A Kerry/intern rant re: Drudge and the Sun

[boxster]

I find it incredible that Matt Drudge and the Sun are suddenly rock-solid sources for information about our candidates. DUers are gleefully jumping on these stories as if they were cold, hard facts.

For all of the people perpetuating the RW smear attempt on Kerry, and for those who think he should drop out of the race solely because of these stories, I ask that you stop to think about something for a moment.

If the attack on Kerry is successful, what's to stop the RW from starting rumors about the rest of our candidates and picking them off one-by-one?

Don't make the mistake of believing that *your* candidate is immune to this. If the tactic works with Kerry, the RW will be encouraged to apply it to other candidates, especially when it's being so freely perpetuated here. We haven't exactly hindered the process.

In fact, many DUers have argued that the RW and the media have already helped pick off Clark and Dean, two former front-runners.

Now, they're shooting for Kerry. If that works, who's next?

Be careful what you wish for, because if Kerry goes down because of this, your candidate could certainly be next.

[The Blue Knight]

1. It's going to take more than an obvious RW smear to stop Kerry...

And I'm a Kucitizen!

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. His piint is still vaild

it is high time that people stop letting the RW define the terms of the debate...

These stories by Drudge and teh Sun are just laying the ground for further smear, and it will only work if we play along.

[still_one]

2. I am not attacking anyone

but it seems that most of the people pushing this are Dean supporters.

If they looked at the numbers they would see that if Dean dropped out and endorsed Edwards, this would be a two man race.

I will support anyone but Bush!

[jrthin]

3. Important to keep in mind:

the Sun is another Murdock owned rag, similiar to Fox news.

[waylon]

4. Who said he should drop out because of this?

I havent heard that here. I suggested it would be helpful if he were to be honest and direct in dealing with this. If not, then he will lose the general. If he lies, he will lose. If he's honest, it wont hurt him.

I havent heard anyone say he should drop out because of this.

[boxster]

6. Browse the early DU threads on this subject. There were plenty...

of people suggesting (more like demanding, actually) that he drop out, claiming he's no longer 'electable'.

[rucky]

7. Many "detractors" are sincerely concerned for those very reasons

The RW media can destroy a candidate.
The RW media IS picking off our frontrunners one-by-one

a loud minority might be taking some delight in this. Ignore them, but don't ignore this scandal. Because it concerns all of us - even Kerry "detractors". Every time the party gains some momentum, the rug gets pulled from under us through lies & distortion. It's a very serious issue for all of us, because it is damaging to all of us. We need to discuss it honestly - as Democrats. No denial, and no feigned outrage. Do we play it down, or confront it head-on? But don't tell me it's not serious...and on the other side, don't tell me it's not recoverable.

[boxster]

8. Update: said intern has spoken out....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=367604