Kerry: ‘I Apologize to No One’
EmailABC News’ Teddy Davis Reports: With one week to go until the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) responded to demands that he apologize for telling California students Monday that those unable to navigate the country’s education system "get stuck in Iraq" by saying "I apologize to no one for my criticism of the President and of his broken policy."
During his press conference in Seattle today, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee said that his Monday remark at a campaign event for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides in Pasadena, CA was a "botched joke about the President and the President’s people; not about the troops."
Although Kerry made overtures to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), a fellow Vietnam veteran, about being his running mate on a fusion ticket in 2004, relations have become increasingly acrimonious between the two men as they position themselves to pursue their respective parties presidential nomination in 2008.
Kerry responded to a call from McCain that he owes an apology to the troops by saying that McCain ought to ask for an apology from Vice President Cheney for "once again referring to Al Qaeda as the central problem in Iraq."
"Enough is enough," said Kerry. "I’m not going to stand for these people trying to shift the topic and make it politics."
Calling Kerry’s Monday comments an "absolute insult," White House press secretary Tony Snow said earlier today that Sen. Kerry "not only owes an apology to those who are serving, but also to the families of those who’ve given their lives in this."
Looking back on his 2004 presidential campaign and the perception that he did not respond forcefully enough to attacks on his record in Vietnam, Kerry said he learned "deep and hard" about the Republican campaign strategy of changing the topic "to make someone else the issue."
"I’m not going to give them one ounce of daylight," said Kerry. "I would stand up anywhere in this country and take these guys on."
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Or as it turns out in Mr. Kerry’s circumstance, with his C average in college, get stuck in the Senate.
Posted by: David Antonez | October 31, 2006, 11:20 am 11:20 am
Johnny you have to apologize to no one. I am a soldier and have been doing it for 10 years. I served in Iraq for 1 year. I know exactly what you meant. I love being a soldier and I’m not insulted in the slightest form. Only thing I say is, this close to election time with the Repubs worried about losing seats they are gonna take any thing they can to turn it against the Dems. Please next time just try different words. This is gonna carry on now until the elections. The want to make voters think that all Dems think that way. You are still my man Mr. Kerry.
Posted by: Jamaal | October 31, 2006, 11:22 am 11:22 am
The only person who should apologize is George Bush to all the soldiers who are truly “stuck there” and the families who have lost their loved ones.
Posted by: Paulet | October 31, 2006, 11:29 am 11:29 am
If Mr Kerry had worked a little harder on his courses in college, maybe he would have had a high B average; then maybe he wouldnt have had this unbelievable foot in mouth disease. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of a huge victory – well the silver lining is that the moron has all but destroyed any hope of 2008, which has to be nothing short of great news for the Democrats.
Posted by: Do_do | October 31, 2006, 11:37 am 11:37 am
What a shock. Another comment coming from the party of weakness, spewed out of the disgraceful cakehole of “John Fonda”. It’s bad enough he disgraced his own uniform and did the same for his fellow soldiers in one war, but now this one too. This guy just can’t get enough.
Posted by: T | October 31, 2006, 12:10 pm 12:10 pm
While his objective may have been to criticize the president’s policy in Iraq, his choice of words is telling on his true attitude towards our troops.
Posted by: scott | October 31, 2006, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
I can’t believe anyone would criticize Kerry’s intelligence when Bush is anywhere in the picture.
Posted by: Chad | October 31, 2006, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm
How could anyone except a liar take what Kerry said as a cut on kids or the troops. He was talking about Bush for several lines before the one in question. It is so obvious he was still talking about Bush in the sentence in question. This is just another example of the selfish GOP saying up is down and assuming enough of the American people are ignorant enough to believe it. The GOP is a pack of salivating wolves going wild because it knows there’s no prey in sight. They need to be put in a straight jacket at this point. Cut and run? Please. The Republicans and Bush are the losers in Iraq because they got us into it. They think as long as we stay there we can’t call them losers? To quote Ace Ventura…they are “lah-hoo–zah-hers!”
