Kerry gives fellow Dems Halloween trick

Snow's right. It "sort of fits a pattern."

Now the Republicans will work to twist the words and the meaning to fit a pattern that they see fit.

But let's get to what Kerry really means.

The options for "academic losers" - as you put it - really are limited. And Iraq is one of those choices and will continue to be.

You are not going to see a lot of "A" students or children of the well-off strapping-up for Iraq. What you are going to continue to see are people with little to lose and a "hero's welcome" to gain.

That's Kerry's message and it will continue to ring true for the next few years we are in Iraq.

It's an incredibly stupid comment unless he was refering to Geo Bush.

And people call BUSH DUMB?!

Everybody misspeaks at some time, but what were the Democrats thinking when they nominated this guy? A gift that keeps on giving to Rove is right......

Sorry to inform the perpetual dead-brained libs, but many in the Armed Forces have master's degrees, have bachelor's degrees and are educated. It is so typical for the stuck-up, snobby liberals to think that only the dumb are in the military.

He's completely right.

Gee, I'm confused, which John Kerry is this anyway? There are two of them by that name that I know of.

Is this John Kerry the sensitive, brave young man I saw 30 or so years ago; the one who sat before congress and made the talk show circuit telling all who would listen that GIs (in their anger and frustration) were committing war crimes; that they were racked with guilt and shame because their government had forced them to kill and die for a lie?...

Or is this steely nerved Uberwarrior John Kerry that I saw in 2004 regaling us with his war stories; who, like an action movie hero, beached his boat and ran into the jungle with his M16 on full-auto (no doubt laughing in the face of death) while he hosed down the souless Cong?...

The first John Kerry I happened to admire back in the 70s; the second one is just a self serving gasbag. But they're obviously not the same person, so which one are we talking about now?

This guy has to learn to keep his mouth shut. The only reason he's not President today is that he actually looked dumber than the President (a very difficult thing to do) in 2004. One week prior to an election all the public is listening to is sound bites and he gave them a doozy. Lock this guy in an office for a week so that the Democrats can win an election! The sad footnote is that he isn't wrong in what he said.

The trick seems to be on you, Frank. Kerry said what everyone knows: for the most part, it IS those with no other options who get sent to fight the wars started by men who never had to fight in one themselves. And if you think that Bush is going to get any voters riled up enough to vote Republican this time around by bashing Kerry, well, you may be in for a surprise.

Swamp indeed. Is everyone in the Tribune's D.C. Bureau a Republican propagandist?

Thanks John Kerry!! You've torpedoed the Democratic Party to help out your Skull & Bones fraternity brother.

About a year ago, the Wall Street Journal did a thorough analysis of those serving in the armed forces.

They found that in contrast to the commonly held belief that the military is staffed by poor, uneducated minorities, the US military was disproportionally caucasian, and elistments since 9/11 were richer and more educted than ever before in American history.

So, it's just not true that the military is composed entirely of dead-enders. I'm sure there are some, but that's true of any organization that large.

Thank you, John Kerry, for showing what an idiot you really are. As a former Presidential candidate you didn't have any solid platform. As a political stumper, you are showing lack of tact and intelligence. And thank you for insuring Republican victories.

Catherine,

Kerry is talking about W.

That is so funny,and so true.

It makes me think of little Johnny/JD aka "Tammy",and Paulo,and the rest of the robot,wingnut followers.

Idiot. I take extreme offense to gross stereotyping of our proud soldiers. My brother went into the military right after high school because he wanted to do nothing other than join the Marines. This was after Vietnam, but before Grenada, before Iraq I & II. He is proud to serve his country. He took a leave and obtained his bachelor and master's degrees. He is a proud officer with 20 years service. Kerry, I am afraid that you have been so insulated from the real world that you have forgotten what you went through in the military and that there are soldiers who are proud and honored to be able to defend their country. Even if the administration is led by two duty leaving, multiple draft deferred chicken hawks with no real military experience that leaves them with a low regard for human life.

You are not going to see a lot of "A" students or children of the well-off strapping-up for Iraq. What you are going to continue to see are people with little to lose and a "hero's welcome" to gain.

That's Kerry's message and it will continue to ring true for the next few years we are in Iraq.

Posted by: Bud McFarlin | Oct 31,
+++

Bud you are a sad, angry, pseudo-intellectual that has NO clue about who goes to Iraq.

You are the worst kind of snob, one that has no reason to be snotty since you are clueless.

Kerry simply made that classic mistake of stating something that most of us think but should never speak aloud in public.

Of course the options to those with less education are more limited. The military has been a last resort to many of these people since standing armies were adopted. Even in times of national crisis not everyone serves. Case in point: the practice of hiring a surrogate to serve for you in the American Civil War.

Let's face it, the very existence of our country is not at stake in Iraq and people with options don't want to sacrifice their lives for nothing.

