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Kerry defends remarks, lashes out at White House

Oct 31, 2006, 22:32 GMT

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HowieOct 31st, 2006 - 23:55:15

I am a Veteran of the United States Navy. I am appalled at the comment Kerry made regardless of intentional or not. He should have just kept his loud mouth shut. I do not like the fact that we are in Iraq but I do understand the need to be there. It was not just a threat of WMD. The fact is the terrorist were in Iraq and if the weapons did exist they could have obtained them. If they had the damage they could do would make 911 look like a childish prank. So what if the weapons were not there. I say thank God they were not.

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BaffledNov 1st, 2006 - 00:00:17

Howie,

I respect the fact that you served this country, but you're an ass.

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That1guyNov 1st, 2006 - 00:02:12

I've never been in a war, or the army, and I hope for the most part that I never find myself in a position where I need to serve, however I like to think I would if the nation called upon me. But I would like to just say this about Kerry's comment. Kerry was IN the military, and his joke about being forced into Iraq if you do poorly in school...I feel that it was not directed at the military. That would be kind of absurd for him to insult something he was apart of, unless he had good reason to say what he said. Come on. Military man. Insult himself? I think notz. lawl. And now you have the opinion of a young gamer who doesn't actually care about politics

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DaveNov 1st, 2006 - 00:02:55

THere where no terrorists in Iraq before we went there.

Get off of the farm and read a newspaper once in a while.

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joseph guiodryNov 1st, 2006 - 00:04:12

Kerry wsa wright,the truth hurts!

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EricaNov 1st, 2006 - 00:04:36

The 9/11 terrorists were not from Iraq, they were Saudi, Yemeni for most part and were trained in Afghanistan. The 'War on Terror' should be fought where it came from. Going into Iraq over supposed WMD was an excuse to gain control of the Middle East and to leverage control over Mid-East oil. It has been well documented that the current administration knew there were no WMD, and that they used this as the cornerstone of their argument to invade Iraq for imperialist purposes. For goodness sake, Colin Powell has admitted that he trumped up the WMD argument to support his party even though he knew it wasn't true. Lies, all lies in this administration.

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JeffNov 1st, 2006 - 00:04:47

LOL!

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joseph guiodryNov 1st, 2006 - 00:06:39

Kerry was wright,the truth hurts!

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DennisNov 1st, 2006 - 00:08:07

Howie must be amongst the people that believe that Saddam had ties to Al Qaeda. Obviously he did not read the article or he is intentionally distorting what Kerry said.

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TOM DODDNov 1st, 2006 - 00:08:16

KERRY LET SLIP WHAT HE REALLY THINKS AND HOW HE WOULD GOVERN. THINK HOW CLOSE WE CAME TO HAVING HIM PRESIDENT. MOST OF THE DEMS MUST FEEL THE SAME OR THEY WOULD BE UPSET ABOUT HIS STATEMENT PUBLICLY

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angst22Nov 1st, 2006 - 00:08:37

I understood Kerry' remarks pretty easily, and it was pretty easy to understand what he meant. Outraged? you are outraged at Kerry?? how?!

he only speaks the truth, do you think rich, well educated kids are the majority of the troops in Iraq? Get your friggin head examined if so.

I find it INTENSELY funny that Snow demands an apology from Kerry, yet doesn't demand one from Bush in leading us into a war he HAD to have known we would never be able to exit.

in 10 years we will still have soldiers in Iraq, and the said thing is 'keeping the fight in Iraq instead of here' won't hold past our next homeland attack. Then what will the new strategy be in Iraq? The 'cut n run' that noone wanted 10 years and 1000's of troops lives earlier.

but yes, Kerry, please apologize to the commander in chief for him running such a well thought out war. please do it.

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A. DyerNov 1st, 2006 - 00:10:18

I am also appalled that John Kerry would make such a stupid remark. His non-apology was also useless. Why is he running for election in 2008? We had that election already, and he lost. He and other liberals like him are such bitter losers and because they lost their power, they are willing to throw anyone under the bus to get it back, including our soldiers who volunteer to protect them. If his fellow liberal democrats continue to 'remain silent' when their cohorts make such obvious blunders by bad-mouthing our president and our troops, they will be remembered at the polls as the party without a backbone. Why is it that they are allowed to make such dangerous and senseless remarks with no comment from their fellow liberals and mainstream media. Forget party, do what is right and stnd up for our troops, and our country. Congratulate them for protecting this country. All John Kerry seems to do is attack the President, our administration, and our troops, and this country. Many of us are tired of the America Haters standing in the ranks, calling themselves our leaders, and I promise you that we will only put someone in the white house who is willing to do what is best for this country and who's resolve will not change with the polls. Thank you

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old guyNov 1st, 2006 - 00:10:29

Every president has waged wars for their own purposes, the sad part about our current situation is the prez and hos cronies are doing it so poorly. Regardless of wether we should be there or not - at least do a half way decent job instead of a poor, inept and blind campaign. Bush is no command in cheif, hes a bush-league rookie who doenst know the first thing about waging a war or how to treat the troops with respect. his idea of respect is give them no armour and then cut their health and retirement benefits - some great leader.

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VeterantooNov 1st, 2006 - 00:10:52

Howie, you are not too smart are you? It sounds to me as though you are a typical puppet. I don't know about you but I don't believe that our fathers and thier fathers and sons and daughters gave up their lives so that we could invade someones country to steal their oil. Hmmm, let me think... what industry are bush and chaney in?

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SH4NENov 1st, 2006 - 00:11:19

What Kerry basically said was, 'If you drop out of college, one of your alternatives is to enlist in the military, which would significantly raise your chances of ending up in Iraq.' I find this statement neither irrational nor degrading.

