Kerry vows early outreach to Congress if he's elected

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Sun, Oct. 31, 2004




THE CHALLENGER


Kerry vows early outreach to Congress if he's elected

In an interview with Knight Ridder, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry vows to reach out to Congress if elected and decribes faith as a 'bedrock' value.

By JAMES KUHNHENN AND THOMAS FITZGERALD

[e-mail]


Entering the final weekend of one of the most divisive elections in U.S. history, Sen. John Kerry said that if he wins the presidency, his first priority will be to tame a bitterly partisan Congress by relying on relationships forged during his 20 years in the Senate.

In an exclusive interview in Miami on Friday with Knight Ridder, Kerry reflected on lessons he has learned from his campaign, the role of faith and fortune in life and the task of unifying a country that has been passionately split under President Bush.

The Bush campaign declined repeated requests from Knight Ridder for a similar interview with the president.

Kerry said he would begin reaching out to congressional leaders as soon as Election Night in an effort to build common ground. More important, he said, he would immediately draw in Senate colleagues with whom he has worked over the years, including Republicans.
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/10059521.htm
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[LTR]

1. Kerry's Senate career can work to his advantage

Remember that LBJ used his congressional connections and owed favors to push through many of his Great Society programs?

Kerry could accomplish much more than a state governor could. He's forged friendships on both sides of the aisle.

[Cerridwen]

2. Simply put - Kerry's a true uniter NOT a divider - n/t

[isrealpackard]

3. He's convincing me

I've been ABB since November 8, 2000. I actually scoped out Bob Kerrey that day. Any sentient Democrat would have gotten my vote on Tuesday, and JK seemed somewhat above the acceptable limit. But since then my respect for him has grown, and things like this only increase it.

He's going to be the AMERICAN president and represent its best qualities.

[mumon]

4. Kerry should do a MUCH better job in this than

any previous president since, Johnson.

Johnson had his faults, but he could get legislation passed, and had a great relationship with the Senate, for the same reasons as Kerry.

This is a great omen for America.

[frank frankly]

5. kick

kick