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Bush, George W.

Bush and Kerry Engage in Heated Campaign Offense on Education, Economy, and National Security

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the 2004 presidential campaign heats up, President Bush and challenger John Kerry are engaging in a fierce battle over policy and character. After largely ceding the spotlight to Democrats for the convention, Mr. Bush stumped through Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio with a retooled speech emphasizing his policies' positive impact on the nation. Mr. Kerry and his running mate, John Edwards, meanwhile, rode the success of their convention to campaign in Pennsylvania, emphasizing themes of hope and unity.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bush launched a new campaign offensive, criticizing Senator John Kerry's 19-year Senate record for lacking significant accomplishments.
  • Mr. Bush highlighted his own policy successes, including Medicare reform, education accountability, and job creation, emphasizing that the nation is "turning the corner" under his leadership.
  • Mr. Kerry's campaign responded by accusing the White House of trying to distract attention from Mr. Bush's record, including a net loss of jobs during his presidency.
  • The Democratic candidate's aides cited a new report showing economic slowdown in the second quarter and a revised White House projection of a lower budget deficit, but still a record.
  • Mr. Bush drew contrasts with Mr. Kerry on national security, accusing him of equivocation on the war in Iraq and uncertain leadership.
  • The president mocked Mr. Kerry's statement that he had voted for and then against an $87 billion supplemental spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Mr. Kerry's campaign disputed Mr. Bush's statement that he supported cutting the intelligence budget, pointing out that he had backed a 50% increase in intelligence spending since 1996.
  • Both campaigns are engaging in intense television advertising, with the Democratic National Committee spending $6.5 million on a new commercial and the Bush campaign spending $14 million for the next two weeks.

Statistics:

  • 19: the number of years Mr. Kerry has been in the Senate, according to Mr. Bush.
  • 95: the number of days before Election Day.
  • $6.5 million: the amount spent by the Democratic National Committee on its new commercial.
  • $40 million: the estimated total cost of the Democratic National Committee's advertising drive before Election Day.
  • $14 million: the amount spent by the Bush campaign on advertising for the next two weeks.

Sources:

  • [Associated Press, "Bush Assails Kerry Record," August 2004]
  • [New York Times, "Bush Aides Say Kerry's Speech Was Good, But...," August 2004]
  • [Chicago Tribune, "Kerry's Economy Record Questioned," August 2004]

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