Is Teresa Heinz Kerry a benefit or disability to the Kerry campaign?

Perci Mac · Jul 27, 2004, 07:29 PM

I've been paying attention to Mrs. Kerry for a while now, and I've been wondering, is her presence in the Kerry campaign a benefit or a disablity? Recently the Kerry campaign came to my area and Teresa Heinz Kerry spoke, but the enthusiasm of the crowd diminished and wasn't regained until another speaker took over. Thoughts?

pseudobrit · Jul 27, 2004, 07:33 PM

I think she's a strong character and an independent woman. Not a politico, but nevertheless a good woman for a politico.

I imagine the right has Hillary-like plans for such a witch.

zimv20 · Jul 27, 2004, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseudobrit

I think she's a strong character and an independent woman.

which, for a lot of people, is a problem.

pseudobrit · Jul 27, 2004, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimv20

which, for a lot of people, is a problem.

I'm sure they'll want to see if she floats.

Hoef · Jul 27, 2004, 08:52 PM

Not sure if the US is ready for such a straight in your face lady ... She would be received well in Europe

Thomas Veil · Jul 27, 2004, 10:30 PM

I think the question is, is she a benefit or a liability?

Unless, of course, she's planning on breaking someone's legs or something.

romerom · Jul 27, 2004, 11:15 PM

benefit.. she speaks like 6 languages!! she's a natural diplomat

IJ Reilly · Jul 28, 2004, 02:48 AM

Tonight was my introduction to Teresa Kerry. I think her speech was best summed up by something the camera caught briefly as it panned through the audience as she was speaking. A guy turned to somebody next to him, pointed at his forehead, and then towards the podium.

She's an asset as far as I'm concerned. A great public speaker? No. A politician? Probably not. But clearly she has ideas and depth of experience, and I like the idea of a first spouse who challenges the president intellectually, if only because she'll be able to say things to him that even his advisors might not.

zimv20 · Jul 28, 2004, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IJ Reilly

A guy turned to somebody next to him, pointed at his forehead, and then towards the podium.

i didn't see her speech and i'm not sure what that gesture meant. what's your interpretation?

Thanatoast · Jul 28, 2004, 03:43 AM

She's a liability. The Republicans will paint her in shades of Hillary, and the Democrats do not know how to effectively use her gifts in a national campaign. In my personal, non-too-humble opinion, they should take the very traits which people fear in her, (strength, intelligence, will, straight-talk) and treat them as the assets they are. Aggresively promote these things as *good* traits for a first lady to have. No more June Cleaver first ladies, that era is over.

Awimoway · Jul 28, 2004, 04:32 AM

I think her knack for chilling a crowd is not that we find her intimidating, but that she's just a little out of touch with American politics. She's too ponderous and precise. I still can't believe she digressed about Hubble and Cassini in her speech tonight. WTF? Those are great programs, but they don't exactly fire up the party faithful at what is supposed to be the rally of all rallies.

Don't get me wrong. I like her immensely and think she would easily be the most service-oriented, capable, articulate and intelligent First Lady we've ever had, not to mention a terrific ambassador of goodwill to the foreign community.

But she's no campaigner.

Lyle · Jul 28, 2004, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romerom

benefit.. she speaks like 6 languages!! she's a natural diplomat

Ah, diplomacy. I know I've been waiting for a first lady who can tell the world to "shove it" in six languages.

takao · Jul 28, 2004, 09:52 AM

i'm amazed what a big role the wifes of the candidates are playing for the US public...here in election campaigns they are completly ignored and kept out of 'the line of fire' by the candidates and the press (as long as they are not scandalous or the candidate is having a divorce etc...)

and saying "shove it" to a (perhaps annoying) reporter is far from being scandalous..

shouldn't an election be about themes,ideas and most important politics ? ... i know these things are boring and not very entertaining but the US presidental election is about voting the perhaps most import and powerfull statesman of the world ,and not some bad TV show
are the candidates so similiar that you really have to decide because of their wifes ?

