Missouri Voters Favor None Of the Above -

[Stone_Spirits]

washingtonpost.com > Politics > Elections > 2004 Election


Missouri Voters Favor None Of the Above
Neither Bush Nor Kerry Impresses Focus Groups

By Dan Balz and Richard Morin
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, May 2, 2004; Page A01


ST. LOUIS -- In the opening stages of the presidential campaign in this habitual battleground state, the news for President Bush is far from encouraging. For his Democratic challenger, John F. Kerry, it's even worse.


The escalating death toll in Iraq has elevated concerns about the U.S. commitment there, with voters unsettled by their fear that Bush has no plan for success and frustrated by their conviction that there may be no alternative but to stay the course.

At home, a sense of anxiety remains over the strength of the economic recovery, the loss of manufacturing jobs and the export of American jobs to overseas. "I was not scared five years ago," said Judy Bierman, 50, a homemaker who learned recently that a 50-year-old friend was about to be laid off. "Now it's scary; it's scary all the time."

The apprehensions over war and the economy represent clear obstacles in the president's path to reelection and an opening for Kerry. But the Massachusetts senator has problems of his own. At this point, he is barely part of the political conversation, particularly among the relatively small percentage of voters who have not picked sides.

Many voters know little about Kerry or what he would do to fix the economy or Iraq. There are signs that the Bush campaign's effort to paint Kerry as a man of few firm convictions has begun to stick. First impressions of Kerry are not particularly positive: He is seen as "boring" and "aloof," a somewhat frosty New Englander with an affected air.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A59729-2004May1?language=printer

[Racenut20]

1. It appears to me Kerry needs to spend "positive advertising"

money in Missouri. When I lived there, voters would say they didn't like "mudslinging", yet they would elect Bond who is a recognized master at negative campaigning.

[OKNancy]

2. Good

because every political analyst on the right and left says that undecided votes go against the incumbent.

[Lefty48197]

3. Missouri, meet our VP nominee, Dick Gephardt

I think that would get their attention. Missouri is that important to us in the next election. It's almost a MUST win. The fact that we are very close in the polls is good news for us. The American public doesn't even know John Kerry yet. They've heard the right wing lie machine more than they've heard Kerry. That will change, and more voters will migrate into the Kerry campaign. This is beginning to look like our election to lose.

[Stirling Newberry]

4. Adopt a State

Are you in a safe state? Then adopt a battleground state. Missouri is as good as any:

1. Enough Electoral Votes to win the Presidency, assuming that the states that gave Gore their electoral votes in 2000 are held.

2. A tough governor's race.

3. A strong challenge to a far right Senator by Nancy Farmer.

4. House races which can tilt the balance, and take the fight to the Republican Leadership.

Yes, I have a dog in this fight, but as you'll be able to tell:

<A HREF="http://newberryforcongress.com/blog.php" target=new>There's a lot of fight in this dog.</A>

[Stone_Spirits]

5. good advice

and thanks for your commitment! The very best of luck to you!!
:toast:

[mot78]

7. Welcome to DU Stirling

We still remember you for your role in the Draft Clark movement.

[Capn Sunshine]

6. I hope Kerry wakes up

I really do.So far it's zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[gate of the sun]

8. I think this has a bit to do with Kerry's stance

on the war and the economy. My Mother lives in Missouri and many many jobs have been outsourced. Kerry isin't coming out against the war in any strong manner. I can understand how Missouri feels. I plan to vote for Kerry to defeat bush only. I am very disappointed in Kerry as a candidate.