Bush: "I will go to New York, what about you Kerry?"
AP News Line
Crawford, TX
by, Kilgore Trout
In a ratcheting up political of intensity on the eve of the RNC, President Bush today dared John Kerry to come to the Republican National Convention in New York City, "I will go (to New York), what about you Kerry?" Admittedly confused when asked about Bush's statement, presidential hopeful John Kerry replied , "Well, uh, he what now?...asked if I was coming to the convention? Er, I wasn't planning on it, but certainly if there were some reason for me to attend the ceremonies, and it helped us get back to the real issues facing America, I suppose I could."
August has been the most intense month of the 2004 presidential campaign. There have been new accusations by a group of Vietnam veterans accusing Kerry of lying about his service. Also some have said that Kerry lacks the mental stability to lead this country. The democrats have defended themselves by filing legal complaints, and urging President Bush to get back to the issues. However, today's exchange is a new level of rhetoric.
"It's obvious that Mr. Kerry has no real experience to stand on and that the only thing he can do is make personal attacks on a president who has guided us through two wars" says Press secretary Scott McClellan. He adds, "If the topic of discussion was the strength of this country and its protection from terrorism, Kerry would have nothing to say." Some Democrats worry that Kerry's inexperience could hurt his standing with crucial swing voters. Richard Leak of the Carter Group says " I wouldn't be surprised if Kerry keeps fairly quite about matters of national security considering his voting record.."
In a contest becoming increasingly heated, Kerry sent a group of angry veterans to Crawford, TX. Luckily, the Secret Service was there to keep the situation under control. The group led by a man named Max Cleland attempted to storm the gates of the Bush's ranch in Crawford. But a Secret Service patrol blocked their path. "There's no telling what they'd done if we hadn't been there," said agent Phillips.
Obviously this episode, not only upset the president, but emboldened him to speak out against Kerry, "You know, I- what I want to urge Mr Kerry to do is stop all of this, this childish behavior. I'm sick of it. You know, I try- I want to get to the, - what I mean is, people need to know about the, what's going on." Bush told reporters at a press conference in Crawford " I'll tell them what's going on: my opponent has a problem with America. I don't" He then went on to dare Kerry to attend the RNC.
When asked if Mr. Kerry had received an actual invitation, a spokesperson for the Kerry/Edwards 2004 campaign threw up her hands and said, "Hell if I know, this is the first I've heard of this."