Your Reaction To Teresa Heinz Kerry's Comments
UPDATED: 10:03 am EDT July 27,
2004
Here are some comments that Channel 4 Action News viewers have e-mailed regarding the "shove-it" comment Teresa Heinz Kerry made to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Colin McNickle Sunday night in Boston.
After reading several opinions on your website, two things come to mind. One, I don't think anyone is challenging Teereesa's right to say "shove it" The real question is "what did you mean by unamerican?" Just answer the question already!!!!!! Stop trying to backpedal and cast blame on a reporter for just doing his job! Two, the people that are trying to cover for her and are saying that she was "mistaken" make me laugh! What? "mistaken" like Sandy Burglar was???? -Beth, Grand Rapids, MI
Clearly Mrs.Heinz-Kerry DID make the comments the Tribune reporter was questioning her about. Clearly, Mrs. Heinz-Kerry DID deny saying the comments. I am confused as to why Mrs. Heinz-Kerry is being praised for being arrogant and pompous to the reporter !!!!Is this the TRUE nature of the individuals about to be candidates for the highest offices, and that are elected to represent positions???? -Jeff, Greensburg
Mrs. Heinz-Kerry's remarks don't surprise me. We have all witnessed the arrogance and demeanor of a woman with tons of money who feels she can look down at ordinary Americans. God only knows what she will be like if she were allowed to show her true colors. She's the "Last Lady" I would like to see in the White House. Teresa can take some lessons from Laura, not Hillary. Laura Bush has the qualities of Jackie O. -Grace
Let's face one thing, Americans. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican was it a shock that Teresa H Kerry spouted off the first day? Democrats will have to hide her under a bushel or she will destroy the efforts of the entire party--i.e. remarks about how she dislikes Ted Kennedy and All Republicans. She is a very shallow woman. The Dems have dreaded every time she has touch a microphone--her speech at the convention will be a canned one!One last remark---has anyone heard Laura Bush comment publicly and with out 'class' when her husband, the President, has been compared to being a Hitler, a liar, and blamed for 9/11? There is no comparison between the two so won't waste any more time. Hillary C is no different--she will be sitting on a fence talking to whomever she is on events that will favor the person's thinking...she won't think for herself NOR will she ever be president. Put Teresa and Hillary in the same box...even Tipper Gore who went through alot stood tall when they lost. But after all the disasters the past 4 years, Bush will still come out on top as he has MORALS, INTEGRITY, DETERMINATION and RESOLVE. THANK GOD.... -Dorothy, Orlando, Fla
A lot of people would probably like to tell some reporters to 'shove it'. However, one must be careful when on does. Teresa is taking speech lessons from her husband... weell did you say it..." un-American" or did you not say it? It sure sounded like it to me, Flipper.Daryl C.
In the "shove it" outburst, Mrs. Kerry has just demonstrated her utter lack of equilibrium in dealing with political matters. Like a spoilt kid who always had everything her way.Kleber S.
I read the article, listened to the news clip, and must say ... I would have reacted the same way. When someone is in your face and continuously badgering you, you do become somewhat frustrating. On another note, AT LEAST she is vocal! I have no idea if Bush's wife even knows how to talk. I could clearly understand what she was conveying in her speech. ... Another thing, at least the public will know not to mess with her, as they do with Hilary Clinton. My bet is, by the time all is said and done, these two women (Rodham-Clinton and Heinz-Kerry) will have earned their much needed respect.Tracy C.
The reporter did restate Mrs. Heinz-Kerry's commentary as "un-American ... uh, er, activities" when her statement did in fact state "un-American traits" ... she, however, adamantly denied ever saying the term "un-American" (she barely pronounced the word "um, um, un-Pennsylvanian," also included in her diatribe. Later, I heard her response, "Shove it!," as she herself shoved her way to find the trapped reporter and wag her finger as a warning to anyone who would question her! Why not simply behave like an heiress and IGNORE him!Gosh, and, I thought she was rallying for tolerance! So now will we receive a "Mother Theresa Alert" every time she utters a confused un-statement? Whatever! Yawn ...Tammi P., Philadelphia
I like a first lady with a mind of her own.Santina
Heinz was clearly mistaken when she claimed not to have said "un-American", but for the reporter to quote her as saying "un-American activities" strikes me as at least equally mistaken, and seemingly deliberately incendiary.Dave K.
