Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry (news - web sites) delivers a speech at Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.(AFP/File/Hector Mata)
Posted on 10/24/2004 2:34:38 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Democrat John Kerry (news - web sites) on Sunday tried to persuade late-deciding voters that they can put their faith in his leadership by describing the values and beliefs that he says have guided him and would shape his presidency.
Kerry said the Bible — and the American dream — says society must take care of its most vulnerable members, but in many ways that test is not being met under the country's current leadership. And he responded to some leaders of the Catholic church who have criticized his support of abortion rights and stem cell research.
"I love my Church. I respect the Bishops, but I respectfully disagree," said Kerry. "My task, as I see it ... is not to write every doctrine into law. That is not possible or right in a pluralistic society. But my faith does give me values to live by and to apply to the decisions that I make."
Kerry, running against one of the most overtly religious presidents of recent times, quoted the Bible to suggest overt religion is not enough.
"In the Book of James we are taught: `It is not enough, my brother to say you have faith when there are no deeds,'" Kerry said, putting am emphasis on the word "say." "Faith without works is dead."
Although Kerry spoke in one of the strongest Democratic strongholds of Florida, adviser Mike McCurry said his remarks were aimed at those who are still undecided voters who may be open to Kerry's call for change but aren't sure how they feel about him personally. He noted that 70 percent of voters tell pollsters that they want a religious president.
Kerry said he prayed daily in Vietnam as some of his closest friends were killed. "I even questioned how all the terrible things that I saw had fit into God's plan," said Kerry.
During Kerry's speech, a man shouted, "End the war, John!" The man was escorted out after he tried to drape a banner over the third-floor balcony.
Kerry said the man had a "legitimate concern." But he added the highest duty is to defeat terrorism so children can grow in security and peace, but that requires cooperation with allies.
Kerry gave a more partisan speech earlier Sunday at the nearby Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church where he painted the election as a choice between a man of the people or one of the powerful.
Kerry said Bush has not helped lower the price of drugs and has turned his back on veterans and the unemployed while giving tax cuts to the wealthy.
"Oh, no, they didn't chose the least among us, they chose the most powerful among us," Kerry said. "They keep on thinking it's the most powerful who deserve the most, some kind of entitlement."
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry (news - web sites) delivers a speech at Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.(AFP/File/Hector Mata)
Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., speaks from the pulpit of Mount Airy Church of God in Christ during morning church service in Philadelphia Sunday, Oct. 23, 2004. Kennedy stumping for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), D-Mass., spoke to the congregation urging them to vote for Kerry. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
can someone please explain how in the hell these people at these black churche's swallow this stuff?
A sure sign that he's losing undecided voters.
Note the expression on that one guy's face over Kerry's shoulder to the left on the photo.
Beware of False Prophets, which come to you in Sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matt: 7:15
It appears that they're having a lot more trouble choking it down with every passing year.
As soon as someone can tell me why my liberal Jewish elderly parents are voting for Kerry.
So much for Separation of Church and State.
Catholics are not supposed to attend other services, except as observers (like if your friend has a barmitzva or a wedding). You do not go there to lead prayers or participate in any religous manner.
Airy Church of God in Christ congregation members Daron Patterson, 91, right, and Verlinzia Maiden holding their Jon Kerry fans listen to Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., speaks from the pulpit during morning church service at Mount in Philadelphia Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004. Kennedy stumping for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), D-Mass., urged the congregation to vote for Kerry. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Perhaps someone can confirm this for me, but I seem to recall Kerry has a problem among Catholic voters. This sounds to me like he's trying to shore up that base.
Regards, Ivan
they look fired up. No wonder Clinton's coming here.
Through the years they've been told that their messiah is coming bearing monthly checks and handouts vs the wrath of God. They've been told that their messiah doesn't come out of lowly Bethlehem, but from the DNC/DC. They've been told they can trust each great white hope that has come before them. Their vote has been bought for 30 pieces of silver.
I'm very sure that sKerry has Faith, True Faith, Unwavering Faith, Sincere Faith......
(Faith in his wife's money, that is.)
Ugh. How can these people vote for such a religious poseur.
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