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Limbaugh, Tony "Snowjob" and all those other slick talking, non-combat experienced, tough guy, bible banging tough guys would like to make the unfortunate comments by "Scary Kerry" the issue voters vote on. They would love nothing more than to distract the country from the following:
1. Close to 3,000 of America's Finest & Bravest dying in a war where no WMD's were found and the Republican led 9-11 commission reported that there were no ties to Saddam and Al Qaeda.
2. The Deficit. The largest in the history of this country. No - this is not your father's GOP where "Balanced Budgets" and not "mortgaging our childrens' futures" were key points; this Administration regularly and smuggly continues to "Stick it to the Middle Class". Unfortunately, a number of blind Middle Class Citizens are blindly accepting it and stating - "YEs Sir, may I have another?"
3. Stem Cell Research - While other countries are advancing this scientific research this country is mired in "Theocratic Practices" that are governing our legislation. China and Europe in particular are making headways while this Great Country has to take a back seat to them.
4. Outsourcing of Jobs - Look around in just our own state. How many companies can you think of that pulled out and started up overseas?
Let's sound a Loud & Clear Message to the Whack Job, Right Wing Nut-Cases and vote them out of office come November 7th.

John Kerry has as much brains as a rock, rolling downhill into a lava pit. Once melted, he looks like all the rest of the lava, just another blimp on the radar of history.

GWB is not the most brightest lightbulb on the lot, but Kerry just proved to the world, why we do not need him anywhere near politics in the US.

Yes,Kerry Haters,you should be so proud that you elected Dunce Brain to a second term.

Because of your wisdom,more dead soldiers,more debt,more jobs to China,more loss of health care,no action on that B.S.issue,Global Warming,pat yourselves on the back,you Morons!!!

Elanor, the Trib Swamp writers are on the Democratic party payroll. Obviously you have missed all the love notes to Barack, the criticisms of George Allen and Macacca but nothing about Joe Biden and his racist slams or the DNC ad that angered latinos or Steny Hoyer calling Michael Steele a slave to the GOP, or Frank James using Harry Reid press releases to explain away his scandals.

Also, Swamp, why is it that naughty words used by liberals against conservatives get printed on here, but not the other way around? If a liberal can call a conservative a s-head, why can't a conservative say what liberals do is typical bulls---?

Give John Kerry another purple heart, he just shot himself in the foot!

People, keep in mind that what Kerry originally said is being quoted out of context by a columnist with an obvious bias. Do you seriously think a former soldier would put down his fellow soldiers like that? This is nothing but another Republican dirty trick, and some of you are falling for it. OK, he may have mis-spoken, but he may also be a victim, once again, of editing for nefarious purposes.

I LOVE the Kerry smackdown of his critics. If this John Kerry had shown up in the 2004 election, the country would be in a lot better shape right now.

Hopefully we can get over this distraction and talk about the issues. The Governator was able to overcome calling Latinos hot blooded because they have black blood mix w/ Hispanic blood. I hope the voter's realize this is not about what idiot John Kerry says, but what the party in power has done.

Elanor's message, died on the way to the blog as all the Dem's prayed, no one was saved, All the foolsih donkeys, how can they be so dumb? All theh foolish donkeys, relying on such bums!

Talk about the ultimate life line for republicans, John Kerry really came through. Just goes to show how difficult it is to win even a war of words. Time for some extended wind surfing John.

It is amazing that Democrats will even try to defend something as stupid as Kerry's comments. It is a typical elitists mentality that thinks he can get away with those comments. Even Dean is not that stupid!

I don't see what the big deal is. Given that Rove, Bush, and Cheney all served in the military, they have every right to criticize Kerry. Oh, I forgot. They didn't serve in the military. They have zero credibility.

A terribly stupid comment like that changes nothing.
Bushs misgiuded war of choice, and Rumsfelds ineptitude in executing the flawed mission remain the same.

My brother in law left Friday for Iraq. Let me rephrase that and say...my brother in law - who is fluent in 4 languages, has multiple degrees and knows more than my EXTREMELY intelligent husband (who is a veteran) and my EXTREMELY intelligent self put together - left Friday for Iraq. Anyone who can say that the military is for the "dumb" or "un-educated" has NO idea what today's military is actually like. Kerry's comment turned my stomach but some of the other comments I've seen here make it worse! I didn't like Kerry before but now I find him repugnant and for him to try and defend his comment instead of apologizing is appalling!

Once again, moron dems on the wrong side of history. The war is over, it was won and now the hand over against the same terrorist we said we would fight away from American soil. Bush was right then, and he is right now. Krazy Kerry and his buds will never change any of this. Good luck now you idiot liberal hacks!

Not only is this Kerry's view of our brave soldiers,it's the view of the dem party and the military in general.Every dem president slashes the military to the bone....why?Because they hate the military and they think by talking and appeasing the people of the world that want to kill us and our ally's will bring the world into a state of utopia......DOESN'T WORK!!!!
Oh,John E.-- Loon--Dale Peters--C Morris--and all the other cowards--another soldier gave his life yesterday,defending our great country...don't forget to add that to your sickening count!
Paulo

Well, I see this columnist (and what an appropriate title for your online schtick) and others are still reacting like Pavlov's dogs to Republican press releases, their old cherry pick-spin-n-send routine.

