If a lead Democrat did take the upfront position that Arafat was a terrorist, plain and simple, with whom one could not negotiate, then
- I'd be quite surprised, and
- Bush could come out and say that yes he agreed and thank the Democrat for his clarity of thinking.
No harm done, indeed a chance to reach across the aisle one more time.
Eh, if you think the media would report it as you state, I think you're underestimating the damage that could be done. The report would mention months of violence and Bush's refusal to term Arafat a terrorist all this time. Course if you think they'd spin this for the Republicans then I could be wrong.