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angst22Nov 1st, 2006 - 00:13:28

I also thought Kerry destroyed Bush in the 2004 debate... especially with the part about the russian nuke problem and cleanup that we've yet again stalled for years.

Kerry was worried about it, you could tell by the way Bush was talking, he wasnt even really aware of that real and very scary problem.

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Proud Army WifeNov 1st, 2006 - 00:14:14

As a former Navy Nurse, now married to a retired US Army Major, I am hurt by Kerry's joke. Neither of us goofed off or flunked out of school, yet my husband spent 1 year proudly serving in Iraq. And because he was in the National Guard, he away from our home for over 18 months.

I am proud of my husband'as service and of mine. Kerry's 'joke' makes a mockery of the efforts and sacrifices of our servicemen and their families.

Com'on Kerry. This isn't the 70s. Even our kids are not protesting this war. We know that there is a mission and until it is accomplished, we must continue.

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Sam LNov 1st, 2006 - 00:15:07

Since John Kerry served in the military, according to his own statement, he is not smart and did not do his homework - proves his point!!

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elripsterNov 1st, 2006 - 00:15:11

Kerry insulted the military flat out. I was floored to hear him say that phrase. To add insult to injury, his explanation completely skirted the insult itself. Sure, he left out a few key words that would have completely changed the meaning, but fact is he left them out! We all intend, usually, to say the right thing but have to fess up when we don't. He should just apologize for the mistake and carry on Bush bashing. Trying to justify it like he did I think made him again look like ass. I'm so glad he did not get elected, there are many more qualified people in both parties.


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BenNov 1st, 2006 - 00:16:12

Howie, you and your buddies can sacrifice yourselves for the Bush agenda all you want, but don't try to say it’s for the good of America. It’s not!



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bcageNov 1st, 2006 - 00:16:49

Looking at Joseph Guiodry's grammar and following the logic of Kerry's (incredibly stupid) statement makes me think Joseph needs to go find a recruiter! Too funny!

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Kerry-Gate...HardlyNov 1st, 2006 - 00:17:07

This is the typical Republican spin switcharoo. Feign offense to and indignation instead of addressing the real issue. It's just red meat for the zealots.

It's because Bush spurned diplomacy in Iraq that we are now stuck with diplomacy in South Korea and Iran. You know - the countries with real WMD's.

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MoccasinNov 1st, 2006 - 00:17:25

Veterantoo,

Show me where we've taken 1 drop oil oil since we've been there, you guys have been praying it was about the oil, and after 4 years there is no 'OIL for BLOOD' so please move on to your next talking point please, that one has played itself out to be a lie of the Left

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AndAgainNov 1st, 2006 - 00:21:02

That's there were no terrorists there before, Saddam and his government weren't terrorists. He didn't use terror to control the population in Iraq and he didn't use terror or WDMs against other countries in the region.

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military vetNov 1st, 2006 - 00:21:13

Once again old John baby shot himself in the foot. Wish he'd aim a bit higher next time. All you libbies out there defending him I guess have never been in the service. I know, to busy learning to be a lawyer or some other shameful profession. I heard his remarks and they can only be one conclusion. Sad. Thank God he never made it to the white house.

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LazNov 1st, 2006 - 00:23:26

... the punch line to that 'joke' should have been 'look at me'

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Tom TNov 1st, 2006 - 00:23:28

Any one with half a brain, knows Kerry was talking about the brains of those who got us into Iraq, not the troops who are fighting there. It took a bunch of greedy oil barons to think we could take over a country and hold it against the people's will who live there. Vietnam was a lesson and ignorance of history has caused our ignorant leaders to repeat a terrible mistake.

We knew we could defeat any country, but ignorance has caused us not to keep the police of Iraq, not to dedicate enough resources, and to think a Muslim World would embrace democracy.

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TechnicalNov 1st, 2006 - 00:26:31

That Kerry's inartful comment has excited the fascists so much, only confirms the magnitude of their own failures. Unable to point to successes, they try to build themselves up by tearing others down. That dirty habit has run its course with Americans who are tired of the lies, deceit and greed.

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QuizzicalNov 1st, 2006 - 00:27:28

Why are so many people attaching Howie? Are you simply unable to debate the issue? Kerry may or may not have said exactly what he intended to say. If it was a mistake (as he purports), own up and apologize to the troops. His denial simply fuels the fire and makes it appear that he actually did intend to insult our soldiers, sailors and Marines in Iraq (and, in fact, whereever they presently serve). One thing that makes it hard to believe that Kerry misspoke is the fact that this is the same John Kerry that claimed American soldiers were raping and murdering innocent Vietnamese civilians when he returned to the U.S. Let's also have a real debate about WMD. Everyone, from the Clinton administration to the majority of the Senate (both parties), our intelligence agencies (okay, at times that seems to be an oxymoron), and most of the rest of the world actually believed that Saddam Hussain either had or was actively working on WMD. Next point, while we have not directly tied Saddam to 9/11, there were clear indications that he was involved in international terrorism. So, do you really want this guy running a country capable of producing WMD? At the time, all indications were that he was a clear and present danger! We can certainly debate the job that this administration has done to date following the war...and I don't thing it has been all that good a job. On the otherhand, if Al Gore or John Kerry had been in office, there is a good chance Saddam would be in power and would have WMD! Now that is a scary thought for Halloween.

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Proud MarineNov 1st, 2006 - 00:27:41

Proud Army Wife and Military Vet:

You all make me sick. How can you honestly say you served proudly under Bush? BTW, Kerry is Military born and breed so your whole arguement is mute Vet. National Guard? Such a hard man...tell your so called husband to serve as a real man Active Duty for 16 years. Kerry did not sidgrace you, are you offended because you went to college and THEN joined the ranks? I know I did it the hard way and EARNED my commission AFTER going enlisted. Bush is a disgrace to this nation and all 3 of you are too.

