I have just heard two references on NPR to Bush travelling down to Florida because "help is on the way." Clearly a co-ordinated effort to appropriate the message.
The Republicans are right about one thing: ridicule can be an effective tool. Kerry should have a three step response:
#1: Point out to the media Bush's patently obvious effort to use a natural disaster to help his re-election efforts.
#2: Tell the media that you are going to ridicule this instead of getting upset about it.
#3: Make public statements that do ridicule Bush for politicizing the hurricane ("When Bush was behind in the polls in Florida he said 'send me' ")
The fact is that whatever Kerry says doesn't even matter. The media will report that:
#1: Bush is trying to capitalize on a natural disaster.
#2: Kerry's campaign is quickly responding.
#3: The Democrats can use ridicule a political tool as well.