CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS -Drudge Alert

Drudge ^ | February 12, 2004 | Drudge

[BJungNan]

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS -Drudge Alert (Thread II)
CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS

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Update 1:

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS: KERRY FIGHTS OFF MEDIA PROBE OF RECENT ALLEGED INFIDELITY, RIVALS PREDICT RUIN

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Update 2:

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS: KERRY FIGHTS OFF MEDIA PROBE OF RECENT ALLEGED INFIDELITY, RIVALS PREDICT RUIN

**World Exclusive**
**Must Credit the DRUDGE REPORT**

A frantic behind-the-scenes drama is unfolding around Sen. John Kerry and his quest to lockup the Democratic nomination for president, the DRUDGE REPORT can reveal.

Intrigue surrounds a woman who recently fled the country, reportedly at the prodding of Kerry, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

A serious investigation of the woman and the nature of her relationship with Sen. John Kerry has been underway at TIME magazine, ABC NEWS, the WASHINGTON POST and the ASSOCIATED PRESS, where the woman in question once worked.

MORE

A close friend of the woman first approached a reporter late last year claiming fantastic stories -- stories that now threaten to turn the race for the presidency on its head!

In an off-the-record conversation with a dozen reporters earlier this week, General Wesley Clark plainly stated: "Kerry will implode over an intern issue." [Three reporters in attendance confirm Clark made the startling comments.]

The Kerry commotion is why Howard Dean has turned increasingly aggressive against Kerry in recent days, and is the key reason why Dean reversed his decision not to drop out of the race after Wisconsin, top campaign sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

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Update 3

FROM CONRESSIONAL QUARTERLY'S CRAIG CRAWFORD: 'Drudge item on Kerry intern issue is something Chris Lehane (clark press secy) has shopped around for a long time -- it was one reason the Gore vetters in 2000 shied away from Kerry as a running mate choice -- their conclusion that it wasn't bad enough to disqualify him, except for the fact that they couldn't risk it as they were trying so hard to distance themselves from Clinton's personal failings (note: Lehane worked for Gore at the time -- and briefly advised Kerry during this campaign). The Kerry camp has long expected to deal with this, and have assured party leaders they can handle it'...

[Hon]

PLEASE KEEP THIS BUMPED TO THE TOP. THERE MIGHT BE SOME INFORMATION BY THE END OF THE DAY.

God knows there is no other news. (Sheesh.)

[SunnyUsa]

ROFL!!!

[Hand em their arse]

me too!!!

[Miss Marple]

OK...the family room is done. Has ANYTHING happened yet?

[junaid]

1) Madonna supporting Kerry
2) Al Franken charged with assaulting heckler
3) Gore switches support to Kerry, Kerry denies endorsement
4) Michael Moore now supports Kerry, Kerry denies endorsement
5) Clark endorses Bush
6) Hillary senses Kerry win, backs Edwards in order to support her '08 bid.

[MeanWestTexan]

While I like my other two options, my fear is the Democrats have gotten smart.

If the Democrats were smart, they would have Dead, er I mean Dean, drop out and have him endorse Edwards.

Edwards is marginally more electable AND it keeps the media focused on the horse race . . . which hurt Bush b/c it gives the Dims a false appearance of doing something significant.

[TaxRelief]

Perhaps this is something to with it:

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MILWAUKEE -- Howard Dean contended Wednesday that Democratic front- runner John Kerry supported a "politically corrupt" secret group that aired harsh negative ads in three early primary and caucus states in an attempt to destroy the former Vermont governor's presidential candidacy.

And in another sign of an increasingly acrimonious campaign between Dean and Kerry, the former Vermont governor said he thought that another rival, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, would be a better contender in the general election against President Bush.

"My fear is that

[Kerry] actually won't be the strongest Democratic candidate," Dean told CBS News.

For his part, Edwards appealed to Wisconsin's independent streak and said that Dean was "a very wise man."

Making a brief appearance in Milwaukee before departing to Vermont, Dean skewered Kerry for television ads aired late last year and earlier this year in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina by a group called Americans for Jobs, Healthcare & Progressive Values. The group was backed by organizations and individuals with ties to Kerry and former contender Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.).

(snip)

"I have not heard of a case where other candidates have their supporters contribute to a secret political action group to run ads . . . with pictures of Osama bin Laden and so forth, unattributed ads, attacking another candidate. I have not heard of that happening before," Dean said. "I'm sorry to see Sen. Kerry introduce those techniques to the Democratic Party."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/chi-0402120343feb12,1,1807361.story?coll=chi-electionsprint-hed

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Did I read that right? Is Dean endorsing Edwards? Is this the big story or is there more?

[ought-six]

"They found Sharpton in an alley bruised and beaten with 'Kerry' written in excrement on his belly and back."

Classic!

[Richard Kimball]

Guys, this is an obvious Photoshop job. Aside from being noted as such on another thread, the light is striking Kerry at a different angle than Fonda. It bothers me that so many photos are being clipped together now. It's cool for gag stuff, but the compositing to fool people is beneath us.

[William McKinley]

That is a photoshop job. I've seen the picture, and Fonda isn't actually in it.

[Salvation]

Could Drudge be posting the fake picture?

[OXENinFLA]

BOORTZ is giving credence to fake 'the pic' via newsmax.


Cool your jets Boortz.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I'm going to take a wild guess: Dean will run as an independent.

I'd say that's a reasonable guess. There was some speculation last week Dean might accept a Green Party nomination.

Couple that with Dean's very bitter statements published today about how Kerry paid for those very negative ads against him showing Bin Laden, and how Torricelli's raising money for Kerry, and Dean might be trying to work up a snit and lay the groundwork for an independent run.

[Salvation]

That's already on the Vietnam Veterans Against John Kerry website!

[gobucks]

Nope. But I'm getting to laugh a lot. Can't imagine what Drudge is up to. It better be big or he has really hurt his rep today. I can't recall a time he's ever cleared his links to the other news stories.

I suppose the kitchen needs to be mopped? :)

[pgkdan]

I don't think it's the picture...not much drama there.

[Jagdgewehr]

Nah...Move to another room.

[not_apathetic_anymore]

>>My guess - his health...<<

Do I recall correctly that he had prostate cancer?

[freedumb2003]

The piece is funny but the disclaimer is a riot!!