"Jersey Girls" Endorse Kerry! (w/ gorgeous pic of Breitwesier!)

[nostamj]

Sept. 15, 2004 | WASHINGTON -- Over the last three years, the group of 9/11 widows turned activists dubbed the "Jersey Girls" have become a fixture on the Washington political scene. Some of them are Republicans, others Democrats or independents. But they are all determined to hold official Washington accountable for the attacks that killed their husbands and nearly 3,000 others. They have held news conferences, lobbied members of Congress, pored over documents, and forced the White House to accept an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Along the way, the women have learned about coverups, obfuscation, political cowardice, deceptions and the dangers of eschewing international alliances for a go-it-alone foreign policy.

And their conclusion: For the sake of the country's future, John Kerry must replace George W. Bush.

Gathering at the National Press Club in Washington on Tuesday, the widows announced their endorsement of the Massachusetts Democrat for president, a move made "in good conscience and from our hearts," as former Bush supporter Kristen Breitweiser told the news cameras. "In the three years since 9/11, I could never have imagined I would be here today, disappointed in the person I voted for, for president," she said. Added fellow Jersey Girl Patty Casazza: "It was President Bush who thwarted our attempts at every turn."

The widows said they endorsed Kerry because three years of studying the facts has convinced them he will do a better job than Bush at protecting the nation. "This was not an easy decision to make. We agonized over this," said Monica Gabrielle of West Haven, Conn., an honorary Jersey Girl. "We have always been very careful about not being partisan. We have always attempted to uncover the truth. We have always looked for the greater good." Still, the women said they expect to be trashed as partisan hacks.

"We were joking amongst ourselves yesterday that we should come down here geared up in football pads and helmets, because we were anticipating personal attacks," Breitweiser said. "Some other 9/11 family members have supported President Bush, and I think we have always been respectful of anyone's points of view. And I hope that going forward, the debate and dialogue will be about the issues and it will be respectful and lively. But most important, respectful."

more.......................

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2004/09/15/widows/index.html

[nostamj]

1. for updated subject line

[cthrumatrix]

2. the media didn't talk much about this... notice that

[TheDonkey]

3. it's shameful. But now we can talk about it at least.

It's a powerful endorsement.

[nostamj]

7. yes, especially since they were non-partisan

for a long time.

I would LOVE to see Kristen and the others actively campaigning for Kerry and SLAMMING * for his 9/11 failures. he's SO proud of his brave response... these ladies will shame the sham.

[Rose Siding]

6. That's one of the clearest signs of bias so far

Sometimes, just because they're human, I allow that the news stations run with the best TV. But these women would be GREAT TV (in addition to being people that the public needs to hear about), so that excuse is wiped out in their case.

[emulatorloo]

4. Did Tweety/Hardball cover this? If not, let's media blast him

given that he gave the Jersey Girls lots of airtime over the last year.

[cthrumatrix]

5. tweety is in love with Kristen .... he won't be barking at her

[nostamj]

8. true...

they got some good press last night on Norville's show (even though she included an utterly idiotic wingnut rep and a pro-bush widow as well.

the wingnut came off really really bad and in doing so weakened the other pro-* guest.

the widows who are now endorsing Kerry, no surprise, were much more articulate and Norville let them have their say.

[Kahuna]

9. Kristin is a gorgeous woman. And she wears very minimal makeup.

Still she looks so sad and heartbroken. What a lady! Now I'm tearing up just thinking about what she's been through. Keep the faith, Kristin.

[fob]

10. Wow. I can literally see and feel her pain in that picture. Just. Wow.

[goclark]

11. Kristen made me weep

Her face was the face of "every woman that has felt pain."

She was soft spoken and honest.

Every woman in America should have the opportunity to hear that response she gave on Norville.

[nostamj]

12. I HOPE the Kerry campaign

is going to use her at campaign stops. who better to destroy his use of 9/11 as a reason to re-select?

plus, she's beautiful, well-spoken, and another converted republican.

they should put her in an AD!

[cthrumatrix]

14. she is a trooper

[irancontra]

13. I endorse Kristen

for secretary of state.

Five people who have blown my mind this year.

John Kerry.
Howard Dean.
Richard Clarke.
Barack Obama.
Kristen Breitweiser.