Kerry favorite among AARP conventioneers

Dan Kulin

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 9:26 a.m.

If applause is an accurate meter, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry was the clear favorite among the more than 2,000 AARP members who came together at the Sands Expo and Convention Center to watch the third and final debate between the Massachusetts senator and President George Bush Wednesday night.

Bush had his supporters, too, and won some smatterings of applause for comments on Kerry's voting record and criticisms of Kerry's health-care plan. But the hands went together for Kerry more often, and loudest when he spoke of Social Security, health care and a worsening economy since Bush was elected.

The AARP members are in Las Vegas for their annual meeting and were to hear directly from Kerry and first lady Laura Bush this morning.

"As soon as he talks about Social Security it scares me," Cheryl Waters, a 53-year-old teacher from Baltimore, said about Bush.

Carolyn Harootunian, a 62-year-old retired teacher from Dewey, Ariz., said she wasn't surprised the crowd favored Kerry.

"This group wants health care and for it to be paid for 100 percent, and that's why they clap for Kerry, because Kerry says all the right things," she said. "Kerry sounds good but I don't think he can deliver."

Joyce and William Burke of Tempe, Ariz., said that while Kerry's message might appeal to some of their fellow AARP members, they don't think Kerry can fulfill his promises and they will vote for Bush.

"I keep saying he's talking out of both sides of his mouth," William Burke said.

Joyce Burke said that even though Bush might not be the best debater, "I just think he's a straight shooter."

Kerry supporters said not only do they believe in Kerry's plans, many also said they just want Bush out of office.

"I can't stand Bush," Miriam Zisser, 68, of Marina Del Rey, Calif., said. "And we shouldn't be in this war."

Elaine Friedman, 70, of Los Angeles said Bush hasn't been a good president.

"I think Bush has just made a mess of things," she said.

"The only thing I got from Bush was $300 after he was elected," New York City resident Greg Madison said, referring to the tax rebate some received. "I think his interests are not mine. His interests are with the 2 percent, the rich."

James Brogden, 74, of Southfield, Mich., said he will vote for Kerry because he agrees with the senator on health care and education.

North Las Vegan Barbara Zamskay, 56, said Bush has overseen an economy that's lost jobs and too many people are without health insurance.

A pre-debate survey done by about 1,000 of those who watched the debate at the AARP event showed that the crowd did lean Democratic. Of those who answered the survey, almost 54 percent said they were Democrats, 23 percent said they were Republicans and almost 21 percent said they were independents. Also, almost 88 percent of those surveyed had already decided which candidate would get their vote.