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onetime2 · 09-21-2004, 05:15 AM

Kerry needs to get traction on one or two topics. The argument about going to war under the wrong pretenses is a loser (unless substantial new revelations are uncovered about Bush's absolute, undeniable knowledge that the reasons given were false). Talk about the failed analysis of the post invasion situation (it's been touched on but never really pushed). Talk about the fact that not being able to capture Bin Laden or Al Zarqawi does not inspire confidence when looking into the future at the terrorist leaders who are making plans as we speak. Talk about problems that everyone deals with every day from crappy healthcare from your doctor because he sees a thousand patients a day and tie that to a screwed up medical system. Stop talking about Vietnam, the National Guard, Cheney and Bush's ties to big business, etc. People almost expect politicians to have their hands in the pockets of industry/unions/the wealthy/whoever. If they don't people think they must be crappy politicians.

Personally, I think the thing that is hurting Kerry the most is the flip flopping (whether you will admit it or not he has held far too many positions during this race). Much of it was political necessity to get his party's nomination but he should have had a firm message to go out with that didn't change once it was clear he was getting his party's nod. Kerry doesn't need to really push for the votes of the "left leaning" as many of them will vote for him because he's the only one with a shot to "get rid of Bush". His focus should have been on getting those who are more moderate and even more "right".

I won't say it's completely over for Kerry as there's still plenty of time left. But he needs to go in a different direction from the "Iraq was wrong", "Bush lied", "I'm a war hero" crap. Those lines have convinced all that you're going to convince. Rather than focusing on the "undecideds" he needs to get those who are only slightly committed to Bush. If he gets them many of the "undecideds" will get caught in the nets too.

09-21-2004, 05:15 AM	#18 (permalink)
onetime2 Junkie Location: NJ	Kerry needs to get traction on one or two topics. The argument about going to war under the wrong pretenses is a loser (unless substantial new revelations are uncovered about Bush's absolute, undeniable knowledge that the reasons given were false). Talk about the failed analysis of the post invasion situation (it's been touched on but never really pushed). Talk about the fact that not being able to capture Bin Laden or Al Zarqawi does not inspire confidence when looking into the future at the terrorist leaders who are making plans as we speak. Talk about problems that everyone deals with every day from crappy healthcare from your doctor because he sees a thousand patients a day and tie that to a screwed up medical system. Stop talking about Vietnam, the National Guard, Cheney and Bush's ties to big business, etc. People almost expect politicians to have their hands in the pockets of industry/unions/the wealthy/whoever. If they don't people think they must be crappy politicians. Personally, I think the thing that is hurting Kerry the most is the flip flopping (whether you will admit it or not he has held far too many positions during this race). Much of it was political necessity to get his party's nomination but he should have had a firm message to go out with that didn't change once it was clear he was getting his party's nod. Kerry doesn't need to really push for the votes of the "left leaning" as many of them will vote for him because he's the only one with a shot to "get rid of Bush". His focus should have been on getting those who are more moderate and even more "right". I won't say it's completely over for Kerry as there's still plenty of time left. But he needs to go in a different direction from the "Iraq was wrong", "Bush lied", "I'm a war hero" crap. Those lines have convinced all that you're going to convince. Rather than focusing on the "undecideds" he needs to get those who are only slightly committed to Bush. If he gets them many of the "undecideds" will get caught in the nets too. __________________ Strive to be more curious than ignorant.