Livable wage jobs in this country for young people with high school deplomas have declined critically over the last 30-odd years, sped along by consolidation, downsizing, corporate community abandonment and now outsourcing.

Under Bush the amount of money in grants and loans available to help students go on to college has been drastically cut, increasing the competition -- in grades, extra curriculars, etc -- for the dollars that are left.

So kids who make the very highest grades and fill their high school resumes with extra curricular activities are likeliest to get those aid-supported college admission slots. And for the students who don't get the nod, what's left? Well, there's the military option, with possibilities for college tuition in exchange for service deployment -- once, twice, three times and more -- in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

When the Republican spin machine sold Kerry's "I voted for it before I voted against" remark, they did the same thing. He was explaining to an audience -- actually helping them to become better informed on how things work (what a concept!)-- how war funding proposals are put forth in various forms in legislation, and that he supported the legislative option that required the appropriation to be paid for in part by repealing Bush tax cuts to some of the wealthiest Americans. That's the legislation he voted for. The legislation he voted against borrowed more money for the war instead of using taxes, in part, to pay for it.

In that instance Kerry's was the fiscally responsible vote: responsible to the future tax payers who are going to have to pay for that debt; responsible to the soldiers fighting the war by asking the folks they're fighting for to make sacrifices to that effort.

But that time as this time the right-wing Wurlitzer bet it could play on voters' knee-jerk assumptions. John Kerry didn't call soldiers in Iraq "dead enders" or in any way indicate there aren't intelligent folks in the military, or highly educated ones, either.

He said opportunities for young people in this country are increasingly constricted under this administration's policies.

I agree. And I'd add that I believe this constriction is being legislated deliberately.

I got a kick out of everyone responding to this isue using it to push their political agenda. Let's take all of the politics out of it and look at what he said.He is insulting our troops, rich, poor, educated, and not so educated. Atta boy, Kerry, open moputh, insert foot. I don't blame the Republicans for taking advantage of his comments, how could you not?

When are people going to get over themselves? Does everything have to be politically correct? I don't think that the children of millionares and billionares are routinely enlisting to fight in Iraq. Everyone I have ever know that has gone into the military did so to gain an education because of the high costs. In a business that deals with teenagers, I think I can say with some certainty that kids aren't joining out of any sense of patriotism. I AM NOT saying that is the case 100% of the time, but most of the time. I'm glad he spoke the truth. Republicans always try to turn into an insult against the troops-get a new game, some of us have figured out the trick.

Kerry's only problem is that he SAYS what Liberals really believe about Americans, but won't usually say...
They are the elitest, better-than-you, smarter-than-you, arrgoant, condescending, "gods" by who's graces we all exist...
If we don't vote Liberal, it's because we're stupid, or brainwashed (or braindead), redneck trailer park hicks who just can't understand their enlightened message...
And if you're in the service, it's only because you're uneducated enough to fall for George "Atilla-the-Hun" Bush's lies as told by Tony "Stuffed Suit" Snow, or Rush "doughy" Limbaugh's rants... and not smart enough to listen to the omniscient Kommorade Kerry, Emperor Pelosi, or Fuhrer Reid.
Note how Kerry's outrage at being called to account for his own words led him to a barrage of name-calling and personal attacks - Just what these Arrogant SOB's accuse everyone else of! How DARE we question him? How DARE we question ANY Liberal... We should just accept their genius and bow at their alter... or suffer the mean-spirited consequences!

Quick Question to all of you neo-con right wing nut jobs. How many people have died from Kerry's thoughtless comments from LA? Give Up? Here is a hint - Several thousand less than what this Genius of a Cowboy President has killed off since his stint as "President Lone Ranger" .

I am somewhat confused here. Kerry makes an inflammatory remark about what seems to be his true feelings and somehow this turns back to Bush bashing? How is it possible that anyone in the general public can turn this very obvious slam of the members of the military into some supposed comment about Bush? Look folks, it is very clear what Kerry has said here. He didn't reference Bush in this comment at all. You can put words in his mouth all day long, but it all comes back to the same thing....Kerry very obviously holds a great deal of disrespect for the citizens of this country who serve in our Military.

I cannot say how thankful I am that he has committed this obscenity. It shows where he and his like minded fellows really stand. The lies he speaks over and over can be brushed over with coats of BS, but this latest comment is in your face.

Wake up people.

Barbara is correct. There is no context to place this quote in because we don't know what he was talking about before or after he said this. He could be saying "you", meaning the Bush Administration, get stuck in Iraq. Bottomline this is a distraction at the worst time. Hopefully common sense will prevail and voters will remember that the current Iraq policy is a failure and at best we are merely "drifting sideways".

Look, surely the "not smart" one Kerry was inartfully desribing was Bush, not the troops. However, he is getting what he deserves for trying to drag out that hackneyed "Bush is an idiot" refrain that the left wing blogs and Air America churn out.