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angstNov 1st, 2006 - 00:31:13

'Kerry's 'joke' makes a mockery of the efforts and sacrifices of our servicemen and their families.'

no it didn't at all. it pointed out reality that you and people like you refuse to see.

Kerry has been to war and had bullets shot at him. Meanwhile Bush was partying and skipping drug tests and losing his pilots license.

EVERYONE is happy and sad at the commitment of the military and their families, but that still doesn't change the fact that many of them have died in a war we created and entered without an exit strategy of any kind, at least not one that any normal thinking person can see or understand.

it's ok, once we get attacked again here at the homeland, the 'we fight them there instead of here' will fade away and we might just start actually fighting the people that attacked us instead of sitting in a shooting gallery collecting our dead each day.

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MoccasinNov 1st, 2006 - 00:32:05

Tom,

Yes you're right, we should take a lesson from Vietnam, and it's not repeating the same mistake of running out of there before we've completed our task. By the way the democrats were in power when that war started, along with Korea and WW11

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TechnicalNov 1st, 2006 - 00:33:45

If the 'mission' in Iraq is so critical, why aren't any of Mr. President's military age children in the thick of things over there?

What is the 'mission'? And please, anyone, explain how 2,800 Americans dead in and 250,000,000,000 spent in Iraq have made America one iota safer.

Here's a simpler one (maybe not): name three positive things that exist in Iraq today.

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Proud MarineNov 1st, 2006 - 00:35:05

Quizzical:

How was Saddam involved in terrorism? While I was in Iraq, from Sept 2 2001-Mar 3rd 02 he had a 5 million dollar bounty on Bin Ladens head. He was actively persuing him. You don't see that on the news everyday and I have close to 50 copies of the paper that shows this. Trust me you'll see them VERY soon in most newspapers. Also Clinton was NOT going after Saddam, quit lying. Saddam was only attacked to finish Bush Srs war and for oil.


You people who support this war make me sick. If you support it so much go there and fight. If you are under 32 it shouldn't be a problem to get in. If over get a waiver. Otherwise shut up or put up.

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TechnicalNov 1st, 2006 - 00:40:53

Had America not left Vietnam when it did, it could have been 78,000 or 108,000 dead instead of 58,000. How did America's involvement in Vietnam benefit its national interest and how did the pullout harm its national interest?
(Please, please, please don't answer this question by saying that pulling out hurt America's. Image takes a back seat to the loss of innocent lives. Just ask the survivors of the last soldiers to die in Vietnam if trying to save face was worth their loss.)

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swadeNov 1st, 2006 - 00:45:42

There are so many reasons that the U.S. shouldn't be Iraq, fighting for what? Terrorism is not a country it's a word. Terrorism exists in many forms, not just those who oppose the U.S. way of life, but including those whom create Terror (fear) itself. We already know there were no WMD, there was no 'link' to Al-Qaeda - it was known before the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. There was no Intelligence failures, it's publicized that the White House was told this intel was weak & not confirmed, but they used it anyway & the feelings of Americans after 9-11. We got smacked in our face & that hasn't happened in a long time - we all wanted vengeance, is it not true? Even if we didn't think the war was right at the time, there was no way to stop the White House Freight Train - don't kid yourselves. The problem now is that we've created a worse Middle East scenario than existed before 2003. Now the so called terrorist (religious fundamentalist) have a place to call home - actually 2 places (Afghanistan & Iraq). What's done is done, Americans needs to stop pointing the finger at this political party or that one & decide how to start rebuilding a better world to prosper in. We elect the politicians to office, we should all make a serious effort to understand as much about the people that we elect. Aren't you seriously concerned that it's next to impossible to find unbiased information on politicians? Why is everyone so corrupt? I challenge everyone to consider that this country can make vast improvements if everyone would put forth some effort to care.

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pjbauerNov 1st, 2006 - 00:46:04

Well it looks like Tommy T is the only one who got it right.

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

The 'you' Kerry is infering here as being 'stuck in Iraq' is GW (a guy not known for studying hard, doing his homework, or making an effort to be smart). It was a jab at BUSH being 'stuck in Iraq', not the soldiers fighting there! Duhhhhh!

But this is what happens when a person of intelligence cracks a joke that is over most people's heads (unfortunately, including most of the Liberals who have responded here!) Double Duhhhhhh!

Then what upset Kerry is how the GOP takes it literally and out of context, trying to convince everyone that he insulted the troups (which aparently they've done a good of - but hey, that's what they do best) - while full well knowing that is NOT what he meant.

Now put your dunce caps on and stand in the corner!

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William SchnitzerNov 1st, 2006 - 00:46:28

Dear Honorable Veteran,

You're right Kerry should have said nothing. Geo. Bush Jr. is a complete fool and you know it. As a president, he is dispicable lier and so are all his staff members. All we need to do is sit back and watch him lie, steal our hard earn tax dollars to give to Halliburton and Dick Cheney. But we should vote them out of office asap!

So lets talk about intellegence or lack of and see if people in the miliary are not educated.

I mentored a young man in 1998 as he went through high school. His name is Doug. This man/child thought he was going to be a basketball star, a rapper, an architect. He didn't study, he didn't do his homework, he barely got a 'C' average in high school. When he go out he was lost.

So he and I had a long talk... and I eventually convinced him that going into the armed services would be a good idea. He could learn a skill, take some time and save some money for college, try to figure out what he might do after 6-years in the Air Force. He signed up and just before he was to go to boot camp he had the thought not to show up. Yea, a bright person.

Well in 1998 that was a good idea to go into the armed services.But not after 9-11. He went to Iraq and served. He went back again, and then again. In 2004, he got out of the Air Force.. Just in time.

He's not the brightest star in the sky, he's like you and me.

