King offers highlights of Kerry's campaign

When Carole King visited the Bonner County Fair Friday on behalf of the Kerry/Edwards campaign, her address was short and excellent questions followed.

A questioner asked about Kerry's recent statement that he would have "voted the same way knowing what he knows today" prior to the Iraq War. Carole explained that the vote authorized the president to invade Iraq only after the U.N. weapons inspectors had finished their work, all diplomatic channels had been exhausted, and U.S. regular allies were with us. She added that President Bush fulfilled none of those requirements.

When Carole asked how many present lack health insurance or know someone who goes without, most hands raised. One questioner noted that the Clintons had failed to enact health care reform and asked how Kerry could do better. Carole said that the Clintons had been outsiders and that their goal was too ambitious. She commented that Kerry knows Congress, is realistic, and proposes adding health coverage to millions more working people.

MOLLY O'REILLY

Sandpoint