John Kerry Calls on Bush and Cheney to Apologize

John Kerry appeared on ABC’s “This Week” today, and called on President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney to apologize to Americans for misleading the country with respect to reasons for going to war with Iraq.

Kerry stood by his vote on the Iraq War Resolution, asserting that he voted for the security of the country. He said that the Bush administration “did not do almost anything correct” leading up to the war, did not give legitimacy to the inspections, and did not do enough to bring other countries to our side. Not doing enough to build a coalition has overextended our troops, making them less safe and causing us great risk. He was further critical of the Bush administration for starting the war on its own timetable, and for not having a plan to win the peace.

Kerry stated that he certainly does not believe that the vote would cost him the nomination, instead placing the blame where it belongs: on the Bush administration, for rushing to war rather than going to war as a last resort.

Regarding the upcoming primaries, Kerry said he believes he can take on George W. Bush in a way that no other candidate can. As we face a serious set of international challenges, he believes that it is important to have a nominee of the Democratic Party who is ready to be the President, with experience in foreign affairs, national security, and military affairs.

I believe that too, Senator Kerry -- you are "the whole package!"