Teresa H. Kerry - Hurt or help?

[SeekingTruth]

I'm sorry to be the one to say this, but does it seem like every time JFK has a good time in the race, she comes along and says something that hurts it, or is this just me?

Sure it is liberating to say what one feels, but she has a tremendous safety net that most people don't have.

Comments?

[shraby]

1. She's a lovely, generous lady.

[EST]

2. You asked for it.

I think you are too sensitive.

[enigmatic]

3. It's just you.

Seriously.

[Hello_Kitty]

4. As vilified as Hillary Clinton was

By the right wing, abetted by the media, Bill Clinton was still able to win twice. I think a lot of people find Teresa refreshing. Even one of the editors of the incredibly conservative Arizona Republic wrote recently that people should give her a break because she's European and she makes some amusing comments.

[FlaIndie]

33. Actually, she's African

JFK should say he's married to an African-American, though some people would probably find the joke offensive (esp. considering Portugal ruled Mozambique when she was born). But hey, it's true.

[TaleWgnDg]

5. oh, hell . . . Ter-RAH-sah?

She's tops. Absolutely, one sexy woman. Are you kidding? I'm right there in John's camp and agree w/ him 100% on his wife. One sexy woman. Bright. Articulate. And, yes, she does speak her mind, unlike some dumb troll fictional storybook "school marm" who panders to her husband as does the Bush camp.

Teresa Heinz Kerry is used to power. Used to being a CEO. America isn't ready for this? Oh, come on.

edited to add: I can *see* Teresa now. She'll have the European heads of state eating out of her hand, somewhat similarly did Jacqueline Bovier Kennedy as first lady! They loved her too. Heinz-Kerry speaks FIVE LANGUAGES fluently, Portugese, Italian, Spanish, English, and French. Say, are you intimidated by her?

[worksux]

6. Ditto to everything TaleWgnDg said! n/t

[TaleWgnDg]

9. heh . . . and

welcome to DU :toast:

[kokomo]

45. at least she isn't a Stepford wife like Laura....

[JetCityLiberal]

7. It is just you

Smart strong women are a breath of fresh air.

Thanks Teresa, Elizabeth...you scare the HELL out of right wing males! You women are sharp , you are correct, and you rock.

More!

JetCItyLiberal

[goclark]

10. I wonder how many Republican woman

Stepfords, will go into the voting booth and vote for Kerry?

[juajen]

27. Agree absolutely

They are both a breath of fresh air. I can't remember when I have enjoyed and respected the two significant others of our team more. They put pug wives to shame. Naturally, they scare misogynists. Not saying original poster is one, just giving my opinion.

[Minimus]

44. and look at how they raised their children - that says alot!

compare the Kerry Heinz Edwards kids to the bush twins.

[NMDemDist2]

8. canvassing tonight had a lady tell me "wish she was running"

lol

lady liked that Teresa "told it like it is, and wasn't afraid to tell someone to shove it"

[TaleWgnDg]

14. yup !!

. . . . . .

[Hello_Kitty]

11. Oh yeah! She came to Sun City AZ last night for a fundraiser

Biggest turnout for a Teresa Kerry event to date! She was a huge hit.

[the Kelly Gang]

12. doubt she makes much difference either way..if people are

intimidated by a strong woman they just have a problem..she may as well be her own personality..they're either voting for Kerry or not.

[Jim Sagle]

13. Teresa RRRRAWWWWKSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andromeda]

15. Ever since she told that reporter to "shove it..."

I have even more respect for her. I admire strong women who have an opinion and who are not afraid to express that opinion.

If someone doesn't like it thats their problem. Rethugs tend to expect their women to smile all the time, never take a stand on anything and parrot everything her husband says. Strong women are threatening to them.

Teresa will be an asset to John Kerry and a great first lady.

[Melodybe]

16. Teresa is a gift, she will be this country's Evita Perone

sorry you feel otherwise.

[LittleClarkie]

22. Actually

I was thinking more Eleanor Roosevelt, meself.

I wasn't sure at first, but then I read an old profile piece I found, where she looks John in the eye and gets him to say something he was avoiding, and I fell in love with her. She not only tells it like it is, she expects others around her to do the same.

Some ignorant folk around here keep bringing up the ketsup issue. I keep trying to tell them she's not really connected to the corporation anymore, only the philanthropist branch. You can tell by how the corporation gives to conservative causes now. She has also been linked to "radical" groups, but the most radical group I can find so far advocated riding ones bike to work (the horror) for the good of the environment.