As for being a vet, i thank every day you served our country. I respect who you are and that you put your self on the line to keep our country safe.

What I know is that this war cannot be won, ever... Its about money, greed, oil, and poor judgement. Believe anything you want but its come down to this

We are invaders in Afganistan and in Iraq. The Taliban deserved to die because they are just killers.. but hang around in the country to what makes no sense? For Freedom? To catch Osama...if you haven't read the reports, we had the opportunity to but because of D. Rumsfeld's incompetence and pettiness we missed the opportunity. Now look who we put in office, some warlord with ties to Union 76 Oil.

Though Sadam may be a piece of crap, murderer, killer, and despot, that is their country, not ours. It was organized, secure in some ways, they fed thier people, traded, and the standard of living was higher than in most islamic countries.

Now, 450 Billion Dollars in debt, 2,750 US Soldiers and 660,000 dead Iranians later...what do you think? Think Iraq is stable? Do you think they have running water, electricity? heat in the winter?

Just as in India, the indian people eventually got rid of the British. Just like in Vietnam, the vietnamese got rid of the French and then the United States.

Wars are different now.. It's not 1945, 1951, 1968.. Today communication and economic values are what matter. Religious Islamanazis run things in poor countries out of fear and stupidity. The Christian Right are the religious zealots in this country. Our Consitution says 'separation of church and state' period...there is no middle ground, there is no chuch in the state, and there should be no state in the church. Like segregation, black and white.

Example: One way to know if a country is civilized is how they treat women. Are they equal? do they have rights? Yea, not too civilized there in Iraq, Afganistan, Saudia Arabia, or many other islamic countries. Do we treat our women as equals? Better than most, but worse than others.

So as for the comments by Kerry...I have experienced his exact words coming true in my life. You may not like them, you may be insulted...but this person knows, from experience, that uneducated, down trooden individuals looking to better themselves, the service is a good opportunity to do so.

Good luck to you


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MoccasinNov 1st, 2006 - 00:52:41

Technical,

Yor're the one that brought up Vietnam, we never should have gone in, but since we did, we should have finished it. And to answer your question, it's very simple. they have a nuclear weapon now. And an autographed basketball sent by Clinton. I doubt they would be a threghtat all if we didn't leave. Can you deny that???????

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LazNov 1st, 2006 - 00:53:01

from Boston Globe: Bush received one D in four years - a 69 in astronomy. Kerry got four D's his freshman year - in two history courses, a political-science class and his worst, 61, two points from failing, in geology.

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MaryanneNov 1st, 2006 - 00:53:17

Kerry was just speaking his mind. He made a mistake by using his outside voice. No one should be surprised and no one should be offended. Any veterans aware of his military and congressional record understand that he ranks below the acceptable level of respectable behavior for someone who wore/wears the uniform. He was a non-player in '06 till now. If he keeps on talking he could blow '06 as he did '04. There are many who are standing by for an interview. The debate about why we are in Iraq is tired. We are there. We will win. Let's close the deal and win. If you can't stomach it now, do it for the children.

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TruthtellerNov 1st, 2006 - 00:55:08

It is so obvious that Kerry, a decorated veteran, was talking about the president and not the troops. Frankly, you have to be a blind Bush partisan or a little stupid to not understand his meaning.

Swiftboating will not work this time.

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MoccasinNov 1st, 2006 - 00:57:12

Truthteller,

The truth is he was using the troops that are dying every day to make a joke. He's a sick bastard to do that. Using the troops as a prop. Am I wrong???????

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abovestarsNov 1st, 2006 - 01:05:11

If we Republican are right- then every parent who told their child during the Vietnam War 'study hard,stay in school,avoid the draft' is scum.

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MickeyENov 1st, 2006 - 01:08:47

The 'Terrorists' were in Afganistan and Pakistan not Iraq. Bush wanted OIL, if fact the original Iraq operation was 'OPERATION IRAQI LIBERATION' - REALLY!
That is O--I--L ! Look it up.The secretary of defense went over oilfield maps with U.S. oil companies before the INVASION.
Now look at the mess- terrorists training everywhere thanks to Bush, and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi men, women & CHILDREN dead.

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TruthtellerNov 1st, 2006 - 01:13:14

Of course, you are wrong.


He was clearly trying to mock the president but, unfortunately, not completely unambiguously. But:

1.) He doesn't feel that way about the troops.

2.) He does think that our President has made a huge blunder

3.) Even if you can somehow imagine that a decorated veteran could ever have a low opinion of our troops, it would be foolish for any politician to insult the young people who are fighting and dying in Iraq. It doesn't pass the 'common sense' test does it?

Conclusion: It is obvious he was speaking mockingly of the president and those that led us into war on rather flimsy evidence and with little careful thought.

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MaryanneNov 1st, 2006 - 01:13:36

Truthteller - No definitely not stupid nor blind. I am just an American that knows a little too much about what that privledge means. It isn't polite to attack people bc of their views - sticking to the facts usually makes for a better debate. I recommend giving it a shot. May add some substance. Good luck.

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Adam W.Nov 1st, 2006 - 01:18:14

With over 2800 American troops dead and greater than 30,000 wounded, the smart and patriotic folks in the services are dying out in staggering numbers. Who will be aggressively recruited to replace them? Not rich people. People who are struggling to get by.

He's not belittling the troops. He's belittling the situation that young Americans are facing today. He's saying 'Do well, or you may find your only option is to jump into Bush's blood-blender if you ever intend to support a family.'

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huffyNov 1st, 2006 - 01:21:20

'Despicable Republicans'...yep, he sure sounds like leadership potential to me! Crack a lame joke that flops, say something that turns out to be offensive, regardless of intention, and his solution is to bash 'despicable Republicans' for 'not debating the real issues'. The guy needs to have his meds adjusted, he's outta touch with reality, and not displaying leadership at all.

