Senator John Kerry told interviewer Larry King that he 'hasn't had time' to be briefed on the possibility of new al Qaeda attacks.
Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic nominee for president, and his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, were interviewed by the titular host of CNN's Larry King Live on 8 July 2004. (Senator Kerry technically wasn't the Democrats' nominee yet as the party's national convention did not take place until a few weeks after the interview, but his nomination was a foregone conclusion.) The first question Larry King posed to the Senator dealt with a then-recent announcement by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge concerning possible plans by the al Qaeda terrorist group to mount a large-scale attack on the United States:KING: Good evening. Welcome to a special edition of LARRY KING LIVE here in New York with Senator John Kerry, who's frequently appeared on this show, and Teresa Heinz Kerry, her first appearance on this show. We thank you both very much for coming. Let's get to, first thing's first, news of the day. Tom Ridge warned today about al Qaeda plans of a large-scale attack on the United States, didn't increase the - do you see any politics in this? What's your reaction? KERRY: Well, I haven't been briefed yet, Larry. They have offered to brief me; I just haven't had time. But all Americans are united in our efforts to defeat terrorism. I believe that John Edwards and I can wage a far more effective war on terror than George Bush has. I think we can do a better job of making America safe. But in these days ahead, we all join together no matter what. KING: So, you don't question the timing of this? Some are. KERRY: It's not for me to do. I think that what's important is for the terrorists to understand that I and John Edwards will wage, using every tool available to us, the most effective war possible against terrorism. KING: When do you get... KERRY: And they - the American people are going to decide this race, not terrorists. And they need to know that.Senator Kerry did say that he hadn't yet been briefed on the issue of new al Qaeda attacks, but he was referring to an announcement that had been made by Secretary Ridge only earlier that morning. Senator Kerry had just named Senator John Edwards of North Carolina as his running mate a few days earlier, and both men were out of Washington on the campaign trail on July 8 and therefore missed the security briefing given to the Senate that morning. Senator Kerry told Larry King that he expected to receive a similar briefing within the next day or two:KING: When do you - when do you get your briefing? KERRY: We're arranging it. It's at the end of the week I'll get it. KING: Should be pretty soon. KERRY: I think it's tomorrow or the next day. KING: And as for the vice president, he gets one, as well, right? KERRY: I hope he will. It's presumed.Additonal information: John Kerry on Larry King Live (CNN transcript)
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