1988 Flashback: Kerry calls Reagan Presidency "Moral Darkness" in convention speech
Fri Jun 11 2004 12:32:42 ET

*** The Boston Globe Archives | July 21, 1988 | Walter V. Robinson ***

ATLANTA -- Michael Stanley Dukakis, a self-described "very, very long- shot" candidate just 16 months ago, last night became the Democratic nominee for president and his party's best hope to win the White House since 1976. Earlier, Sen. John F. Kerry took to the convention hall podium, telling the delegates that the "moral darkness" of President Reagan's presidency will soon end.

"A Republican president once reminded us, 'There is absolutely nothing to be said for a government of powerful men with the ideals of pawnbrokers,' " Kerry said.

"That president's name was Theodore Roosevelt. And today Theodore Roosevelt would be ashamed to be a Republican."

Said Kerry: "It is time we once again had a government of laws and not of lawbreakers."

What a Guy!

So what is wrong with having a government of laws instead of lawbreakers? It would be so nice if we had it.

Whether or not you’re a fan of Teresa Heinz Kerry, It’s somewhat surprising to see this graphic on Drudge.



There are certain lines in life that shouldn't be crossed and one of them is comparing a man's wife to Dustin Hoffman in drag.

Of course, Drudge isn't the only offender in this regard. In politics these days, especially on the web, it's not unusual whatsoever to hear people attacking Janet Reno, Linda Tripp, Hillary Clinton, George Bush, Michael Moore, Rush Limbaugh, Chelsea Clinton, James Carville, John Kerry, & Ann Coulter (believe it or not), for their looks.

Folks, we're adults here, we should be beyond this sort of thing. I mean, 5th grade has been over for long time -- so do we have to bring looks into this?
"But they trash how conservatives look too!"

So what? It makes them look like a bunch of clowns. What do you think the average person's reaction to something like this is going to be?
"George Bush? He looks like a chimp! That's why I call him "Chimpy". He's a big, smirking chimpity, chimpity, CHIMP!"

Do you think people listen to that and go?

"Wow, he thinks George Bush looks like a chimp. I did not know that. Maybe I should vote for John Kerry who this person does not think looks like a chimp?"
Of course not. It's more like...

"Ok, this guy is a complete idiot. I'll just nod my head so he thinks I'm listening while I sing a little song in my head. One hundred bottles of beer on the wall, one hundred bottles of beer, if one of those bottles should happen to fall...."

Come on folks, we should be bigger and classier than stooping to mocking how our political adversaries look...well except for John Kerry's hair. What? No exceptions even for that? Ok, Ok, no apologies for mocking Kerry's hair.