Posted on 10/29/2004 7:19:20 PM PDT by Portrait of a Lady
Politicizing The Bin Laden Tape: The Kerry campaign's extraordinary response to the newly released tape from al Qaeda's leader. by William Kristol and Stephen F. Hayes 10/29/2004 9:30:00 PM
IN THEIR FORMAL STATEMENTS reacting to the new videotape from Osama bin Laden, both President Bush and John Kerry were statesmanlike. Each man called for Americans to unite against terror and vowed to defeat bin Laden and al Qaeda.
The Bush campaign wisely avoided going political. But the Kerry campaign--in comments from a top adviser and the candidate himself--did not.
Kerry gave what appear to be his first extemporaneous comments about the tape in a previously scheduled satellite interview with Kathy Mykleby, a veteran anchor with WISN TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
"I find myself in the unexpected position of giving you breaking news at this moment because I don't know if you're aware of the Al-Jazeera tape that has just aired with Osama bin Laden admitting to the 9-11 attacks for the first time. What is your reaction?" Mykleby asked.
"My reaction," said Kerry, "is that all of us in this country are completely united. Democrat, Republican--there's no such thing. There's just Americans, and we are united in hunting down and capturing or killing those who conducted behind that raid. We always knew it was Osama bin Laden."
Mykleby followed up: "What do you think impact of this videotape might have on our election?"
"I don't think any," Kerry answered. "I think Americans understand we are living in a dangerous age." So far, so good.
But Kerry finally couldn't resist politicizing the tape: "I am prepared to wage a more effective war on terror than George Bush," he added.
Kerry's comment was unfortunate, and mild compared to those made later in the day by his senior foreign policy adviser, Richard Holbrooke. In an appearance on CNN's Wolf Blitzer Reports, Holbrooke, who has rejected the notion that we are in a "war on terror," said this:
"The U.S. is determined to defeat al Qaeda and its allies and the war against their use of terrorist tactics."
...full story http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/004/856mpsdl.asp?pg=1
I can't imagine the opposition parties in previous wars acting the way the Democrats have the last two years ... simply disgraceful.
Kerry is, plain and simple, an asshole.
I have just finished my own translation of the ;latest OBL tape. The media has it wrong. It is really Osama's audition tape to be the next "Bachelor"..
Ramsey Clark 15-20 years from now
Precisely the man we need as Secretary of State. If Andrew Dice Clay is unavailable.
No. Osama wants to add audio to the director's cut special edition DVD of Fahrenheit 911.
well put LegalEagle
I don't if he is an asshole or the other hole after seeing Team America:World Police last night. I might suggest that he is the later. He would certainly turn this country into one.
I noted this on my blog when it happened. The "Special Report" roundtable was praising Kerry for not going the cheap political route, apparently unaware that he had done just that. They need to start paying attention.
Bush doesn't have to politicize the tape, it speaks for itself. If terror is the issue on everyone's mind come Tuesday, I believe Bush has a huge advantage.
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