Kerry Campaign Helping With Fla. Recovery

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP)

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry does not plan to visit Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley because he's concerned his campaign entourage could distract from recovery efforts, he said Saturday.

Kerry said he has instructed his Florida campaign staff to provide food, clothing, shelter or other assistance to people whose lives have been disrupted by the hurricane.

"For the moment, our focus is on all of the police and response personnel necessary not being diverted from a visitor and really focusing on the recovery itself," Kerry said. ..

Kerry left Hood River to continue on his vacation at his family home in Ketchum, Idaho. He told a group that gathered to watch him that he would return to Oregon Monday or Tuesday.

"Promise me some wind on Monday or Tuesday," Kerry said, standing on a low concrete wall overlooking the people on the banks. "More importantly, promise me some votes in November."

Ride Don’t Drive * * It’s Global Cool

:kick:

Kerry can't provide any direct aid to these people; a visit would only be seen as political. Having his campaign staff directly help is the right move.

a real man with a real heart..always doing what is right.

MONEY TO INSTEAD OF SENDING IT TO THIEF JEB BUSH??????

Thinking of others first. In a disaster such as this, one has to think of the one's who are hurting first. They have enough on their plates to deal with. They don't need camera's shoved in their faces so someone can make brownie points out of their tragedy.

I'm here and I am seeing and hearing how the local media are praising Jeb and W non stop for "their efforts to help FL". Kerry staying away could be a HUGE mistake!!

diverted would be a huge no-no.

I can think of three instances where President Clinton did not visit on the ground for fear of interfering with firefighters and emergency crews. I will contact Indymedia about this. They have a pretty good link to AP and Reuters. AFP is pretty strong in the US during the pre-election and they aren't afraid to bash dimson and his openly stupid moves.

(my husband was home at the time; should have flipped him the old bird?!). It was maybe a week or so after we got hit, I believe. Here it is, in FL, so close to the election and he's all over this shit. I think the devastation there is definitely more widespread and looks to be far worse, but come on, FL and so close to the election, and he's flying out right away? Yes, he's the so-called President, but call me cynical, but how obvious can he be?

I think Kerry is doing the classy and right thing. Send relief in a way that will not interfere w/ relief efforts. Stay away, let the emergency personnel and volunteers do what they need to do instead of going down there. He'd be setting himself up for more attacks by making it look like he himself is politicizing the situation.

before visiting the last big one in Florida.

Just what would you have him do?

John Bush has to be there; it's his job. George Dumbya can bring federal money, so he has a purpose in being there, no matter how much of a grandstanding it will prove to be. But what can Kerry do? On a certain emotional level, I can see some value in his making the trip to Florida. But beyond that, what can he do at this moment?

I see great value in his making statements of concern, asking his people in Florida to offer what help they can, but since he can't bring substantial aid, can't promise money, can't offer anything beyond emotional support, I don't see what a visit from he and his entourage would accomplish beyond diverting necessary reconstruction funds to pay for his security? I believe more political damage would be done with that image than any conceivable good could be accomplished by his mere presence in a disaster zone.

Perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe you can enlighten me.

The news here in SW Fl has been non-stop hurricane coverage for the past 3-4 days. Even the national news has been preempted at times. Jeb and George have been on tv and radio at least once an hour expressing their concern for the people of Florida. If I didn't read DU, I wouldn't know about Kerry's statement. Kerry is getting ZERO coverage. The only way Kerry's concern will be communicated to FL is if he forces the issue and shows up here. I understand the logic of his decision and I respect his concern for the first responders. Obviously, Kerry can't "do" anything to help other than to say "I care". Unfortunately, the only message the SW Fl voters are getting is that Shrub cares.

words are worthless as far as that gang goes.

They would not have to have the same kind of Security.
They could help with the food banks, etc.

in the aftermath of Andrew.

People need help NOW not a photo op.

He is there to get votes, nothing else.

And staying away *is* the best thing he could do. Just look at what happened to poor Davenport, IA when all the police were redirected for protection of * and Kerry.

Will they set up a fund where we can donate so that people will know that it is the Kerry people nationwide wanting to contribute to the rebuilding, more importantly the Kerry people can get it directly to the people who need it most.

:thumbsup:

After Charley/Florida gets off the front page, in about 2 weeks, 3 weeks tops, he needs to visit. I suggest his first rally should be in Tampa - isn't that a Dem stronghold? Could he get 50,000 to attend? I think he could.

central Florida was mostly repub so it's only natural they'll applaud Bush.....until a week goes by and they still don't have power and have been eating MRE's the whole time. Of course how those MRE's will get there is beyond me as the NG is still missing in action.