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Get realNov 1st, 2006 - 01:22:48

If you want to know why we went to war, forget wmd, forget dictators, look at a map. The Middle East has been the center of worldwide unrest for decades. If (and this is a huge if) a democracy could be built between, say... Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran... think of what could happen. We will not know if this war was a success for a generation. If my grandkids are battling Muslim extremists in 20 years, we failed. The only other way to fail is to not complete the job. That is the quick path to failure and it is the one that is advocated by any number of short-sighted individuals out there (Kerry included). The fact is, this war was truly fought for about a year. Since then, it has become a war of attrition between the US government and the those who want to become the US government. The actual battles are no longer between the troops on the ground; it is a war of perceptions.

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roy dyerNov 1st, 2006 - 01:23:34

kerry said what kerry said, now when the heat begans, dont try to back track or blame the republicans or anyone else. stand up and take the heat or just be the coward that you have allways been.

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PaulNov 1st, 2006 - 01:25:50

John Kerry may have served in the military but I get the impression he didn't have a good time shooting himself in the butt and falling out of the boat. Sounds like his tongue gets in the way now. He has uses his 'military experience' to say things to someone who might have been in the militaty and might listen to him. Well, I think he is dangerous, if he cant say what he means now just think what the pressure of the presidency could do to him. We could in up in a situation because he didn't know what he was saying or someone didn't interpret what he said the way he meant it.

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Justanother VetNov 1st, 2006 - 01:26:58

Kerry was telling the truth. howie, proud army wife, et al. wake up.

we are now in dire straits as a nation, and it has nothing to do with leftist democrats. you 'republicans' have been in charge for six long years and nothing is safer and nothing is any where near being finished.

as to the 'war'. when in the history of creation did an army invade a country without securing the rear area as they marched through? never, until bush and that moron rumsfeld fired all the dissenting generals and engaged in this 'bold and innovative' form of combat, has the world witnessed such a magnificent failure. don't misunderstand me. the military had the ability to do the job right, but the politicians failed to equip it, fund it, or develop a plan for it to follow. those politicians are REPUBLICANS.

you win wars by killing everything in your path that is not immediately submissive and compliant. And you don't let them keep their own weapons. you don't wish for them to be passing out rose petals.

god help this country if we don't finish the mess we have started and do it right.

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svntNov 1st, 2006 - 01:31:54

Since we can all agree on one point - Kerry isn't funny, (at least not in the common sense) let me re-tell the joke/belittling comment as I presume he meant it:

'You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you smoke crack, drive drunk, continually misspeak, and ride your father's coattails and your brother's electoral votes to a two-term presidency where everyone hates you. You then distort facts, get bossed around by civilian warmongers who write policy for lobbyists, 'stay the course,' and get your entire country stuck in Iraq, killing tens of thousands in the process.'

Is it now clear how someone with a sharper wit might have pulled the joke off a little more precisely? Pick any one of the more specific qualifiers (with the exception of drugs and DUIs) I've provided and the joke is unmistakably mocking G.W., which is the only position that makes any sense once you've thought about it.

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Children of VietnamNov 1st, 2006 - 01:31:55

The Vietnamese fought for indepedence and it was a tough war. This war is on a level which America can not even make progress. This war, to the people of Iraq is about religion, freedom and hatred-for America. America cannot win or is willing to win to make a difference. It will start a wider conflict which will leave more Americans dead. Send your kids to war if you want and there is a good chance they will die. Kerry was wrong, but the problem is not him. Bush suck as president - waste of money, lives and security for all Americans. They don't give a damn about what you think so talk all you want. I think America is begining to suck too. Oh did I mention Bush 1 and 2 and 3 suck!

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DavidNov 1st, 2006 - 01:43:20

Not one drop of oil? What the hell you talking about? The country is over-run with fat-cat oil execs. They're not there for the good of their health. By offering no contest contracts, Cheney and co have ensured all their buddies and contributors are making a killing.

Back on topic.... Kerry has nothing to apologize for. It's clear he was taking a pot-shot at Bush, not the troops. He only has himself to blame of course... you dish it out, you're gonna get slapped back, but he's absolutely right to fight back and not take this crap lying down.

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GeezNov 1st, 2006 - 02:15:05

I feel sorry for all the soldiers who joined the service because they thought they were going to avenge the deaths of 9/11 only to end up in Iraq. It went from searching for WMD'S to liberating the people of Iraq. Now Iraq is a mess just so the prez could fight daddy's war. We still don't have Bin Laden. With all our military might we still don't have him. With all our military might we have quite a problem in Iraq. Iraq insurgents have shown they can go toe to toe with all that might. That might be one of the worst things about this war and given terrorists far more hope then they ever had before. The world saw some of America's might in Afghanistan only to get a different view in Iraq. And in the future who is going to want to join the military. Hussein might have been brutal because he had to be to keep the people from killing each other. At least the guy hated Al Quida. Things seem worse there now and there never has been any evidence tying Iraq to 9/11. And let's face it 9/11 happened on Bush's watch. It might have happened anyway or it might have happened because a political agenda of ideology was more important than the terrorists facination on the World Trade Center that was well known. The Republican's took Clinton to task for lying in court. How does that compare to invading a country that didn't have anything to do with 9/11 and having as many American soldiers killed as people who died on 9/11 all on a bogus claim. As far as spreading democracy. Do we really want to replace semi-friendly regemes in Egypt, Jordan or Saudi Arabia. Would they be like the Palestinians and vote a group like Hamas in. One thing the Arab world should note though is we try to fight a civilized war without collateral damage to civilians. We try to fight by rules while they bomb innocent civilians. What if all this comes to the point where we say enough with trying to fight civilized war. What if our holy war becomes the war to fight brutality with brutality to once and for all stamp out the jihadist movement. How much patience is too much? When you watch these wars though I can't help but wonder if you took all the money spent on wars that seems like a waste and used it to feed people or fight disease how much better the world would be. It really is a shame.

