I am puzzled a bit about Sen. Ted Kennedie’s recent attacks upon President Bush. According to Kennedy, Bush is the most evil man ever to sit in the White House. According to his most recent speech/rant, Bush madeup the whole “WMD” thing to start the Iraq war! All this from a guy who is a major power in the Senate.
So why are the Democrats using the senior senator from Chivas Regal to blast away at Bush? Doesn’t this expose them to a lot of counterfire?
When the primaries are over (and Al Sharpton learns what kind of job he will get in Washington), Bush will be free to reply to the Democrats (I can’t wait for this)…soallyou Democrats, will you regret this? 
Can’t say I regret anybody claiming the WMD thing is a lie, since the chief weapons inspector has just said very publicly that there weren’t any weapons.
Kennedy is not universally popular, but he’s been around a long time so he carries some influence. You sound surprised politicians from the opposition party are attacking the President. Why?
Didn’t I already tell this to you in some other thread, ralph? Pay attention this time.
Kennedy is the perfect choice for point man. He’s a very senior statesman in the Democratic Party with a solidly democratic background…his brother was President and the major networks STILL occasionally make made-for-TV movies about his family going back to the grandparents.
Toss in the fact that he’s NOT a contender (and never will be again) for President and he’s a perfect firebrand.
Toss is ANOTHER fact that no one except die hard conservatives give a damn about Chappaquiddick anymore and he’s even better. Those people (like yourself) who bring it up won’t vote for Kerry (or whomever) even if Satan was running on the Republican side and there’s no cost to bringing Kennedy forward at all.
<unsolicited advice>
This is a great place to debate and argue and throw punches. And all are welcome. But throwing something like ‘Senator from Chivas Regal’ into your post is only going to make 75% of the people here tune you out as someone not really interested in debate.
</unsolicited advice>
As one who always takes note of how Senator Kennedy votes, I am equally interested in which candidate he supports. I have been supporting Clark. Senator Kennedy’s recent endorsement of John Kerry is probably going to change my vote. Many commentators credit his endorsement with the surge in support in Iowa.
There are those of us who are able to look beyond the personal problems that Senator Kennedy has had over the forty-three years we have watched him, to respect his political judgment and his service to his country.
He is free to respond now. Democrats, Independents and now a growing number of Conservatives concerned about his spending policies have been waiting and waiting and waiting for him to respond to the crucial issues before him.
Ralph:
Don’t get ahead of yourself. We’re still in the primaries and Kennedy is good rallying guy for the Democratic base.
Once we get into the general election, the Dems will (presumably) by smart enough not to use Kennedy as a spokesman in places like Texas, where he will do more harm than good. Contrary to what JC said, Kennedy is still a controversial guy (due to his politics, if not his past) among independent swing voters in many regions of the country. Again, maybe not a big deal in the primaries, but definitely a big deal in the general election.
The downside is what the Pubs will do in the general election. If Kerry gets the Dem nomination, he won’t have to bring Kennedy to Texas. The Pubs will have plenty of clips to show of him and Teddy pictured side by side on the (primary) campagin trail. Negative ads don’t always work but they often do.
Who says its a “Democratic policy” to have Kennedy talking about the war? Clearly, it was not Democratic policy to have him speak out against the White House in 2002 when debating the war resolution, which was supported by all the Democratic leaders (and the majority of Democratic senators, for that matter).
I think Kennedy is just saying what’s on his mind, and I seriously doubt there is any machinations or orchestration behind Kennedy speaking out.