That lost my vote, She shows a little violence in that kind of speaking.Duane, Kittanning
I certainly don't want my young daughter to hear a woman that is being touted as the new "FIRST LADY" using "gutter type language" when asked to qualify a comment that we all heard her make. A simple qualification of how she meant "Unamerican' would have been fine. Then again - since she hails from a foreign country she may not understand. But - we are 'ladies' at all times.Erry H.
It's about time, I say. Everybody with any patriotism should stand up to that right-wing rag ... I say good for you, girlfriend.Donna H.
Dissappointing is how I would discribe both the WTAE Television's coverage of the Teresa Heinz' comments, as well as her original inappropriate comment.I have always admired WTAE's reputation for providing the news in an unbiased forum without the sensationalism that other stations do; however, with the development of the Teresa Heinz Kerry story, I have found WTAE's coverage most disappointing. Please, leave the cheap tricks and ratings-getting antics for the other guys.- Michelle
She is wrong.He is right, and was being very fair in trying to be factual.Keep up the good work.B. Putnam, California
Thank you for providing this information about the most civilized widow of the late Senator Heinz. Obviously, I am being facetious. And, I am very disappointed with her and her approach to getting back into the political limelight. Gosh, the newsman was just trying to validate a comment she made and she turns this around, denies her comment, and then in a very uncivilized way, tells him to "shove it." I am appalled and am very glad that someone was able to push just the right button to make this person show her "True Colors." Bravo to Mr.. McNickle and thank you for making sure we all hear about this supposed display of "Civilized Behavior."Dawna M., Pleasant Hills
Three cheers for Teresa Heinz Kerry. Tell those reporters to listen carefully and get it straight the first time!! Haha...reporters 75% of the time try to CREATE news rather than report it. Hooray for St. Teresa; she shoulda punched him out!Bob U.
I read the article about Ms.Heinz - Kerry and it certainly sounds like Teresa did say un-American. A question is a question by the media and Teresa Heinz-Kerry did not answer in an appropriate manner. Actually,she and Mr. Kerry routinely seem to use foul language and think they are "cool." This is no longer the America of the 1960's and these two should grow up. But then again, since neither of them had to work for a living ,I guess this is their best behavior. I shudder to think what they are like when not running for the highest office in the land. It is obvious that Ms. Heinz-Kerry does not care what the American people think of her. I guess that is because of her money, oops ,her ex-husband's money.Maureen W., Florida
If you insist on showing Teresa Heinz Kerry's remarks to the Tribune reporter, please balance the story by exposing the role that Mr. Scaife has had in hounding the Clintons and ALL Democrats. I applaud her restraint in telling him only to shove it.Marcia R.
John Kerry's mudslinging and often irrelevant, tired rhetoric demonstrates he lacks the character and leadership to fulfill the job of President of the United States. And Teresa Heinz Kerry’s advise to Colin McNickle to "Shove it." demonstrates she is ill-qualified to fulfill the role of first lady. But I agree with Mrs. Kerry, on one point. We do need to restore civility and decorum to American politics. To that end, perhaps Mrs. Kerry would care to apologize to Colin McNickle and refrain from making any further speeches.Joanne P., Baden, PA
I saw the video of Theresa Heinz Kerry's confrontation with the Pittsburg Tribune Review reporter. From what I saw, Ms. Kerry-Heinz' had every reason to be upset with Mr. McNickle. The Pittsburgh Channel reporter's attempt to equate Ms. Kerry Heinz' words as an example of the hate politics she professed to be against is ridiculous. Please stop with the sensationalism and just report the news without vocalizing your political leanings and using smear tactics.Linda
My name is Patti and I am from Waynesburg Pa Greene County. And in my opinion if Mrs Kerry tells a reporter to shove it when being asked a question then how can her husband run the country right. Because there is always Questions to be answered right or wrong. I dont think she is classy enough to be first lady. You have to show the people what needs done and be open and honest not snobbish and blowing people off.Patti, Waynesburg
I sure hope you are going to offer Teresa Heinz's classy comments to the major national news stations!Susan M.