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dumm bushNov 1st, 2006 - 02:47:42

yeah USandA soldiers are sooo smart...thats why they belived bush and went to iraq and afganistan to fight for bush oil...meanwhile rest of the USandA population is paying tax money to support Israels war on muslims...and expanding of Jews...while black people here ,who worked and build this country as slaves...dont get nothing from the government...Israels kills using USandA money....the world is a sick place...USA man took the country from natives...England tried to take over the world...ruling many countries all over the world...robbing them..then leaving the countries in chaoes (example india, sri lanka...many more)....usa and england sponsor terrorists like taliban to fight russians..now they go there to kill them..........Oviously USA soldiers are dumm to believe bush and fight for this nonesense....what kind of patriot crapp is this...u guys are just killers and terrorits...get some brains...like this kerry man said

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memeNov 1st, 2006 - 02:57:08

Let's get real, kerry is right you have to be dum to fight a war for no reason. Iraq is no threat to the U.S they did not have weapons of Ass Distraction I mean mass distraction. Bush and his admistration is as dum as they come they got stuck in Iraq and now they are trying to justify thier crime.However, I think kery's coments were directed at the president but interprted diffrently.What he is trying to say is the soldiers did not march to Iraq on there own free well someone dum gave the orders.

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OilNov 1st, 2006 - 03:05:10

When we were hours from invading Iraq, Bush said 'People of Iraq, how you fare depends on how you behave. Do not destroy your oil wells.' I think that says it all as far as why we are there. The whole world was waiting for him to say something like 'lay down your weapons and you will be unharmed'. But 'don't distroy your oil wells?'
And now we've destroyed the 7,000 year old city founded by Gilgamesh, and for what? To build a military base, a PERMANENT base. We are covering the land with low-grade radiation for depleted uranium in our shell casings. How many of you right-to-lifers are up in arms about all the deformed babies being born, unable to survive, due to exposure to that radiation? Or do only babies that are white and unborn in America have a right to life? And I just LOVE how you righties are okay with torture. Who would Jesus torture?

Kerry made an interesting point about education and the military. But it is not the lack of study time that ends one up in Iraq, it is the lack of opportunity that ends one up in Iraq. We all know that schools that fail Bush's unfunded mandate called 'No Child Left Behind', (a program that requires schools to purchase tests from Jeb Bush's company at $40 bucks apiece including scoring) are FORCED to give information about Seniors to army recruiters. And we have all seen the recruiting posters saying 'earn money to learn' touting the army as a great way to get the $$$ to go to college. It's called the G.I. Bill.

Bush has orchestrated the biggest cases of election fraud in American history, both in 2000 when he was appointed president in place of the legally elected Al Gore, and in 2004 with the voter fraud in Ohio. We don't live in a democracy anymore folks. I suggest you start thinking about where you will hide when voter fraud keeps the republicans in office this election, and without Habeus Corpus on the books, people start dissappearing. Remember: 'If you are not with us, you are against us'. None of us are safe.



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Liliana EverglowNov 1st, 2006 - 03:17:57

Hey 'dum Bush', you sound like an anti-semite. I suggest you read the Israeli presidents' speech made after the terrorists crossed into Israel and kidnapped an Israeli soldier. Lebanon got all upset when Israel retaliated. If they wanted a limited response, before they kidnapped the soldier they should have gotten Israel to agree to a limited response. 'We are going to come over, unprovoked, kidnap one of your soldiers, and you can only stand at the border and yell at us. OKAY?'

Otherwise, you make some good points.

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Good Vs EvilNov 1st, 2006 - 03:30:51

You know it's an evil world when the good becames the evil and evil becames the good. For the people of this world to attack the man who is against war and genoside and support the man who has done more harm than good and has killed thousands of innocent women and children than he did terrorists, I would say humanity is missing.Defining Good and Evil is not a simple task, and getting it wrong means either punishing the good or rewarding the evil, both furthering evil. As humanity is only effective as a group, the judgement of good or evil must be the recognition of what is good and what is bad.When a person takes an innocent life he spends all his life in prison or even face death but when a president gives an order to take out an entire country, innocent country, its reocognized as good.


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PaulNov 1st, 2006 - 03:32:07

I have allways been used to pulling up to the gas pump and expecting there to be gas and untill there is a car that runs on something else we need to keep on beating the oil out of these 3rd world countries. If they can't do anything but fight over things that we can get along with here in our country then we should be taking things away from them. We just need to find a better way to do it. We need to be able to take the oil and not get our soldiers killed. We also need to make them stay in their own country untill they get done fighting about their religious problem. They don't like our country they don't like our religions and they want to kill us even if we never wanted their oil. So I say take their oil. Some day there will need to be a decision about the religion if we don't stop them from their mission. Either they win or we win. There purpose is to kill all non muslims and I kinda don't think I want to let them kill me just because they want to. I don't know if very many people know that but that is what their mission really is.

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memeNov 1st, 2006 - 03:47:12

Man, has anyone seen the president of the greatest country give a speach? He can't say five words in a sentence. I think kerry was right If bush was a little more educated he could off explained it better to the mothers who lost their kids in Iraq so you can drive a car.

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Sprintracer4Nov 1st, 2006 - 04:06:29

John Kerry...the world's only living heart doner...

A telling comment. Every once and a while, you get a glimpse at the real person...

Big Shot, Married Rich, Limosene Liberal.