Posted by: Ken | October 31, 2006, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
Even if he meant it for Bush it is an insult to the Commander-in-Chief. Kerry should apologize to Bush and the troops. He is the one that doesn’t look all that smart. He is the one who voted for the war. Just look at his record. Absolutely shocking!
Posted by: Kottaras | October 31, 2006, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
Well, I’m a soldier and I think Kerry DOES owe us an apology. I served in Iraq as well and would lumber through whatever torture I had left in the military while Kerry was President if he ever got elected. I heard the comment in context and was insulted before the media even picked up on it last night. Look at the post on my website, I had that up by 0600 this morning way before Rush could “pollute” my mind.
Kerry has a history of insulting the troops, so would I believe it was anything but this time? Thirty years ago he trashed the soldiers in Vietnam. Last year he accused us of “terrorizing kids and children”. Now he says we’re uneducated. An apology is indeed due and quickly. I know we’ll never get one. Kerry is too weak to even feign remorse with so much as a “I’m sorry for how my words were interpreted” comment. Is it that hard to apologize for anything in Massachusetts?
Posted by: CJ | October 31, 2006, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm
You have to remember here that everybody says things sometimes that could be taken in different ways. Mr. Kerry clearly explained that the insult wasn’t ment for the troops,it was ment for President Bush so there really isn’t anything to say sorry for. President deserved the insult, and thats the end of the story. He insulted Bush and thats it. Let it go and move on, there are some many more important things to talk about in the up and coming elections, shouldn’t we all just move on?
Posted by: mary | October 31, 2006, 5:58 pm 5:58 pm
I AM A SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABLED VIETNAM VETERAN AND I THINK WHAT HE SAID WAS RIGHT ON TIME AND NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE TO NO ONE. I WISH THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD STAND UP TO THE COWARDS THAT ARE NOW IN CONTROL OF THE GOVERNMENT THAT WHEN THEY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DO SO OR HID UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THEIR RICH PARENTS OR IN THE NATIONAL GUARD AT HOME. NOW THESE VERY SAME PEOPLE CROW THE LOUDEST WHEN THEY SEND OTHER PEOPLE BABIES OFF TO WAR. I SEE WHY YOU ARE AGAINST ABORTIONS, YOU NEED THEM TO GROW UP AND BE KILLED IN ALL YOUR SENSELESS WARS WHILE YOUR PRETTY BABIES HAVE NO FEAR OF EVER BEING CALLED OFF TO WAR. “AND THE BEAT GOES ON”.
Posted by: WILLIE | October 31, 2006, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
What politician would not think before he speaks? It was loud and clear to me taken into context the audience in California…what I heard is “You join the military if you don’t know education…because you do not make the most of it, you do not stick to it, you can’t do homework and you ‘ain’t’ smart.” This had nothing to do with our Commander-in-Chief, but to those who are “stuck in Iraq”. What an insult to our troops and how upsetting. Otherwise, I do not apologize to no one for this comment.
Posted by: Dino | October 31, 2006, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
Oh come on people, why should he apologize for something that is so true. Kerry should of been elected anyway,and there are so many of us out here that suspect the 04 election was rigged and cheated him out of the white house to begin with. Bush is looking for anything to use to secure the repub seats and wow what timing right?Kerry’s comment was turned around and changed into a troop bash thing and I guess we can expect that from the crooks in charge right now…vote demo this time and help us fix that !!!
Posted by: Kathy Smith | November 1, 2006, 2:05 am 2:05 am
As a parent of a son and his wife both serving with the US Army, I am disgusted by John Kerry. I do believe he was speaking about Pres. Bush, but that is not what came out of his mouth. He needs to apoligize for mispeaking. My son and his wife have served in Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. They are returning to Afghanistan in Feb. They have recently re-upped. I am proud of them, scared for them and know they are not stupid, but two of the bravest people I know.
Joyce Smith
Proud Mother
Posted by: Joyce Smith | November 1, 2006, 2:22 am 2:22 am
I believe you should maybe apologize, but again mistakes happen and their isn’t any one person that can say they have never said something and meant something else after it was said. In the heat of a moment sometimes things can come out that are taken in the wrong way. The comment that was made by Mr. Kerry would not and will not change my vote for the Dem’s.
Posted by: Tonya | November 1, 2006, 2:25 am 2:25 am
I think thsat Senator Kerry needs to be reminded that even IF these brave and Patriotic men and women in our Military did not “learn how to navigate the Educational system, do their homework and get good grades ” they would NOT end up in Iraq-in case he has not been paying attention the last 3-4 DECADES we now have a “VOLUNTEER” military !!!
My son was in college, did do his homework, study hard and he was called into active duty ( he was and still remians a US ARMY Reservist)and proudly served OUR COUNTRY -in Iraq. We welcomed him home after his tour and is enrolled back in college. MAYBE if Senator Kerry spent some real time with these soldiers in a war zone he would come to realize how “educated and brave” they are and would have to be to “watch his back”.
Grow up, Senator Kerry – apoligize – and stop blaming the President for all YOUR short comings and mistakes.
Posted by: Pat | November 1, 2006, 2:32 am 2:32 am
He needs to apologize his speaking dis-respectfully about our troops and our President, it’s a disgrace and he’s a disgrace!
We didn’t trust Kerry when he tried to run for president and we definately will never trust him in the future.
Posted by: Frank | November 1, 2006, 2:49 am 2:49 am
Politics in the media has replaced the Ringling Brothers Circus!! Shame on you. The “news” stations have become nothing more than an extension of the tabloids. Again, SHAME ON YOU! Get back to REPORTING…to journalistic truth…to integrity. Get Americans THINKING again for themselves. Honor those who were pioneers in your field…don’t desert them.
Posted by: Barbara B. | November 1, 2006, 2:54 am 2:54 am
IT’S JUST ANOTHER DISRESPECTFUL COMMENT BY KERRY…SARCASTIC AND SHALLOW…OPEN MOUTH, INSERT FOOT, OOPS, I LET MY REAL FEELINGS SHOW!
Posted by: Dee | November 1, 2006, 2:55 am 2:55 am
It would appear that the liberal view of the majority of the country lacks knowledge, because we came out to vote for George Bush, However I think John Kerry’s comment confirms the country had it right.I wonder if they have ever heard of the American university of Iraq, probably not. anything that could be taken as a success would never make the news. We’re not stupid right wing war mongers, we’re highly informed miners of truth.
Posted by: Karyl Cicanese | November 1, 2006, 2:59 am 2:59 am
I support Kerry because he has enough guts to stand up for the troops and all these people making negative comments how about listening to kerrys whole speech instead of the excerpts that these Republican reporters and politicians want you to hear. I think Bush is the biggest power tripping idiot Ive ever seen . Lets give him a big round of applause for making the Iraq war a bigger mistake than Vietnam. Hell, We’ll walk away with more enemies too.
Posted by: Plantcrzywoman | November 1, 2006, 3:53 am 3:53 am
The Republicans and the News reporters couldnt even see that Kerry was knocking the President and his staff, on how the war in Iraq is being run.Of course we shouldnt have been there in the first place.
Posted by: B.W. | November 1, 2006, 3:56 am 3:56 am
What a disgrace that the Republican party would misguide the nation by smearing Kerry’s name. Kerry is a man of integrity and he wore the uniform. President Bush has never worn the uniform. He has misled the nation and should be ashamed of his actions. Kerry was talking about President Bush and his lies and using the talk about weapons of mass destruction, when in fact there was none. Kerry was commenting on this and not on the fact that our military was not educated. Kerry believes in the troops and we as a nation are grateful for all that they do. God Bless the troops and God Bless Kerry. As a nation we should be united and not divided. Bush should be the one to apologize for misleading this country of ours. Bush and the Republicans are using Kerry’s comments to gain votes. Bush and the Republicans are known for this. What can you expect from a bunch of liars???
