Democrats Fear Backlash at Polls for Antiwar Remarks

The Washington Post ^ | December 7, 2005 | Jim VandeHei and Shalaigh Murray

[katieanna]

Strong antiwar comments in recent days by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean have opened anew a party rift over Iraq, with some lawmakers warning that the leaders' rhetorical blasts could harm efforts to win control of Congress next year. Several Democrats joined President Bush yesterday in rebuking Dean's declaration to a San Antonio radio station Monday that "the idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong." The critics said that comment could reinforce popular perceptions that the party is weak on military matters and divert attention from the president's growing political problems on the war and other issues. "Dean's take on Iraq makes even less sense than the scream in Iowa: Both are uninformed and unhelpful," said Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.), recalling Dean's famous election-night roar after stumbling in Iowa during his 2004 presidential bid.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Politicians worried about what voters think?

Blasphemy!

[WorkingClassFilth]

I really, really like Howard Dean.

[golfboy]

hmmm... maybe democrats aren't as stupid as I thought.

nahhhhh!!!

[VRWCmember]

The critics said that comment could reinforce popular perceptions that the party is weak on military matters and divert attention from the president's growing political problems on the war and other issues.

Notice that the dems are not concerned about the fact that this emboldens the terrorists and undermines our military forces, only that it might damage popular perceptions of the democrat party.

[kajingawd]

"Dean's take on Iraq makes even less sense than the scream in Iowa: Both are uninformed and unhelpful," said Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.),

hehe

[2banana]

TOO LATE - The sound bites are already in...

[wideawake]

Dean is paying dividends I never, ever hoped for.

Between Senator Kerry saying that American soldiers spend their time terrorizing children, and Chairman Dean saying that American soldiers can't win the war, and the antics of Peace Mother Sheehan the Democrats are positioning themselves for even greater failure.

[ncountylee]

Triplicate post.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1535411/posts

[Yossarian]

Notice that the dems are not concerned about the fact that this emboldens the terrorists and undermines our military forces, only that it might damage popular perceptions of the democrat party.

Good point. Bears repeating.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Roll Call this week included a statement that house democrat leaders were going to stop their party from voicing a position on the war because it would be politically damaging to do so.

[massgopguy]

I wanted to drive my fist though Alan Colmes head last night.

[Doogle]

critics said that comment could reinforce popular perceptions that the party is weak on military matters

confirms

Doogle

[NavVet]

Kerry's remarks calling American troops terrorists are even worse.

[Barney59]

Go Howard Go!

Makes me want to send him a few bucks!

Now THAT's Show business! ha ha!

[GW and Twins Pawpaw]

We don't call it the loony left fer nuthin'....:-)

[webfooter]

How funny that they just now figure out that they will be held accountable for what they say!

[indcons]

"...with some lawmakers warning that the leaders' rhetorical blasts could harm efforts to win control of Congress next year."

The Dims are not worried about either the troops or the nation; they are worried only about their election chances.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I'm starting to get worried. I mean, we don't want the GOP losing it's title as the Stupid Party to the 'Rats, do we?

[BenLurkin]

Those traitorous b@st@rds would be voted out of office completely.