John Kerry: Good, bad, or both?

[MattK]

Lets keep it clean- that is just a low blow

Originally Posted by David Kelly

When you really gotta go...

[Billfred]

C'mon David...no need for that toilet humor!

(sorry, couldn't resist)

[Aignam]

1) What do you like about him?
He's the best hope of getting Bush out of office. He's not running a negative campaign.

2) What don't you like about him?
He tends to flip flop with whatever the media is saying.

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him?
Impress me as a public speaker---the man lacks charisma in comparison to his running mate.

4) WHat do you think of his ability as a public speaker?'
Not impressed. Edwards showed him, and everybody else, up at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, in my opinion.

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?
For the most part, yes.

6) Any other comments.
I'd rather see an Independent candidate in office, but if everybody doesn't suck it up and vote Democratic this year, we'll have Bush back in office, which isn't good for anybody. Err, well, not the lower 99% of people, anyways.

To sum it up: Kerry may not be much more of a solid candidate than Bush, but Bush has proven his inability to run the United States of America already---Kerry is yet to do so.

[Scientist]

Originally Posted by BurningQuestion

What is your opinion of John Kerry?

1) What do you like about him?

Nothing

2) What don't you like about him?

Everything

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him?

Publically admit that he is a sycophant and is seeking help.

4) WHat do you think of his ability as a public speaker?

Very good, but irrelevant: I am only interested in policies supported by a candidate, not how well he can "charm" people into voting for him.

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?

None

6) Any other comments

Don't vote for him. Instead, check out the great variety of third parties available, like the Reform Pary (my favorite).

Regards.

[Ryan Dognaux]

Originally Posted by MattK

Lets keep it clean- that is just a low blow

And "Anyone but Bush" isn't? Please. I've read a few statements in this thread I would considering low blows as well - but oh man, when someone posts an image... that's when it gets SERIOUS.

/ends rant

[Jack Jones]

1) What do you like about him?

I think he can spell Massachusetts. I hope he stays there.
He’s one of the most successful gigolos in America.

2) What don't you like about him?

He spent four months in Nam and 18 years in the Senate, but didn’t “report for duty” until last month, when he flaunted the former and ran away from the later.
He trotted out his “band of brothers”, each of whom must have forgotten that he spit upon them all in ’71 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
He voted for the war, and against body armor. Yada Yada…
In short, he’s a phony – with a capital PH.

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him?

Enter into private practice with Al Gore. Together they could patch the ozone hole, assuming they can stop the reversal of the earth’s magnetic field.

4) What do you think of his ability as a public speaker?

He does his best to sound presidential. I bet he practiced it way back in Nam. Maybe he has some footage.

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?

What positions? All I hear are empty promises – 10 million jobs – French kisses.

6) Any other comments

Who would Osama vote for?

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

To take a different route on this thread...

What do you like about this thread?
It is meant to discuss the question of the incoming political candidates in such a manner that would highlight why people like or dislike them and also promote means of discussion.

What don't you like about this thread?
It is turning into a battle of parties, all based around a set of assumed insults. It's immature, on both sides.

What could happen to improve my opinion of this thread?
Maybe people should start answering the questions that are asked. I am honestly interested in hearing why people like George W Bush and why people like John Kerry. Stating who you are voting for means you are stating that you prefer who you are voting for over the other candidate. Let us leave it at that.

What do you think of the abilities of those posting flames on this thread as speakers?
There are personal attacks...read on above. Enjoy. Some of you may not get along, but at least make an effort to do so. I don't have a high opinion of people who can't keep their political jokes in good taste to pms, no matter what party they are from.

Do you agree with the policies posted here?
I believe I posted earlier as to why I support John Kerry. I agree with some things people have said. Mr. Dognaux stated there were also targets against republicans. A good point, but that doesn't mean we can return an insult for another. I too am guilty of "party bashing" for that I apologize because reading thru I just realized how much of an idiot I must have looked like.

Any other comments?
I was under the impression that FIRST was a program for those of highschool age, as well as their mentors, and that the forums are a place to discuss all issues between high school aged participants, their mentors, volunteers and anyone else involved with the FIRST program in anyway. Read: this is not a misinformed kindergarten class.

[danielkitchener]

Let's focus on the issues, and not make this a flamewar. Genia is right -

Originally Posted by Eugenia Gabrielov

To take a different route on this thread...
What don't you like about this thread?
It is turning into a battle of parties, all based around a set of assumed insults. It's immature, on both sides.