Your view of the exchange between Teresa Kerry and the rag reporter is unfair. He was obnoxious, and she finally told him off- without the vulgarity Cheney used on the senate floor...Ann W.
It is NOT an exclusive when Theresa tells a Trib reporter to SHIVE IT! We say that every time the Trib call for the free 6 weeks paper scam they run! STOP trying to slam the democrats! Cheney's still shows his charater more than a mrere Shove it! Clearly sending Scott Baker wasn't the best you could do either.....Mr. RepublicanLinda
YOU GO GAL!Teresa N.
Mrs. Kerry was only acting the way any billionairess acts when confronted by the press: haughty and arrogant.Richard K.
I have to take exception on some of the comments made on this story thus far:First of all, it is SO easy to lambast the reporter..and join the proverbial bandwagon in this country that all reporters/anchors are horrid nasty people. All he was doing was **clarifying** what she said. So what ? What's the big deal ? In fact, a number of political analysts were left scratching their heads as to what Mrs. Heinz Kerry's points were in using the "un-Pennsylvanian" and "un-American" comments. Would she have treated (other reporters) in the same manner, had they asked her the same question ? I wonder...Second, as far as any "bad blood" between the Trib and the Heinz/Kerry camp, that's another story and subject altogether. Sure, she might be protective of her husband, and sure, she's stressed, as anyone would be whose husband and family is in the spotlight 24/7, but there are ways of handling the press without resorting to such purile tactics (i.e., the "shove it" remark). With her background and education, I'm she could have made a much better response when she made a bee line back to the Trib editorial page editor. If she couldn't remember what she said...there were plenty of reporters who1) had tape and could have played it back for her to hear or see and
2) take decent notes and could have shown it to herTara, Harrisburg
All I can say is that it is about time someone told Colin McNickle off! We in Pittsburgh get to read his biased and often misinformed ramblings on a daily basis ... And as for the outrage expressed by so many of the conscientious Americans who are sounding off over this "non-event" ... where exactly were you folks when Cheney said what he did recently. I recall far worse language than "shove it"! Cut me a break and let's get on to some real issues.John D., Pittsburgh
After reading several opinions on your website, two things come to mind. One, I don't think anyone is challenging Teereesa's right to say "shove it" The real question is "what did you mean by unamerican?" Just answer the question already!!!!!! Stop trying to backpedal and cast blame on a reporter for just doing his job! Two, the people that are trying to cover for her and are saying that she was "mistaken" make me laugh! What? "mistaken" like Sandy Burglar was???? -Beth, Grand Rapids, MI
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Clearly Mrs.Heinz-Kerry DID make the comments the Tribune reporter was questioning her about. Clearly, Mrs. Heinz-Kerry DID deny saying the comments. I am confused as to why Mrs. Heinz-Kerry is being praised for being arrogant and pompous to the reporter !!!!Is this the TRUE nature of the individuals about to be candidates for the highest offices, and that are elected to represent positions???? -Jeff, Greensburg
Mrs. Heinz-Kerry's remarks don't surprise me. We have all witnessed the arrogance and demeanor of a woman with tons of money who feels she can look down at ordinary Americans. God only knows what she will be like if she were allowed to show her true colors. She's the "Last Lady" I would like to see in the White House. Teresa can take some lessons from Laura, not Hillary. Laura Bush has the qualities of Jackie O. -Grace
Let's face one thing, Americans. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican was it a shock that Teresa H Kerry spouted off the first day? Democrats will have to hide her under a bushel or she will destroy the efforts of the entire party--i.e. remarks about how she dislikes Ted Kennedy and All Republicans. She is a very shallow woman. The Dems have dreaded every time she has touch a microphone--her speech at the convention will be a canned one!One last remark---has anyone heard Laura Bush comment publicly and with out 'class' when her husband, the President, has been compared to being a Hitler, a liar, and blamed for 9/11? There is no comparison between the two so won't waste any more time. Hillary C is no different--she will be sitting on a fence talking to whomever she is on events that will favor the person's thinking...she won't think for herself NOR will she ever be president. Put Teresa and Hillary in the same box...even Tipper Gore who went through alot stood tall when they lost. But after all the disasters the past 4 years, Bush will still come out on top as he has MORALS, INTEGRITY, DETERMINATION and RESOLVE. THANK GOD.... -Dorothy, Orlando, Fla
A lot of people would probably like to tell some reporters to 'shove it'. However, one must be careful when on does. Teresa is taking speech lessons from her husband... weell did you say it..." un-American" or did you not say it? It sure sounded like it to me, Flipper.Daryl C.