As for the SUV issue, considering they have kept their pre-marriage assets separate, I don't doubt that the SUV belongs to Theresa, and the smaller car belongs to John. How is that his fault? Can you picture telling Teresa what to do? I can't. The woman is who she is. And if one more person says he married her for her money, I'm gonna deck that person. Hey, he's was a rich guy from a good family. Rich people generally marry other rich people, don't they. How does this make him opportunist.

And that whole business about the 5 houses. Once again, the pre-nuptual agreement. Four belong to Teresa from her first husband, and the fifth is the one she and John own together, and by the way it is mortgaged to finance the election campaign. And then there is the matter of John only paying thousands and not millions on his taxes. If their finances are separate, then it would follow that John is paying taxes on his Senate pay, and not on the billions that really belong to Teresa. So disingenous to pull out Kerry's tax burden as proof that he didn't pay his fair share. (So how much did Cheney pay last year? Hmmm?)

But all of this is a smoke screen to avoid the issues that Bush/Cheney can't face.

[Barney Rocks]

17. The more she

speaks up, the more good it does for Kerry. I think the "normal" people can really relate to THK. Although I do admit that the political pundits don't seem to "get it". But--the people are the ones who will decide this election, and they love THK.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

18. It's just you. Pay less attention to what the media wants you to believe.

[SeekingTruth]

21. why the insulting comments?

I get tired of DU'ers who post such insulting comments...I understand the lies of the media probably more than you - I just get tired of the Dems failing to fight in ways that they can win.

[Night Gal]

31. Drink the Kool aid, you'll feel better about this place

resistance is futile

[SeekingTruth]

19. Pragmatic Politics in a 50/50 Nation...

Don't get me wrong - I truly like the woman myself and love strong women. But what bothers me is our idiotic world of 50/50 politics.

She worries me in some ways because she doesn't seem to appreciate pragmatic politics. For example, we had a great hammer to use in regards to Cheney's "Go fuck yourself." Again, don't get me wrong - her taking her pound of flesh out of that Richard Melon Scaife asshole reporter was fair in a just world, but it lost us our "go fuck yourself" hammer.

And sadly, she APPEARS to be elitist to many American voters (for example, in our rotten world of meaningless politics, how many women wear sweaters over their shoulders it's an image issue).

Again, don't get me wrong - to the true believers and already Kerry voters, this is not important, but to those wavering, it is a different story.

[unfrigginreal]

39. "Again, don't get me wrong"

I don't think you have to worry about that.

[Bluebear]

20. Gee I think Laura has said more things hurtful to the Bush campaign

Her views and faux expertise on stell cell research, for instance.

[Supply Side Jesus]

23. I'll ask her tomarrow

when she waltz into Pueblo, co. for a town meeting.

[NightOwwl]

24. What has she done that bothers you?

She's true to herself and in turn, true to us. I find that much more appealing than someone like Laura Bush who seems to have no sense of identity or self-worth.

[fujiyama]

25. At first

I sort of felt the same way. I thought she might hurt Kerry and I found her a bit strange.

She really does grow on you though after a while. She's extremely intelligent and she seems very sincere. Man if there was a debate between first ladies, she would kick Laura's ass.

I really like her now. I think she would make a wonderful first lady. I love the fact that she speaks what 6 different languages?! I like that she speaks her mind and isn't an annoying Stepford wife like Laura. I think Chris Matthews is a moron, but "spicy" is definetely one way to describe her.

[SeekingTruth]

26. I AGREE with all DU'ers about her fine qualities, but..

sadly, she would not kick Laura Bush's ass in a debate. She might win it, but she would lose it.

Sure, Laura Bush might be a "Stepford Wife" but she is the epitome of the perceive great woman in Americana.

I'm not saying I agree with this or even like it. For years I have told associates what a phony, mean bag Barbara Bush is, but hardly any believe it.

When are Du'ers going to understand that under our current climate, perceived image is more damaging than that of a true image.

[murielm99]

28. I think DUers understand that perceived image thing

very well.

They saw it used on Gore. They see it being used on Kerry. Kerry's military records are under scrutiny, while * was a deserter. * is the flip-flopper, but Kerry gets the label.

We've seen Hillary Clinton scewered by a hateful right-wing press.

John and Teresa are obviously devoted to each other. She is good for him, and will be a great first lady.

I find your post divisive.

[fujiyama]

36. Well said

I agree.

[Barad Simith]

29. she'll be a fine first lady

Like Hillary Clinton, she will help re-define the office of First Lady.

[fujiyama]

34. What is your point?

Do you think she should have a lesser role in the campaign? That she should be seen and heard less? She IS Kerry's wife. She will continue to campaign for him. If she weren't, the media would then ask "where's Teresa?" and "Does she have a lesser role because she is she hurting the campaign?"

