IPW Daily Report – Thursday, February 12, 2004
And according to
the Wall Street Journal's 'Best of the Web' column,
Drudge says the Kerry rumor is the reason Howard
Dean reversed his earlier pledge to withdraw from
the race if he lost Wisconsin.
“So in 1971 Kerry's view was that American
servicemen in Vietnam were murderers. In 1992,
they were no better or worse than anyone else.
Today he proudly claims the mantle of war hero.”
– James Taranto
writes, Best of the Web (Wall Street Journal)
“After taking the summer off, Bush reported for
duty nine times between Nov. 29, 1972, and May 24,
1973 – more than enough times to fulfill his Guard
duties. (And nine times more than Bill Clinton,
Barney Frank or Chuck Schumer did during the same
period.)” --
writes Ann Coulter.
"These are attempts to troll for personal records
for partisan advantage. We're not going to play,"
Dan Bartlett,
White House spokesman said regarding investigating
Bush’s National Guard service. "The goal
post is being moved."
Democratic insiders "are so desperate to win this
race they're willing to be like Republicans to do
it. Well that's not the Democratic Party that I'm
trying to create and reorient, and it's a terrible
disappointment to me. I think Kerry's going to be
a weak nominee if he gets the nomination,"
Howard Dean
said.
"I regard the next election as a referendum on the
Bush doctrine and on Iraq,''
said George
Soros, who was also promoting his book, The Bubble
of American Supremacy: Correcting the Misuse of
American Power.
“…Again on Tuesday, new documents proved again
that the President served honorably in the
National Guard... I am sure the media will follow
up with 'well that only proves his teeth were
there, but do you have any proof of the rest of
his body being there?'"
writes ABC’s
The Note.
“The Budget Committee is probably the most
unneeded committee in Congress,”
said a
conservative chief of staff. “Because
whatever they pass, we blow through it. They’re
probably the most irrelevant committee, but they
should be the most important.”
Kerry’s affair?
Clark to endorse Kerry
Kerry campaign to be dirty
Can nice guys go farther?
Soft money in 2003
The Good Times roll on
Wisconsin veterans organize
Edwards running 2 ads
Edwards unveils prevention not preemption
Edwards on Clark
Kucinich on peace mission
Kerry Affair:
DRUDGE Update
Here is the latest on the developing Kerry/young
intern affair story, a “DRUDGE Exclusive”:
OUT OF AFRICA: KERRY PREPARES RESPONSE TO MEDIA
PROBE OF RELATIONSHIP
Democratic presidential frontrunner John Kerry is
planning a response to a DRUDGE REPORT exclusive
which first revealed the frantic behind-the-scenes
drama surrounding a woman who recently fled the
country, reportedly at the prodding of Kerry!
The nature and details of a claimed two-year
relationship, beginning in the Spring of 2001,
between a young woman and Kerry is at the center
of serious investigations at several media
outlets.
After being approached by a top news producer, the
woman fled to Africa, where she remains, the
DRUDGE REPORT can reveal.
Unlike the Monica Lewinsky drama, which first
played out publicly in this space, with audio
tapes, cigar and a dress, the Kerry situation has
posed a challange to reporters investigating the
claims.
"There is no lawsuit testimony this time [like
Clinton with Paula Jones]," a top source said
Thursday night. "It is hard to prove."
A close friend of the woman first approached a
reporter late last year claiming fantastic stories
-- stories that now threaten to turn the race for
the presidency on its head.
Kerry is scheduled to appear on IMUS IN THE
MORNING on Friday. Later he is scheduled to join
General Wesley Clark, who, in an off-the-record
conversation with a dozen reporters earlier this
week, plainly stated: "Kerry will implode over an
intern issue."
Reporters who witnessed Clark making the stunning
comments marvel at the General's reluctance to
later confirm they were spoken -- only to later
endorse Kerry for the nomination!
Developing...
Kerry’s affair?
Drudge reports:
In an off-the-record conversation with a dozen
reporters earlier this week, General Wesley Clark
plainly stated: "Kerry will implode over an intern
issue." [Three reporters in attendance confirm
Clark made the startling comments.]
