Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, a Massachusetts Senator, got a boost this weekend from another Massachusetts Democrat, Senator Edward Kennedy, as the two campaigned in Iowa. The two men, though, clearly had their eyes on the new entrant in the race, retired General Wesley Clark who has surged in polls after announcing his candidacy earlier this month. During a speech in Des Moines, Senator Kennedy sought to bolster John Kerry’s foreign policy and security credentials. Kennedy said Kerry was a decorated military hero of the Vietnam era who “knows more about national security and foreign policy than any other candidate.” For his part, Kerry sought to distinguish himself from Clark by pointing out that while Clark had voted for President Richard Nixon, he had opposed Nixon on Vietnam. Kerry said he’s proud that at the “ripe age of 27,” he had landed on “Nixon’s enemies list.” Kerry said “the last thing we need in America is a second Republican party.” Kennedy ran for president in 1980, challenging then-President Jimmy Carter. Kennedy won over 31 percent of the Democrat delegates selected on Iowa Caucus Night in 1980, but President Carter garnered over 50 percent. Kennedy says Iowans can redeem themselves this time around by supporting the candidate he’s chosen, Kerry.Kennedy said “all will be forgiven” if Iowans “make up” by helping elect Kerry. Ted Kennedy’s son, Patrick, campaigned this weekend for his choice in the Democratic presidential race, Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt. Kerry & Kennedy campaigned in Des Moines, Waterloo and Iowa City on Saturday. Patrick Kennedy made stops Sunday in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Waverly, Independence and Dubuque.
