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July 15, 2004 Senator Kerry, Congratulations on choosing John Edwards for Vice President. He's running circles around Dick Cheney, and the New York Times is now speculating that Cheney will plead medical issues and leave the Bush ticket for someone better. You're pulling ahead on the serious issues and seem to have people listening to you. The election, Senator Kerry, is yours to lose. But that doesn't mean you should. There are serious weaknesses in your campaign that you need to address before they become real trouble. Recently, the White House has been attack John Edwards as you second choice for Vice President. You must ensure the people that, first or second, John Edwards was the right choice. It wouldn't hurt to mention how, by the popular vote in 2000, George Bush was America's second choice. The Republicans have zeroed in on your star- studded fundraiser as a sign that your preaching of values is hollow. They want you to release the video of the party in order to slam the company you keep and put Bush firmly in morality's corner. Point out that Dick Cheney spewed profanity on the Senate floor, and that Ken Lay and George W. Bush were close buddies for quite a while. Offer a swap - the video of the fundraiser for Cheney's energy task force records. That should get them off your back. Republicans have also been successful in painting you as a flip-flopping, indecisive candidate. Remind them that Bush was for and against an independent 9-11 Commission, the Assault Weapons Ban, steel tariffs, and a Department of Homeland Security. Remind them he pledged to increase veterans' benefits but has instead cut them back. I am not a diehard supporter of your campaign, Senator Kerry. I have had to bend over backwards to accomodate many of your views. That is why it disturbs me most to see that you are making little effort to seek the youth vote, especially the youth vote in swing states, which is statistically more liberal than the older vote in those same states. My best advice on that subject: people think you are a boring, dull man. I don't blame them. Send us John Edwards and he'll gain a rock-star following with the young crowd. Many, even here in Indiana, see him as a likeable Bill Clinton without the adulterous Mr. Hyde part to his personality. This election means a lot to us, Senator Kerry. If you end up losing this, you risk demoralizing the fire your more radical counterparts are stoking for you. In short, Senator Kerry: don't screw this up. ------------ About the author: Max Burns lives in Indianapolis and interns with the Indiana Democratic Party. Visit The Rabid Demoncrat or read the fantasy-fiction novel "Alcardia". He is currently a senior at Lawrence North High School and is active in political clubs and associations. Max thinks it's time to hatch a real environmental policy and plant George W. Bush back in Crawford. Email: MBurns_NS@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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