Reply #15: here's John Kerry's response from the website: [View All]

[maddezmom]

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0223i.html

February 23, 2004

For Immediate Release
New York, NY –

Today John Kerry issued the following statement in response to George W. Bush’s speech tonight at the Republican Governors’ Association fundraiser.

“It’s no surprise that the president chose to unveil his vision for America at a $1,000 a plate fundraiser. His contributors are getting plenty from this administration while the rest of America suffers.
“The president is right: we do have a different vision for America than he does. We believe in an America that’s creating jobs not losing them. We believe in an America where Americans can afford health care, not lose it in record numbers. We believe in an America where people have the freedom to fulfill their hopes and dreams, and not have them crushed by a failing economy. We believe in an America that’s stronger, not weaker.

“George Bush has a credibility gap. The truth is his record is very much at odds with his rhetoric.

“In his speech tonight, Bush is promising greater security but the fact is our nation is weaker and more isolated from our allies. He promises greater prosperity but 3 million America’s have lost their jobs on this President’s watch. He promises greater compassion but 2 million American’s have lost their health insurance and 2.5 million have fallen into poverty. He promises greater freedom but he has John Ashcroft trampling on our civil liberties and civil rights.”



Bush Relaunching Effort to Hide His Record of Failures

Four New Political Campaign Themes Ring Hollow

Today, George W. Bush is launching a new political campaign message to disguise the fact that he has a miserable record on jobs, health care and security. Bush’s new stump speech will highlight security, prosperity, compassion and freedom. Despite the new political record, the Bush Administration has a record of failure on all of these areas. John Kerry has a plan to move America forward and enhance security and freedom while restoring prosperity and compassion.

Theme 1: Greater Security

Bush/Cheney

Dangerous Unilateralism: The Bush Administration’s unilateralist approach has made US soldiers in Iraq the primary target, made Iraq and other counties more fertile ground for terrorists, and fueled anti-American sentiments across the world.

A Poor Record on Homeland Security: George Bush has proposed cuts in the COPs program and starved states so they cannot make the necessary investments in firefighters, public health or other areas that improve security.

Kerry's Plan

Reenter the World of Nations: John Kerry will reengage American in the international community to expand efforts to fight terrorism. He will also broaden the effort in Iraq to protect American soldiers.

Strengthen Homeland Security: John Kerry will make new investments to strengthen our ports, give first responders the tools they need, improve intelligence, and strengthen the alert system.

Theme 2: Prosperity

Bush/Cheney

LOST 3 million jobs: This Administration has the worst record on jobs since the Great Depression. Bush is only offering the same failed approach – tax cuts for the wealthy.

Families Working Harder for Less: The median family income has actually declined by 13% since George Bush took office – from $48,950 to $42,400.


At the same, health care premiums have increased by 50% under Bush, property taxes have increased, and college tuition as soared.

Kerry's Plan

A Plan to Create Jobs: John Kerry has a plan to create jobs including a new manufacturing jobs credit, help for small businesses who want to expand, and cracking down on countries undermining American industries violating trade laws.

Help for the Middle Class: While George Bush seeks the same failed solutions for tax cuts for the wealthy, John Kerry will cut taxes for middle class families helping to pay for health care, college and after school.

Theme 3: Compassion

Bush/Cheney

Three years of no compassion: Just ask the veterans who have seen cuts in benefits, the soldiers who are calling home to get the equipment they need to fight war, the millions of children who have been left behind because Bush won’t meet his commitment on education, and the millions who have lost health care or had to declare bankruptcy whether they believe George Bush has been a compassionate leader.

The Bush ‘compassion’ slogan is simply not going to cut it after three years of callous neglect for millions of Americans.

Kerry's Plan

Fighting for veterans, children, seniors, and America’s middle class. When it comes to compassion, there is just no contest. John Kerry has a plan to help veterans get the health care they deserve, provide a real prescription drug benefit that actually cuts costs for seniors, invest in education to give America’s children the chance they deserve and provide relief to middle class families.

Theme 4: Freedom

Bush/Cheney

George W. Bush: a record of undermining freedom. Bush’s Attorney General John Ashcroft has completely abused civil liberties and invaded personal privacy where it is completely unnecessary.

Kerry's Plan

Fighting terrorism while respecting liberties: John Kerry will reform the Patriot Act to assure that we can fight terrorism while protecting precious American freedoms. He will also appoint an Attorney General who is not John Ashcroft.