In the "shove it" outburst, Mrs. Kerry has just demonstrated her utter lack of equilibrium in dealing with political matters. Like a spoilt kid who always had everything her way.Kleber S.
I read the article, listened to the news clip, and must say ... I would have reacted the same way. When someone is in your face and continuously badgering you, you do become somewhat frustrating. On another note, AT LEAST she is vocal! I have no idea if Bush's wife even knows how to talk. I could clearly understand what she was conveying in her speech. ... Another thing, at least the public will know not to mess with her, as they do with Hilary Clinton. My bet is, by the time all is said and done, these two women (Rodham-Clinton and Heinz-Kerry) will have earned their much needed respect.Tracy C.
The reporter did restate Mrs. Heinz-Kerry's commentary as "un-American ... uh, er, activities" when her statement did in fact state "un-American traits" ... she, however, adamantly denied ever saying the term "un-American" (she barely pronounced the word "um, um, un-Pennsylvanian," also included in her diatribe. Later, I heard her response, "Shove it!," as she herself shoved her way to find the trapped reporter and wag her finger as a warning to anyone who would question her! Why not simply behave like an heiress and IGNORE him!Gosh, and, I thought she was rallying for tolerance! So now will we receive a "Mother Theresa Alert" every time she utters a confused un-statement? Whatever! Yawn ...Tammi P., Philadelphia
I like a first lady with a mind of her own.Santina
Heinz was clearly mistaken when she claimed not to have said "un-American", but for the reporter to quote her as saying "un-American activities" strikes me as at least equally mistaken, and seemingly deliberately incendiary.Dave K.
That lost my vote, She shows a little violence in that kind of speaking.Duane, Kittanning
I certainly don't want my young daughter to hear a woman that is being touted as the new "FIRST LADY" using "gutter type language" when asked to qualify a comment that we all heard her make. A simple qualification of how she meant "Unamerican' would have been fine. Then again - since she hails from a foreign country she may not understand. But - we are 'ladies' at all times.Erry H.
It's about time, I say. Everybody with any patriotism should stand up to that right-wing rag ... I say good for you, girlfriend.Donna H.
Dissappointing is how I would discribe both the WTAE Television's coverage of the Teresa Heinz' comments, as well as her original inappropriate comment.I have always admired WTAE's reputation for providing the news in an unbiased forum without the sensationalism that other stations do; however, with the development of the Teresa Heinz Kerry story, I have found WTAE's coverage most disappointing. Please, leave the cheap tricks and ratings-getting antics for the other guys.- Michelle
She is wrong.He is right, and was being very fair in trying to be factual.Keep up the good work.B. Putnam, California
Thank you for providing this information about the most civilized widow of the late Senator Heinz. Obviously, I am being facetious. And, I am very disappointed with her and her approach to getting back into the political limelight. Gosh, the newsman was just trying to validate a comment she made and she turns this around, denies her comment, and then in a very uncivilized way, tells him to "shove it." I am appalled and am very glad that someone was able to push just the right button to make this person show her "True Colors." Bravo to Mr.. McNickle and thank you for making sure we all hear about this supposed display of "Civilized Behavior."Dawna M., Pleasant Hills
Three cheers for Teresa Heinz Kerry. Tell those reporters to listen carefully and get it straight the first time!! Haha...reporters 75% of the time try to CREATE news rather than report it. Hooray for St. Teresa; she shoulda punched him out!Bob U.
