John F. Kerry’s campaign was off to a shaky start yesterday, as Kerry tried to strike up a conversation with a group of Marines in a Wendy’s restaurant—and got well and truly dissed: John Kerry’s ‘Believe’ tour off to a bumpy start. (Hat tip: Adam.)

Highways were blocked from Boston to Scranton as the campaign’s 10 buses and support vehicles lumbered westward.

In Newburg, N.Y., they made an unscheduled stop to celebrate John and Elizabeth Edwards’ 27th anniversary.

The couple observed their anniversary tradition of a meal at Wendy’s, a nod to their early married days when it was all they could afford.

Kerry joined them inside and spied a table of Marines. But when he struck up a conversation, the Marines answered tersely and expressed irritation.

“He imposed on us and I disagree with him coming over here to shake our hands,” said one, who did not give his name.

UPDATE at 7/31/04 8:09:44 am:

More details on this incident, at the New York Post: Dem’s Marine Misfire.

The Marines — two in uniform and two off-duty — were polite but curt while chatting with Kerry, answering most of his questions with a “yes, sir” or “no, sir.”

But they turned downright nasty after the Massachusetts senator thanked them “for their service” and left.

“He imposed on us and I disagree with him coming over here shaking our hands,” one Marine said, adding, “I’m 100 percent against [him].”

A sergeant with 10 years of service under his belt said, “I speak for all of us. We think that we are doing the right thing in Iraq,” before saying he is to be deployed there in a few weeks and is “eager” to go and serve.

UPDATE at 7/31/04 8:16:37 am: