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February 02, 2004
Mr. Kerry comes to North Dakota
Yesterday, democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry made a long pit-stop in North Dakota, hoping to make a impression on our state’s democrats before tomorrow’s caucus. Having never met a presidential candidate, nor been to the Fargo Air Museum where Kerry was speaking, I decided to spend my SuperBowl Sunday mid-day hearing what he had to say.
The crowd was large, essentially filling the large airplane hanger that houses the Fargo Air Museum. Even though it was 0° F outside, it was really warm from all the people. At one point, a WWII veteran fainted in the middle of the crowd. Kerry jumped down from the stage to make sure he was alright, and to offer him some water and a chair. It was an awkward moment that Kerry handled well.
His speech was definitely custom-tailored for the North Dakota audience. He discussed agriculture and veteran issues, and tipped his hat to North Dakota’s all-democrat congressional delegation, which played well with the crowd. Kerry even made mention that he would be watching his New England Patriots play in the SuperBowl that night surrounded by North Dakota “patriots.”
At the end of the speech, Kerry worked the crowd, autographing people’s signs and shaking hands (including mine). All-in-all, Kerry had that presidential look and sound that seems to be important right now to Democratic voters looking to oust Mr. Bush. He’s not an “Angry Democrat,” like Dean or Clark, but he also doesn’t have as optimistic an approach as John Edwards. Edwards, though with not as much Washington experience as Kerry, has a background and experience that could really hit home with middle-America voters. The bonus: Edwards hasn’t taken lobbyist or special interest money, and will work to take that corrupting element out of Washington entirely. Imagine, politicians who listen to the people instead of big business and big media.
Here are a few articles that cover the event more eloquently than I have (subscriptions required for some):
- The Forum: Kerry attacks Bush record
- Minneapolis Star Tribune:Kerry campaigns in North Dakota
- The New York Times: Democrats Finally Calling for North Dakota’s Votes
- San Jose Mercury News:How to take part in the North Dakota Democratic presidential caucuses
Some photos I took:
Posted by paullheureux at February 2, 2004 09:48 AM