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Democratic Candidate John Kerry Uses UM Pulpit To Bash Bush

In South Florida, Kerry lashes Bush diplomacy

Appearing on TV and making speeches in Miami and Coral Gables, John Kerry calls President Bush's Iraq policy 'stunningly ineffective' and faults him on Cuba.

BY DAVID OVALLE AND JENNIFER MOONEY PIEDRA

dovalle@herald.com

John Kerry brought his campaign to South Florida on Sunday, stumping for votes at a church in Miami and a rally in Coral Gables. On national television, he called President Bush's foreign policy ''stunningly ineffective'' and said it is not working in Iraq or Cuba.

Kerry's appearances kicked off his third trip to Florida since he effectively secured the Democratic nomination. He is making a three-day swing through the battleground state.

Later in the week, Bush also will campaign in Florida, traveling to the state for the 21st time since becoming president.

But Sunday was Kerry's day in South Florida.

It started with an appearance on Meet the Press televised from the WTVJ-NBC 6 studio in Miramar, continuing in Miami at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Brownsville and ending with a rally at the University of Miami in Coral Gables and a private fundraiser in Palm Beach County.

While Kerry's TV comments on Iraq drew the most attention nationwide, his brief remarks on Cuba and the United States' embargo against business with the island likely will be scrutinized in South Florida.