Kerry needs to get out of "react" mode.

We are too much on the defensive, right where Bush/Rove want us. We have to start attacking, start putting them on the defensive. To Hell with decorum at this point, it's a no holds barred slugfest from now until the election, and anyone who flinches is likely to be knocked out. This can be done in a smart way so as not to seem too muddy from the mud slinging, but to just sit and take it is not good strategy.

no one can state he's not attacking now.

How about putting Bush on the defensive on our issues at the same time.

The problem with running a "positive" campaign is that you are going to end up on the defensive because the other side will attack and you won't.

the initiative he has now. If he is, then those who were touting his strategy of giving these people enough rope will have been correct.

Christ, he's beating a tattoo on their ribs!

Would be delightful..... Go Johnny Go.....!!!

he has enough issues to start attacking on too. None would be lies and would put them in defense. he's been out campaigning and doing well but the DNC could be doing it and from what I have seen they are sitting back just letting stuff happen.

by saying bush is illegally associated with the smearboat vets.

Filing the FEC complaint should help put Kerry on offense and Bush on defense. I have a feeling that there's more to come.

He has hit back hard in recent days, but it's still a reactionary hit. Bush set the agenda with the Swiftboat Vets issue. Kerry finally had to respond. What should be happening is that WE should be setting the agenda with negative Bush issues, and have Bush back pedaling and explaining and making excuses. If all Kerry does is hit back to Bush negative attacks, we will lose. We have to be the ones doing the initial hitting.

released at 12:58 PM:

Kerry-Edwards: George W. Bush - Standing Still While Oil Prices Skyrocket

George W. Bush has done nothing while oil prices have skyrocketed to record highs, day after day. These record prices threaten our economy and put the squeeze on consumers already struggling with lower wages and higher costs for health care and college tuition. With prices nearing $50 a barrel, isn't it time for the president to do something?

more: http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID=34977
___________________________________________

or this one released at 9:16 AM:

Kerry-Edwards Plan to Fight for American Jobs
Under George Bush, America has lost 2.7 million manufacturing jobs. George Bush has not fought for American jobs, he still has no plan to do so, and he undermines efforts by Governors to create jobs. Instead, Bush's policies have contributed to job losses through his failed fiscal policies, his failure to address spiraling health costs, his defense of tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, his proposals to cut assistance to manufacturers, his failure to enforce our trade agreements and use our trade laws effectively -- including allowing China to manipulate its currency -- and his efforts to weaken "Buy America" rules.

John Kerry and John Edwards will fight for American jobs and strengthen the American economy. They recognize that a one in five manufacturing jobs are producing exports, and that these jobs pay higher wages. America must engage in a global economy but cannot do so without a level playing field. Unlike the Bush economic plan, the Kerry-Edwards plan fights for free and fair trade while investing in America to bring down health care and energy costs and make America a more attractive place to create good-paying jobs.

The Kerry-Edwards plan:
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID=34957

on the corpse of what Bush has made of the GOP.

Bush has
- no record to run on
- a record to run from, worst in US history
- negative strategy backfiring

All he has going for him is the reamins of a worn out strategy of lies and deception.

Kerry is playing it brilliantly in my opinion.

They waited until the */Cheney team sunk themselves and let them think they were getting away with something and then wam yesterday Kerry accuses the WH of cooperating with the SBL and then they catch them passing out flyers in a Repuke rally. All this and the Times (NYT) puts a chart out of how the *'s involved.

or something.

in addition to the smearvets yesterday alone. Were you aware of these? If so, did you disregard them in favor of using webspace to criticize our own nominee? How many posts have you made highlighting the actual efforts of the Kerry campaign?

There are the responses to the swiftliars
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...

then there were statements on:

-prescriptions- "Americans Could Have Discount Prescription Prices From Canada Tomorrow if George W. Bush Would Give the Word; Bush Should Stop Tap Dancing and Support the Bipartisan Legislation"
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...

-Zell Miller Keynoting the GOP Convention
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...

-Cheney and Bush Were For A Strong Presence on the Korean Peninsula Before They Were Against It, Says Kerry Campaign
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...

-Kerry Outlines Health Care Plan to Bring Down Costs for Families, Strengthen the Economy, Create Jobs; Report Shows Skyrocketing Health Costs Have Led to Job Loss
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?ReleaseID ...


A 'slugfest' draws attention away from our candidate's positive agenda which he needs to convince voters that he cares about concerns and issues that directly affect them, and has a plan for solving them.

I believe the negative attacks by bush indicate that he is left with nothing but the politics of personal destruction as he cannot defend his record or policies. It's bush who has been drawn off message by his surrogate attacks which have the effect of highlighting his own absence from duty, and cheney's refusal to serve.