Hmmm, the Flying Monkeys got the talking points

Here's the press release - Kerry and Edwards Highlight Optimistic Plan to Build a Stronger America on Day Two of Journey to Boston. There are lots of laughs there including Lurch's prevously unknown fondness for the Lewis and Clark expedition.

And here are the Flying Monkeys:

With Lewis and Clark:

Knight Ridder - Kerry pushes optimism in Iowa

The site, near where explorers Lewis and Clark stopped on the way west in 1804, holds special meaning for Kerry, who has often invoked the history of the trailblazing Army expedition as a metaphor during his campaign.

Washington Post - Democrats Take Optimistic Message to Iowa, Wisconsin

Steps from the Missouri River, Kerry talked of the adventuresome spirit of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the need for ordinary Americans to join in a larger cause to "take back our Democracy."

Without Lewis and Clark:

Houston Chronicle - Kerry, Edwards together stress positive themes


Reuters - Kerry delivers sunny message before convention

I like my puff pieces better with Lewis and Clark, but where's Sacajawea? Ooops, she overlooked the talking points:

Optimism was supposed to be on display yesterday as Sen. John Kerry returned to the state that gave him a key caucus win — but someone forgot to give Teresa Heinz Kerry the positive message.

As 1,000 people waved signs reading "American Optimism," the would-be first lady ripped President Bush.

"There's a lot we know isn't going right," Heinz Kerry said after assailing Bush's agenda. "But the most insidious and probably most debilitating of all of it is the lack of dignity and respect perpetrated on the American people. That is not American."

Makes no sense either. Maybe it would work better if she just had the servants give her speeches?