Kerry Says Dean Is 'Imploding'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 — Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts today sharply criticized one of the other leading Democrats running for president, Howard Dean, asserting that some of his recent pronouncements show that his "bubble's bursting a bit."
Referring to statements by Dr. Dean, the former governor of Vermont, on the Middle East, the Hamas guerrillas and other issues, Mr. Kerry said, "You can't make 15 gaffes a week and be president."
Mr. Kerry's remarks came near the end of an interview on WCBS-TV in New York when the camera had turned away from Mr. Kerry, who was still wearing a microphone.
Mr. Dean's campaign manager, Joe Trippi, seemed mildly amused by the interview.
"I guess we're just on his mind a lot," Mr. Trippi said, pointing to another episode, the recent debate in Baltimore, when a microphone picked up Mr. Kerry muttering, "Dean. Dean. Dean. Dean. Dean."
John, John, John, John, John. Keep your eye on the ball, buddy. It's Bush who needs your focus. Don't worry so much about Dean if you're as strong as you believe you are.