By the way, every death in war is to be regretted, but does Kerry or any other Democrat realize that in the month-long battle for Iwo Jima featured in FLAG OF OUR FATHERS that nearly three times as many American troops died fighting over 8 square miles than have died in all of Iraq since 2003? Let's keep this in perspective, people.

"doughy Rush Limbaugh"

Ha! It's funny because it's true!

I had a bachelor of science degree when I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1990. True, most of the other enlisted men I served with had gotten no further than a high school diploma, but all were intelligent, motivated individuals who were proud to serve their country. The military was most certainly not the one option available to them. Kerry's thoughtless comment smacks of the sort of elitism for which he is so justly famous.

[i]"Now the Republicans will work to twist the words and the meaning to fit a pattern that they see fit."[/i] - Bud (first poster)

What's to twist? The only twisting will be what the Democrats say Kerry harmlessly [i]really[/i] meant and the Republicans failed to hear accurately.

Let's hear one now, in fact. Tell us, Bud. What exactly DID Kerry mean other that what we heard?

How dare any of you say that only those wth no other options serve. I enlisted, turning down a scholarship, putting off my education, for the privelidge of serving. My grandparents served, and my cousin just enlisted. People from all academic backgrounds serve, on a voluntary basis> Only a true coward would make a remark like that. YOU BELIEVE ONLY DUMB OR RECKLESS PEOPLE WOULD EVER VOLUNTEER! You dishonor the entire heritage of our nation. In Ancient Rome, they used the military as a welfare state; if you didn't have a job, you were drafted. We rely on volunteerism. You COWARDS!! You don't deserve the freedom you live under; directly because men and women volunteer. COWARDS!!! Kerry is a political hack who got beat in 2004; unfortunately, now the GOP won't get a second shot at the liar. In our nation, however, the stupid and ignorant are given opportunity, so keep on talking you foolish cowards!!!!

Kerry has insulted not only every man and woman serving in Iraq, but every man and woman who ever voluntarily donned the uniform of the United States armed forces. Whatever his intention may have been, his actual words will echo in the hearts and minds of those who were insulted by his snobbish elitist views toward the military which he has been exhibiting for the last 30 years and more.

Stupid people in the military? Puh-leeze.

Has anyone seen what SAT scores are required to get into any of the military academies?

Oh, and is being smart good enough? No! You have participate in sports, community, clubs, etc.

Again, another politician (another Democrat) out of touch with reality!

Our BEST and BRIGHTEST serve in the armed forces!

I guess it would have been too insulting to suggest that
they might end up on welfare or homeless.

Yeah, Kerry looks down on soldiers, just like Gore invented the internet. It's just fortunate for Bush that he always speaks so eloquently and precisely.

Kerry's comment, while definitely poorly worded, was definitely directed against Bush, not our men and women in uniform. Read Kerry's rebuttal: "If anyone thinks a veteran would criticize the more than 140,000 heroes serving in Iraq and not the president who got us stuck there, they're crazy." The original comment was about making use of the education you get. Of all people who have had the most education, but yet seem to have made the least of it, George W. Bush heads that list.

"So now Kerry has, a week before the election, put every Democratic candidate, especially veterans, on the defensive. They must now respond to his gaffe instead of focusing on what had been their plan, a ceaseless offensive against President Bush’s conduct of the Iraq War."

Well, no, if the Democrats are smart (for once), they will take a page from the Republican play book and simply ignore efforts to divert attention to this non-issue and stick to the point.

With the way the Dems have tried to make Bush and the right into monsters every step of the way, it is only fitting that Kerry delivers this gift a week before the election. The libs attempted to dump an October surprise on the right with Foley and have found that it just didn't stick like they thought it would. At this point, it doesn't matter what Kerry meant to say. He should have had more sense, than to say it at all. I hope the Republican party gets many many miles out of it. You know the libs would if the shoe were on the other foot.

well, well, well, . . . . J. F. Kerry turns out to be perhaps the one honest lib after all . . .

Bush and is Republican "mega ditto heads" are so desperate to deflect criticism on their disastrous policies ( record deficits, sending men and women all the way up to 59 years old to Iraq to get killed, Katrina,) they will do any thing to get the heat from them. That means you too Rush.

It actually sounds like he's calling Bush dumb, not the troops.

Remember in 2000, when months prior to Election Day Rove decided not to have Bush speak off script to the press and no longer giver press conferences? It was to prevent him from saying something stupid. The DNC should've told John Kerry to shut up a long time ago. This is not a distraction that we can afford. We need to discuss issues that matter and how the party in power has failed Americans.

I've been waivering about my vote for months -- without a full retraction and apology from Kerry and UNIVERSAL condemnation from the DNC of that statement without spin and without equivocation, I will vote repub in 7 days on the basis of that one statement alone (in fact I'll pull the freaking lever over that one -- something I have never felt justifiable until now) -- it's not just appalling -- it's sickening !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

though I never believed ANY of that anti-Kerry swift boat propanganda, my instincts always told me there was something phony and arrogant about Kerry

unless he was blatantly misquoted, my instincts were absolutely right (and no, I didn't vote for Bush)

by the way, the comment is also racist

tom little t the MD (and veteran)

I served 20 years in the Air Force. I was an Arabic and Farsi linguist. I'm now an engineer working for a defense contractor. All that and I have a bachelor's degree.

