With John F. Kerry having emerged as the clear Democratic choice to replace him, President Bush on Wednesday inaugurated the campaign’s next phase by launching direct attacks at the Massachusetts senator.Bush this year has made a practice of travelling to states in the wake of their Democratic nomination contests, countering the rhetoric from the rival party candidates by offering some of his own. The President’s reaction came the day after Kerry romped to victory in nine out of ten states, becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Bush laid out some of the key arguments he is expected to use against Kerry in the months ahead. Bush said: ‘‘He seems to be against every idea that gives Americans more authority, more choices and more control over their own lives.’’Despite his three years in the nation’s most powerful job, Bush blamed Kerry and other Washington office-holders for what ails the country. ‘‘It’s the same old Washington mindset — they’ll give the orders, and you will pay the bills,’’ Bush said. He derided Kerry’s position on the war in Iraq. ‘‘My opponent admits that Saddam Hussein was a threat. He just didn’t support my decision,’’ Bush said. ‘‘Maybe he was hoping Saddam would lose the election.’’ —(LAT-WP)
