John Murtha (just when you think he can't say any more stupid things)

Christian Science Monitor ^ | 7/24/06 | David T. Cook

[Coop]

US Representative John Murtha of Pennsylvania, the senior Democrat on the House Defense Appropriations Committee and an Iraq war critic, was the guest at last Friday's Monitor breakfast.

"We have become occupiers. We cannot win this militarily. But I hesitated to say anything. I waited probably too long. The way we operate militarily is a problem.... We go into a place, we have to blow it up to protect American lives. I agree with that. That's the way we operate to protect Americans.

On what would change if the Democrats retook control of the House:

"Accountability is going to be the key. Corruption, talk about corruption ... there [are] billions of dollars that disappeared and we don't know where it is. We have all kinds of stories which haven't been followed up.... The biggest deficiency among all the other mistakes is no accountability in this administration ... I think checks and balances have gotten out of kilter."

On why he is running for House majority leader:

"I think I can help because I am more conservative.... There is an idea that [the Democrats'] leadership is very liberal and I think I bring some balance to that leadership."

On whether the press has been an active enough watchdog during the war in Iraq:

"I blame some of you guys, too. You guys knew this wasn't going well. You didn't say a damn word, either. You just sat back and were afraid to speak out. I don't know whether it was access or what. But you sat back and did nothing either.

[Coop]

and Diana needs to challenge him to a debate

She's already asked, and she will again.

[sgtbono2002]

They should put one of those purple heart band-aids over his mouth.

[jazusamo]

maybe he thinks American has forgotten?

I think you're right about that, that's exactly what he thinks and in fact, not even Dems have forgotten.

[Coop]

Heck no, let him spew!

[Coop]

A "Ya gotta read it to believe it" ping.

[freema]

That's the second typo I've made tonight. I didn't bother to correct the first one : (

[Coop]

That's twenty Marine Corps push-ups!

[4yearlurker]

I'll bet you a cup of coffee that if any reporter brings up ABSCAM he'll walk out on the interview.

[Coop]

Since you're playing catch-up, a ping so you don't miss these gems.

[Coop]

Who's gonna ask it? Remember - one reporter... exactly ONE (Sam Donaldson) asked the President of the United States about credible accusations of rape when he was serving as a state attorney general.

The media is pathetic.

[4yearlurker]

Yeah Coop,I reckon your right. He will be very selective as to he talks to. Hell,he probably won't even debate Irey.

[Coop]

Actually, I think the sleazebag will have to debate her. She's already gotten under his skin. [grin] With the private investigator hiring and a few of his comments, he's already had to publicly acknowledge her efforts. Her fundraising success from last quarter will only improve her name recognition. I think she'll soon be able to publicly challenge him to debates to where he'll be forced to respond. Otherwise our "big, bad, brave, hawkish Marine combat veteran" might not look so tough. :-)

But I wouldn't anticipate any debate before Labor Day.

[Coop]

Forgot to ping you earlier. You'll find this Murtha verbal vomit amusing, in a "rip your hair from your head and stab a pencil in your eye" sort of way.

[Jean S]

Blah, blah, blah. Murtha doesn't ever say anything new but he and the media love each other. They keep printing anything he says.

[freema]

Can't I go play in the sandbox instead?

[PghBaldy]

I wonder if he is just saying ANYTHING outrageous, having become a darling of the CodePink "people." CodepInk, which gave $600,000 to Fallujah's insurgent community.

[Coop]

I dunno. Some of this garbage is new to me. I hope to see it on Diana Irey's website and campaign material soon.

[Boazo]

[MadLibDisease]

Murthas drool cup is overflowing, STFU Murtha

[Boazo]