Kerry rallies support on Republican turf

[JI7]

<Bill Clinton lost Virginia in 1996 to Republican Bob Dole, but only by 2 percentage points. Dole had to rally the state with heavy advertising and a late appearance in Hampton Roads, while Clinton spent virtually nothing and wrote the state off as unwinnable.

"George Bush wants to say to people, 'Isn't it terrific, aren't things rosy?'" Kerry told a hand-picked audience Friday. "But right now, our economy is not working for the average American."

Kerry called for an increase in the minimum wage to $7 an hour, up from $5.15, in what would be the first increase in federally mandated minimum wage rates since 1997.

But many of the supporters gathered Friday appeared more interested in his plan for health insurance and the cost of prescription drugs.

"It's a disgrace to let people go without health care," said Sally Davis, a retired school personnel administrator from Prince William County, sporting a big Kerry button on her T-shirt.

Asked if Kerry can win Virginia, Davis said, "I think he can. He's right on the mark with things people care about."

Kerry, who has been criticized for appearing aloof or elitist, wandered the small room with a microphone as he fielded friendly questions from supporters.

When he encountered a woman who lacked health insurance, he quipped: "You're living with the Bush plan, which is 'Pray you don't get sick.' " The line elicited a solid round of laughter and applause.>

http://www.dailypress.com/news/columnists/dp-lerman_jun20,0,5556943.column?coll=dp-news-columnists

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I like what Kerry is saying

for one thing, if minimum wage is raised, maybe I'll get a raise! And I liked the definition of the Bush health plan-it's the one I'm on, as well as most folks I know. I'll use that line the next time I talk to them.

[clydefrand]

2. I'm doing my best

to help get him known and elected in this state (VA). But there must be too many sand hills in this state and people's heads are occupying them. I shudder to think what will happen if the chimp is "put" in office again.

[demosincebirth]

3. Health care is a winner...

it resonates with the average person.

[Massacure]

4. Im 16 and lookin for a job, but can't find one

When I do get one I think I'd like that minimum wage increase. All the more money to stash away for college. :)

[rasputin1952]

5. We shold not forget that bush is crowing about...

Universal Health Care for Iraq, and how he implemented that....but if you're an American, you get nothing. I am amazed that people have not yet made that somple connection.

Let's have bush work for minimum wage, no health care benefits, no housing, no perks at all. Maybe then, he would realize that living is not as easy as he perceives it to be. Hell, I'd be happy if he could put in a 15 hour week, much less 40+ !...:)

[Padraig18]

6. Even Republican ears perk up when Kerry talks about health care.

That issue resonates with ordinary working people everywhere, regardless of party affiliation. I know LOTS of Republicans who are on 'the Bush plan', and are scared to death they may become ill or injured. If Kerry wants a wedge issue to divide the RW, that's the one he should use.

[Moderator]

7. JI7

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[DaveSZ]

8. When did Bush talk about universal healthcare for Iraq?

I'd like to read about that.

It would make a great Kerry ad.

[JI7]

9. i tried but it says the time to edit has expired

if there is a way to change that i will cut some lines out. but the article is actually much longer and the excerpt is pretty small compared to the whole thing so i don't think this should be a problem.