Thanks to senator Kerry for letting me know how stupid I am.

Kerry's comments were stupid, even if he was misquoted. What's worse is the response by some of the people here saying what he said is true.

Unpatriotic, uninformed, scumbags.

How sad that you have politicians trying to drive a wedge between the American people.

If we really want the facts. Our military is made up of extremely patriotic Americans. These are not dumb individuals as some would portray, but people who are interested in defending us from our enemies. Many were in college before joining the forces and many will go to college on the GI bill after.

If it is now as he alleges that he was referring to our Commader in Chief. He is once again sorely mistaken. GW Bush had better grades in college than JF Kerry. Does Kerry feel that he was "stuck" in Vietnam because of his bad grades?

Until these politicians will step up above the fray, they should be ignored by all.

Hmmmm Jethro......

Please let's discuss. Please. Other than bashing the one person that has done something about terrorism, Dems have nothing to discuss. They have no plan, other than to criticize.

Discussion is fully welcome.

"Bush and is Republican "mega ditto heads" are so desperate to deflect criticism on their disastrous policies ( record deficits, sending men and women all the way up to 59 years old to Iraq to get killed, Katrina,) they will do any thing to get the heat from them. That means you too Rush."

Soooo.... who are you more angry at? The right having a point today or Kerry for giving it to them?

So...are we going to see the full video anytime soon? Or read the full transcript?

Any chance at all that hacks like James, Snow, and Limbaugh will actually put a remark in proper context?

Y'think?

Me neither.

Glad to see the tribune is in full GOP fearmongering, lets make up lies and distort the truth mode. The fact is republicans have nothing to offer this country, they have had complete control the last several years and what do they have to say for that time, absolutely nothing.
They have run this country into the ground and now go about saying the country is being threatened by democratic control of congress. What a bunch of losers, much like this sorry rag of a paper.

I'm so glad we can make fun of fat people now! How awesome. I guess we won't let a little thing like Rush Limbaugh losing all the weight ten years ago and keeping it off get in the way of a nice, sophmoric joke, right? Since when did facts matter to John Kerry, a self-proclaimed "war criminal" from Vietnaaaaaaam who was sent to Cambodia by Dick Nixon somehow before Nixon was even president or the US was even in Vietnaaaaaaaaaaam! Rush and Tony Snow better be careful, though, or Kerry will shoot them in the back faster than a 14-year-old Vietnamese child running away from him!

I love how political bias comes into play when one of your own comes off like a moron. Why the Bush bashing? Did Bush call our troops idiots? No... John Kerry did.

Shame on anyone who agrees with him. Those that do are at the heart of the decay of patriotism in the United States. You are the ones who own everything foreign, applaud when US businesses go out of business, and then complain when you cannot find a job. People like you are the ones who placate terrorists and rouge regimes.

You, like Kerry, should be ashamed of yourselves.

Patrick says.....

"It actually sounds like he's calling Bush dumb, not the troops."

The name Bush never came up in the comment. EVER. Not even in his address.

It actually sounds like to me you need to reread the actual quote.

Re "little t" - Most people who say they will change their vote for an entire slate of candidates based on one remark are either stupid or lying.

All you airheads who think a person can't talk about the military without serving please consider Benedict Arnold. He served admirably -- up until he turned traitor.

Kerry was calling Bush "stupid" in a round about way you idiot NeoCon Chickenhawk Warriors.

Kerry is right again.

No one with even a half a brain would have invaded Iraq without a plan for the peace,not even Paulo.

Nov.7,2006 - NeoCon judgment day

tom...

The comment is racist??!!??!!

Get a clue bud. I am in full agreement with your assessment of this up to that point.

One of the problems with this whole ordeal is the people that bring all of these extra inferences to this quote.

What the moron Senator said was pretty straightforward. Neither Bush nor any race was referred to here. It was the whole of the Military. Wake up folks!

John Kerry (2004 Democratic Party nominee for President, and titular leader of that party) merely voiced the elitist anti-military sentiments that he and all too many Liberals hold. Frank James's main regret is that Kerry was, for once, too honest.

John Kerry--the gift that keeps giving.

Twist the words? Why? It's not necessary? Enlighten me as to how he's calling Bush dumb and not the troops he clearly references. And please, all you Swamp posters keep posting that what he said was true. Let our men and women in uniform know EXACTLY how you feel about them.

The problem with the "misquoted" argument, too, is that you can't misquote video which clearly shows the quote Kerry uttered.

This man is manna from Heaven for republicans. He looked down on the electorate for his entire 2004 presidential campaign and now he's turning his nose up at our soldiers. All you people defending him should be ashamed. Where are all the supposed soldier and veteran Swamp posters who are really just democrat activists now? Want to tell us again how much democrats care about our soldiers and sailors?

And all you posters saying what a great veteran Kerry is need to wake up, too. Remember, this is the man who came back from Vietnam and joined the radical left in helping to handcuff our troops that were still there.

