Even though the media is trying mightily to continue the spin they have built up about the election, it is veering off course for them. Because John "Watch me put the rabbit back into the hat" Kerry undid a lot of their work with one brief, all consuming bit of stupidity. Kerry caused serious damage. And Democratic candidates know it, too.
The dueling rallies scheduled for Mankato today on behalf of Republican congressman Gil Gutknecht and Democratic challenger Tim Walz lost some of their pizzaz Tuesday night when Sen. John Kerry pulled out of the Democratic rally.
Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the front-runner for the 2008 Republican nomination for president, is the star attraction at a rally at the Midwest Wireless Civic Center for Gutknecht and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee pulled out of the DFL event, which will still be held, as the result of a controversy over comments he made Monday in California.
Walz communication director Meredith Salsbery said Kerry canceled his visit to keep the focus on the issues and away from Kerry’s comments and McCain’s response.
She wouldn’t comment on whether Walz asked Kerry not to campaign for him, but said the decision was ultimately the senator’s choice.
You can bet, with utter certainty, that Kerry's choice was cancel or be canceled. Now, I have also seen several media attempts to say this will refocus the election on the war. No, it won't. It will focus attention on the lack of support Democrats appear to have for the troops. This reinforces a lot of bad impressions people already had about the Democrats.
The local guys know it, no matter what spin is being attempted. They know it and they are pushing Kerry away to avoid being tainted.
