing, is the story, he’s not really helping, so it’s best to keep off the campaign trail for a bit.
<
p>
A cut and run strategy.
That’s funny because I was going to post that no matter Kerry does, he can’t win. If he stays and fights then the right-wing spin machine (otherwise known as the US media) will use this to say the Dems hate our troops, and if he apologizes or leaves the spotlight then he’ll be called out for being weak.
<
p>
You can’t win the hearts and minds of the people if they only hear your opponents (lopsided) version of every story. If the Democrats lose any ground over this, it won’t be Kerry’s fault, it will be the fault of the American people who are too lazy to become informed about the issues facing our country.
103 dead Americans in October and the Republicans are talking about non-candidate John Kerry in this election.
… and why other Dems need to come out just as strong against BushCo on Iraq if they’re asked about Kerry’s remarks, which they almost certainly will be.
<
p>
I’m telling you, it’s an opportunity: This is the kind of thing the Republicans use to their advantage all the time. Jump right back on message. I don’t care if everyone in Dem-land disagrees with me.
I didn’t even see your earlier post today when I made my comment. So I guess we really are on the same page.
<
p>
Yes, Dems should and can use this to get back on message. Though I like Harold Ford, asking Kerry to apologize is a little unnecessary, even in TN. But even Ford has used the opportunity to get back on message about Bush and Corker’s “stay the course” non-strategy. I believe Webb in VA has done similarly.
<
p>
This Kerry flap is about one thing and one thing only: Republicans trying to mobilize their troops because they know support even amongst the base is flagging. Will it work? Perhaps a bit, but just among some of their base that was teetering on the edge of not voting. But by Dems staying on message with Iraq, this might even backfire on or at least make little difference for the GOP among Independents, who will continue to be the difference maker this election.
than hiding any day… IMHO, he’d do best by repeating Olberman’s summation, “Kerry called them stupid, and they were too stupid to know he called them stupid.”
He’s the only rational talking head on cable.
Believes the crap that Kerry meant to insult the troops hook, line, and sinker.
<
p>
How the HELL am I supposed to respect these fellow men? They are so obviously blinded by their worship of the Dear Leader. sigh