Frank James, I've been critical of you in the past but I'll give credit where credit is due, great timely post on a developing story.

As a veteran of Afghanistan, I am incredibly offended by your comment. Saddened that a Senator of the United States of America would undermine the many who proudly serve their country without reservation. John Kerry your comments sicken me and reiterate why you were not an attractive candidate for President. Put your snobby, snot-nosed, elitist, preppy attitude away for a moment and apologize to those who proudly serve. By the way, us dumb folk in uniform will continue to fight for your liberties to say assanine comments...

This is for master of reaility......"Not "

Like all libs you have the same stupid talking points. If you would stop watching and listing to the drive by media and do some research you would see that it takes a real man to take up cause and defend this country. The men and women in the military are one that give you the oppertunity to spread your propaganda.

I have a lot of friends over there in Iraq and they went there because they are making a difference. That doesnt make them uneducated or stupid like your guy John Kerry..

And for the record:

The us economy is kicking butt, its strong and growing. In the 36 months since the Bush tax cuts ended the recession that began under President Clinton, the economy has experienced astonishing growth.

Over the first half of this year, our economy grew at a strong 4.1 percent annual rate, faster than any other major industrialized nation.

The strong economic activity has generated historic revenue growth that has shrunk the national deficit.

The US Unemployment is almost nil for a major economy, and is verging on full employment. Jobless claims fell to the lowest level in 10 weeks. Employment increased in 48 states over the past 12 months ending in August. Our economy has now added jobs for 37 straight months.

The Dow is hitting record highs. In the past few days, the Dow climbed above 12,000 for the first time in the history of the stock market, thus increasing the value of countless pension and 401(k) that funds many Americans rely on for their retirement years.

The Wages in the country have risen dramatically. According to the Washington Post, demand for labor helped drive workers' average hourly wages, not including those of most managers, up to $16.84 last month -- a 4 percent increase from September 2005, the fastest wage growth in more than five years.

Nominal wage growth has been 4.1 percent so far this year. This is better or comparable to its 1990s peaks. Over the first half of 2006, employee compensation per hour grew at a 6.3 percent annual rate adjusted for inflation. Real after-tax income has risen a whopping 15 percent since January 2001.

The Real after-tax income per person has risen by 9 percent since January 2001.

Gas prices have plunged, and Bush had nothing to do with that. It was the Market that determined what the price would be.

According to the Associated Press, the price of gasoline has fallen to its lowest level in more than 10 months.

Since 9/11, no terrorist attacks have occurred on U.S. soil. (THANKS TO OUR MILITARY AND OUR PRESIDENT)

Since 9/11 the U.S. has not been attacked by terrorists thanks to such programs as the administration's monitoring of communications between al-Qaida operatives overseas and their agents in the U.S. and the monitoring of the international movement of terrorist funds -- both measure bitterly opposed by Lib Democrats.

Thanks to President Bush he has kept his promise of naming conservative judges to keep out the wack jobs that the Democrats keep putting in because they can't win elections, they can only steal them.

And to your cut about the defict, it has been cut in half three years ahead of the president's 2009 goal, with the 2006 fiscal year budget deficit down to $248 billion. The tax cuts have stimulated the economy and are working.

So, if you still vote for a Democrat, you must be one of the people that John Kerry is talking about:

"You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in the Democratic Party.

STILL STUCK ON STUPID!!!

John Kerry, are they really despicable Republican attacks; or just denunciations of your vitriol?

John Kerry isn't a veteran; he's just someone who wore the uniform. Those of us who have served know the difference!

Geeee.....where are all the rebutal's from the lefties today???
Did your boy Kerry silence you cowards for a couple of days????
Come out from under your desks...we're waiting.
Paulo

There may be people in the military who can't do anything else. My son, a straight A student with a scholarship to 2 universities, joined the military because he felt it was his obligation as an American. My biggest concern in this election is everyone is looking at the war and believing the democrats will end it. That is a farce, any body who gets in will still have a difficult time ending the war right away. The dems are looking at getting in on the promise of ending the war but all one will see is more taxes, more jobs lost, higher gas prices, higher interests rates, etc. You want to place your vote on just one issue? Then maybe, if Kerry is correct, you should be over in Irag. Shame on people looking at only one area and not looking at the whole picture. My vote will go to the candidate who is closest to my concerns and beliefs - not just on the fact they say they will work to end the war.

M in PA

""It actually sounds like he's calling Bush dumb, not the troops."

The name Bush never came up in the comment. EVER."

Correct. Very critical point. It did not even come up in his "official response" on his very own website.

I guess the Kerry apologists expect that I simply forgive Kerry's inability to communicate properly on that his simply intoxicated with his mindless hatred of Bush and all the troops have to give him the benefit of the doubt on that basis.

Poppycock. He simply must either apolgize for what he correctly expressed OR what he "didn't mean" but did a pathetic job of communicating of his fool self to the troops who heard it.