Lyle · Jul 28, 2004, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takao

i'm amazed what a big role the wifes of the candidates are playing for the US public...here in election campaigns they are completly ignored and kept out of 'the line of fire' by the candidates and the press (as long as they are not scandalous or the candidate is having a divorce etc...)

You're right, of course. I don't think it was always this way, but it's hard to point to exactly when the potential first ladies started to become such a big factor in the campaign. Hillary Clinton clearly raised the bar (i.e. with the "two for one" theme).

jayb2000 · Jul 28, 2004, 10:13 AM

This really goes back as far as Dolly Madison. She was the first First Lady to make it a visible position. Not only by hosting state parties and such, but during the War of 1812, she saved the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Since then, a number of First Ladies have been very visible, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, etc. Certainly the 20th century, with the accompanying rise of feminism, gave rise to a more visible role to the First Lady.

I think THK will be an asset with anyone who thinks its ok for women to be smart and independent. I think she will be a liability with anyone who thinks women should stay in the background and be quiet.

I think American's in general are predominately in the former category and thus will be an asset, even if she is not a great public speaker.

Sayhey · Jul 28, 2004, 10:14 AM

I think she is very much a benefit. She is an inspiring figure with her own personal history. With her intelligence and drive, she can win new voters that would sit out this race. For those who are unwilling to vote for Kerry, few are doing so because of his wife's outspoken ideas. She is a plus for the base and for widening the base of the Democratic party. Who else in this race can speak to young women the way Heinz Kerry can? Laura Bush? Lynn Cheney? In fact, the combination of Heinz Kerry and Elizabeth Edwards is a wonderful one for the Democrats. They are both assets to this race.

IJ Reilly · Jul 28, 2004, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimv20

i didn't see her speech and i'm not sure what that gesture meant. what's your interpretation?

I took it to mean, "she's a thinker."

2jaded2care · Jul 28, 2004, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thanatoast

She's a liability. The Republicans will paint her in shades of Hillary, and the Democrats do not know how to effectively use her gifts in a national campaign.

Didn't watch the convention, but saw her briefly on the news. She reminds me of Hillary, came across very prickly IMO, only sounds like Arianna Huffington, like the rich and privileged, not a "regular person". Of course, I'll admit I'm biased...

Predictably, Dems will like her and Reps won't.

Lyle · Jul 28, 2004, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2jaded2care

Didn't watch the convention, but saw her briefly on the news. She reminds me of Hillary, came across very prickly IMO, only sounds like Arianna Huffington, like the rich and privileged, not a "regular person". Of course, I'll admit I'm biased...

Predictably, Dems will like her and Reps won't.

I am a Republican and I like her (as much as I can "like" someone I've never met in person and only know through ten-second sound bites).

I don't know that I'd say she's "prickly", of course that's a little subjective. It does seem that she's got a little bit of a short fuse, but she's obviously under a lot of pressure; despite her support for her husband's campaign, she may not crazy about being forced into the political spotlight herself.

She won a lot of points with me when I read an interview with her in USA Today, probably a month or so ago now. If I recall correctly, the interviewer tried to play up the differences between herself and Laura Bush, and generate some kind of artificial rivalry between them. Mrs. Kerry's response was something to the effect of, "What do you want to attack Mrs. Bush for? She seems like a nice lady -- back off."

2jaded2care · Jul 28, 2004, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyle

She won a lot of points with me when I read an interview with her in USA Today, probably a month or so ago now. If I recall correctly, the interviewer tried to play up the differences between herself and Laura Bush, and generate some kind of artificial rivalry between them. Mrs. Kerry's response was something to the effect of, "What do you want to attack Mrs. Bush for? She seems like a nice lady -- back off."

Back off? OK, prickly's too subjective, how about "stand-offish"?

