Howard Fineman on John Kerry. "He acts like he's running for....

[mzmolly]

Secretary of State, not the Presidency."

*cough* I would tend to agree. Bush has been lambasted in the media, John Kerry has chosen to lay low and *let* others do what he should be doing i.e. speaking out LOUDLY and FORCEFULLY about this corrupt administration. Because of this, he hasn't been able to capitalize on what is happening.

*Note this statement was made on Lou Dobbs when they were talking about how pathetic it is that John is polling behind George in spite of recent events*

Snip from Lou Dobbs Show...

It is unclear whether the Woodward book will have any impact at all on the president's poll numbers, his popularity. And as we reported last night, the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll shows the president leading Senator Kerry by a margin of 51 to 46 percent. The poll was taken after the president's widely criticized news conference last weekend during the deadliest month of this war in Iraq for American troops.

Joining me now for more on the campaign, CNN political analyst Carlos Watson. Carlos, these numbers, 51, 46, after all that has transpired, this is going to be a resounding resurgent reassurance for the White House.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good news. Not as good news as President Clinton had in '96 when he was running for reelection at this time or that Reagan had in '84. It is not unequivocally good news. You will hear some carping from Democrats who feel like Kerry is not going on the offensive. Since he wrapped up the nomination in early March he's seen a lead that was once 12 points, 55-43, now he is down by five. You're going to start to see some worrying even as they raise money and launch new ads.

DOBBS: What in the world could he do?

WATSON: I think you're going to hear them say two things. One, they're going to say that he needs more comprehensive plans. They're saying you need big ideas on three or four issues. Obviously, the war. Obviously terrorism. Obviously, the economy. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) people can attach themselves to understand easily and actually believe. The second thing is, he's actually got to offer a little more passion, a little more excitement and get not only his own base but Independents, if you will, and moderate Republicans. Those folks that Bill Clinton wanted in '92 to start thinking about his candidacy seriously. DOBBS: Does he have the capacity for that passion, for that excitement within him?

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0404/20/ldt.00.html

*carp, carp, carp*

Even JK's initial base must have concerns?

[WI_DEM]

1. I can't believe I'm coming to Kerry's defense

but to be fair these polls are all very close--CNN even with Bush leading by five indicates a close election. Other polls have the race closer. If you take all the polls and add them up we have a horserace, just what everyone said it was going to be. These early polls are not as important as the polls we start seeing in the fall.

That said, I do think Kerry has not been doing a great job. The issues are out there and he should really be hitting Bush hard on Iraq and his credibility.

[mzmolly]

2. I agree with you, but they shouldn't be *close* right now with the hits

Bush has taken in the media. At least temporarilly JK should be miles ahead of * in the polls, IMHO...

[TLM]

14. I just wish Kerry would attack Bush with the same energy he

attacked Dean.


He'd be ahead by 20 points.


I do think kerry will win. But he'll win because republicans will vote for him... the republicans who are worried about Bush f-ing up their money will vote for Kerry because he represents the status quo.

Kerry will beat Bush the same way he beat Dean... by adopting his positions then presenting himself as the safer alturnative who is basicaly the same in concept but simply a better safer design.

[smiley_glad_hands]

3. We need to have patience.

Its too early for Kerry to break out the big guns. All he needs to do is keep the the race statistically tied until this fall---then he can unleash the dogs of hell on bushie boy and co. On edit---the media wants a tight race so they have something to talk about---in other words---their all whores--but thats a different story. Kerry shouldn't let Howard Fineman or anyone else dictate how he runs his campaign---jeez its only april give him some credit--bush should be leading with a 12 pt margin right now.

[mzmolly]

6. I hope like heck your right. I am discouraged....

:(

[Monte Carlo]

4. There's still more than 6 months to go, you know.

And maybe it's a little early for an expensive for an all out offensive, and a little premature as well.

You should be skepitcal of your skepticism of Kerry, especially when it coincides with Howard Fineman, of all people.

[mzmolly]

8. I'll be the first to enjoy a cup of hot steaming crow should JK pull this

out, but to date... I'm dissaponted...

[blm]

10. heheh....I'll even grill it for you....you prefer onions or garlic?

;)))))))))))))))))

(nods to her honorable opponent)

[FloridaPat]

5. Did the repubs repeal the laws of gravity? The pres comes

out looking insane, has a war that is making Vietnam look good, is a proven liar, and his poll numbers go up! Who are they asking!

[mzmolly]

7. You've got me. Scarry as hell none the less!

"Oh Can-ada..."

[mzmolly]

9. Kick...

:kick: for more passion
:kick: for more exitement
:kick: for a comprehensive plan


:kick: for Bush ass out of the OO in 04!

[madeuplikebowie]

11. Nader on ballot of 47 out of 50 states??!!!!!!!!

Howard Fineman said today on Imus that Nader is going to be a huge problem for Kerry. He said he spoke to the general manager of the Nader campaign and that Nader is gonna be on the ballot of 47 of the 50 states.

Any info on this ? Is this true?
If it is, damn Nader. Damn him!!!

[takebackthewh]

12. Nader will drop out

before the election and give his support to Kerry. It's all planned out. You can tell by reading between the lines of his interview with Chris Matthews.

Quit worrying about Nader. He's not going to be a spoiler this year. His race is just for show. He's getting old. He doesn't want to die hated.

[mzmolly]

15. Really? Do you have a transcript? Heck, I'd lick his boots if he does!

:P

[takebackthewh]

17. No

But you could probably Google one.

It was shortly after he announced. Matthews asked him what he would do in October if the race were close. Nader said "Ask me again then" or something like that.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I took that to mean Nader is definitely planning to drop out before he costs Kerry the election.

[Hippo_Tron]

13. Just saw him speak, doesn't seem that way to me...

Said that if we give chimp another four years, then the baby boomer generation will be on the way to being the only generation to leave the country worse off than they found it.

[mzmolly]

16. Kerry needs to inspire, motivate ... he is falling short IMHO.

And in the opinion of many others. I do think he can choose a firey running mate that may even things out nicely.