Sign in Subscribe
Kerry, John

Senator John Kerry Visits Republican State of Massachusetts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts acknowledged that his foray into the traditionally Republican state was unusual for him as the presumed Democratic presidential nominee. However, he expressed his willingness to expand the electoral battleground, visiting "lots of states" in an effort to gain support. Kerry spent the day with Virginia's Democratic governor, Mark Warner, who is considered a longshot for the vice presidential spot on the ticket. The visit was part of Kerry's attempt to win over the state of Virginia, which has not been captured by a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator John Kerry visited the Republican state of Massachusetts, a rare occurrence for him as the presumed Democratic presidential nominee.
  • Kerry plans to visit "lots of states" in an effort to expand the electoral battleground and gain support.
  • He spent the day with Virginia's Democratic governor, Mark Warner, who is considered a longshot for the vice presidential spot on the ticket.
  • Kerry's visit to Virginia is part of an advertising push in the state, which President Bush won by eight percentage points in 2000.
  • Senator Kerry's war record is seen as a strong asset in Virginia, particularly in the northern part of the state.
  • Governor Warner believes Senator Kerry's message of economic revival will do well in the state, particularly in the still-struggling southwestern region.
  • Kerry laid a wreath of red and white roses at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and visited the Wall to pay tribute to his friend, Richard Pershing, who was killed during the Tet Offensive.
  • A middle-aged woman heckled Senator Kerry at the memorial, referring to his antiwar activities upon returning home.

Statistics:

  • 1964: The last time a Democratic presidential candidate captured the state of Virginia.
  • 8 percentage points: President Bush's margin of victory in Virginia in 2000.
  • 13 electoral votes: The number of electoral votes at stake in Virginia.

Sources:

  • "Senator Kerry's war record is very powerful," said Mark Warner, Virginia's Democratic governor, citing the heavy military presence in the state. (Source: The New York Times, no date specified)
  • Kerry's visit to Virginia is part of an advertising push in the state, which President Bush won by eight percentage points in 2000. (Source: The New York Times, no date specified)
  • "I'm a Navy man," Kerry said when asked why he chose the Portsmouth parade. (Source: The New York Times, no date specified)

Read more