For those that think Kerry's words are being twisted by the GOP, what is it that Kerry was saying that could be acceptable? Even if it is the case that he is calling the current commander and chief stupid, does this message exhibit the character of a person you would expect from the position that John Kerry holds? I think the comment made by Kerry reflects his true character, and that is the real issue here.

Could we all be rational for a second?

To those veterans who are offended: You SHOULD be offended. But you should also be offended by Rumsfeld & Co who treat people in the service as so much cannon fodder. Despite the flag-waving and sentimental jabber about "our heroes and she-roes", you are numbers on a sheet to them. Reminds me of McNamara and his spreadsheets.

To those Democrats who are mounting a defense: Sure, the quote was taken out of context. Sure, Kerry is communicationally challenged and probably was referring to Bush. But while it is a quote taken out of context, it is of a recurring pattern. Democrats used to be the party of "the little guy" and they made hay pointing out that the Republicans were just the party of the rich elite. Ever wonder how the tables got switched on them? Because Democrats repeatedly, over many years, have assumed this we-know-best posture.

Politicos of both parties trip over one another trying to show how much they "support our troops". If there were any real support, they wouldn't have been put in harm's way for no good reason. So get a grip, will you? Most of these clowns wouldn't know a corporal from a corkscrew, so could you look at the real issues please?

Jay,
What did Bush do about terror? Left Afghanistan before we killed Bin Laden, disbanded the unit searching for him (the Taliban is regrouping), invaded a country that had nothing to do w/ 9/11(this month the most deadly for US soldiers in 2 years of fighting), trashed the Constitution, shredded the Geneva Conventions, left our ports, railways, and borders unsecured, took credit for disrupting a plot to bomb airliners flying from England to the USA by insisting they were being monitored thanks to the Terrorist Surveillance Program yet when a copy of the No-Fly list from March 2006 was obtained none of the names of the suspects we were supposedly monitoring appeared on the list. Would you like to discuss more about how this party in power has failed average Americans? I can keep going.

Jethro, Barbara, et al. Enlighten me as to how you take video out of context? I've seen the ENTIRE speech on YouTube (type in John Kerry, LA) and you'll find it. He's very clearly not referring to Bush he's saying that about the people defending his freedom of speech with their lives. I don't know why any of this surprises anyone. He's done this plenty of times before.

That was soooo a dig on Bush..but of course none of the imbeciles that voted him in a 2nd term and who STILL have the audacity to display their "W04" stickers on their cars will get that.

American democracy is in deep trouble if all we go by is one sentence by one politican in one race.

While out there real people are dying and real money is being wasted, we are reading too much into what one senator says (and he's just one senator, not the president).

Kerry, when speaking from the heart, belies what he truly believes.

This GOPer thanks John Kerry for putting his a** on the line and saving the Republican Party. When he had a chance to apologize, he dug his hole deeper. Political futures markets are turning on this, as sharply as they did with Foley.

Hey, I've finally figured out what the "swiftboating" term all you dem posters keep complaining about actually means. It's called quoting John Kerry's own words back to him. No one should ever quote Kerry's words. Got it!

President Lone Ranger does the following during his administration, yet none of the Right Wing Nut Jobs give a rat's behind about it, but let some left wing know-it-all from the East Coast say something stupid and all of a sudden they are all riled up. Get a Clue -
1. Let's 9-11 happen on their watch. The head of the CIA schedules several meetings with Bush & Rice three months before 9-11. Rice is disinterested and Bush waves the meetings off. The topic of discussion for those meetings? "Al Qaeda to strike Continental States Soon". Read "State of Denial" and stop living it.
2. Puts our troops in harms way in Iraq by not providing enough troop levels that the Generals requested. Does not disarm the 300,000 Republican Guard loyal to Saddam. Results? Highest American casualties since Viet Nam.
3. Record Deficits.With tax cuts to the wealthiest 2%, Bush shifts the costs of Iraq to the middle class. Results? An out of control budget and the middle class getting less out of their money due to soaring interest rates.

I wish that you neo-con right wing nut jobs would get upset about something that really affected this country in an adverse way. Like your President's handling of this nation. Get pissed about that.

The facts about our army, facts that Liberals such as John Kerry and his chortling collegiate crowd can't comprehend:

"According to a comprehensive study of all enlistees for the years 1998-99 and 2003 that The Heritage Foundation just released, the typical recruit in the all-volunteer force is wealthier, more educated and more rural than the average 18- to 24-year-old citizen is. Indeed, for every two recruits coming from the poorest neighborhoods, there are three recruits coming from the richest neighborhoods.

If, for example, we consider the education of every recruit, 98% joined with high-school diplomas or better. By comparison, 75% of the general population meets that standard. Among all three-digit ZIP code areas in the USA in 2003 (one can study larger areas by isolating just the first three digits of ZIP codes), not one had a higher graduation rate among civilians than among its recruits."

John Kerry can insult our soldiers, insults that the crowd chuckled over. But the lowliest Private in our army does more for our country than a dozen elitist campus Lefties, or their chosen spokesman.

