KerryPool: When Will They Ever Learn Edition

 
 In this Kerry pool report, JK plays football and we are asked to believe the impossible: "Asked why we were here, alison dobson explained: 'Just for fun. Sometimes things are fun.'" And the more possible: John Kerry "also tossed a few with a couple of the boys on the side, prompting Joe Klein to say, 'Bill Clinton could never do this. He threw like a girl.'"

But John Kerry did drop the ball.

Full report after the jump.

[ REUTERS/Brian Snyder US ELECTION ]

Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 5:37 PM

To: kerrypool@lists.soapboxsystems.com

Subject: [Kerrypool] When is a fall really a dive?

That is the ultimate question, and I'm sure the viewers of Fox News will vote on it after the fumble airs (endlessly)

Just a little bit to add to Ellen's fine report...

This whole thing took place on the grass behind the Del Marcelle Stadium...unclear if this violates the no-French rule.

David Wade said West High went 2-5 last year "but they're going to do better this year." He could not explain this metaphorically. "their rival, not surprisingly, is East High," he added. "It's a big rivalry."

JK was wearing his khakis, checked button down and the Portland-purchased trail shoes. The purple jersey he received was #4.

Asked why we were here, alison dobson explained: "Just for fun. Sometimes things are fun."

At one point, JK turned to Marvin, who was tossing the ball on the side, and said: "Marvin, come on in and throw one." no fool, Marvin responded, "I think I'll leave it for the pros."

JK spent most of the time talking to one of the coaches, seemingly going over the playbook (not clear the Wildcats' or his own). He also tossed a few with a couple of the boys on the side, prompting Joe Klein to say, "Bill Clinton could never do this. He threw like a girl."

We were not allowed into the huddle until the very end, so we missed most of the pep talk, but JK said, "most of all, I hope everything's safe in the carry zone, and good luck."

The coach asked, "Wanna do a breakdown?" and explained that would require him to say, "On three, Wildcats."

JK said: "On three, Wildcats."

And they said, "1,2,3,Wildcats."

JK: All right, go for it."

There were pictures with coaches, staff, team, and some autographs.

Ellen stalked him and called out the Ginsberg question. He did not even look her way. After the third time, Loftus called, "Ellen, c'mon, we're going, three times, we're going."

Endit

At 05: 13 PM 8/25/2004, Uchimiya, Ellen wrote:

Fox/CBS tape

NO NEWS, some decent video

Leaving site now 5: 12p ET

JK ignored pooler question on reax to Ginsberg resignation.

JK spent about 54 minutes at West High, talked to the players and watched the JV and varsity teams practice. He stood with coach Bill Paris as the teams ran plays next to them.

The Wildcats are a middle-of-the-pack team--they hope to make the playoffs, and their first game is Friday. Kerry asked them, “are you ready for Friday?” I could not hear the response. He even ran a couple of plays with them, as quarterback. He dropped the first ball hiked to him--on the 2nd, he called the play, then quickly passed off the ball to one of the players.

The third play was the most dramatic. JK called the play, blew the pass-off to the running back, who dropped the ball, then JK leapt on the fumble and grunted as he saved the ball.  Good video.

Afterwards, he talked a little to the freshman team standing by.

He tossed the football back and forth with a few freshmen later, and autographed something I couldn't see.  The team presented him with one of their jerseys.

At the end, JK led them in a Wildcats cheer--one word, “Wildcats.”

Athletic director Steve Brossard says he's not sure why JK chose to visit their school, but added, “Being a teacher--we all support John Kerry.”

Before leaving, JK greeted and signed autographs for supporters.

More from Jodi to come.

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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld