If we are focusing on Kerry's

[Blue_Roses]

"alleged affair," which I might add is written by a RW tabloid in another country, then we are doing just what Karl Rove and anyone else who condones this smear tactic, wants us to do--focus on the "oh, no's, what if it's true and what will we do," rather than slapping it down FAST, and continue to concentrate on beating Bush.

The more energy we put towards worrying about this crap then the less time we spend on the issues at hand, which is POUNDING how inept Bush's policies are and the damage they are doing.

I've watched Karl Rove trash Ann Richards while living in Texas with the governor's campaign and I KNOW he will do it again, so expect more now since the stakes are much higher.

[sallyseven]

1. Rove is as lying pig.

He has to be exposed and Kerry and the rest of the democrats must be ready for him. I think that they should all state what they want to do and go after bush and not each other. there is no end to their sneaky, lying mouths. They have no soul.

[WiseMen]

6. Rove Circulated Malicious Lies About John MCCAIN, For KERRY He Likely

has a truck-load of slime he is going to be spreading out during
the year.

Dems should be deadly serious about preparing to hammer any source
of Anti-Dem smear as hard a possible.

It is HORRIFYING to see this B.S. being recycled and broadcast over
Internet by fellow democrats.

[11 Bravo]

8. Sadly, there are "Democrats" right here at DU

who are positively giddy about a totally unsubstantiated smear put forward by a notorious right-wing tool. I have seen the allegations accepted as unquestioned fact in this very forum. Pathetic, and very, very, saddening.

[diplomats]

2. I agree wholeheartedly

In his Imus interview, Kerry said he knows how these people operate and is ready for the GOP onslaught. We need to be ready, too, and to see it for what it is.

[rucky]

3. Poltier can put this to bed fast.

it's up to her. two categorical denials kills the story, unless this file tape is a damning as the Sun says it is.

[BruinAlum]

5. If there was really a tape they would have shown it. That's a bluff.

[HalfManHalfBiscuit]

9. Remind me not to play poker with you

Nice call.

[BruinAlum]

13. I just can't believe how many people take for granted that a news outlet

would actually sit on such a bombshell for 2 MONTHS and not release it. Even after Kerry emphatically denied the affair, they STILL didn't relase the tape.

It's bullshit. It doesn't exist. We saw 8 years of this kind of made up rumor and gossip when Clinton was in office. How quickly people forget.

[BruinAlum]

4. I agree. Check this out

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=341502#341822

[WiseMen]

7. This Trash Has NO PLACE IN PUBIC DEBATE. Why Any Dem Diggs for Private

dirt on a democratic candidate is beyond comprehension.

[readmylips]

10. I agree...Kerry must answer the way poopy bush does....

"I will not answer to trash.!"

Kerry must have other people handling the trash and stick to the real issues. Bushie hides behind pundits, liers, etc. and never answers to any direct question. Kerry must have his attack dogs ready and willing to draw blood.

[funky_bug]

11. My suggestion for those wanting this topic to DIE on DU

We have no facts to assert in either direction... only innuendo and baseless argumentation.

THOSE WHO WANT THIS TO BE TRUE (ie anyone NOT pulling for Kerry) will continue to bring this up, and no matter WHAT we say, they'll find some rovian argument to justify their delusional hopes.

So, Kerry people... LET IT SINK. Do NOT comment, do NOT reply. Let the post drop like a rock. They can kick it in vain, but if we keep the debate cold, it won't catch fire, eventually sizzling out.

[Blue_Roses]

14. Bingo!

you can't talk to someone who isn't listening!

However, if it is brought up it needs to be addressed and then once it has been refuted, it needs to be dropped.

[emulatorloo]

12. Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them - Page 3

Isn't this whole pattern (Drudge to Fox Rush to Wash Times) just standard operating procedure to push some right-wing junk into mainstream media????

Franken re Fox News Washington Times, New York Post, Editorial pages of WSJ,Talk Radio:

"The members of the right-wing media . . .employ a tried-and-true methodology. First, they concoct an inflammatory story that serves their political goals. . .They repeat it. . .They embellish it. . .They try to push it into the mainstream media. All too often they suceed. . .Occasionally, they fail. . .But even thier failures serve their agenda, as evidence of liberal bias. Win-win. You got to admit. It's a good racket."

[BruinAlum]

15. STATEMENT FROM WOMAN ABOUT SENATOR KERRY

Statement From Woman About Sen. Kerry

12 minutes ago

By The Associated Press

A statement released Monday by Alexandra Polier, who has been the subject of rumors linking her to Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites):



"For the last several days I have seen Internet and tabloid rumors relating to me and Senator John Kerry. Because these stories were false, I assumed the media would ignore them. It seems that efforts to peddle these lies continue, so I feel compelled to address them. I have never had a relationship with Senator Kerry, and the rumors in the press are completely false. Whoever is spreading these rumors and allegations does not know me, but should know the pain they have caused me and my family. I am in Kenya with my fiance visiting his family, and we ask that the press respect our privacy and leave all of us alone."


A statement by Terry and Donna Polier, the parents of Alexandra Polier:


"We have spoken to our daughter and the allegations that have been made regarding her are completely false and unsubstantiated. We love and support her 100 percent and these unfounded rumors are hurtful to our entire family. We appreciate the way Senator Kerry has handled the situation, and intend on voting for him for president of the United States."


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040216/ap_on_el_pr/kerry_polier_statements&cid=694&ncid=2043

CAN WE PUT THIS TO REST NOW??