The “other woman” is supposed to have fled the
country at Sen. John Kerry’s urging. This cannot
be good news to someone who is supposed to be a
gold digger and married to his second near
billionaire wife. Drudge also reports:
A serious investigation of the woman and the
nature of her relationship with Sen. John Kerry
has been underway at TIME magazine, ABC NEWS, the
WASHINGTON POST, THE HILL and the ASSOCIATED
PRESS, where the woman in question once worked.
And according to the Wall Street Journal's 'Best
of the Web' column, Drudge says the Kerry rumor is
the reason Howard Dean reversed his earlier pledge
to withdraw from the race if he lost Wisconsin.
Clark to endorse Kerry
The Associated Press is reporting that Wesley
Clark will endorse Sen. John Kerry tomorrow and
campaign with Kerry:
Clark spokesman Matt Bennett would not confirm the
endorsement, but said, "Gen. Clark is looking
forward to going to Wisconsin to be with Sen.
Kerry" on Friday.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity,
said the retired Army general would make a formal
endorsement at a campaign stop in Wisconsin, which
holds its primary Tuesday.
This goes against Howard Dean’s statement:
"I believe Wes Clark's supporters will take a
fresh look at our campaign, because Wes Clark and
I agreed that the best way to take on George W.
Bush this fall is not with a Washington politician
who voted to support this president's wrongheaded
policies, but with an experienced leader and a
grassroots campaign that can bring new people into
the process and change the way Washington does
business. Wes Clark and I agreed that the most
urgent national security threats are terrorism and
weapons of mass destruction. Our campaign,
strongly supported by senior retired military
leaders, offers much to people impressed by
General Clark's outstanding record of service and
commitment to national security."
Kerry campaign to be dirty
"One of Senator Kerry's campaign consultants was
recently quoted in the New York Times saying,
'Everything is on the table -- Everything.'
“Everything” means taking slanderous charges
against the President of the United States,
funneling money to shadow organizations in voter
suppression tactics, and spreading lies on the
Internet.
Can nice guys go farther?
USA Today: writes about "Edwards' dilemma:
The strategy that got him this far may prevent him
from going further. He has portrayed himself as
different from the other contenders because he has
avoided negative attacks. Those are just the sort
of comparisons that he now needs to draw Kerry to
combat. So he tries to contrast himself with Kerry
by inference, a leap for voters in Wisconsin and
other primary states who don't know much about
either man."
He may not even be Vice President:
Several Kerry advisers say the Massachusetts
senator is skeptical about Edwards's strength as a
running mate, saying he appears to lack the clout
with Southern voters that he often brags about
being able to deliver. Edwards's inability to win
more than a single primary state thus far may give
him the aura of a loser in the general election,
these Kerry aides said. And Kerry himself recently
noted with a touch of derision that, according to
opinion polls, President Bush would defeat Edwards
in his own home state of North Carolina."
Soft money in 2003
Here are the top money raisers in the soft money
category for 2003:
Republican Governors Association: $12,537,847
America Coming Together, pro-Democrat: $12,515,000
Democratic Governors' Association: $9,333,077
American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees Special Account, Democratic-leaning:
$6,243,858
MoveOn.org Voter Fund, pro-Democrat: $4,799,433
Republican State Leadership Committee: $3,739,474
The Partnership for America's Families,
pro-Democrat: $3,071,211
Media Fund, pro-Democrat: $3,000,000
New Democrat Network: $2,701,018
The Club for Growth, pro-Republican: $2,662,154
EMILY's List, pro-Democratic women: $2,581,443
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee:
$1,938,467
Sierra Club Voter Education Fund, pro-Democrat:
$1,790,982
League of Conservation Voters, pro-Democrat:
$1,388,000
America Votes, pro-Democrat: $1,182,036
Source: Reports filed with the IRS and compiled by
the nonpartisan Political Money Line campaign
finance tracking service.
The Good Times roll on
John Kerry has lots of people jumping on his
victory express.