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noob killaNov 1st, 2006 - 04:17:59

@Paul

Yeah,I know what you mean. It's simply the way life functions; we inevitably take space and resources, so why not take it from someone that doesn't like us and are completely worthless to the planet! Lets nuke those sand monkeys and take all the oil left in the region. Us or them, man...

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To MemeNov 1st, 2006 - 04:40:34

Meme:

Bush and Kerry attended the SAME school, Yale. They got virtually the SAME grades. In fact, Bush was slightly better.

Bush can't speak and Kerry can't say anything useful.

What a parallel...

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dumm bushNov 1st, 2006 - 08:32:22

so i think 90% agree that bush and family have USandA in their claws..playing with the most powerful nation, due to its weapons of mass distruction, and history of using those weapons(japan atomic terrorist attack by USandA..patriot way of eliminating enemy)...when I grew up..i watched all these movies seeing USandA soldier fighting for good..and the enemy is evil...wanting to destroy human kind...what about the movie..black hawk down...they go in trying to rescue 3 or 4 guys...and like 50 more on both sides get killed on the rescue mission..and they are actually serious about being heros...i mean u just killed 45 more people ...and they pretent to be heros...but soldiers are oviously dummm to do this.......but the truth is no USandA soldier would go in a risky town to save another USandA soldier...they will just bomb the place from their planes...and then call it a terrorist training camp....anyways back to bush...he has ur country..media...his family is everywhere...his cousins and brothers are making money ..they are business man...their family sold arms to the NAZIS ...they traded and dealt with Osama family directly...now the business decision was made to kill Osama...all u educated people..realize that ur country is not in your control..when they got media....vote counting system....and patriot act to lock u up as a terrorist and trial u as a terrorist war criminal ..without first proving that u are a terrorist....god man..where are the smart people in your country..country of the free???? my ass..i feel much safer where I am ...i will never step foot in USA...they use the terrorist shit to do whatever they want
...BUSH=HITLER+Patriotshit=USandA most hated country=USandA going to nuke rest of world because of terrorist threat from rest of world so they wanna be safe....

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Politically IncorrectNov 1st, 2006 - 11:30:54

Let the mudslinging begin!

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James StricklandNov 1st, 2006 - 13:17:05

For once, Kerry showed his true self. Pity the rest of the Democraps are hiding behind a mask, afraid to show their colors just to get elected. Wehere is Mertha, Polosi and Mr. Reed these days? Why do the not defend Mr. Kerry?

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i am bush ur godNov 1st, 2006 - 13:29:14

USA...fear the TERRORIST...THREAT TO HOMELAND....I AM THE ONLY WAY FOR YOUR SAFETY...U NEED TO GIVE ME UR CHILDREN SO I CAN SEND THEM TO WAR...AND GIVE ME UR TAX MONEY SO I CAN GIVE 3 BILLION A YEAR TO ISRAEL JEW FRIENDS...sorry black americans who worked as slaves to build this country...no money for your..make sure u pay me ur tax money from ur job at MCDonalds...WE ARE THE MOST FREE COUNTRY...WE ENJOY FREEDOM...TERRORISTS ARE OUT THERE TO KILL US...THEY ARE JUST BORN..AND THEN THEY WANNA KILL US..I DONT KNOW WHY....JUST CAUSE WE ARE A FREE COUNTRY...THEY JUST WANNA HURT US...ESPECIALL U...THEREFOR WE NEED TO GET THEM BEFORE THEY GET US....SIMPLE LIKE THAT...I WONDER WHY THEY HATE US...DID WE DO SOMETHING TO THEM..LIKE SCREW UP THEIR COUNTRY...GIVE WEAPONS TO ISREAL TO BOMB THEM...SELLING WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRUCTION TO ISREAL IS LEAGA...AND PATRIOTIC....BUT IF TERRORIST BLOW THEMSELF UP TO REVENGE THEIR FAMILIES DEATH..ITS BAD...THEY ARE BAD..BORN BAD...WE JUST BOMB THEIR FAMILIES FROM THE AIR...WE NUKE EVERYTHING THAT THREATENS US...WE ARE ALL POWERFUL PATRIOTIC USA....GOD IS ON OUR SIDE...ALL THIS MAKES SENSE..IF YOU ARE LIVING IN USA...CAUSE JUSTICE,AND TRUTH HAS NO PLACE HERE....ITS ALL ABOUT THE CASH ....ANYWAYS..I AM NOT MUSLIM...NOR CHRISTIAN..NOR JEW...SO I HOPE ALL 3 OF YOUR ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS FIGHT EACHOTHER AND ELIMINATE EACH OTHER...ALL 3 OF THEM ARE BASED ON LIES...AND U PEOPLE ARE DUMM ENOUGH TO FIGHT AND KILL AND GET KILL FOR THOSE LIES...HAHAAHHAHAHAHAHA...SEND ALL YOUR CHILDREAN TO IRAQ USA PEOPLE...WHILE YOU AT IT...MAYBE YOU CAN GO TO AFRICA GET MORE BLACK MAN FOR FARM WORK AND TAX PAYING BACK HOME HERE...SO THAT THEY CAN PAY TAX FOR JEWS TO BOMB PALESTINIANS...AND USA CAN GO BACK TO MIDDLE EAST..ACT AS PEACEMAKER...USA IS GONNA DESTROY THE WORLD...BUSH MAN HOW DID A MAN LIKE YOU ...A FAMILY LIKE YOUR THAT SOLD WEAPONS TO NAZIS GET SOOO MUCH POWER ...DO U USA PEOPLE KNOW WHO U ARE VOTING FOR????

