Statement about Rep. Mark Kennedy's Remarks in the Minneapolis Star Tribune

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June 4th, 2004 2:52 PM

Statement about Rep. Mark Kennedy's Remarks in the Minneapolis Star Tribune

The following statement was submitted to the Minneapolis Star Tribune on June 3, but it was not printed in their article on June 4. Here is what was given to the paper in response to statements made by Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-Minn):

A spokesperson for Fahrenheit 9/11 released the entire transcript of the exchange between Michael Moore and Rep. Mark Kennedy (see below). None of this exchange is included in the film. No statements by Rep. Kennedy are in the film. There was no editing of his remarks and Congressman Kennedy will remain in the film.

In the interview Mr. Moore asks if the Congressman will pass out recruitment brochures to other members of Congress to try to get their kids to enlist in the army and go to Iraq. Congressman agrees to do this, saying, he'd be happy to. Especially those who voted for the war.

Farhenheit 9/11's spokesperson said, "We would like to ask the Congressman if he spoke to members of Congress as he agreed to do, especially those who voted for the war, to sign up their kids to go to Iraq? We would like to know what Members of Congress he has spoken to by name and what did they say?

"We anxiously await his response and sincerely hope he did not lead us on, saying he would be happy to hand out recruitment brochures to Members of Congress who voted for the war so as to get their children to enlist, and then not do so."

Transcript of Interview with Rep. Mark Kennedy.

CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY How are you doing?

MM: I'm trying to get members of congress to get their kids to enlist in the army and go over to Iraq. Is there any way you could help me with that?

CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: How would I help you?

MM: Pass it out to other members of congress.

CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: I'd be happy to. Especially those who voted for the war.

CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: I have a nephew on his way to Afghanistan.

MM: Because there is only one member who has a kid over there in Iraq. This is Corporal Henderson, he is helping me out here.

CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: How are you, good to see you.

MM: There it is, it's just a basic recruitment thing. Encourage especially those who were in favor of the war to send their kids. I appreciate it.

CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: Okay, bye.