The Muffin Man · Jul 28, 2004, 01:40 PM

I always appreciate strong women, especially in politics, because women have been shut out for a long time until about the 80s. Her international heritage could easily help bring more world views to the American political stage. As someone else said, her sexlingualism can only benefit because she can speak to many audiences about issues, and she can help campaign to those same audiences if need be.

yellow · 01:58 PM

Besides.. at all the fund raisers.. FREE KETCHUP!

EDIT: And barbecue sauce! Mmmm!

Lyle · Jul 28, 2004, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2jaded2care

Back off? OK, prickly's too subjective, how about "stand-offish"?

To set the record straight, I went back and found the interview article I was thinking about here. The bit I was vaguely remembering appears in the "On the Record" sidebar that appears on the left-hand side of the web page:

Quote:

On being first lady: ''People are so funny, they're so strange. They say, 'Oh, you're just like Hillary.' I say, 'No, I'm not at all like Hillary. I'm totally different from Hillary.' They say, 'Oh then, thank God you're not Laura Bush.' I say, 'Why you say that? Laura Bush is a nice lady. You don't know Laura Bush. I don't know Laura Bush. Leave her alone.' People come in with these preconceived notions of what you have to be to be accepted.''

So, she didn't use the words "back off" -- that is just the sentiment I took away from it.

Sayhey · Jul 28, 2004, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Muffin Man

...her sexlingualism can only benefit ...

Why do I have visions of this quote being front page news on drudge and newsmaxx?

mischief · Jul 28, 2004, 02:03 PM

Perhaps she is a Disability bennefit? What does the ADA or OHSA say about Opinionated wives and Candidacy? Does this mean that Kerry's campaign platform must be equipped with a 15% Rant Ramp?

Jul 27, 2004, 07:29 PM	#1
Perci Mac Banned Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: In a state of perpetual waiting	Is Teresa Heinz Kerry a benefit or disability to the Kerry campaign? I've been paying attention to Mrs. Kerry for a while now, and I've been wondering, is her presence in the Kerry campaign a benefit or a disablity? Recently the Kerry campaign came to my area and Teresa Heinz Kerry spoke, but the enthusiasm of the crowd diminished and wasn't regained until another speaker took over. Thoughts?
	0

Jul 27, 2004, 07:33 PM	#2
pseudobrit macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Jobs' Spare Liver Jar	I think she's a strong character and an independent woman. Not a politico, but nevertheless a good woman for a politico. I imagine the right has Hillary-like plans for such a witch. __________________ Starting with a mistake, a remorseless logician can end up in bedlam
	0

Jul 27, 2004, 11:15 PM	#7
romerom macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ	benefit.. she speaks like 6 languages!! she's a natural diplomat __________________ Another Dimension Productions
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 02:48 AM	#8
IJ Reilly macrumors G5 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Palookaville	Tonight was my introduction to Teresa Kerry. I think her speech was best summed up by something the camera caught briefly as it panned through the audience as she was speaking. A guy turned to somebody next to him, pointed at his forehead, and then towards the podium. She's an asset as far as I'm concerned. A great public speaker? No. A politician? Probably not. But clearly she has ideas and depth of experience, and I like the idea of a first spouse who challenges the president intellectually, if only because she'll be able to say things to him that even his advisors might not. __________________ **The season starts too early and finishes too late and there are too many games in between.* Bill Veeck
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 04:32 AM	#11
Awimoway macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: at the edge	I think her knack for chilling a crowd is not that we find her intimidating, but that she's just a little out of touch with American politics. She's too ponderous and precise. I still can't believe she digressed about Hubble and Cassini in her speech tonight. WTF? Those are great programs, but they don't exactly fire up the party faithful at what is supposed to be the rally of all rallies. Don't get me wrong. I like her immensely and think she would easily be the most service-oriented, capable, articulate and intelligent First Lady we've ever had, not to mention a terrific ambassador of goodwill to the foreign community. But she's no campaigner. __________________ Relax me, Amuse me, Teach me, Arouse me. -- Carrie Heeter, "Ode to a Remote Control Device"
	0