Posted by: Nellie Molina | November 1, 2006, 4:13 am 4:13 am
I think that everyone who has posted a comment needs to sit back and think about what this issue is really about. Conservatives are making a big deal out of this because of who said it. If another Conservative made the same comment in the context in which Kerry did, this would not even be an issue. I do believe that government officials may need to do a better job with censoring their comments and ensuring that what they say is what that mean, but this really isn’t a big deal. There are much greater issues going on today, than a comment being made by Kerry. The President (yes, the Leader, the Commander-in-Chief) of the country has said plenty of idiotic things, and he’s never criticized or forced to apoligize for the ignorant comments that he makes, why should John Kerry?
Posted by: Robyn | November 1, 2006, 4:57 am 4:57 am
When I first heard Kerry’s comment, my first and only thought was that it’s a deserving criticism of Bush and the administration. People should approach this in a similar way the court of law approaches cases, by basing decisions on what a reasonable person would assume. A reasonable person would realize Kerry served his country with the same courage the troops of today are. A reasonable person would realize this far outweighs Bush’s questionable record in the National Guard. A reasonable person would realize Kerry unquestionably supports the troops. A reasonable person would recognize that a veteran who also happens to be a politician has nothing to gain by insulting the troops when campaigning for himself or others. A reasonable person would realize that Bush lacks intelligence on the level required for someone holding his position. Bush may be a good politician but a reasonable person would realize that a good politician does not equate to intelligence. A reasonable person would realize that higher intelligence is closely linked with higher education. Taking such facts into account, as well as the entire context in which the statement was made, a reasonable person would realize Kerry was indeed referring to Bush and the position he has put this country in, largely due to his lack of education regarding his responsibilities, global conflicts, and the ramifications of his actions. This was not directed at the troops so cut that crap now. Unfortunately, not everyone is reasonable and choose to hear only what they want to hear.
Posted by: Ryan | November 1, 2006, 6:23 am 6:23 am
Ah – Kerry is the gift that keeps giving to Republicans, and forces good Democrats to go bald (by tearing their hair out) – I’m sure there is a good public speaking course being offered up at Harvard that Kerry can attend !!
The only way this will go away is if Kerry goes on Letterman a la Kyra Phillips and do a top 10 disparaging himself – there’s lot of material here: i voted for …. before i voted against it, windsurfing, hunting in Ohio, er.. you know Dick Cheney’s daughter who is errr you know a LESBIAN; i dont think i need to keep going !!!
At least Kerry now is on equal footing with Bush, Democrats dont want him around the campaign trail just like no self respecting Republican wants Bush around. If only Hillary commits some gaffe – we’ll get some fresh face and fresh ideas for the Democratic 2008 candidate – I’m going to keep hoping!!
Posted by: Do_do | November 1, 2006, 6:36 am 6:36 am
So many of you believe he was bashing troops??? Have you idiots forgotten that he was a troop and he fought in Vietnam. Whatever people want to say about him, whether he lied about purple hearts or not, he was there. That is more than many people can say in the Republican Party. Dick Cheney said that his services would serve better away from the military..did he not??? If he’s bashing troops, well he’s included himself in that category. I seriously doubt that is the case. Jim Webb, John Murtha, and John Kerry have all my support because as I stated in an earlier post I’ve served my country 10yrs(and counting)and been to war (I’m sure I’ll go back again), and so have they. He knows that even the lowest ranking soldiers now have degrees in various fields even law. I agree he chose the wrong words, actually change that, he chose words that could be used as ammunition for the GOP. Everyone knew what he meant, so stop pretending that you don’t.
