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Posted on Thu, Sep. 23, 2004
Cheney criticizes Sen. Kerry's remarks on Allawi
MARGARET STAFFORD
Associated Press
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Vice President Dick Cheney chastised Sen. John Kerry on Thursday for criticizing Iraqi Prime Minister Iayd Allawi earlier in the day.
In a speech before several thousand party faithful in St. Joseph, Cheney called Allawi a brave man who has helped his people make progress in education, jobs and safety.
"I was appalled at the complete lack of respect Sen. Kerry showed for this man of courage when he rushed to hold a press conference and attack the Prime Minister, a man America must stand beside to defeat the terrorists," Cheney said. "John Kerry is trying to tear down all the good that has been accomplished, and his words are destructive to our effort in Iraq and in the global war on terror. "
At a joint meeting of Congress, Allawi said that despite setbacks and struggles in Iraq, "the values of liberty and democracy" are taking hold there.
Shortly after Allawi's speech, Kerry, who was campaigning in Ohio, criticized Allawi's assessment, saying it contradicts reality.
Michael Golden, the Democrat's spokesman in Missouri, said Kerry was simply telling the truth about the situation in Iraq.
"He is leveling with the American people," Golden said. "That is what we need in a president."
Meanwhile, Cheney continued his recent criticism of what he called Kerry's changing positions on Iraq, charging that the Democrat "seems to adopt a new position every day." In contrast, he said. President Bush has remained steadfast in his course in Iraq.
"America has a president we can always count on to get it right," Cheney said to loud cheers.
Speaking in a city that has lost thousands of jobs in recent years, Cheney also contended that the Bush administration's tax cuts are sparking an economic revival that will continue to improve.
Golden responded that Cheney did not address what this administration would do to improve the job situation in places like St. Joseph, or such issues as the growing number of people who lack health insurance. St. Joseph, with about 74,000 residents, has lost about 850 jobs this year as Stetson Hat Co., Friskies PetCare, Aegis Communications and MeadWestvaco Corp. each closed a facility or left the northwest Missouri town altogether.
"People are hurting," Golden said. "They need a president who will talk about these issues. Do we really want another four years of these failed policies?"
Before and after the speech about 300 people, many waving pink slips, protested outside the civic center.
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