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CHURCH OF BUSHNov 1st, 2006 - 13:42:37

come to the cruch of bush...the only hope for salvation and safety from terrorists....also unlimited supply of oil is provided...LET US BOMB THEM...KILL THEM...DESTROY THEIR COUNTRIES...and when the poor fight back we group them into something called TERRORISTS AND NUKE THEM..haha...churck of bush has answer to everything...NO brains required to join...

hail bush...my father in heaven...bless thy name ...let the terrorist threat end ...let homeland be safe...thanks you ohhh father bush...amen...bush u sacrificed and become president for us....we can see god only through you...lets nuke all the other terrorists bastard countries send them to hell..and live in heaven...join Church of Bush (required to send first son to fight war for oil..uuups i mean on terror)

usa=patriot cowboys=slave kidnappers=native indian killers=jesus lovers=(people who killed jesus)jew lovers=people who dont think jesus is a prophet(muslim) haters/killers=japanese nukers=cuban rebal fighter (castro) haters=money lovers=oil lovers=going to moon fakers=911 fakers....god bless usa

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AnswerManNov 1st, 2006 - 15:11:43

I voted for neither Bush nor Kerry in 2004. I felt that neither man was competent for the job of President. Consider it a wasted vote if you will, but I wrote in the name of the only candidate I felt qualified - Wesley Clark. I felt we needed someone with extensive military experience and Clark had that in spades. Bush had minimal experience and I spent more time in the combat zone than Kerry (grin). And we needed someone who could bring two political parties together. At different times, Clark has been in both parties, and continues to be a moderate regardless of party affiliation. And we needed someone with intelligence and Clark was a Rhodes scholar. Both Bush and Kerry have grade records that neither can be truly proud of. The best they could both say is that they survived college and graduated.

The fact that Kerry made such a boner doesn't surprise me. This was the exact comment he made, quote:

'Education -- if you make the most of it and you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq.'

I think I see what he was TRYING to do but he did it very badly. This joke was Kerry's attempt to make use of the left-wing perception that Bush is a stupid president. In short, Kerry was attempting to say that Bush was not smart. But Kerry himself was not so smart, hehehe, because he didn't realize that the comment could be seen as a double-entendre ... with the second interpretation meaning that only stupid people (soldiers) go to Iraq as opposed to stupid 'presidents'. And in making that mistake, he proved to everyone that there was only one stupid person at the microphone ... himself, hehe.

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Get RealNov 1st, 2006 - 16:10:11


Excerpt from Kerry's speech as it was actually written (verified) ...

ÒDo you know where you end up if you donÕt study, if you arenÕt smart, if youÕre intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq. Just ask President Bush.Ó

Yes, Kerry screwed up and left out the word 'us', leaving a huge openning for missinterpretation. And Yes, Kerry stupidly misspoke.

The real truth is, Kerry didn't say, or even mean to say, what the republicans are accusing him of doing. (re-read above).

Nowhere did he say '... you'll have to join the military and get stuck in Iraq.', as the republicans are falsely reporting.

So now the republicans have run crazy with their misleading interpretation. And, they don't even care that's it's misleading and false.

Shouldn't the truth matter to 'us'? Apparently to mainstream Republican supportors commenting on this story, it doesn't.

And clearly, truth doesn't matter to people like Rush Limbaugh, or Sean Hannity either. They're so depserate to change the current political discussions away from the failure in Iraq, political corruption, etc, that they'd rather hold onto, and run with their totally false interpretation of a statement made by someone who's not even on the ballot.

It's very missleading and screams of desperation.

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Sprintracer4Nov 2nd, 2006 - 04:36:34

The Kerry Gaffe will have no effect on the election.

People already know how he really feels, about the public at large.

The 2004 election was a referendum of Kerry's acceptance as a statesman.

They chose Bush.

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Th ManNov 2nd, 2006 - 04:52:25

Hillary is the big winner here. She can now move up the ladder.

Rush is right: Kerry is so enamored with his own existence, he can't keep his mouth shut. He also says, repeatedly, that Senators are so egotistical, that they botch their campaigns.

Well, he certainly is NOT wrong...

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GeezNov 18th, 2006 - 09:14:14

Ha. I noticed 'dumm bush' is ashamed to say what country he is from. Maybe he should be. The fact is that a lot of people who live in the middle east really aren't civilized. It's like they're not really fully human. It's obviously by the things you see in Iraq that these people,inspite of sticking their chests out, are incredible cowards. If they want to be martyrs and all that the least they should do is fight face to face like men rather than a bunch of girly boys. They bomb innocent people, women and children. They are baby killers. They even murder their fellow muslims for no reason and get away with calling themselves muslims. Real muslims don't have enough guts to stand up and call these people agents of satan. The world would be better off without them. If it wasn't for their oil they would be nothing but sand beggers. Civilized people do not behead people but these radical muslims still live in the 13th century. It's a shame because there has always been great hope for the middle east to be equal with the rest of the world and show its peaceful nature. Instead the world is being instilled with the reality view of a bunch of semi-human people who have more in common with the devil. Not all are like that of course but this is the view being seen in the world theatre. What happens when we become tired of it. American has been accused of everything wrong in the world anyway so we might as neutralize the situation. Bush has made the mistake to think that all people are alike. They aren't.You don't kill 3000 innocent people and claim some moral highground. This is evil. Evil must be destroyed. When I was young the impression I had of the middle east is that they were good decent people who lived a simple life. Boy was I wrong. They are violent. They promote slavery. They live for hate. Who would want to build a factory in an unstable middle east and give people jobs. Then they turn around and say people without jobs turn to the evil ideology. Duh. In spite of the oil wealth of the middle east do we hear of middle east countries doing anything to help the people of Africa or any poor people? Not bloody likely. At least in this election there was enough votes to say bush needs to moderate his ideoligical stance. Kerry couldn't make a living as a comedian. The middle east though would make a better parking lot for gas stations than it ever would as a model for civilized, peaceful and true religious behavior. I would love for the middle east to shape up and prove me wrong but I'm not a betting person.

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