Democrats divided over proposed New York City mosque

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

President Obama's defense of a proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan has left many Democratic candidates and strategists concerned about the impact the issue might have on their midterm election campaigns this fall.

"How can this possibly be helpful when feelings are still so raw on the issue?" asked a senior Democratic political operative who is working on multiple congressional races. "It's best to say nothing and let the process and appeals unfold." Added another seasoned Democratic consultant: Obama "is right on substance but wrong on politics, and right now we need to focus on politics."

Both of the operatives asked for anonymity to speak freely about the touchy issue.

Polls show that most Americans oppose the construction of the 13-story Cordoba House, an Islamic cultural center that will include a mosque, about two blocks from the former site of the World Trade Center. The anxiety of some Democratic candidates over how to parse the issue was evident in a statement released Monday by Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), who is in a tough reelection battle with former state assemblywoman Sharron Angle.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/16/AR2010081605425_pf.html

[Trajan]

1. Oh .... Those damned Democrats ...

Always dividin and stuff ....

The shame ....

[savalez]

2. LOL! "Divided" is our middle name!

[Angry Dragon]

3. "is right on substance but wrong on politics"

That to me is what is part, or greatest, of the problem in this country. When it gets down to doing what is right vs getting elected, getting elected is most important. Most politicians feel it is more important to get in office and stay in office. They have lost their souls and given into greed and power.