Posted on 08/13/2004 3:45:10 PM PDT by kattracks
PORTLAND, United States (AFP) - On the same day that US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) made perhaps his strongest defense of French foreign policy, a top backer derided Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry (news - web sites) for wanting the United States to "act like the French.""I've often said it's not John Kerry's fault that he looks French, but it is his fault that he wants to pursue policies that have us act like the French," Republican Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon said Thursday.
"He advocates all kinds of additional socialism at home, appeasement abroad, and what that means is weakness for the future," Smith told reporters on a conference call organized by Bush's reelection campaign.
But in an hour-long interview with CNN television, Bush took a different tack as he sought to deflect Kerry's criticism that he has alienated France and other allies who refused to join the US-led invasion of Iraq (news - web sites).
"This debate on coalitions is a very interesting debate. Sometimes I think they're basically saying that there is no such thing as a coalition unless the French are involved," said Bush.
"But the truth of the matter is, the French are involved in Afghanistan (news - web sites), and the French have been involved in Haiti. The French government just didn't agree with the decision to remove Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) from power. And, therefore, there was a difference of opinion on that issue," he added.
Republicans have long assailed Kerry on the grounds that, as one anonymous top official told the New York Times months ago, he "looks French."
And conservative commentators have tirelessly bashed France for opposing the March 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.
I know our president is not the most articulate of men, but this statement is clear and right on the money!
Gordon Smith said that??
I so used to RINO Oregonian Republicans that I consider this statement shocking.
Smith is hardly a conservative. But, Smith was the one to attack Kerry over possibly benefiting from the information that Berger stole.
Now he is attacking Kerry's desire to transform this nation into France.
Right now I'm far more impressed with him than I am Arnold.
I like that!
Could we convince you to send that shot to the RNC? It's TEE-RIFFIC! I'd love to see it all over the net. You nailed the Doofus, buddy! Thanks!
AFP doesn't understand that's a slam on Kerry.
ROFLMAO!!!!!
That's awesome
I thought, "What a good idea. But surely Kerry isn't for this!"
I thought it read...
Kerry policies to ELIMINATE France. Then again there are 80 days left in the campaign, we may still hear that.
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