Kerry and Edwards focusing on Florida

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Thu, Jul. 08, 2004

Kerry and Edwards focusing on Florida

John Kerry and John Edwards began to campaign together, emphasizing the positive and showcasing their families at stops in Central Florida and Ohio.

BY LESLEY CLARK AND THOMAS FITZGERALD

[email protected]


ST. PETERSBURG -- John Kerry introduced his running mate, John Edwards, to a wildly enthusiastic crowd late Wednesday in the heart of battleground Florida, calling his vice presidential choice someone who will restore ''hope and optimism'' to America.

Touching down in Florida on Day One for the Kerry-Edwards ticket signaled the campaign's intent to make the state a major focal point of the presidential election.

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz-Kerry, stole some of the show when a woman in the audience at the St. Petersburg Coliseum shouted to Kerry that she wanted to hear from the candidate's spouse.

''Far be it from me to say no to any Florida voter,'' Kerry said. ''I'm here to please.'' He then turned the mic over to his wife. Later, Kerry noted that Florida is where Teddy Roosevelt trained the Rough Riders, and said, ``I've brought my own rough rider from North Carolina. His name is John Edwards.''

Today, Kerry and Edwards visit the heart of Democratic country in Florida, Broward County, with a morning rally at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
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http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/9102692.htm
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[AnnitaR]

1. The elderly female vote.

All I can say that is if my 69 year old mother and her 88 year old friend are any indication Kerry/Edwards have that segment of the voting block wrapped up. They were absolutely gushing over Edwards today. It was hysterical! They want me to get them yard signs ASAP! LOL!

They mentioned many times of how much he reminds them of Clinton. They liked Kerry but now that he has chosen Edwards they are positively ecstatic!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Kerry/Edwards appeal to older voters

because both come off as NICE. My mother decided to vote to Kerry after he responded to a Dear Abby letter written by a little girl. Edwards comes across as cheery and positive-and nice as well. Might not seem to be that big of a deal, but with older voters, manners and such like really mean something.