Readers' reactions to Kerry's speech

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The comments

I passionately believed that Kerry needed a bold speech tonight, but I wasn't sure I believed he'd deliver one. I was very pleasantly surprised by much of what I heard. Kerry said many things I think his campaign has heretofore been afraid to say.

I believe that's exactly what he needed. It's certainly what he needed to say to me, because I've been calling him a coward for months. But I also believe it's what he needs to say to all the American people. I don't think swing voters want to be pandered to; I think they want to hear the truth and hear why their votes will make a difference.

IF Kerry-Edwards are willing to continue to present themselves at this level, they can win voters, and perhaps they can win in November. But if the "high road" means they'll stick their heads back in the sand when Bush attacks, or if they go back to empty abstract vagaries about "hope" with no plan, then I don't think even Michael Moore can save them.

— Cheryl Hammond, Seattle

Senator Kerry is certainly no Franklin Roosevelt. I agree with some of Kerry's rhetoric; unfortunately, his record does not support it. Kerry is such a hypocrite on the "family values" issue. His rhetoric would have one believe that he is a populist; yet, he is clearly an elitist.

— Matt Norling, Yakima

Any doubts about John Kerry's ability to "close the deal" ended tonight at the Fleet Center.

Kerry's rousing, passionate, powerful, confident address rang out and resonated among the Democrats like no other speech Kerry has ever given. Simply put, Kerry not only pointedly critiqued the current administration, but laid out, in as much detail as a 50 minute speech would allow, his plan to restore respect for the United States abroad and bring back trust and credibility to the White House, while strengthening the country at home.

He gave props to his opponents for the nomination and to his family and friends including his "band of brothers" in Vietnam.
 
To reiterate, it was the best speech of Kerry's candidacy.

I wasn't that high on Kerry for quite awhile, but clearly, he's proven that he's the best choice to replace George W. Bush.

— Tim Withee, Auburn

If I were 18 years old with limited or no life experience, as well as no prior knowledge of John Kerry, I would say his speech tonight was OK. But I'm not 18 and have quite a bit of life experience, which means a lot of what I heard tonight was just some more rhetoric designed to make me feel good. I not only want to feel good, but I want to feel safe. John Kerry did not convince me that I would be safe if he were the president, the commander in chief.

Questions:

1. Did Kerry persuade me? No.

2. What did I like or dislike?

I liked his tie.

I disliked his constant reference to his military service. He was in Vietnam for 6 months, although you'd think by his constant reference that he had done several tours of duty there.

His comment "We will go to war only because we have to" concerns me. That smacks of waiting to react, or it's too late, as if we then have no choice. I would prefer not to be a victim and I would appreciate a leader who is going to take preemptive action. To make tough decisions.

He referenced requiring hard evidence before going to war. Once again he had the same information the current president did and also felt it warranted going into Iraq. Sometimes you have to do the best you can with what you have, take chances. John Kerry's statement left me feeling like he was afraid to make a decision and would only act if he felt there would be no political fallout. Play it safe, which is not the sign of a good leader, let alone commander in chief.

Actions speak louder than words. Tonight John Kerry raised many issues. The same issues he has failed to address while in the Senate. During his 20 years he has failed to display leadership.

— John R. Johnson, Seattle

I don't believe that tax cuts are "tax giveaways for corporate America." I got a small tax cut, which was put to good use, and I am not corporate America.

— Matt Norling, Yakima

Touching tax loopholes to prevent outsourcing is good. But how can we truly stop companies that have become multinational and casually cross borders and oceans to reap their rewards? Tax-cut rollback for rich sounds good; I know I didn't get much of a return. I would have rather that it had gone for roads, bridges, schools or anything else that improves our country.

— Rick Nelson, Sumner

This sudden wave of patriotism — albeit short-lived — on the floor of the convention is quite sickening.

— Matt Norling, Yakima

I'm so excited that Kerry is taking on the attack ads directly. Too often the strategy is not to "dignify" such things with any response, which, to me, leaves the attacks unanswered and lingering in the minds of voters. I'm very glad the "positive message" strategy of this convention didn't end up going that cowardly route. Kerry responded to criticism of "complexity" by saying, "Some issues just aren't that simple" and that's exactly what I had been hoping he'd say.

The details and specifics on his military plans — who, how, when and why — are welcome and, strongly and concisely worded, powerful. I will be interested to see which bits end up as sound bites. The "backdoor draft" of Guardsmen and Reserves was brilliant ... an issue no one seems to have really taken on even as news story after news story chronicles the problems of these bait-and-switched soldiers.

Democrats need to take back patriotism, and Kerry needs to convince Americans that he means it. The "Old Glory" stuff is powerful and seems heartfelt. When's the last time we heard DEMOCRATS chanting "USA, USA"?

— Cheryl Hammond, Seattle

"The future doesn't belong to fear, it belongs to freedom" is an excellent line. However, Senator Kerry again has a record that does not back up this rhetoric.

— Matt Norling, Yakima

I think I would have rather heard him say he would make sure our military equipment is up to the task. The Stryker Brigade and its under-armored vehicles are my point. They were sent in at a disadvantage.

— Rick Nelson, Sumner

Senator Kerry seems to be implying that the "War on Terrorism" is going poorly; yet, there have been no terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001. How can anyone improve upon that?

— Matt Norling, Yakima

I've been frustrated with Kerry for months for not taking strong and meaningful stands on the important issues. On the one hand, I'm in no way a swing voter, but on the other hand, if Kerry can't win over an "anybody else but" voter, then I KNOW he can't win over the country. So in that sense I do think he needs to impress me.

I think the start of the speech was a bit shaky and tentative, but once he got to the "Berlin" stories, he got rolling. It was a little strange that the first political issue he took a stand on was women's rights ... not that I disagree, but that there are so many core issues in this election and that doesn't strike me as one of them. But thereafter, he landed squarely on the subject of America's place in the world, and I am appreciating his strong words about what our leadership has been, historically, and should be again.

— Cheryl Hammond, Seattle

John Kerry's line, "I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty," has got to be one of the cheesiest lines I've ever heard to open a speech.

It is in poor taste for Senator Kerry to use John McCain's name to promote his speech, since McCain has clearly stated his support for President Bush.

— Matt Norling, Yakima

I think his beginning, his use of history — Berlin, Kennedy — nice opening. But it didn't take him long to take off the gloves. A focus on our "lack of leadership."

— Rick Nelson, Sumner