I read the article about Ms.Heinz - Kerry and it certainly sounds like Teresa did say un-American. A question is a question by the media and Teresa Heinz-Kerry did not answer in an appropriate manner. Actually,she and Mr. Kerry routinely seem to use foul language and think they are "cool." This is no longer the America of the 1960's and these two should grow up. But then again, since neither of them had to work for a living ,I guess this is their best behavior. I shudder to think what they are like when not running for the highest office in the land. It is obvious that Ms. Heinz-Kerry does not care what the American people think of her. I guess that is because of her money, oops ,her ex-husband's money.Maureen W., Florida
If you insist on showing Teresa Heinz Kerry's remarks to the Tribune reporter, please balance the story by exposing the role that Mr. Scaife has had in hounding the Clintons and ALL Democrats. I applaud her restraint in telling him only to shove it.Marcia R.
John Kerry's mudslinging and often irrelevant, tired rhetoric demonstrates he lacks the character and leadership to fulfill the job of President of the United States. And Teresa Heinz Kerry’s advise to Colin McNickle to "Shove it." demonstrates she is ill-qualified to fulfill the role of first lady. But I agree with Mrs. Kerry, on one point. We do need to restore civility and decorum to American politics. To that end, perhaps Mrs. Kerry would care to apologize to Colin McNickle and refrain from making any further speeches.Joanne P., Baden, PA
I saw the video of Theresa Heinz Kerry's confrontation with the Pittsburg Tribune Review reporter. From what I saw, Ms. Kerry-Heinz' had every reason to be upset with Mr. McNickle. The Pittsburgh Channel reporter's attempt to equate Ms. Kerry Heinz' words as an example of the hate politics she professed to be against is ridiculous. Please stop with the sensationalism and just report the news without vocalizing your political leanings and using smear tactics.Linda
My name is Patti and I am from Waynesburg Pa Greene County. And in my opinion if Mrs Kerry tells a reporter to shove it when being asked a question then how can her husband run the country right. Because there is always Questions to be answered right or wrong. I dont think she is classy enough to be first lady. You have to show the people what needs done and be open and honest not snobbish and blowing people off.Patti, Waynesburg
I sure hope you are going to offer Teresa Heinz's classy comments to the major national news stations!Susan M.
Your view of the exchange between Teresa Kerry and the rag reporter is unfair. He was obnoxious, and she finally told him off- without the vulgarity Cheney used on the senate floor...Ann W.
It is NOT an exclusive when Theresa tells a Trib reporter to SHIVE IT! We say that every time the Trib call for the free 6 weeks paper scam they run! STOP trying to slam the democrats! Cheney's still shows his charater more than a mrere Shove it! Clearly sending Scott Baker wasn't the best you could do either.....Mr. RepublicanLinda
YOU GO GAL!Teresa N.
Mrs. Kerry was only acting the way any billionairess acts when confronted by the press: haughty and arrogant.Richard K.
I have to take exception on some of the comments made on this story thus far:First of all, it is SO easy to lambast the reporter..and join the proverbial bandwagon in this country that all reporters/anchors are horrid nasty people. All he was doing was **clarifying** what she said. So what ? What's the big deal ? In fact, a number of political analysts were left scratching their heads as to what Mrs. Heinz Kerry's points were in using the "un-Pennsylvanian" and "un-American" comments. Would she have treated (other reporters) in the same manner, had they asked her the same question ? I wonder...Second, as far as any "bad blood" between the Trib and the Heinz/Kerry camp, that's another story and subject altogether. Sure, she might be protective of her husband, and sure, she's stressed, as anyone would be whose husband and family is in the spotlight 24/7, but there are ways of handling the press without resorting to such purile tactics (i.e., the "shove it" remark). With her background and education, I'm she could have made a much better response when she made a bee line back to the Trib editorial page editor. If she couldn't remember what she said...there were plenty of reporters who1) had tape and could have played it back for her to hear or see and
2) take decent notes and could have shown it to herTara, Harrisburg
All I can say is that it is about time someone told Colin McNickle off! We in Pittsburgh get to read his biased and often misinformed ramblings on a daily basis ... And as for the outrage expressed by so many of the conscientious Americans who are sounding off over this "non-event" ... where exactly were you folks when Cheney said what he did recently. I recall far worse language than "shove it"! Cut me a break and let's get on to some real issues.John D., Pittsburgh
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