Kerry Takes Swing At Dean

[dajabr]

BOSTON -- Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry is again challenging presidential rival Howard Dean's allegiance to Red Sox Nation.

With Boston preparing to face archrival New York in the American League Championship Series, Kerry said Tuesday that if New York beats Boston in the best-of-seven series that begins Wednesday, he'll send New England clam chowder to Dean's campaign. He wants Manhattan chowder from Dean if Boston wins.

Kerry last month accused Dean, the former Vermont governor and current front-runner for the Democratic nomination, of being a Yankees fan.

Dean, a New York native, called the accusation insulting, and insisted he backs Boston.

"Howard Dean has a relationship with the Yankees that goes way back so we hope he is willing to put some chowder behind his childhood team," Kerry spokeswoman Kelley Benander said.

Dean, however, told reporters in Iowa that he's rooting for the Red Sox. He's also pulling for the Chicago Cubs to beat the Florida Marlins in the National League Championship Series.

"I always root for the underdog," Dean said. "Those are the two biggest underdogs."

Kerry, better known for sailboarding and ice hockey than for baseball banter, also plans to launch a "Cowboy Up for Kerry" effort, using the slogan Red Sox players adopted for the stretch run.

More: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/politics/2538301/detail...

[Hawkeye-X]

1. Uhhh

Kerry and Dean both lose the "bet" if the Sox loses to the Yankees. Dean loves the Sox.

Hawkeye-X

[dajabr]

3. Kerry seems to be missing that point...

I loved Terry Bradshaw and the Steelers when I was a kid, but if I moved to Pittsburgh now, I'd still root like hell for the (NJ) Giants...

Somebody please buy the Marathon Man a clue...

[polmaven]

4. Uh,

Can I buy anyone a sense of humor here?

[cindyw]

7. I'd say humor is in short supply here.

[dajabr]

15. I don't normally equate Kerry with humor...

Guess it was slightly funny the last time he was "funnin'" about it two weeks ago...

[skyfox]

2. What a wondeful sight for Bush

Dems tearing each other apart for allegiance of baseball teams? Go Rangers by the way.

[TheDonkey]

13. Please, this isn't tearing anyone apart. More like a PR stunt

Dean should want to be part of.

[cprise]

5. Heh.. Kerry has to stay away from political subjects

Otherwise he will increase Dean's popularity with each criticism.

[dofus]

6. Like baseball is important?

It's a fine way to pass a few hours, but I don't get this kind of thing at all.

In fact, organized sport, whether in schools, professional, or the office softball team, strike me as a means of indoctrinating people to obey blindly, to cheer mindlessly, to stop thinking for themselves.

Recently before the movies, the theaters I go to (AMC chain for what that's worth) have been showing a promo called Football Town. It's scary. It suggests that the fan and the team are symbiotically intertwined, that one cannot exist without the other, and that cheering for one's team gives life meaning.

Personally, I think how we treat others is what gives life meaning, but that's just me.

[PAMod]

8. Oh no, its a great way to eat into an opponent's support.

Remember how they bashed Hillary for saying she was a Yankee's fan?

Oh wait, that didn't work - she won the election running away.

I guess it's not a great way to eat into an opponent's support.

[Pez]

9. i think it's great...

...that they are able to have a Sense of Humor in the campaigning from time to time.

[Fabio]

10. agreed,

[Feanorcurufinwe]

12. Too bad

more of the posters here at DU aren't able to as well...

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

11. My take:

Considered Opinion Here

[BushGone04]

14. People

It's a humorous PR stunt. It's not an attack on Dean; it's an attempt to have a little fun over the course of the campaign. Calm down. Please.