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Kerry Chides Bush For 'Fear And Smear' On Veterans Day
ClickonDetroit ^ | November 12, 2005 | AP

Posted on 11/12/2005 5:21:16 AM PST by ShadowDancer

Kerry Chides Bush For 'Fear And Smear' On Veterans Day

POSTED: 7:39 am EST November 12, 2005
UPDATED: 7:53 am EST November 12, 2005

TOBYHANNA, Pa. -- President George W. Bush strongly rebuked congressional critics of his Iraq war policy Friday, accusing them of being "deeply irresponsible" and sending the wrong signal both to America's enemy and to U.S. troops.

"The stakes in the global war on terror are too high, and the national interest is too important, for politicians to throw out false charges," Bush said in his most combative defense yet of his rationale for invading Iraq in March 2003.

Bush's charges brought a forceful response from senior Democrats in Congress, who accused the president of misleading the country about the justification for war. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who ran unsuccessfully against Bush last year, accused the president of playing "the politics of fear and smear."

Bush's speech was part of a coordinated White House effort to bolster the president's waning credibility and dwindling support for the war, in which more than 2,000 U.S. troops have died.

As casualties have climbed, Bush's popularity has dropped. His approval rating now is at 37 percent in the latest AP-Ipsos poll, an all-time low point for his presidency.

"When I made the decision to remove Saddam Hussein from power, Congress approved it with strong bipartisan support," Bush said in a Veterans Day speech at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

"While it's perfectly legitimate to criticize my decision or the conduct of the war, it is deeply irresponsible to rewrite the history of how that war began."

Bush's remarks brought a few jabs from fellow Republicans as well as a sharp counterattack from Democrats.

In a speech in Philadelphia, Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., criticized how the war has been presented to Americans - both by the media and the White House. Afterward, Santorum said the war has been "less than optimal" and "maybe some blame could be laid" at the White House. "Certainly, mistakes were made," Santorum said.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., who is weighing a run for president in 2008, has said he agrees with Democrats who are pressing the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee to move forward with an investigation into whether the administration manipulated intelligence.

"I was probably the main driver on the Republican side because I thought we needed the answers to whether intelligence was misused, intentionally or unintentionally," Hagel told the Omaha World-Herald in a story published Friday.

Defending the march to war, Bush said foreign intelligence services and Democrats and Republicans alike were convinced at the time that Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi leader, had weapons of mass destruction. The United Nations, he noted, had passed more than a dozen resolutions citing Saddam's development and possession of such weapons.

Accusing his critics of making false charges, Bush said: "These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an enemy that is questioning America's will.

"As our troops fight a ruthless enemy determined to destroy our way of life, they deserve to know that their elected leaders who voted to send them to war continue to stand behind them."

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Democrats would continue to press for a full airing of the facts about prewar intelligence and said asking tough questions was his party's way of standing with the troops.

"Americans seek the truth about how the nation committed our troops to war because the decision to go to war is too serious to be entered into under faulty pretenses," Reid said.

White House officials fanned out to television appearances to reinforce Bush's argument and Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman added his voice. He said Democrats who once worried that Saddam was amassing weapons of mass destruction now want an investigation of the intelligence. "Maybe this investigation will reveal that they were brainwashed," Mehlman said in a speech to be delivered Friday evening in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Criticism about prewar intelligence has been stoked by the recent indictment of Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, in the CIA leak investigation.

The probe aims to identify who leaked the identity of an undercover CIA officer whose husband, a former ambassador, alleged that the administration relied on faulty intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq.

Kerry accused the president of playing politics on a holiday set aside to honor veterans.

"This administration misled a nation into war by cherry-picking intelligence and stretching the truth beyond recognition. That's why Scooter Libby has been indicted. That's why a statement in the State of the Union Address was retracted," said Kerry, who voted in 2002 to give Bush the authority to wage war but later voted against additional funds for Iraq and Afghanistan reconstruction.

"It's a dangerous day for our national security when an administration's word is no good," Kerry said.

Bush chose to go on the road this Veterans Day to make his forceful defense of the war, leaving Cheney in Washington to attend traditional wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., accused Bush of using Veterans Day as "a campaign-like attempt to rebuild his own credibility by tearing down those who seek the truth about the clear manipulation of intelligence in the run-up to the Iraq War."

Bush's political adviser Karl Rove, who is still under the cloud of the CIA leak investigation, hopped Air Force One to attend the speech, an indication that it was a political event.

