Kerry has more problems dealing with reality

[CARLHAYDEN]

Sen. John Kerry claimed this morning on NBC TODAY that 53% of America's children do not graduate from high school -- a claim that raised eyebrows in the NBC control room, sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

Kerry made the comments after host Katie Couric asked the former presidential candidate about Bush's State of the Union call to train 70,000 additional teachers in math and science.

COURIC: He wanted to train 70,000 additional teachers in math and science.

KERRY: That's terrific. But 53 percent of our children don't graduate from high school. Kids don't have after-school programs... He didn't ask America to sacrifice anything to achieve great goals and the biggest example is making the tax cut permanent for the wealthiest people in America. The average American struggles to find time to take carry of families, working two or three jobs... It's a disgrace. He did not tell the real state of the union.

Kerry's 53% claim conflicts with a recent press release from the U.S. Census Bureau: "High School Graduation Rates Reach All-Time High"

And the Census Bureau's own website states: 85.9 Percent Of Americans Aged 20-24 Are High School Graduates. (U.S. Census Bureau Website, www.census.gov , Accessed 2/1/06)

[The Man From G.O.P.]

But if Mr. Kerry says so, it must be true!

[Gabu]

I'm curious what statistic he was actually trying to refer to.  I have a feeling we'll get a clarification before too long.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

I think he means 53% don't graduate within 4 years. That sounds about right.

[MasterJedi]

I think he means 53% don't graduate within 4 years. That sounds about right.

I think that would only count for inner cities where the kids don't have any motivation to get ahead in life.

[opebo]

I think he means 53% don't graduate within 4 years. That sounds about right.

I think that would only count for inner cities where the kids don't have any motivation to get ahead in life.

They have no possibility of 'getting ahead' in life, you offensive racist.

[dazzleman]

I think he means 53% don't graduate within 4 years. That sounds about right.

I think that would only count for inner cities where the kids don't have any motivation to get ahead in life.

They have no possibility of 'getting ahead' in life, you offensive racist.

I'm sure they're glad to have you to tell them that.

Many of them believe they can't get ahead, in part because they have so many people telling them they can't, and so few people encouraging them.  It's a truly tragic situation, and those who claim to be their biggest champions are all too often part of the group that's adding to their problems.

[DanielX]

I think he means 53% don't graduate within 4 years. That sounds about right.

Doubt it. 

53% is closer to the number of kids who don't graduate from college....