However, I think its even more funny that people would not believe that there are many, many, many foreign leaders out there who really would like to see W outta the White House.
Of course if you're a Dubya supporter, that's obviously because so many countries wish the US harm, or simply don't like us, and taking Dubya out of the White House would benefit them, while hurting the US.
And if you're a Dubya hate-ah, then you think that other countries want him out because his near-unilateral-preemptive-strike-cowboy-"Bring It On" style of Foreign Policy is bad for not only the US, but the world at large.
Either way you look at it, is anyone actually surprised at the idea that other countries want Dubya out of the White House?
I think it's more than a bit inappropriate for a candidate to have that sort of discussion with an outside government.
So if it's true, it's out of line. Having that sort of discussion would undermine the current administrations ability to negotiate with foreign leaders, and could cause a number of other problems.
If it's true.
On the other hand, Kerry hasn't had an opportunity to "meet" with any foreign leaders for over 2 years (Since the campaign began). He may have spoken to someone on the phone, but I wouldn't call that "meeting" with someone.
And if it's a betrayal of confidence to say who the supposed leaders were, wouldn't it also be a betrayal of confidence to bring up the conversation in the first place?
Colin Powell is correct that if Senator Kerry thinks it's enough of an issue to talk about it, he should be willing to name names.
I don't think the fact that discussions like that may have taken place is the real issue. Kerry can't help it if someone outside the US gets word to him in some way. Unless he's calling up foreign leaders, asking for endorsements, that's not the issue.
It's already been released that he was mis-quoted. He didn't say foreign leaders, but he said "more leaders"...my interpretation is that he meant business and perhaps even political leadership from around the world. Anyway, personally I think saying that kind of thing is innappropriate and unnecessary anyway.
I mean, from my POV, it should be obvious that the world in general isn't in love with Dubya. Of folks like Blaire from the UK will nod and smile to most any US president, but you're fooling yourself if you really believe that even Blaire wouldn't love to see Dubya defeated in '04.
My opinion is that the only thing that will stop Kerry from winning 2004 is himself. Stupid quotes like this and the "surprise that mic is on!" episode only undermine Kerry in my eyes.
I just don't see the point in saying or even implying publicly that the outside world wants Bush out. I can't see how it gains Kerry anything, and frankly it sounds inappropriate to me. IMO that's obvious anyway.
I think Kerry is his own worst enemy in this election, unless some things really turn around before November on the foreign front and economically on the home front.
Personally I think the only thing that really would give Kerry a chance this year is J esus as his running mate. He basically screwed his campaign by saying "i won't throw dirt" then "omg mic was on?" and the leaders thing....maybe if he didn't talk....
And even though the bush hate is loud, he is still very popular.
Quote:It's already been released that he was mis-quoted. He didn't say foreign leaders, but he said "more leaders"
Quote:KERRY: "I've been hearing it, I'll tell ya. The news, the coverage in other countries, the news in other places. I've met more leaders who can't go out and say it all publicly, but boy they look at you and say, you gotta win this, you gotta beat this guy, we need a new policy, things like that. So there is enormous energy out there. Tell them, whereever they can find an American abroad, they can contribute," a reference to donations, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Regardless of whether the word used was "More" or "Foreign", The context of the statement shows that he was referring to foreign leaders. Why would he be talking about anything else but that, when he refers to "Americans Abroad".
Or maybe this later statement about the original one:
Quote:Kerry declined to name any leaders who have voiced support for his candidacy, but said it's clear to even casual observers of foreign policy issues that this country's standing has sagged internationally.
"I'm not going to betray a private conversation with anybody," he said Sunday. "I have heard from people, foreign leaders elsewhere in the world who don't appreciate the Bush administration and would love to see a change in the leadership of the United States."
Pressed on the campaign trail and by reporters to name the leaders, Kerry declined, although he said they were U.S. allies.
Hell, Kerry isn't even denying that he said it. The only person who is claiming that is a reporter at the boston Globe. Its amazing how far the media will go to save Kerry from himself.
yeah, but what I'm saying is that the issue isn't whether he's heard foreign leaders versus anyone else say such a thing. I think the issue is that he repeated it. I just don't see the point in saying that.
The fact is that even if foreign leaders did say such a thing, it would be folly to admit it. It's like he's put himself in a bad position. He shouldn't have said anything if he's not willing to disclose names. However, I don't feel that disclosing names is a good idea either. I just think it was dumb really. Definitely put himself in an unenviable light, and potentially pissed off foreign leaders...
Regardless of whether I agree with the "mic" statements or whether I think foreign leaders want him out, both were stupid things to say outloud.
Didn't Bush call Gore an ***hole on an open mic when he was campaigning? Maybe it was someone else, but Bush definitely had a similar oops.
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You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, and then used against you.
Quote:Kerry can't help it if someone outside the US gets word to him in some way.
That is different than what he said. The quote is this:
Quote:"I've met foreign leaders who can't go out and say this publicly, but boy they look at you and say, 'You've got to win this, you've got to beat this guy, we need a new policy,' things like that," he said.
Saying that he's "met" foreign leaders who "look at you" is considerably different than having a phone conversation or one of them getting word to him in some way.
Do I believe that there are foreign leaders rooting for Kerry? Absolutely. Do I believe that Kerry has ever met with any of them? Absolutely not.
He tried to exaggerate something for political gain and it's backfiring on him. It was extremely stupid for him to say it at all, and on that we agree.
I get a kick out of the fact that while addressing CHICAGO LABOR UNIONS!! he called people "crooks & Liars" what was he trying to get them to vote Bush?
"crooks & liars" to mobbed up unions that get sweetheart deals from an equally dirty mayor that gives trucking contracts to mobbed up trucking companies,
"crooks & liars" to democrats in a town where there are more democrat aldermen and judges in jail than there are in office?
"crooks & liars" in a town where the dead are know to rise from their graves and vote democrat?
"crooks & liars" to union guys who's union bosses retirement plans usually include a nice 50 gallon condo under a new parking garage?
oh damn, I forgot about Nader. I'll amend my earlier opinion to say that I think the only thing that could keep Kerry from the White house is himself AND Nader.