Bush shared the stage with a tan Army depot vehicle, and banners behind him read "Strategy for Victory." "Hail to the Chief," which is rarely played to mark Bush's arrival, blared from speakers in the warehouse.


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 109th; kerry2008; patheticsenators
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To: ShadowDancer

What an utterly pathetic human being John Kerry is.


21 posted on 11/12/2005 5:49:38 AM PST by JustaCowgirl (The poulets have come home to roost in France.)
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To: SandRat

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1104239/posts
Kansas City Kerry- "The Phoenix Project"
various FR links | 03-24-04 | The Heavy Equipment Guy

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1285396/posts

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1062437/posts

Armed and ready for this lying, treasonous poser.


22 posted on 11/12/2005 5:50:13 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: ShadowDancer
"Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Democrats would continue to press for a full airing of the facts about prewar intelligence and said asking tough questions was his party's way of standing with the troops."

Harry Reid is lying. If he really wants to stand with the troops, he will caution his minions against treasonous behavior which is only prolonging engagement with Islam. If there was a unified global effort, the "war" could be over tomorrow. It is only through the efforts of the liberals/democrats/socialists that the Islamists are able to continue their cause. Reid is not interested in ending this war as it is a convenient dividing tool and because of him and others of his ilk, more troops will die.

23 posted on 11/12/2005 5:50:48 AM PST by sageb1 (This is the Final Crusade. There are only 2 sides. Pick one.)
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To: syriacus

"Kerry heard Bush's speech?
"I thought he was too busy solving France's riot problems, to take notice of the speech."

Yes, why isn't Moi Kerri over in his beloved Frog land nuancing the young Jihadists. Between Moi Kerry and ChIraq, they would give away all of France for peace in our time.


24 posted on 11/12/2005 5:52:22 AM PST by Grampa Dave (MSM/RATs need to set a timetable for withdrawal in their illegitimate war on Bush. It's a quagmire.)
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To: ShadowDancer
Afterward, Santorum said the war has been "less than optimal" and "maybe some blame could be laid" at the White House. "Certainly, mistakes were made," Santorum said.

Could someone please point me to a war that has gone perfectly?

Bush shared the stage with a tan Army depot vehicle, and banners behind him read "Strategy for Victory." "Hail to the Chief," which is rarely played to mark Bush's arrival, blared from speakers in the warehouse.

WTF is that comment all about? Nevermind....I already know.

25 posted on 11/12/2005 5:53:19 AM PST by tsmith130
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To: ShadowDancer
Senator Kerry's latest remarks --> <--Americans totally sick and tired of his remarks
26 posted on 11/12/2005 5:55:42 AM PST by RayChuang88
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To: ShadowDancer

Might as well have been Pravda (or Al-Jazeera) in the byline. Simply no difference.

That's how bad the MSM is now.


27 posted on 11/12/2005 5:56:00 AM PST by Jhensy
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To: hflynn

""It's a dangerous day for our national security when an administration's word is no good," Kerry said,"

Moi Kerri must have referring to the Clintoon Administration and the years of warning America and the world about their buddy the $oddomite. Kerri, the great nuancer of the senate was on tv during that time and in the press agreeing that the $oddomite had WMDs and was dangerous.

Then in 2003, George $oro$ bought Kerri, and he did one of his famous flipflops.


28 posted on 11/12/2005 5:56:15 AM PST by Grampa Dave (MSM/RATs need to set a timetable for withdrawal in their illegitimate war on Bush. It's a quagmire.)
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To: ShadowDancer

John Kerry and the entire Democrat Party are traitors to the USA and guilty of treason in the highest order. The sooner the American people understand that, the safer they will be!!! End of story!!!


29 posted on 11/12/2005 6:03:20 AM PST by JLAGRAYFOX
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To: ShadowDancer
Kerry, unfortunately, does not have the best interests of the US at heart.

A Heinz Foundation provided the venue for Kofi Annan to chide Bush during the run-up to the 2004 elections. At left, you can see the flags of the Heinz Company, the UN and UPitt.

Kofi Annan will chide U.S. in Heinz lecture, October 21, 2003

"United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to tell a University of Pittsburgh audience today that the United States undermined global security and the U.N. itself by unilaterally invading Iraq, but still should play a dominant role in world affairs."

Kofi was the Heinz Distinguished Lecturer at UPitt in 2003. Robert Mugabe was a previous Heinz Lecturer.

