Kerry Campaign's Cautionary Approach Amid Bush's Troubles

Strategic Insights -

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is taking a cautious approach to his campaign, according to party officials and aides. This strategy is driven by President Bush's struggling image, as reflected in recent polls showing him at his lowest approval ratings to date. Kerry's team believes that a referendum on Bush's performance may be the most effective way to win the election, rather than focusing on Kerry's own policies and vision.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kerry's campaign has been characterized by caution, particularly when he feels threatened, which is a departure from his usual style.
  • Aides to Kerry suggest that he may choose a safer vice presidential candidate, such as Representative Richard A. Gephardt or Senator John Edwards, rather than taking a risk on a candidate like Senator John McCain.
  • Kerry has moved back and forth on the issue of distinguishing himself from President Bush, reflecting the uncertainty within the campaign about how harshly they should criticize the incumbent.
  • Kerry's reluctance to take bold moves is not surprising, given his tendency to glide until he faces adversity.
  • Some Kerry advisers believe that the candidate should focus on presenting a positive case rather than just criticizing Bush.

Statistics:

  • Three new polls show President Bush at his lowest levels of job approval to date.
  • The number of Americans who think the country is heading in the wrong direction has risen.
  • Kerry's campaign has seen evidence of anti-Bush sentiment among Democrats.
  • Some Democrats are concerned that Kerry's cautious approach may encourage the less competitive side of his personality.
  • Polls have yet to find any increase in support for Kerry, despite Bush's struggles.

Sources:

  • A Democratic pollster, Mark Penn
  • Douglas Sosnik, White House political director for President Bill Clinton
  • Al Gore's speech in New York
  • John Kerry's interview with the press
  • An aide to Kerry's campaign emphasized the importance of presenting a positive case rather than bashing Bush
  • A former senior adviser to President Clinton, Harold M. Ickes, who is the founder of an organization financing television advertisements on behalf of Democrats this year.