I wouldn't rip Cheney's deferments...

[tomfodw]

...I'd tear into his corruption, the fact that he's still making millions from Halliburton while supposedly not steering them no-bid contracts. He's cashing in while our soldiers are checking out.

[soothsayer]

1. don't be silly, you can do both

but why not wait until the VP debates? don't shoot your wad all at the beginning.

[tomfodw]

2. The deferments are the past...

...he's taking money now. He's personally profiting from foreign policy he's helping make. I think that should be hammered and hammered and hammered. Put those loathesome fucks on the defensive for once. Make them respond to serious charges for a change. Fucking bastards.

[A_Possum]

12. it was a direct reply to Cheney's insult, and going one better

He did talk about Cheney giving Halliburton billion dollar contracts while on the payroll.

[BillZBubb]

6. I don't buy the shoot your wad theory.

The way to get items into the voters heads is repetition. Continuous stating and restating the case. I wouldn't let a day go by without tying Cheney to Halliburton and mentioning Mr. Chickenhawk's deferments.

To us political animals, the repetition seems overkill and counterproductive. But among the not so politically involved masses, it works.

[Calm Like A Bomb]

8. Nice post. Beat me by a minute. Curse these slow fingers!

[soothsayer]

13. who wants the debates to be a boring blah blah heard it already affair

like shrub's speech tonight?

save some stuff up to BLAST 'em and grab some headlines!

don't panic and throw all yer cards on the table. keep 'em on the run!

[soothsayer]

11. nah, look how it's backfiring on bushco

sometimes a little goes a long way

keep releasing new stuff in dribs and drabs. cumulative effect, much more powerful

[Calm Like A Bomb]

7. Don't wait. Keep hammering and hammering on the same points.

We get sick of hearing the right wing repeating the same crap over and over, but like it or not, that's what seems to work. Most people aren't paying close attention like we are. Keep hammering and they'll hear it here and there.

Just my opinion, though, I could be wrong.

[senseandsensibility]

3. Why would you want to protect Cheney

from criticism about his deferments? What could your motive possibly be?

[tomfodw]

9. Because the deferments were 35 years ago.

I have no desire to defend Cheney from anything, up to and including charges that he's the model for Hannibal Lecter.

My point is, I think it will be more effective for Kerry to attack him as a corrupt greedy bastard now rather than a chickenshit coward 35 years ago.

That's all. It's about what I think will be more effective.

And please don't question my motives. That has no place on DU - we're all Democrats for Kerry here.

[zulchzulu]

4. Put Cheney and Bush on the defensive and expose them

I bet Cheney's negative numbers could go down a LOT more. Start with the cowardice Chickenhawk base. Then a nice flogging of the Halliburton corruption.

SMACK THEM HARD!

[Gloria]

5. Kerry has to shove the personal attacks against him in their faces...

It's about perception. He will look stronger if he defends his honor.

That accomplished, he can tear them limb from limb on their corruption and lies from a position of strength....

[HamstersFromHell]

10. Exactly.

He looks good if he returns their fire round for round, but prefacing it with "I tried to run a polite campaign, but I will not sit idly by and take your unfounded, lying cheap shots." That and repetition will win the hearts and minds of the undecided.