Kerry Apologizes for Insulting U.S. Troops, Cites Botched Joke

Strategic Insights -

Sen. John Kerry's criticism of U.S. troops in Iraq has sparked a bipartisan backlash, with even Democratic lawmakers and the party's chairman criticizing his remarks. The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee apologized for his comments, which suggested that a lack of intelligence and poor academic performance had led to the troops' deployment in Iraq. Kerry's apology came after several Democratic campaign events were abruptly canceled in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Iowa, amid demands that he apologize to the troops and their families.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sen. John Kerry apologized for insulting U.S. troops in Iraq, citing a "botched" joke.
  • Kerry's comments suggested that a lack of intelligence and poor academic performance had led to the troops' deployment in Iraq.
  • The apology came after Democratic campaign events were canceled in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Iowa, amid demands that he apologize to the troops and their families.
  • Democratic lawmakers, including Sens. Hillary Clinton, Robert Menendez, and Rep. Harold Ford Jr., criticized Kerry's remarks.
  • Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean also criticized Kerry, saying his remarks were "poorly worded and just plain stupid."
  • Kerry's initial apology claimed that he was targeting President Bush's policy, but his words were criticized as insulting to troops who have served in Iraq.
  • Academic records obtained by the Boston Globe revealed that President Bush had a higher grade point average than Kerry during their time at Yale.
  • Kerry's apology came after radio host Don Imus urged him to "stop talking" and lay low in the last few days leading up to the election.

Statistics:

  • 4 D's: Kerry's freshman year grade average at Yale.
  • 10 courses: The number of courses Kerry took during his freshman year at Yale.
  • 2004: The year Kerry lost his presidential runoff to President Bush.
  • 2008: The year Kerry is rumored to be considering another run for the White House.
  • 2-0: Kerry's overall election results in 2004.

Sources:

  • The Washington Times, "Kerry Bows to Bipartisan Pressure, Apologizes for Joke About Troops," Charles Hurt.
  • Associated Press, "Kerry Apologizes for Joke About Troops."
  • Boston Globe, "Bush Had Higher Grade Point Average Than Kerry."