Kerry blames Bush for economic woes

The Associated Press
Updated: 11:12 a.m. ET May 18, 2004

PORTLAND, Ore. - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Tuesday that inaction by the Bush administration in the face of soaring gasoline prices and rising health care costs is costing Americans their jobs and savings.

“It’s time we had a president who will lead in a way that benefits you,” Kerry said in remarks prepared for a visit to a training center. “We know that a strong economy and a strong middle class are the key to building a stronger America. That is why when we win back the White House, we will offer real relief to working families, so they have the opportunity to save and get ahead.”

The Kerry campaign contended in a statement that Bush “stubbornly refuses to offer help” even as higher gasoline prices, which have risen to more than $2 per gallon, will cost the average Oregon family an extra $1,006 a year and squeeze family budgets already hurt by a weak job market and higher costs for college.

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