How did this turn to Bush..funny how Liberals look to point blame elsewhere.. This was a comment made from Kerry about the military, that’s it! and I agree he should apologize.. and not only was his comment horrible but his response to Snow's was even worse.. talk about an angry man. Oh and if you want to open up our boarders, forget about terrorists (like Clinton did), put a nut job in power (Pelosi), kill the global economy (sorry liberals were global now, get use to it), or destroy education.. Elect a Democrat!

How did so many conclusions get drawn from a 10 second audio clip? Taken on its own, it is an inaccurate and mean-spirited comment at best. However, somehow I think there is more to it, in the context of the entire speech. Could the trib post the entire speech?

Paulo says "Geeee.....where are all the rebutal's from the lefties today??? "

Paulo: being a lib doesn't mean I have to defend everyone in the Democratic party. That's the sort of tribal loyalty that the Republicans, and you (and Al-Qaeda, and Taliban, etc.) are all about. We want to get back to the days when there was healthy criticism of anyone who deserved it.

"That was soooo a dig on Bush..but of course none of the imbeciles that voted him in a 2nd term and who STILL have the audacity to display their "W04" stickers on their cars will get that."

With a sweeping, mindless "they're all dumb" generalization of that kind, we can agree Kerry is still your man.

to Zuzu, then call me stupid -- you may wish to note that I gave the DNC two different outs -- one) demonstrate the quote to be inaccurate
two) apologize completely

am I still stupid ??

(OK I was lying about pulling the lever which I would never do -- I said that in haste -- but otherwise I stand by my threat)

and to Jay,

you are correct , I overstated when I added the "racist" comment -- I was angry -- I happen to take care of LOTS of Iraq vets who are mostly (but not entirely) young black or hispanic men who are reservists in between deployments -- courageous and smart and hard-working and not married to a rich spouse -- they believe in their cause but they work for their families (most of them are the primary bread-winners) -- much of the economic changes that cs mentioned above that forced these young men into their economic circumstances were prevelant under Clinton -- (downsizing/Enron/mega-mergers/outsourcing/NAFTA) -- these are proud brave black white and hispanic men and women and John Kerry should know better -- but then again I saw what he said live in front of congress about his buddies committing "war crimes" -- he's a phony and if the democrats don't condemn what he said (it might have been aimed to hurt Bush but the way the phrase has so far been quoted, he was referring to military service in Iraq pure and simple) then they are complicit in his condescension

I love these young people which I care for on a daily basis and I will not stand silent while someone pretends that words don't mean what they mean. The fact that the soldiers are disproportionately hispanic or black does make the remarks somewhat racially insensitive but not necessarily racist -- I can make a retraction -- can the DNC ??????????????????????????????????????????????

retract -- now and without equivocation or you have lost my vote as I try to choose the lesser of evils

tom -- little t -- the MD who didn't vote for Bush (I guess a stupid MD according to some)

John Kerry's remarks do well to remind us of the total disregard the left has for the honor, intelligence and integrity of our nation's men and women in uniform. Our warriors are some of the best and brightest any nation on earth has to offer. Their courage should humble and honor all of us. I would love to put our service men and women in a room with our propoganda and beer bloated college attendees and recent grads. Our current batch of elite university students have been farm raised on the milk sop of our Ivy League universities and they so often degrade and dishonor the true heroes of this nation. Our men and women in uniform have chosen to serve a greater good and far outclass those who have chosen to serve themselves by seeking their existential nonrealities. Those on the left will continue to dishonor those who fight and die for this nation because true heroes shame them and their foolish ideology.

Bill and others,
You're right, there is nothing that can be taken out of context. I didn't want to rush to judgment. At the time I had not read or seen any clips from this speach, just what the Swamp had which only covered the quote we are discussing. John Kerry is a fool and I would love to see hime publicly whipped. The Bush Administration has failed average Americans and they will continue to hold all 3 branches because of this scumbag who cannot keep his mouth shut.

"I overstated when I added the "racist" comment -- I was angry"

...I only wish Kerry could be so honorable.

Retraction joyfully accepted.

;)

Just listen to John Kerry trying and dance his way out of this one. Oh sure, John. You're just a victim of those Waskally Wepublicans, who "distorted your words". And it wasn't your voice saying what I clearly heard with my own ears.

My sister-in-law shipped out to Iraq last week - she is a Navy Lieutenant and Chaplain; married with two young children; holds a Master's Degree, and a degree in Divinity.

Those of you who write that only people with nothing to lose go to Iraq, are in good company with John Kerry. He doesn't get it, either.

To Dienne and the rest of the Left Wing Kool Aid drinkers: John Kerry has a history of dissing the troops, going all the way back to early 1970s to earlier this year when he said they were murderers and rapists. Kerry was NOT talking about Bush.

You folks just need to keep it simple and just vote for your corrupt governor (Blagoyavich), your corrupt Crooked County Board president candidate (Todd Stroger), your corrupt congresswoman/wife (Jan Schakowsky), your corrupt IL treasurer candidate (Gianoulious).

The Left hates the military and all members of it. Historical fact.