[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       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.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senator from 
Michigan is recognized.

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