John Kerry was in Colorado yesterday for his first public campaign appearance in the state. He spoke in downtown Denver's Civic Park--where more than 1,000 people showed up in the rain to welcome him--and attended a fundraiser at a private home in Aspen, where he addressed his choice of Vice Presidential candidate. The man has a great sense of humor: [link now fixed]

Earlier Monday in Aspen, Kerry attended a brief fundraiser at the home of Michael Goldberg, president of the Miami-based airline leasing company Aerolease International. Kerry netted about $500,000. While there, Kerry started his speech by saying:

"Just to put your minds all at ease, I have four words for you that I know will relieve you greatly. How does this sound? Vice President Hunter Thompson."

Hunter was in attendance at the gathering. In Denver, Kerry stressed the need for funds for stem-cell research, among other things. You can read the text of his speech here.