Our country is based upon the fact that you can say and believe whatever you want. Let people express their views, and don't blast someone based upon what they believe. You are free to express your views as much as you want, but just don't bash others because they have different beliefs.
With that said, I am a democrat, I will be voting for Kerry, and I think he's the best man for the job. Keeping with the original format,
1) What do you like about him? He is a strong family man who has America's best interests at heart. His principles on social, economic, and world issues coincide with mine, too. He is also a good public speaker
2) What don't you like about him? The fact that he can sometimes come across as boring
3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him? Let Edwards do more of the talking
4) WHat do you think of his ability as a public speaker? Not the best in the world, but better than GEorge W, who blinks every time he has to think on his feet and cannot say anything in public that isnt scripted
5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)? ALL
6) Any other comments Stop the flame war.

And Check OUt http://www.johnkerryisadouchebagbuti...manyway.c om/

[RudimentaryPeni]

1) What do you like about him? His war experience and he knows that war is NOT the always the answer.

2) What don't you like about him? He is still a capitalist that only worries about money.

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him? If he would make more health care plans and helped the lower class find jobs... also if he would make the middle class more important than the upper.

4) WHat do you think of his ability as a public speaker? i think its just like any other trained politician that had attended classes to learn how to speak to the american public with lower IQs(still better than bushys nuclear speaking)

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)? He seems to just tell people what they want to hear, after Moore everyone wants no war (which is good) but that is mostly what i have heard him talk about. The main thing i like is the "Improvin' forgien relations", becuae if the world hates us where will we live... Maybe nasa can spend 9.8 billion dollars and have us on mars by then.

6) Any other comments Ralph Nadar once said "if you dont get onto politics, politics will get onto you" he is the one people should really vote for.

[Joshua May]

1) What do you like about him.
He is experienced, smart, and even though (or because of) his war experience he is anti-war and knows that war should always be the VERY last option, and he knows first-hand the consequences of war. He also cares more about the middle and lower class Americans, who are moreso left behind by the Bush Administration.

2) What don't you like about him?
He doesn't believe in gay marriage, which I support, but at least he says its a state's right issue.

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him?
He could take a bigger stance on outlining what Bush has done wrong and how he will do differently.

4) What do you think of his ability as a public speaker?
He speaks as an intellectual, but he speaks to the lower classes, and he carries himself excellently. And he doesn't say "nucular."

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?
I agree with his economic policies and his mission to restore the respect of America abroad, but not the vote to go into Iraq. Overall, I agree with a vast majority of his positions.

6) Any other comments.
I think that Kerry will really steer America in the right direction, and get us back on track. And Teresa Heinz-Kerry will make a much better First Lady than Laura Bush, she is an intellectual and she is not afraid to speak her mind, which is much better than Laura who sits behind Bush and simply nods in agreement.

[pi_guy578]

1) What do you like about him.
He's anti Gay marriage (this is effective until he flip flops again...)

2) What don't you like about him?
Very dishonest. Check out www.swiftvets.com its a site created by his fellow soldiers in vietnam

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him?
Actually look at what bush is doing (iraq, terrorism, etc) and see that is what we should keep doing. We have been on the receiving end of first strike for a VEEEEERY long time. When we finally attack first, everyone is all "BUSH SUCKS!!!!!"

4) What do you think of his ability as a public speaker?
no comment

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?
No comment as his positions are very unclear (i.e. flip flops)

6) Any other comments.
As far as i can tell so far Edwards is a better candidate than Kerry is.

[Joshua May]

Originally Posted by pi_guy578

1) What do you like about him.
He's anti Gay marriage (this is effective until he flip flops again...)

Not to go off topic, but what is it that you have against gay marriage? Anti-gay marriage is the forcing of gays to become a second-class citizen. It is the persection of those that are different that yourself, and I see nothing different in homophobia than racism and anti-semitism.

Originally Posted by pi_guy578

2) What don't you like about him?
Very dishonest. Check out www.swiftvets.com its a site created by his fellow soldiers in vietnam

Please tell me you don't believe the so-called "Swiftboat Veterans for Truth". They are liars and have supported Kerry in the past until they were paid to say otherwise. In fact, they didn't even serve with Kerry, they simply served in Vietnam at the same time, none of them were actually on Kerry's boat, none of them were there when he earned his medals.

[Ryan Dognaux]

Originally Posted by Joshua May

In fact, they didn't even serve with Kerry, they simply served in Vietnam at the same time, none of them were actually on Kerry's boat, none of them were there when he earned his medals.

Actually I know of at least one of them who actually did serve alongside Kerry for some time. I believe his name is Steve Gardner, look him up.

I really wish the whole Vietnam issue would be dropped - Bush has denounced ad bashing as a whole and has praised Kerry's military service. He has no control over the Swiftvets who use soft money - just as others do as well - to put political ads on TV. What more do you want? I'm failing to see how Bush is a part of this.