Most everyone on DU understands the climate, the power of perception over reality and the media's twisting of it.

We know that Gore won the debates, but the media said Bush won. Of course we also knew when Gore made mistakes during the debate and we knew the problems of perception then...and we know it now as well through this difficult election season.

So stop lecturing us. I'm not wearing rose colored glasses and I understand your point about perception.

Once in a while it's nice to see someone that isn't completely scripted...she's honest. She isn't full of bullshit.

Ultimately I don't think she'll make a huge impact one way or the other. I do think that it would be wise to utilize her properly. I think she'd be a lot of help in big cities and in front of women's groups, etc.

[shraby]

37. I smell something

and seekingtruth might be seeking something else.

[Night Gal]

30. She is a wonderful lady

and will be the first African-American First Lady!

[unfrigginreal]

32. Teresa hurts Kerry as much as Hillary hurt Clinton

Most Duers would agree that both women are/were big assets to their husbands. That may not include you.

BTW, what drove this post subject? Was it the nefarious reading that Drudge gave to Teresa's comment about Osama? If so, there was nothing wrong with what she said, hell even Bush has been saying that we're closer to catching him. It's not like she said that they've got him on ice or anything.

[Bunny]

35. What drove this post subject?

Hmmmm....

I would guess it's the same mindset that tried to "rehabilitate" Hillary for all these years! Some people have this perception that Americans can't take a strong woman, dontcha know?

[SeekingTruth]

63. I asked this because....

I am a believer in we must recognize any potential weakness, study it and defeat it so we can become even stronger. I'm not saying she is a weakness, only that her from the hip style might actually hurt in important ways. I already mentioned the how she neutralized the hammering Cheney with his "Go F Yourself" with her own comments.

Another concern is the simplistic nature of the American voter. I believe that the majority of swing voters sort of have their mind up very early and pick up on tiny things that either strengthen or weaken their preconceived notions.

Here's an example....recall the images from when the Kerry's and Edwards' met the press out in a field months ago. Who ever coordinated that made a mistake in wardrobe. Kerry and Edwards should have been the ones that stood out, but THK was dressed in an attention grabbing outfit. Now this might seem petty or simple, but to the women friends I've talked to, it also said to them that she wants attention. Of course this is a sexist thing to mention, but it's how the political system works in its current state. And women voters are going to be very important in this election.

We have to use the best tactics in our strategey as possible.

No one hates it more than I do about how meaningless images, words and crap now dictates politics and the American mind, but we have to be able to win in the arena provided until something changes and that doesn't seem to be in the future yet.

[T Town Jake]

38. She's a breath of fresh air...

...in a society that hasn't yet fully matured to the point it long ago should have to judging women by the same standards that it does men.
I think she is an asset to the Kerry campaign - at least as regards the Progressive voters. I don't give a flying Damn what the Neanderthals make of her.

[Chomskyite]

40. No harm done

Plus, she's said repeatedly that if push comes to shove, she will spend from her personal checkbook to defend her husband.

[murielm99]

41. I think it is time for her to do that. nt

[bushwakker]

42. put her in a closet until nov 3

she is a liability.

[terrya]

43. Oh, for God's sake. Do we really want 4 more years of that Stepford Wife?

Teresa is a breath of fresh air. She's a smart, interesting woman who only helps Kerry.

[ClassWarrior]

46. Hurts him?? She's talking about Bush*'s October surprise!!

If she doesn't bring it up, who will?? And when this DOES happen, we ALL have to write LTTEs and make phone calls saying, "It's about time Bush* caught Osama!! After all, he's public enemy number one! What has the administration been doing for the past three years, anyway??"

23.

[mcar]

47. I love her

She exudes so much warmth and compassion.

I think it is ridiculous that people are threatened by a strong, successful woman like THK. She's obviously a loving and intelligent woman who can actually think and speak on her own, unlike Laura Bush, whose every move and word is scripted.

[Rambis]

49. I have had three older people tell me

"I am voting for Kerry but I wish his wife would shut up" I am always struck by how angry they are at her. I think it is a generational thing and I always say to them... Hey she is rich and she doesn't have to lift one finger but she has chosen to speak out for others that don't have a voice in this administration. Weird though-

[spooky3]

57. I think it's a sexism thing on their parts. However, to be more certain,

you could ask them specifically what she's said that they have a problem with and why.

I've seen far less about her comments than about Laura Bush's comments in the media. Do they think Laura Bush should shut up too?

I suspect they just want her to say nothing, period, because they think that's the "little woman's role".

