Kerry rips Bush's war management in speech to vets

'I would have done almost everything differently,' Democratic nominee says

By Otto Kreisher
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE

September 2, 2004

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sen. John Kerry fired a barrage of criticism at President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq yesterday during an address to veterans, saying "extremism has gained momentum" in the world because of administration policies.

"When it comes to Iraq, it's not that I would have done one thing differently. I would have done almost everything differently," the Democratic presidential nominee told a gathering of the American Legion. Kerry also alluded to Bush's comment Monday – which the president reversed a day later – that the war against terrorism cannot be won. "With the right policies, this is a war we can win, this is a war we must win and this is a war we will win," Kerry said.

Kerry's 35-minute speech was interrupted at least 24 times by applause – a few mingled with cheers – and he received a lengthy standing ovation at the end. But most of that response came to his comments about veterans' benefits; his criticism of Bush on Iraq was largely greeted with silence.

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few people applauded, many times. Don't get all pollyanna-ish, it was a very conservative audience, and I am glad he did it.It showed the courage he needed to show.