Campaigning on the Issues

CAMPAIGNING ON THE ISSUES

Mr. REID. Mr. President, there has been some conversation today about statements made by people running for President on the Democratic side. Today, we had the person who appears to be the frontrunner for the nomination at this time, Senator Kerry of Massachusetts, who came and spoke before the Senate. He did an extremely good job of articulating his feelings of the legislation pending before the Senate. At the same time, he also outlined in a very brief fashion those things he thought were wrong, in his view, as far as what was going on in America today.

I want the majority to know as the election proceeds toward November, we in the Senate are going to do everything within
our power to protect our nominee. By that I mean anything that is said outside this Capitol or inside this Capitol that reflects upon our nominee we are going to be on this floor defending him.

We believe the issues are on our side, that they favor us, and we want this campaign to be on the issues.

What has transpired during this Presidential primary season has been extremely important and good for the American people because the Democratic candidates running for President have been able to place their views on the record, and the American people have accepted what they have said about what is wrong with this country.

There have been debates-I do not know the number of them but a significant number of debates-where the American people have been able to hear how those seeking the Democratic nomination feel about our country. I want again to say whoever our nominee is, that person is going to get all the protection that is needed in the Senate. There will be nothing said that is negative toward our candidate that will not be responded to.

We feel we have had a primary season conducted with dignity and we are going to do everything we can to make sure the final months of this campaign are conducted with dignity as far as the Democratic nominee is concerned.