With Nomination in Reach, Kerry's Long-Term Strategy Takes Shape

[Feanorcurufinwe]

John Kerry faces a happy predicament:

As the early consensus choice for the Democratic presidential nomination, what can the Massachusetts senator do between now and his party's July convention to keep public attention focused, avoid losing momentum and maintain the initiative in his offensive against President Bush?

"Kerry faces a challenge no other non-incumbent has had in modern political history," said Ann Lewis, a strategist at the Democratic National Committee.

A game plan is unfolding, and no hiatus will be permitted.

Kerry and the Democrats intend to launch an immediate, full-bore campaign well before the nomination is bestowed in Boston. In fact, the ceremonial convention rituals likely will serve as a mere mid-point campaign rally in a head-to-head presidential battle of record duration.

That Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean have not withdrawn, some experts suggest, is calculated to extend the season of excitement that has charged up and unified the party.

More (including strategy): http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/benson021304.html

[oasis]

1. "no hiatus" on his part. Not letting up on our part. Too much at stake.

www.johnkerry.com

[Feanorcurufinwe]

2. Will Dean join in the unity dinner?

A showy closing-of-the-ranks behind Kerry is already scheduled -- a unity dinner in Washington on March 25. Plans call for Kerry to be surrounded and supported by former Presidents Clinton and Carter, unsuccessful 2000 Democratic nominee Al Gore and all the candidates Kerry bested in the early primary and caucus states.
http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/benson021304.html

[RedDawnRising]

3. I hope neither Dean nor Dennis shows up - Resist the coronation !

[MurikanDemocrat]

6. Kucinich will for sure

[WiseMen]

4. So, Howard Is Being the GOOD SOLDIER by Continuing the Fight. Great!

[Feanorcurufinwe]

5. If you don't click through and read the story, you are missing out.

Check out this nugget:

Bush's vaunted advantage in financial backing may be less than overwhelming, Democrats say.

"There have been hundreds of stories about how Bush is raising $170 million. Well, let it be noted that the Democratic candidates together have already raised and spent $177 million," said Carl Wagner, a veteran Democratic campaign operative.

"The result has been that for the better part of three months Democrats have dominated the argument, not Bush," Wagner said. "There is almost no precedent for an incumbent president losing control of the debate the way Bush has."

http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/benson021304.html