[MUSTANG_2004]

48. Not much either way

Since she's not the one who'll be president.

[MoonRiver]

50. I don't know what you're talking about.

Everybody I know loves her! Unlike stepford Laura, real women don't behave like aged barbie dolls.

[Bridget Burke]

51. It's not just you; there are others around here....

Teresa H Kerry is intelligent & outspoken, unlike the pathetic ex-librarian who's got a much worse plastic surgeon.

And John Kerry is not JFK.

[natrat]

52. dont be mad but w/ some

she hurts

[Bridget Burke]

58. Could you please expand your statement?

It doesn't make sense.

[Zomby Woof]

54. true

He is BETTER than Kennedy ever was.

[Lefta Dissenter]

53. Dammitall!!!

I've had it! Now I have to vote for bush.

I mean, yesterday I found out that Kerry's face is made of old leather, and today I realize that his wife wears her sweater over her shoulders? :eyes:

[ClassWarrior]

55. You want four more years of hell.

23.

[Gyre]

56. She doesn't need to share.

I'm sure she's a nice lady, but so is Mary Beth Cahill. She isn't helping w/ any substantial constiuency that can be identified. She isn't running for office. What's the point of her making statements in a race which is as close as this one?

Further, I don't think she's very appealing to most male voters regardless of their party affiliation.

Gyre

[Bridget Burke]

61. But male voters look at Pickles & say

Hubba Hubba!

[slackmaster]

59. This is not the place to criticize her

Anyone who has something negative to say about the nominee or his family should address it to the nominee or to THK or to the campaign organization.

[demokatgurrl]

60. It's either you or CNN's "stupid question of the day". n't

[sandersadu]

62. Problems w/ Teresa

(1) She's rich
(2) She's "foreign"
(3) She's thin-skinned
(4) She's outspoken
(5) She's a distraction.

Flame away, but I don't think she helps. She can hold court after JFK is elected. Until then, I'd like her to stay under the radar.

[Kimber Scott]

64. She is who she is. I think she's just been reading DU too much!

nt

[BlueNomad]

65. I like her

alot. She reminds me of my mother. Beautiful, sexy, outspoken, generous and unapologetic.

The way I look at this is Hilary could survive folks pissing on her after her baking cookies comment and her stand by my man Tammy W. comment; Teresa will be fine. Besides I hate to be sentimental, but I just like the fact that he seems completely smitten with her and that when she is exhausted she rests her head on his shoulder.

It works for me and hey you know what? Even if she was Barbie meets Donna Reed meets Stepford wife, she wouldn't cut it with alot of the republican faithful; her biggest sin would still be leaving her republican roots behind to marry and yes shudder the thought sleep with a liberal democrat...oh the sin of it ... lol

[DemCam]

66. Went to see her last night...fabulous!

It was an intimate setting so we were up close.

She is real, warm, down-to-earth, articulate, passionate, smart and may I say beautiful. What a strong face she has! She is a wonderful asset to this campaign.

The best are controversial and complex. As she said last night about other things...The most interesting things are complex. She is both of those things.

[TexasSissy]

67. All in all, I don't think she's an asset. Sorry to say it.

But that's what I think. I think she's a wonderful person, and I like her a lot. But I don't think she is a help in this race, for various reasons.

[marlakay]

68. My mom conservative dem 77 loves her!

Heh, if my mom a christian dem by the way and very conservative, I couldn't even mention the word sex when I grew up! can love her there is hope that all in America can see what a smart savy woman she is.

Women like my mom were around during Eleanor's time and remember strong women during war time and respect a woman who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

Many of those women my mom included wearing the apron and staying home in the 50's & 60's secretly wanted to get out of the house and do more. My mom started working when I was 20 and still works!! and she has tried to retire and goes back!

[treading_water]

69. Teresa changed the way I think about John Kerry

I liked Teresa Heinz Kerry immediately. She smart, genuine, and opinionated. And because I liked her so much and recognized her as a strong-willed woman, I started thinking about the kind of man who would appreciated her for who and what she is. And the kind of man a woman like her would love.

It was that thought process that changed the way I was thinking about John Kerry. He went from being the ABB candidate to being a presidential candidate that I am inspired by because I began to see the fire beneath the political veneer.

John Kerry is a very cerebral, politician with a lot of polish. His wife makes him human. And I like that.

So, from a woman - I think she's one of his best assets, politically and personally. I love the way he refuses to change her or allow anyone to change her. He accepts her for the way she is and I think we should too. It shows integrity, much like the Edwards show integrity in refusing to allow the death of their son to be used for political gain.