Believe' tour off to a bumpy start(Kerry's 21-state trip gets a mixed reception during its 1st day)

Houston Chronicle ^ | 7/31/04 | JULIE MASON

[truthandlife]

The Democratic presidential ticket of John Kerry and John Edwards worked Friday to spread the energy, beginning a national bus tour hours after the Boston convention.

Kerry, whose convention speech emphasized national security and foreign policy, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he would put Osama bin Laden on trial in U.S. courts.

That would ensure the "fastest, surest route" to a murder conviction if the terrorist mastermind is captured while he is president, Kerry said.

"I want him tried for murder in New York City, and in Virginia and in Pennsylvania," where planes hijacked by al-Qaida operatives crashed Sept. 11, 2001, he said.

His "Believe in America" road tour got off to a bumpy start Friday.

A sparse crowd showed up at a morning rally in Boston to begin the 21-state tour. On board were the Kerry family, the Edwards family and an entourage.

Kerry admitted he was dragging. "I am longing to have my head hit a pillow," he said.

Highways were blocked from Boston to Scranton as the campaign's 10 buses and support vehicles lumbered westward.

In Newburg, N.Y., they made an unscheduled stop to celebrate John and Elizabeth Edwards' 27th anniversary.

The couple observed their anniversary tradition of a meal at Wendy's, a nod to their early married days when it was all they could afford.

Kerry joined them inside and spied a table of Marines. But when he struck up a conversation, the Marines answered tersely and expressed irritation.

"He imposed on us and I disagree with him coming over here to shake our hands," said one, who did not give his name.

Later, at a stop in Harrisburg, Pa., Edwards turned his sights on Bush, who had criticized Kerry. "Today, the president went out and spoke for the first time since John spoke (at the convention), and here we go again," Edwards said. "The same old thing, relentless negative attacks on John Kerry.

"They are trying to take this campaign for the highest office in the land down the lowest possible road."

[truthandlife]

The couple observed their anniversary tradition of a meal at Wendy's, a nod to their early married days when it was all they could afford.

Kerry joined them inside and spied a table of Marines. But when he struck up a conversation, the Marines answered tersely and expressed irritation.

"He imposed on us and I disagree with him coming over here to shake our hands," said one, who did not give his name.

[fsorbello]

That's odd, you'd think the military would be behind this guy after all he's done for them in the Senate.

/sarcasm

[native texan]

ping

[Delphinium]

a nod to their early married days when it was all they could afford.

This guy lies every time he opens his mouth.

[PogySailor]

"Today, the president went out and spoke for the first time since John spoke (at the convention), and here we go again," Edwards said. "The same old thing, relentless negative attacks on John Kerry.

Sigh...it's going to be a long 3 months if everytime the President is critical of Kerry's non-record of achivement it gets called a "negative attack".

[patriciamary]

I am so sick of all these lies someone I hope will wake up the American people to these liars !

[mplsconservative]

On a thread on this yesterday, the Marine went even further, saying he backed his CIC 100% and was 100% against Kerry.

Guess the Houston Chronicle just skipped over that part. Gee, I wonder why.....

[Chieftain]

Man, am I happy to know story behind this photo! When I first saw it on another thread, it really made me explode with anger! Hanoi John talks mucho crap, and tried to USE those Marines for his campaign, and the Marines made the truth known!

I could tell that Marine was PISSED OFF. As a retired Marine myself, I know that if you start poking your finger at a Marine, you are gonna come away without that finger, IF YOU ARE LUCKY!

OOORRAAAHHHH!! Semper Fidelis, Devil Dogs - You kept your honor clean!

[EllaMinnow]

Do you know who I am?

[bitt]

"Since you don't like me, I am going to call your CO and tell him you took those medals I threw over the fence - hey, that's a pretty one!"

[avital2]

so Kerry would try Osama like a regular criminal, would he? how about trying him like a WAR criminal, Kerry???? what a telling insight into how he views the terrorists - as a law enforcement problem, not a war.

[DoctorMichael]

I 'BELIEVE' in a world without Liberals.

[bitt]

my paper said Theraaaaaaaayza went to the counter and didn't know what the picture of chili was...then she ordered it.

[Chieftain]

Guess the Houston Chronicle just skipped over that part. Gee, I wonder why.....

Could it be LIBERAL BIAS???

Hmmm... inquiring minds want to know!

[debg]

haha! I just saw a video clip on Fox that showed Kerry tell Edwards he'd pay for the Wendy's meal. He reached into his pocket...then pulled his hand out again. He didn't bring his wallet out!

[RightWingMama]

You don't have to me a Marine to hate that gesture. That is so rude!
Look at the Marine's hand. Looks like he wants to punch that POS.

[SerpentDove]

I hope that Marine had a few choice words for the traitorous worm.

[mplsconservative]

Nah...Petah Jennings says it isn't so.

[RightWingMama]

BTW, what he SHOULD have done is bought their meals and thanked them for their service.

[Skywarner]

"Sigh...it's going to be a long 3 months if everytime the President is critical of Kerry's non-record of achivement it gets called a "negative attack"."

I agree. And the alphabet soup media just keeps spoon feeding us the Dem/Lib/Socialist mantra like Edwards' latest comment of "The same old thing, relentless negative attacks on John Kerry." It's getting to the point that President Bush can't make any comment of any kind without being described by JF'nK's campaign as going 'on the attack.'

I live in upstate NY. I am surrounded by liberals. But, I have begun noticing lately that some of the independent leaning folks have been really put off by Kerry's attacks against the President. They also seem downright BORED with Kerry, and they trust the President. They may not like him, and they may not agree with him, but they TRUST him. New York will unfortunately be a red state this year, but the support expressed for Bush will be strong and will surprise a lot of people.