[Joshua May]

Originally Posted by Ryan Dognaux

I really wish the whole Vietnam issue would be dropped - Bush has denounced ad bashing as a whole and has praised Kerry's military service. He has no control over the Swiftvets who use soft money - just as others do as well - to put political ads on TV. What more do you want? I'm failing to see how Bush is a part of this.

I agree, the issue should be dropped, but there is at least some connection between the two. It has already been found that one of the vets in a SwiftBoat ad is a Bush re-election advisor. Or at least he was, he recently resigned after the connection was reported. Whether Bush knew of this connection and/or used it is still to be determined, however.

[Bill Gold]

I guess it’s that time again…

What could he do to improve your opinion of him?

He could stop pulling an “Al Gore” and loosen up a little. I hope that when he’s on the Daily Show tonight that he’ll be wearing something other than a suit; preferably something like jeans and a polo shirt. Something not overly relaxed, but something to show that he’s not always uptight. It’s superficial, but so is the American public.

What do you think of his ability as a public speaker?

He’s a great public speaker. He can go on and on about many topics as is the case with many Representatives and even more so with Senators. He speaks very eloquently, but I think that’s more of a liability than a positive for him (just like it was for Gore). I believe that the American people are afraid of intelligence. In general, we’re afraid to think that smart people might know better how to handle our country’s affairs. Clinton was extremely smart, yet he spoke in a way that everyone could understand him. Kerry speaks wonderfully, but you can sometimes see that he loses the dumber or less politically knowledgeable people with things like “I voted for [the war in Iraq] before I voted against [it].” That was a perfectly correct statement and a valid position if you knew the specifics of the two bills he was talking about. Things like that loose the stupid people. It’s rare when you see Bush lose the stupid people…

Do you agree with all, most, some or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?

I was against the Iraq war from the outset. I was involved in debates even here on CD about Iraq back in the fall of 2002. I was right then, and I’m right today and it will be hard for me to forgive the Democrats for allowing Bush to, unquestioned and unchecked, have his way. It was bad for the world, and it was bad for American politics. I would stand even more firmly behind Kerry had he held a stance towards the war like Howard Dean’s or Dennis Kucinich’s.

I’m in favor of Gay Marriage or some other equivalent that would allow homosexuals the same legal rights and status as heterosexuals. The idea that marriage is either for procreation or that allowing homosexual marriages would somehow damage the children of America is a ridiculous statement. Not all married couples want or attempt to have children. Should they have their marriage licenses revoked? Homosexuality exists and has existed for thousands of years… Why does homosexual marriage have to be the threshold where it supposedly damages children in our society instead of homosexual relationships? This argument is based in religious roots and makes no sense to us nonbelievers (by the way, we have the right to not be religious, too).

I tend to agree with pretty much everything else he stands for with regard to abortion, economics, science, education, and other issues.

Any other comments?

Originally Posted by pi_guy578

1) What do you like about him.
He's anti Gay marriage (this is effective until he flip flops again...)

“There you go again.” This whole “flip-flopper” thing has to end. Everyone in politics does it, and then in the same breath tries to use their opponents’ changes in mind frame against them. If you think Bush has never changed his mind, then you’re sorely mistaken. A ten-second search on Google brought up the following three sites which have Bush “flip-flops” and sources to back them up.

http://www.compassiongate.com/promises/index.htm
http://www.flipfloppingbush.com/
http://www.americanprogress.org/site...RJ8OVF&b=42263

This whole line of attack against Kerry should end since it’s OBVIOUS that he, like almost all other politicians, is being pragmatic.

Originally Posted by pi_guy578

3) What could he do to improve your opinion of him?
Actually look at what bush is doing (iraq, terrorism, etc) and see that is what we should keep doing. We have been on the receiving end of first strike for a VEEEEERY long time. When we finally attack first, everyone is all "BUSH SUCKS!!!!!"

My opposition to the war against Iraq doesn’t sound like “Bush sucks!” It sounds like…

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=28
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=34
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...9&postcount=44
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...0&postcount=54
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...4&postcount=68
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...5&postcount=69
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...7&postcount=70

If you want to have this debate, I’ve had more than enough time to refine my thoughts and I’d be willing to share them. Feel free to start another thread.

Originally Posted by pi_guy578

5) Do you agree with all, most, some, or none of his positions on key issues (i.e. the war in iraq, economics, etc)?
No comment as his positions are very unclear (i.e. flip flops)

His positions are only unclear to those who are not willing to listen to them. Enough with the flip-flops.

Originally Posted by Ryan Dognaux

Actually I know of at least one of them who actually did serve alongside Kerry for some time. I believe his name is Steve Gardner, look him up.

They all served along side Kerry in the sense that they were in Vietnam, but every single soldier who served on a boat with Kerry supports his 5 medal career and also supports his candidacy. But yes, I agree that this whole thing should be dropped as long as the American people are told about the deceit by this organization.