It his me while driving home from work last night; John Kerry will make a great Commander in Chief.
At this point you are probably saying DUH, but stick with me for a minute. I think Dean would have made a better president, and Edwards a better campaigner, but Kerry, of all the potential candidates, is truly my first choice for Commander in Chief. And I don't think this distinction is trivial. Kerry's experience, political savvy, intelligence and resolve rally make him perfect to lead this country in a time of war. This should also be the point that we drive home to the country.
We are killing them on all the issues, jobs, economy, healthcare, environment, choice, etc, except for the war and terrorism. I heard an NPR report yesterday that single moms are moving to Bush because they think he can handle the "war on terror" better. While this seems unthinkable to us that know how bad Bush has screwed up Iraq and the fact that we are less safe than before, I believe the reason for the perception is that we have not pushed the meme: Kerry will make a great Commander in Chief.
more below the fold......
I would love to hear every surrogate, and that means all of us as well, use "John Kerry" and "Commander in Chief" in the same breath as often as possible. For example:
- John Kerry is the most qualified to be Commander in Chief.
- As Commander in Chief, John Kerry will actually make the decisions to keep us safer, not excuses to just get elected.
- John Kerry has the perfect qualities to be Commander in Chief. He has the diplomatic skills to negotiate the peace but when the time comes, he will be the first one to throw down and fight at your side.
- I will feel safer with John Kerry as Commander in Chief.
I asked a couple of true swing votes (both voted for Bush last time but can not stand him now) what they thought of this. One of their reactions was very telling. She said "You know, I never thought of it before, but he probably would make a good Commander in Chief." Previously, the only thing she said about Kerry is that "He looks scary".
If you like this idea, please help me refine and promote it.
Thanks.