PVCC Puma Press: November 2004

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry held a post debate rally in Tempe on Oct. 13 criticizing the policies of President George Bush and featuring the rock band the Foo Fighters.

Several thousand Kerry supporters gathered at Tempe Town Lake Beach Park to watch the last presidential debate live on two large screens. The Foo Fighters energized the crowd by performing some of their hit songs before and after the debate.
Lead singer Dave Grohl spoke of hitting the campaign trail with Kerry during the summer through Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri playing acoustic sets. He says he was inspired to join the campaign after hearing that some of his music was being played at Bush rallies.

“I take it personally when a politician that doesn't represent my personal beliefs uses music that I poured my heart and soul into for his own personal gain,” Grohl told the audience.
Upon entering the event, supporters were given a slip of paper with the name and phone number of a registered Democrat in the Phoenix area. Before Kerry arrived, everyone with a cell phone was urged to call their person to encourage them to vote on Nov. 2.

Kerry appeared on stage with his wife Teresa Heinz-Kerry, Gov. Janet Napolitano, James E. Pederson, chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party and a handful of family members.
Kerry spent time shaking hands with supporters prior to returning to his strict schedule of campaigning in key battleground states.