Debate Question (Flip-Flopper)?

[Dawgs]

Should Kerry deny being a flip-flopper or should he explain why he changes his mind on issues?

I was watching some Sunday morning shows this morning and the flip-flop issue was the main question regarding the debates. "How will Kerry deal with these attacks from Bush?" was talked about on more than one show.

Many of us here know that Kerry has not flip-flopped, but we understand the reasons why. These reasons cannot easily be explained in short sound-bites, which may be what he needs to do to kill this question.

If possible, wouldn't it be easier to squash this talking point by explaining that what he has been doing is changing his mind on an issue. "The President can call it whatever he wants, but I have evaluated the War on Iraq and decided that it is not the right thing to do." It's being intelligent and decisive... exactly what a President should be. Not stubborn and arrogant like Bush has been.

Please help me decide? I know I haven't explained this well, but I think you get my point.

[LTRS]

1. He should deny it

... and proceed to explain why it's just another *Bush lie. Because it is. They consistently twist what he says to make it appear to be a flip flop. Then he should proceed to list Pretzel boy's flips and flops, which are numerous.

This meme that Kerry is a flip flopper needs to be destroyed at these debates, and this is his one chance to confront Bush on that major lie.

[nyhuskyfan]

2. He could go for the one-liner...

You've flip-flopped a lot yourself, Mr. President, but mostly you've just been a flop.

People are starting to use this (Randi Rhodes, etc.) -- I was saying it months ago, so I'm going to take credit for it.

[JPJones]

3. Kerry does not change his mind on issues

Oct. 8, 2002
"Let there be no doubt or confusion about where we stand on this. I will support a multilateral effort to disarm him by force, if we ever exhaust those other options, as the President has promised, but I will not support a unilateral U.S. war against Iraq unless that threat is imminent and the multilateral effort has not proven possible under any circumstances." JK

http://www.independentsforkerry.org/uploads/media/kerry-iraq.html

[Sparkly]

4. He does not "flip-flop," and should ask B* why he keeps pretending

that he doesn't understand his position.

("Are you stupid, or a liar?" -- I keep trying to think of a more artful way to phrase that.)

[59millionmorons]

5. I pray that he brings up the flip flop issue

This will allow Kerry to ask him about his nation building flip flop, his 911 commission flip flop, his no child left behind flip flop. Should I continue?

[irancontra]

6. The republicans can play word games all they want

but staying the course when the course is dangerous & the policy's a failed one is what I call thick-headed.

follow-up: if what you mean is do I change my mind when new information becomes available to me, then yes, unlike the Shrub I will not be stubborn & unwilling to negotiate.

[KC21304]

7. Kerry could say he gives Bush and Cheney an A for knowing their

numbers, but An F for reading comprehension and Civics because they didn't seem to be able to understand what they read and needed more tutoring on the process of how bills become laws. They obviously do not understand such things as procedural votes, amendments, etc.