Posted by: Jamaal | November 1, 2006, 7:11 am 7:11 am
I have to say that I am highly offended by Mr. Kerry’s comments. My husband served 9 1/2 years in the Army, first in the mortar division and then as a combat medic. He did a tour in Bosnia, a tour in Kosovo, and two tours in Iraq. He was medically discharged in 2005 and we are still dealing with the nightmares and flashbacks. I also have a brother that served in the Navy, a brother that is currently in the Air Force and a brother-in-law that is in the Air Force and has also done 2 tours in Iraq. All of these men, my husband and my brothers have put their lives on the line so that we, We the people of this country, We the free speechers, We the protesters, We the patriots, We the Republicans and We the Democrats can go about our lives in reasonable peace and freedom. HOW DARE John Kerry belittle them for what they do? No matter who they are, where they came from OUR SOLDIERS deserve OUR RESPECT! Because if it weren’t for these men and women, we would not have the lives we lead and that includes the life that John Kerry leads too. Without our Military we are nothing, With them we are a Strong Country sought after to be the bringers of Freedom and Democracy.
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 1, 2006, 5:24 pm 5:24 pm
I have known for years now that our goverment needed to clean house .And not just kerry either. all though liberal judges that have taken our rights away as we knew them in the past. They took our freedom away .They sold us out
. And we know it , what do any of us actually own . We own absolutely nothing . Look at your home owners sales closing thing . Your listed as a tenent .But you only pay for the building on top of the ground and the contents . Lets see ya not pay your taxes . see how fast they take it but you own it right ?? bought and paid for right ??.Even if you had all self sifichent water and heating and need no help from the public utility companys . You still have to keep more less renting your house you bought and paid for .There has been many people in the news like this . And they lost everything Remember willie nelson ?? Or anything else you supposedly own .WAKE UP AMERICA .
and as our own government has said we are broke . America is broke with billions in debt right ???.That is why our money now reads federal note ???.I offten wonder why ?? ower american twenty dollar bill when folded in a certain way . shows the after math of 911 .The burning twin towers ?? , The burning pentigon .
Ask around if you haven`t seen it . I know there is someone in your circal of freinds that can show it too you.And you can see it for your selves. I still haven`t got a answer for that one yet ?? seems to me it was known long before we did. And who created the twenty dollar bill ??. like designed it ??.there is a lot of answers to these questions ?? if you do you homework on the subject . government history. and old news papers even dated back to when columbas discovered america . when we became a british colony ???.and old news paper archives . may the truth set you free .I am a american born and raised . i do love this country and would love to see it back the way it was when i was a kids . i know those days are all gone now . As i get on my knee`s in true repentance for the sins of this great nation now that it has become the modern day sodum and gamore for greed and money and power and the measures it took to do that . I pray and cry out to god to have mercy on us all. I pray you all will join me . And maybe god will forgive us and bless this great nation once more .THANK GOD HE IS SO FORGIVING .all we need to do is have a pure repentive heart and ask. Jesus will heal this land .
what a concept .praise the lord
Posted by: Fed Up With Dirty Politicans | November 1, 2006, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
Shame on you, Kerry. Any seasoned politician knows better than to slam the military. And shame on you for trying to say you really meant the president. I’m apalled at any american who has the audacity to speak so unkindly of our president. If you don’t like him fine but he is still the leader of our country and deserves the respect of his office. You wanna slam the man, wait a couple more years and go to it, but have the sense to respect the office of the president of the United States. And respect our military men and women who are laying their lives on the line for each and every one of us here at home, even you, John Kerry.
Posted by: Jerri | November 2, 2006, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
Those of you trashing Kerry’s grade point average probably are not aware that Kerry’s average is nearly one full letter grade higher than our wise and wonderful President.
Posted by: Brad | November 6, 2006, 10:22 am 10:22 am
I think he ment bush, not the ave. enlisted man. anyway seems like the loudest yells are coming from a bunch of draft dodgers. rummy is perfect example of why you need military experence to be sec. of defence. dems would be worse, barb stresand or jane fonda are their types.
Posted by: carl | November 6, 2006, 11:29 am 11:29 am
John Kerry cares about no one put himself and his comment shows his intelligence.
Posted by: Andrew | November 6, 2006, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm