New Bush Ad Assails Kerry on Iraq Vote

[redqueen]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=694&ncid=703&e=1&u=/ap/20040316/ap_on_el_pr/bush_ads
2 hours, 16 minutes ago

By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Ratcheting up his criticism of John Kerry (news - web sites), President Bush (news - web sites) accuses his Democratic rival of voting against American troops in a new television ad that begins airing Tuesday.

"Few votes in Congress are as important as funding our troops at war. Though John Kerry voted in October 2002 for military action in Iraq (news - web sites), he later voted against funding our soldiers," the ad says.

The 30-second ad labels Kerry "wrong on defense" and claims that the Massachusetts senator did not support bills that would have ensured troops had body armor and earned higher combat pay, and would have given reservists and their families better health care.

(snip)

The new ad will initially run in West Virginia to highlight Kerry's "wrong choices when it comes to giving our troops the resources they need to be successful in Iraq," said Ken Mehlman, Bush's campaign manager.
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Mehlman promises more aggressive attack ads to come. Hey, forewarned is forearmed, right?

There are SO MANY WAYS Kerry could eviscerate bush on this crap. I can't wait to see which one he chooses.

Godspeed, JK!

[mstrsplinter326]

1. I wonder if he'll attack back strong enough?

Does Kerry have the balls to call Bush a deserter? I doubt it, but he'll be my hero if he does it without back-peddling later.

[redqueen]

3. He doesn't have to, though

He has so MANY options here... the first one that came to mind for me is to attack the need for an $87 billion funding bill ... how many months after this war started? Can we say NO PLANNING?! Can we say what the hell was bush doing starting a war when the troops were not properly equipped to fight it?

He's got so many options. I hope he's just giddy thinking about how to sock it to usurper boy.

[Monte Carlo]

2. The cut veterans' benefits and VA hospitals might be a good start.

And the troops' combat pay, and the whole rationale for the war to begin with.

[Nadienne]

4. Oh, so they are now admitting the misuse of military funds?

"the Massachusetts senator did not support bills that would have ensured troops had body armor and earned higher combat pay"

:puke:

I think Kerry's decisions were based on whether or not a strong stance would be political suicide. But, any middle ground position is also vulnerable to attacks. Middle ground is political suicide. The bush cabal will twist any position.

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. Kerry attack number ONE...

the VERY NIGHT that Bush sent our troops into Iraq....behind closed, LOCKED doors, congress voted to cut Veteran's Benefits. Send Wes Clark out with that one!!! Shame the hell out of this administration and republican congress!

[sangh0]

6. Good

The more they talk about Iraq, the more opportunities we get to point out all of Bush*'s lies and mistakes.

[emulatorloo]

7. Didn't the 87 billion include "computerizing the Iraq Post Office" and

the construction of a lovely new "Gated Community" etc etc and some really high priced trucks. . . .? Sorry I can't find a link, but I recall that at the time.

[redqueen]

8. lol yep!

Zip codes, a million or so for a bounty for Charles Taylor's head... all kinds of crap in there.

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. Yes....brand spankin' new, GARBAGE TRUCKS!

Kerry can have a field day with this. :bounce:

[emulatorloo]

10. I gotta link and a list for you now - 900 million for imported petroleum

http://www.mindfully.org/Reform/2003/$87-Billion-Iraq29sep03.htm

Reprint of a Christian Science Monitor Story

snip

Four-week business course for 2,000 Iraqis, $20 million ($10,000 per pupil).

Forty new garbage trucks, $2 million ($50,000 per truck).

Imported petroleum, including kerosene and diesel, $900 million.

Funding to bring in 100 prison-building experts for six months, $10 million ($100,000 per expert).

Seven planned communities to include 3,258 houses, roads, an elementary school, two high schools, a clinic, and a place of worship and market for each community, $100 million.

Witness protection program for 100 families averaging five persons per family, $100 million ($200,000 per person).

New curriculum to train the Iraqi army, $164 million.

Two 4,000-bed prisons, $400 million ($50,000 per bed).

Funding for 500 experts to investigate crimes against humanity, $100 million ($200,000 per expert).

Protection for 400 judges and prosecutors, $20 million ($50,000 per person).

Begin work on a $500 million to $700 million children's hospital, $150 million.

Overhaul business practices of Iraq's postal service, including start of ZIP code system, $9 million.

Computer study of the Iraqi postal service, $54 million

[redqueen]

11. I hope Kerry has this list!

100 prison experts to build two prisons?!

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. Send this to the Kerry headquarters! n/t

[progressiverealist]

13. and the response so far: (cue crickets chirping) NOTHING!

Why are we not hitting back?

[redqueen]

14. There's a press release thread ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x464604

:)

[progressiverealist]

16. this press release means nothing unless the mainstream media

picks it up.

We need ads running that hit Bush so hard he cries to mommy.

[sangh0]

15. 2 hours and 16 minutes isn't quick enough for you?

.

[TheStateChief]

17. Kerry Response: "I actually voted for the $87 billion"

Just saw a tape of him explaining his vote by saying "I actually voted for the $87 billion before I voted against it." The people on the evening news were laughing at his explanation.