The Teamsters, steelworkers and 17 other labor
unions that formerly backed Rep. Richard Gephardt
for the White House officially endorsed the
Massachusetts Democrat on Wednesday.
Hours after retired Gen. Wesley Clark officially
dropped out of the race at midday, Rep. Charles
Rangel of New York indicated that most
congressional supporters of Clark were ready to
issue a joint statement endorsing Kerry.
“In fact, I have a draft of a press release right
here,” Rangel said as he patted his suit jacket
pocket.
Dean supporters also are re-evaluating their
positions even though their candidate has
renounced his earlier pledge to end his campaign
if he doesn’t win Wisconsin on Tuesday.
Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, who campaigned
energetically for Dean through the Iowa caucuses,
indicated he’s ready to reconsider his endorsement
after Wisconsin.
“Sen. Harkin has said we have an excellent field
of candidates this year, and he’s going to support
the Democratic nominee,” said spokeswoman Allison
Dobson.
One of the two major labor unions supporting Dean
— the American Federation of State County and
Municipal Employees — decided last weekend to stop
campaigning for him. The other one — the Service
Employees International Union — will re-evaluate
its position after the Wisconsin contest.
Democratic Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of
Michigan withdrew her endorsement of Dean on
Sunday, the day after he came in a distant second
to Kerry in her state’s primary.
“The people of Michigan and my constituents in the
13th Congressional District have spoken,”
Kilpatrick said.
Wisconsin veterans organize
Today Kerry’s campaign announced that veterans
from across Wisconsin will gather to show their
support for John Kerry’s campaign for president at
events in Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, La
Crosse, Madison, Manitowoc, Milwaukee and Wausau.
The campaign reports Wisconsin is home to more
than 480,000 veterans. Building on success of
veterans outreach efforts in Iowa and New
Hampshire, the Kerry campaign hopes to mobilize
Wisconsin veterans to help John Kerry fight for
every vote before next Tuesday’s primary.
“We must do our part to care for those who have
borne the burdens of battle. This is about keeping
America’s promise. And it is about love of country
and the help and honor we owe to those who defend
it,” said John Kerry.
“For those of us who came home every day is extra.
I believe we – who stand here today – who have
stood our ground for our country – carry the
legacy of the brave soldiers who didn’t make it
back, whose names are on the wall, in memorials,
and in hearts all around our country.”
Edwards running 2 ads
Sen. John Edwards is running two different ads in
Wisconsin.
The following is the script of "American Jobs":
"It's easy for candidates to talk about
manufacturing and jobs, but I've lived it and I
have not forgotten it. My Dad worked in textile
mills to put food on our table and clothes on our
backs. Today, the mills are gone. And so are the
jobs. That's why I opposed NAFTA and why I'll end
tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas.
I'm John Edwards and I approve this message
because no one will do more than I will to keep
American jobs right here in America. That's
something you can count on."
The following is the script of "Better Life":
"I was born 50 years ago, and this was my first
home. The folks I grew up with they weren't
famous, and they sure weren't rich. They just
worked hard every day to give their kids a better
life. I'm John Edwards, and I approved this
message because I believe that when you remember
where you came from, you'll always know where
you're going, and what you need to fight for: real
change that will give today's families a chance to
give their kids a better life. As president,
that's what I'll fight for every day - an America
that works for all of us."
Edwards unveils prevention not preemption
John Edwards offered the following plan to meet
our nation’s national security challenges in
response to President Bush’s speech on the threat
posed by the spread of weapons of mass
destruction, especially nuclear weapons.
Edwards stated that time and technology have
enabled dangerous states like North Korea and Iran
to take steps toward the development of nuclear
arms. These states and others also have the
capacity to produce and sell dangerous
technologies to terrorists intent on doing us
harm. At the same time, the source materials for
producing weapons of mass destruction have become
vulnerable to theft or black-market sale,
particularly in the former Soviet Union.
Meanwhile, the international rules and
institutions America relies on to deter and
isolate those trying to get such weapons are
riddled with loopholes and gaps. Edwards stated
that the Bush administration has responded by
pretending that these rules and institutions do
not matter. Edwards said that he believes that
they do matter, and that the right policy for
America's security is not to ignore them, but to
fix them.
