Is Kerry the real deal??
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| Thu, 09-16-2004 - 8:47pm |
Is John Kerry Really the Real Deal?
One of our neighbors dropped by recently and asked a very important question: "Now that you've seen and heard John Kerry in person, what do you really think of him?"
Just that morning, we had attended John Kerry's front-porch campaign stop in Columbus. It's one thing to read about a candidate or watch him on TV -- and something else entirely to see him face to face as he interacts with a crowd. My neighbor wanted to know what many want to know: Is John Kerry really the real deal?
I've heard plenty of speakers during my 41 years, and many have inspired me. But only twice have I been so moved and motivated that I resolved to take major action. The first time was in 1999, when I heard Colin Powell speak at a conference. He delivered a powerful message about the American Dream and human potential -- so powerful that I resolved to start my own business. A month later I did just that, and I've never looked back.
The second time was on July 25, when I heard John Kerry during his one-hour gathering with a group of 100 people in Columbus.
Before you dismiss this as a likely rah-rah comment from an ardent Kerry supporter, let me confess that I was expecting an okay speech that would touch on most of the key issues and make Kerry supporters feel, well, pretty good. I've seen plenty of politicians, and most of them hit singles or doubles on their campaign stops.
But on this day in Columbus, John Kerry hit a home run. He came across as a leader, not as a politician.
Kerry's intelligence came through on every answer. There were no scripted questions; everything was fair game. By my careful count, he received only two softball pitches from the ten people who asked questions. No matter how difficult the question, Kerry gave a solid answer. He's a smart guy who knows the issues inside-out.
Did he just say what people wanted to hear? Hardly. In response to a question about so many jobs being shipped overseas, Kerry explained exactly what he's going to do -- but he talked straight and admitted that we're dealing with harsh economic realities. There is much he can and will do, but he openly admitted that he can't sprinkle magic dust and make every problem go away. He's a rarity: a candidate who doesn't overpromise.
When answering questions, Kerry stood squarely and talked with certainty. And having seen this quality up close, I can better understand the person who volunteered to take his swiftboat up the Mekong Delta. I can understand why he became a prosecutor and put organized-crime figures behind bars. I can understand why he has gone toe-to-toe with some in his own party as one of the most fiscally responsible people in the Senate. He's a guy with a record of standing up for what matters.
Then there was his personal connection with the crowd. We've all seen politicians pick up babies for that quick photo. Kerry did pick up a baby -- a 6-month-old whose father asked a question. Kerry held the child throughout his answer, talking from the heart about the wonder and beauty of all children -- and affirming the need to create a better future. It was a moment that doesn't lend itself to a TV broadcast; you had to be there. I was, and I'm a notorious cynic. John Kerry showed a genuine human touch that is rare in life, let alone in politics.
As he was leaving, he walked past a long hedge. On the other side were people holding up Bush-Cheney signs. I watched as Kerry stopped, greeted them, called them over, and reached over the hedge to shake their hands. After both sides exchanged kind words, he continued toward his waiting vehicle -- and I watched as the Bush-Cheney supporters gave grudging nods of respect.
So what do I think of John Kerry now that I've seen him in person? I think he would be a tremendous Commander in Chief and a great leader to get us back on track. He's a serious person for serious times, and his empathy and understanding will make all the difference as he brings unity back to our country.
-- Tom Terez (Columbus, Ohio)
(click to here for photos: http://anotherrepublicanforkerry.com/photos/index.html )

• Award Has Bogus Combat 'V'
8/28/2004 The official records on Kerry's Web site only add to the confusion. The DD214 form, an official Defense Department document summarizing Kerry's military career posted on johnkerry.com, includes a "Silver Star with combat V." But according to a U.S. Navy spokesman, "Kerry's record is incorrect. The Navy has never issued a 'combat V' to anyone for a Silver Star." KERRY IS THE BIGGEST LIAR!
Now that is quite an intelligent response.
Patriotism means to stand by the Country. It does not mean to stand by the President. -- Theodore Roosevelt.