Jul 27, 2004, 08:52 PM	#5
Hoef macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston, TX..... (keep walking)	Not sure if the US is ready for such a straight in your face lady ... She would be received well in Europe
	0

Jul 27, 2004, 10:30 PM	#6
Thomas Veil macrumors 68020 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Reality	I think the question is, is she a benefit or a liability? Unless, of course, she's planning on breaking someone's legs or something.
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 03:43 AM	#10
Thanatoast macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Denver	She's a liability. The Republicans will paint her in shades of Hillary, and the Democrats do not know how to effectively use her gifts in a national campaign. In my personal, non-too-humble opinion, they should take the very traits which people fear in her, (strength, intelligence, will, straight-talk) and treat them as the assets they are. Aggresively promote these things as good traits for a first lady to have. No more June Cleaver first ladies, that era is over.
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 09:52 AM	#13
takao macrumors 68040 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dornbirn/Innsbruck (Austria)	i'm amazed what a big role the wifes of the candidates are playing for the US public...here in election campaigns they are completly ignored and kept out of 'the line of fire' by the candidates and the press (as long as they are not scandalous or the candidate is having a divorce etc...) and saying "shove it" to a (perhaps annoying) reporter is far from being scandalous.. shouldn't an election be about themes,ideas and most important politics ? ... i know these things are boring and not very entertaining but the US presidental election is about voting the perhaps most import and powerfull statesman of the world ,and not some bad TV show are the candidates so similiar that you really have to decide because of their wifes ? __________________ Support Wikileaks
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 10:13 AM	#15
jayb2000 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: RI -> CA -> ME	Hello Dolly This really goes back as far as Dolly Madison. She was the first First Lady to make it a visible position. Not only by hosting state parties and such, but during the War of 1812, she saved the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Since then, a number of First Ladies have been very visible, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, etc. Certainly the 20th century, with the accompanying rise of feminism, gave rise to a more visible role to the First Lady. I think THK will be an asset with anyone who thinks its ok for women to be smart and independent. I think she will be a liability with anyone who thinks women should stay in the background and be quiet. I think American's in general are predominately in the former category and thus will be an asset, even if she is not a great public speaker. __________________ The universe is cool enough without making up stuff.
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 10:14 AM	#16
Sayhey macrumors 68000 Join Date: May 2003 Location: San Francisco	I think she is very much a benefit. She is an inspiring figure with her own personal history. With her intelligence and drive, she can win new voters that would sit out this race. For those who are unwilling to vote for Kerry, few are doing so because of his wife's outspoken ideas. She is a plus for the base and for widening the base of the Democratic party. Who else in this race can speak to young women the way Heinz Kerry can? Laura Bush? Lynn Cheney? In fact, the combination of Heinz Kerry and Elizabeth Edwards is a wonderful one for the Democrats. They are both assets to this race.
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 01:40 PM	#21
The Muffin Man macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2004	I always appreciate strong women, especially in politics, because women have been shut out for a long time until about the 80s. Her international heritage could easily help bring more world views to the American political stage. As someone else said, her sexlingualism can only benefit because she can speak to many audiences about issues, and she can help campaign to those same audiences if need be.
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 01:51 PM	#22
yellow Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: I love you, food.	Besides.. at all the fund raisers.. FREE KETCHUP! EDIT: And barbecue sauce! Mmmm! __________________ WWJS: What would Jesus shoot? TRGCS Last edited by yellow; Jul 28, 2004 at 01:58 PM.
	0

Jul 28, 2004, 02:03 PM	#25
mischief macrumors 68030 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Cruz Ca	Perhaps she is a Disability bennefit? What does the ADA or OHSA say about Opinionated wives and Candidacy? Does this mean that Kerry's campaign platform must be equipped with a 15% Rant Ramp? __________________ Power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it is magnetic to the corruptible. -Frank Herbert
	0

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