The Heinz Foundation also gave Kofi its Humanitarian Award during his visit to Pittsburgh. Kofi, through the UN, had ensured that a nutritional product* manufactured in Heinz's Italian factories was distributed to children in several countries.

*Supplefer

30 posted on 11/12/2005 6:06:46 AM PST by syriacus (Libs + French think US freeing France is AOK, but US freeing Iraq is BAD. Are they racist?)
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To: ShadowDancer
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who ran unsuccessfully against Bush last year, accused the president of playing "the politics of fear and smear."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who ran unsuccessfully against Bush last year, accused the president of playing "the politics of fear and smear" by quoting the Senator's words.

31 posted on 11/12/2005 6:08:46 AM PST by Pusterfuss (Proud member: Minnesotans for Global Warming)
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To: ShadowDancer
President Bush 11/11/2005
32 posted on 11/12/2005 6:10:52 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Grampa Dave
Yes, why isn't Moi Kerri over in his beloved Frog land

Let's hope the Kerry properties (and the family SUV) in France have fire extinguishers.

33 posted on 11/12/2005 6:11:49 AM PST by syriacus (Libs + French think US freeing France is AOK, but US freeing Iraq is BAD. Are they racist?)
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To: Tarpon
Did he wear his lucky CIA hat?

I believe he did.


34 posted on 11/12/2005 6:13:45 AM PST by New Perspective (Proud father of an 22 month old son with Down Syndrome)
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To: JLAGRAYFOX

Kerry is a pathetic loser. No one with any common sense listens to this idiot. Since the election, Kerry has become the insignificant man. Good ridince fool!


35 posted on 11/12/2005 6:17:58 AM PST by Alaska007
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To: syriacus

"Let's hope the Kerry properties (and the family SUV) in France have fire extinguishers."

Moi Kerri wouldn't need a fire extinguisher while nuancing with his supporters in France, would he?:)


36 posted on 11/12/2005 6:18:26 AM PST by Grampa Dave (MSM/RATs need to set a timetable for withdrawal in their illegitimate war on Bush. It's a quagmire.)
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To: ShadowDancer
October 9th, 1999 Letter to President Clinton Signed by Senators Levin, Lieberman, Lautenberg, Dodd, Kerrey, Feinstein, Mikulski, Daschle, Breaux, Johnson, Inouye, Landrieu, Ford and Kerry -- all Democrats

"We urge you, after consulting with Congress and consistent with the US Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions, including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs."

John Kerry January 23, 2003... "Without question we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator leading an impressive regime. He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation. And now he's miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction. His consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction."

John Kerry October 9, 2002... "I will be voting to give the president of the US the authority to use force if necessary to disarm Saddam because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."

John Kerry January 31, 2003... "If you don't believe...Saddam Hussein is a threat with nuclear weapons, then you shouldn't vote for me."

John Kerry February 23, 1998... "Saddam Hussein has already used these weapons and has made it clear that he has the intent to continue to try, by virtue of his duplicity and secrecy, to continue to do so. That is a threat to the stability of the Middle East. It is a threat with respect to the potential of terrorist activities on a global basis. It is a threat even to regions near but not exactly in the Middle East."

"...it is deeply irresponsible to rewrite the history of how that war began." "The stakes in the global War on Terror ... are too high for the politicians to throw out false charges. These baseless attacks send the wrong signal to our troops and to an ememy that is questioning America's will."....President George Bush.

John Kerry 'th Pitiful and the rest of the coldly deliberate and certifiably treasonous left/socialists are going to pay for their anti-Americanism rhetoric. You will read little about it in the MSM but you can find it here almost daily on America's best read Conservative Newspaper, FREE REBUBLIC!

37 posted on 11/12/2005 6:19:19 AM PST by yoe
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To: ShadowDancer

DEMS and RINO's eat their own. lol. D-Harry Reid (aka: Carry Press").. lol.


38 posted on 11/12/2005 6:30:56 AM PST by Alia
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To: ShadowDancer

kerry....the king of fear and smear. What a pathetic little dupe.


39 posted on 11/12/2005 6:35:07 AM PST by cubreporter (I trust Rush. He's done more for our country than we will ever know. He's the man!)
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To: Peach

Well, that should be reepeated every single day.


40 posted on 11/12/2005 6:35:49 AM PST by cubreporter (I trust Rush. He's done more for our country than we will ever know. He's the man!)
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