Edwards stated that America cannot accept the
false choice between the administration's
dangerous doctrine of preemption and a
multilateral regime that isn't up to the current
challenge. He has a plan designed to accomplish
three broad objectives:
1.
To establish new international standards
and safeguards to stop dangerous weapons from
getting into the wrong hands - standards that are
clear, unambiguous and sanctioned by international
law;
2.
To give the international community tough
new tools to punish nations that violate these
standards; and
3.
To improve America's ability to be an
international leader in this effort.
To accomplish these objectives, Edwards will:
·
Establish a new Global Nuclear
Compact to strengthen and reinforce the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
·
Propose a new United Nations
Security Council Resolution to tighten the
diplomatic noose around nations that violate
non-proliferation agreements
·
Triple the budget for programs to
end the dangers of "Loose Nukes" in the former
Soviet Union and around the world
·
Reform our intelligence to
strengthen America's capacity to understand and
respond to WMD threats
·
Appoint a high-level
"Non-Proliferation Director" who will bring focus
and energy to our country's non-proliferation
efforts.
Establish A New Global Nuclear Compact To
Strengthen And Reinforce the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
Under the NPT, it is too easy for a country to
cheat or use a legal civilian power program as the
jumping off point for an illegal military one by
withdrawing from the Treaty on short notice and
having a weapons capability within months. The new
Global Nuclear Compact would close this nuclear
loophole by establishing clear international
standards for the storage, handling and
transportation of dangerous nuclear materials, and
by giving the international community new tools to
deter and, if necessary, to sanction nations that
violate these standards. Within six months of
taking office, John Edwards will convene a summit
of leading nations to consider the new Compact.
In particular, the Compact would:
·
Require heightened security for
existing nuclear facilities and materials;
·
Ensure more frequent verification
that nuclear facilities are not being misused and
nuclear materials are not being diverted;
·
Authorize international inspectors
to mount challenge inspections without notice in
countries that have a record of past
non-compliance with their obligations;
·
Set specific limitations on the
capability of nations to produce the most
dangerous materials and increase the international
community's role in providing access to fuels for
peaceful nuclear programs;
·
Authorize strong, immediate
multilateral penalties aimed specifically at the
military capabilities of offending nations.
Propose A New United Nations Security Council
Resolution To Tighten The Diplomatic Noose Around
Nations That Violate Non-Proliferation Agreements
This resolution would establish the principle that
countries like North Korea who willfully violate
treaties like the NPT lose certain rights under
international law, including the right to sell or
transfer deadly weapons or related material to
other nations or groups. To enforce this
principle, law-abiding nations would have the
right to search ships, aircraft and land vehicles
originating in these lawless countries.
Triple The Budget For Programs To End The
Dangers Of "Loose Nukes" In The Former Soviet
Union And Around The World
The Edwards plan would increase the budget for
initiatives such as the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative
Threat Reduction Program -- from $1 billion per
year to $3 billion per year - allowing us to
eliminate this problem before the end of the
decade. These increases would be paid for by
canceling the Bush administration's plan to create
a new generation of "bunker-busting" nuclear
weapons and by cuts in the $9 billion annual
budget for the missile defense programs. It makes
no sense to spend nine times as much on an
unproven missile defense system than we do on
proven successes like the Nunn-Lugar.
Strengthen America's Intelligence Capability To
Understand And Respond To WMD Threats
Edwards will hire more intelligence analysts with
the right kind of scientific and technical
training, backgrounds, and language skills, and
institute reforms to improve both our technical
and human intelligence concerning WMD. To reform
domestic intelligence, Edwards will shift the
authority for tracking down terrorists here at
home from the FBI to a new agency. That agency
should have a mandate, the mission and the
institutional culture needed to assault terror
without assaulting the constitution of the United
States.
Appoint A High-Level "Non-Proliferation
Director" Who Will Bring Focus And Energy To Our
Country's Non-Proliferation Efforts
Right now we have one person in charge of homeland
security, one person who leads our fight against
drugs and a single administrator in Iraq, but no
one person or office in charge of dealing with the
threat from WMD. Instead, that responsibility is
dispersed among at least six agencies and many
layers of bureaucracy. Edwards will name a senior
official, answering directly to him as president,
who will wake up every morning thinking only about
how to keep WMD out of the hands of terrorists and
others who wish us harm.
Edwards on Clark
Senator John Edwards (D-NC) released the following
statement:
"General Wesley Clark has served his country with
honor and integrity, and he deserves every
American's praise for his service. He has run a
strong campaign based on leadership and
patriotism-two characteristics that define him to
the core. While General Clark may leave this
campaign today, we are all proud that he remains
committed to ending George Bush's presidency and
launching a new beginning for America. I hope that
he continues to offer his ideas and insights as we
work together to take back the White House in
November."
Kucinich on peace mission
This Friday, Democratic Presidential candidate
Dennis Kucinich will deliver a speech in support
of the Peacemakers who organize the weekly
Visitation Valley gathering, “Operation Save a
Life”. With this appearance, Kucinich will launch
his ‘Other America’ Tour, during which he will
visit communities that are ignored in public
debate by the media and candidates, highlighting
the disenfranchised members of the American
Democratic project. Kucinich’s speech, “I Remember
Where I Came From”, will draw on his upbringing in
poor communities of color and address his efforts
to shift our national priorities to improve
quality of life in poor communities. This will
include his plan for a WPA-style full employment
economy and for a national living wage.
Beginning in November, 2003, members of the
Visitation Valley community have gathered every
Friday evening at the corner of Sunnydale and Hahn
for “Operation Save a Life”. The gathering seeks
to bring peace to the neighborhood by reclaiming
the northeast corner in front of a market for the
community because of the problems of violence that
have plagued the area.
During “Operation Save a Life”, community members,
nearly all of whose lives have been directly
affected by violence in the neighborhood, sing,
pray, and express themselves on an open
microphone, communicating their messages of peace
and healing.
The Dennis Kucinich for President campaign
supports the weekly event. San Francisco Campaign
Outreach Coordinator, Pamela Gaddies is one of its
key organizers. Gaddies notes: “Dennis’ plan for a
Department of Peace would ensure that the dollars
for violence prevention and education would be
funneled directly into the communities in this
country that are affected by violence.”
Bush a grand strategist
"Surprise, Security, and the American Experience"
(Harvard Press) to be released in March, is John
Lewis Gaddis, the Robert A. Lovett professor of
military and naval history at Yale University.
This book argues that President Bush is designing
one of the three great models of defense in our
nation’s short history. Gaddis points out that
first was Monroe’s doctrine and then F.D.R.’s
internationalism and now preemption.
Mr. Bush "undertook a decisive and courageous
reassessment of American grand strategy following
the shock of the 9/11 attacks. At his doctrine's
center, Bush placed the democratization of the
Middle East and the urgent need to prevent
terrorists and rogue states from getting nuclear
weapons. Bush also boldly rejected the constraints
of an outmoded international system that was
really nothing more that a snapshot of the
configuration of power that existed in 1945."
Bush reported for Alabama duty
Dental records are the often used records of
identification in forensic tests, and so, they are
being released by the White House as proof that
Lt. George W. Bush reported for duty at the
Alabama Guard:
Bush's staff
provided copies of a one-page record of a dental
exam, complete with drawings of Bush's
teeth, that showed he was at Dannelly Air National
Guard base in Montgomery, Ala., on Jan. 6, 1973.
Osama’s terrorist navy
The London Mirror reports that alQaeda has a
terrorist navy:
OSAMA bin Laden has a "terrorist navy" of 15
ships.
And Scotland Yard has warned one could sail up the
Thames to attack Parliament.
The vessels - capable of carrying lethal chemicals
or a dirty bomb - could also ram cruise liners,
oil rigs or enter ports on missions of
destruction.
The fleet is being tracked down, according to
authorities.
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