Kerry Speaks Out in First Interview with Asian American Press

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry was in the Bay Area Aug. 27 for a fundraising event in San Francisco and a town hall meeting at Westmoor High School in Daly City. About 300 supporters gathered for the town hall meeting where Kerry discussed consumer protection and creating a stronger middle class. During his political career, Kerry has had a tenuous relationship with the Asian American community. On the one hand, he has been a vocal supporter of civil rights issues and pushed for tougher laws against hate crimes. He has advocated for an immigration policy that supports families and has provided additional funding for minority-owned businesses. Yet Kerry's antiwar history has strained his relationship with the Vietnamese American community. In addition to promoting diplomatic relations with Hanoi, the senator blocked a bill against human rights violations in Vietnam. According to a Cali Today poll released in July, 90 percent of Vietnamese Americans said that they will be voting for President Bush. [more ]