Pasadena, Texas
Democratic Sen. John Kerry handed Republicans a potent campaign issue this week, after he told students at a Texas college that “if you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.” Kerry said the comment was a botched joke directed at President Bush, reputed to be an indifferent student. But Bush said Kerry’s remark disparaged the intelligence of the troops in Iraq, calling it “insulting and shameful.” Other Republicans said the comment by the former presidential nominee bolstered their contention that Democrats are anti-military. Kerry said he meant no offense to U.S. troops and canceled all appearances with Democratic candidates.
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