Kerry Campaign Helping With Fla. Recovery (Kerry to go Kiteboard)

[Pachamama]

Kerry Campaign Helping With Fla. Recovery

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

HOOD RIVER, Ore. - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry (news - web sites) does not plan to visit Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley because he's concerned his campaign entourage could distract from recovery efforts, he said Saturday.

President Bush (news - web sites) plans a Sunday tour of areas hit by the hurricane. Bush declared a state of emergency at the request of his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and Kerry said he supports their efforts.

Kerry said he has instructed his Florida campaign staff to provide food, clothing, shelter or other assistance to people whose lives have been disrupted by the hurricane.

(sic)

Kerry spoke from the banks of the Columbia River 60 miles east of Portland, where he had planned to either kite surf or windsurf. But he said there was not enough wind for him to get on the water.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&e=2&u=/ap/20040815/ap_on_el_pr/kerry_hurricane

__________________________

I think it's great that Kerry doesn't want to distract from the Hurricane clean-up and aid efforts and that he has instructed the Kerry Campaign Florida Staff to help out in anyway they can. I also think its great that he doesn't want to appear as a "disaster opportunist" as we all know Bu$h is doing today. I also understand that Kerry had been already planning a few days off before Charley hit Florida, but images of him kiteboarding while the people of Florida are hurting is only Rovian fodder....I can see the headlines now...with accompanying image...

[July]

1. Article says he is NOT going to windsurf. nt

[Pachamama]

7. Then why was he asking for Wind???

"Promise me some wind on Monday or Tuesday," Kerry said, standing on a low concrete wall overlooking the people on the banks.

I realize that he won't be doing this, but it was questionable what his plans were going to be and I got your attention, didn't I?

[TrustingDog]

9. he's asking for wind.... ?

I think the writer is using this slyly. Now is not a good time to be asking for more wind.....

[Pachamama]

13. No Sh*t....Hey People of Florida!

Kerry asked for more wind....


"Promise me some wind on Monday or Tuesday," Kerry said, standing on a low concrete wall overlooking the people on the banks. "More importantly, promise me some votes in November."

Yikes...this is right up there with the "more sensitive war" comment...not because of how he meant it, but how it can be played against him....I'm sure lil' Nedra was cackling on that one as she used her poison pen...

[July]

17. Well, if getting my attention was your goal, you succeeded.

If there was another point, it didn't come through. Should we care if he does or does not windsurf?

[Pachamama]

22. Yes, if you care about his election and the rhetoric & things used against

him, you should care if he windsurfs while people in Florida are hurting and that it possibly hurts him in the polls there.

If your goal was to be antagonistic and criticize me & my post, well you succeeded...

[Catt03]

2. OK...enough of the wind surfing

until after the election John.

Find another way to relax.

[progressivebydesign]

3. This article is written as a smear..

.. Really, tell me what a Senator from Massacheussets is going to do for Florida? How many Sentators from other states will be there? None. I agree, Kerry should not go. It would look opportunistic, and like a campaign stunt. I'm sure that this level headed approach will be attacked on the hate radio circuit tomorrow.. but truly, what other state senators will be going to Florida?

Oh.. and why shouldn't he windsurf now? I don't get it??

[Catt03]

14. I know he should not be going to Florida

it would look superficial and silly to show up in Florida.

In re windsurfing....

I've seen enough of John Kerry in a wet suit surfing across the water
and would rather he just chill out some other way until November.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

15. Exactly...

... get Jebby all distracted and into stalking Kerry offices in Florida, in search of "vote buying".... it should keep them off of rigging the election for a few days.

[Terran]

19. One sees a point, about windsurfing

It's probably a minor thing, but windsurfing isn't exactly a poor man's sport. He'd do better to show up at a NASCAR race or a baseball game.

[SidDithers]

20. Dude, you can buy a used windsufer and sail...

for less than the cost of taking a family to a Major League Baseball game or a NASCAR race. And it's free once you've got the equipment.

This is the same shit spouted when Kerry went skiing after the primaries. Let the man enjoy his recreation time as he sees fit.

Sid

[Terran]

21. No doubt you're right about the cost

I'm saying (and "I'm just sayin' ", is all, no big deal) that it's a matter of perception on the part of the masses. Many people who live in landlocked states are going to see that as something wealthy playboys do, not a sport real Amuricans play...I guarantee you.

[unfrigginreal]

4. NEDRA PICKLER

Enough said.

[demgrrrll]

5. I agree. The Pickler strikes again. (eom)

.

[Pachamama]

6. Yeah, our favorite AP Media whore....I was wondering when a DUer would

...pick up on that....

Thus my comment on the next planned headline (surely from Nedra as a directive from Rove) will be him "Kiteboarding" in Nantucket.

[unfrigginreal]

11. Lol

It wouldn't surprise me if the headline read "Kerry hopes for hurricane in Oregon"

[Canuckistanian]

12. She sets 'em up

And the Mighty GOP Wurlitzer knocks 'em down.

Now we know what Pillboy, Hannity and O'Lielly's spin point will be next week!

[jmowreader]

8. He needs to plan to go, though

In the aftermath of Andrew, after the big disaster had been turned into a cleanup operation, Bill Clinton went to Dade County.

Kerry needs to do the same thing, just as a "show of solidarity" with the people in the disaster area. Give it a couple of weeks, enough time to get the roads cleared and the food lines established, then come in and tour the area.

[xxqqqzme]

10. Clinton went at the invitation from

the then Democratic Gov. jebster would have 2 invite Kerry.......like that's gonna happen!

[osaMABUSh]

16. I have no prolem with kite surfing now but the media does

so just bag it Kerry!. Shrub would be clearing brush or jogging if he could but Kerry has to be more sensitive since the media isn't on his side.

[Tsiyu]

18. Stress Relief

is important, and at least Kerry's is not via substance abuse.
Mixed feelings on this one. It seems Kerry is at least relaxed. And he has made the wise and noble decision not to exploit human suffering for political gain.