Kennedy: 'We cannot become Republican clones'

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http://edition.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/01/12/kennedy.democrats.ap/

Kennedy: 'We cannot become Republican clones'
Senator says Dems need to push values more


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats should have talked more directly about fundamental values and ideals in last year's presidential campaign, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy said, outlining an agenda aimed at moving the party and the nation forward.

In remarks prepared for delivery Wednesday to the National Press Club, Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, said Democrats must do a better job speaking about the principles they believe in and that have guided the party.

"We cannot move our party or our nation forward under pale colors and timid voices," said Kennedy, who has served 42 years in the Senate. "We cannot become Republican clones. If we do, we will lose again, and deserve to lose."

But at the same time, Kennedy said Democratic Sen. John Kerry's narrow election loss also showed that the party must "recognize issues of deep conscience in policy positions we take." Referring to abortion, he said Democrats should not yield on a woman's right to choose, but should also acknowledge that "we are a better society when abortions are rare."

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