Kerry refuses to criticize Bush on Schiavo decision

TALLAHASSEE - Steering clear of one of the nation's most emotional social issues as he struggles to focus his presidential campaign, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry declined Thursday to criticize Gov. Jeb Bush for his controversial push to keep a brain-damaged woman alive.

Kerry's hesitation puts him at odds with many Florida Democrats, who accused Bush and the Republican-led Legislature last month of using the right-to-die case of Terri Schiavo to energize evangelical voters heading into the 2004 elections and boost the reelection of the governor's brother, President Bush.

And it puts Kerry safely between two of his White House rivals: former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who bashed Florida Republicans for the move, and Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who said he supported it.

''I'm not going to trash anybody on it,'' Kerry told The Herald. ``These are some very thorny, legitimate issues.''

more: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/7313995.htm

at the beginning of the campaign. But it seems to me that he isn't willing to take stands on "very thorny, legitimate issues." Taking stands is something a leader does, and Kerry doesn't seem to want to lead.

So it seems to me.

at least, the part quoted here sounds fine to me. i agree that both sides have legitimate arguments, and i wish Dean had stayed away from the issue.

Kerry is a Political Coward.

:boring:

He's inability to make decisions based upon facts on hand and not see the Bush con game in play makes convinces me that Alzheimers has settled into Kerry's mind. This case is just a ploy by the Bushistas to toss "red meat" to their political base. Bushes, and apparently Kerry, has not convern for the poor woman or her husband.

Hopefully, Kerry's position will "evolve"

he could have been in front place if he had just said the truth about that fascist pig in the white house. I can understand that as an attorney, he looks at the florida right to die issue differently.

Let the woman die, man! That would resonate with Dean supporters, anyway.

Instead, I have to ask: Why didn't Dr. Dean cure this woman?

some people said the husband wanted her money so he could go off with his new girlfriend or something. i have no idea what the deal is with the situation...

if kerry doesn't take a position on something he doesn't know all the details on, what is the problem with that? he's not one to make snap judgements when he isn't up on the case.

Kerry could have said that this decision shouild be ENTIRELY between the Doctors, her husband (closest relative and primary care giver), and whatever spiritual advisors they care to seek. The GOVERNMENT, the MEDIA, and the PUBLIC have ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS in this decision!!!
The same as with terminating a pregnancy!!!!!

I'd be happy if ALL politians stayed out of this mess. It is a matter for the people involved.

There's a lot that I'll say is wrong about Kerry, but I don't think there's any right thing for politicians to say on this matter.