Iraq Burns; Dems Look on the Bright Side

[realFedUp]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/iraq-burns-dems-look-on-_b_7974.html

Iraq Burns; Dems Look on the Bright Side
Arianna Huffington

If you need yet another reminder why the Democrats continue to teeter on the verge of becoming a permanent minority party, I suggest you pick up the Boston Herald and watch CBS News.

At the same time the situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate, with CBS reporting on the "undeclared civil war" raging between Shiites and Sunnis and the Saudi Foreign Minister telling the world that Iraq is "going toward disintegration," there was John Kerry giving a speech arguing that "progress" was being made. As the Boston Herald put it, Senator John Kerry "back-pedalled on blistering criticism of the war."

Unbelievable.

Andrew Gumbel's latest HuffPost turns a flashing red spotlight on why we need to reform our voting systems. But even the most corruption-free voting system in the world isn't going to help Democrats if they keep offering up candidates who make the kind of absurd pronouncements on Iraq Kerry did this week.

It's the clueless candidates, stupid!

continued

[acmavm]

1. Well, I see Kerry continues to be the blazing star of the democratic party

just like during the election.

Seriously folks, why did this guy run? I ask myself that every single day. He was one of the biggest disasters to hit the democratic party since the days it first popped up on the political scene.

And his crapola promise that 'every vote will count'. I still get the giggles about that one.

And now, he's giving george bush** a big boost by talking about all the 'progress' we're making in Iraq.

Does this guy speak a different language than the rest of us do?

[karynnj]

10. Why does this author quote only the Boston Herald title

The Boston Hearld is a RW rag. But, even their own article shows that the title is inaccurate. Kerry has been consistent and fair in his criticism of Bush's Iraq war. The short comments in his Brown and Boston speeches have blasted Bush's handling of the war in terms at least equal to any mainstream Democrat's. Conceding MINOR progress in training Iraqis after 2 + years is damning with faint praise. Also, if he didn't preface the comment that they are mismanaging the war with this statement, the Bush administration has an easy comeback saying Kerry (and Democrats in general) don't respect what good the troops have done and are ignoring progress.

Kerry was most certainly not one of the biggest diasters of the Democratic party - he nearly won. In addition, after losing he has continued to be involved to try to fix some of what he perceives the problem to be. (What is ironic is that Bill Clinton didn't work to make the grassroots, local, or state Democratic parties stronger, while Kerry is doing this, obviously in parallel to Dean. If it works, Hillary may well be the beneficiary.)

[Mass]

2. And eventually to continue to read Huffington

FGS, does she even know what the Herald is.

It is clear that this was done to hurt Kerry, and of course, Ms Cluless falls for it.

This woman is insane.

From the same article:


The Iraqi forces are improving somewhat. Whether it's enough to hold the line is obviously a very serious question.''
While acknowledging gains, Kerry called the war ``deeply troubled'' and said he is working on a timetable for a troop pullout


We will never know what Kerry actually said about these "gains", but once again a liberal activist is using a RW source to bash a Democrat.

This may explain a lot.

[realFedUp]

3. she's got a point of view

that's shared by many of us. Calling her insane
may weaken your argument.

[Mass]

4. Quoting the Herald to make her argument is not a point of view.

(or should I use the Herald view of Ms Huffington to make my opinion on her?).

Not bothering reading the article is not either.

I find strange that this episode was not reported by AP when they reported the speech (Glen Johnson is not exactly a Kerry friend ). It seems to me that the sentence was blown out of proportion by the Boston Herald (belonging to the NYPost), and probably taken out of context.

But of course, Kerry bashing is so useful and is going to bring us so far.

[realFedUp]

6. Criticizing Kerry's actions and words

is not bashing. You seem to be a diehard Kerry fan
which is fine, but he is a powerful Senator, voting
on legislation that affects all of us, not just your
state and his words and actions can be scrutinized.

[Mass]

7. I dont care the criticizing on good sources

Everybody does mistakes. Constructive criticism is good.

I care using the Boston Herald as a source for criticism. This is a totally biased and RW source. Using a few words Kerry said without context and overinterpreting them is a typical tactic of them. It is sad that she is falling for that.

[realFedUp]

8. BH just using Kerrry's quotes...

``There is some schedule showing what you (need) to do to get Iraqis standing up and defending themselves which is now suddenly beginning to happen, so there are some signs of progress,'' Kerry said during a 30-minute speech at the Park Plaza Hotel. ``The only way we're going to be successful there – and ultimately, success is going to have to be somewhat redefined – is to create sufficient stability to get the troops home.''

He later added while speaking to reporters: ``The Iraqi forces are improving somewhat. Whether it's enough to hold the line is obviously a very serious question.''

While acknowledging gains, Kerry called the war ``deeply troubled'' and said he is working on a timetable for a troop pullout.

[Mass]

9. I have no problem with the notion of a timetable for troop pullout

Do you? (I will wait to see what he is proposing before I judge whether it is a good timetable or not, but at least it is a progress).

What is the point of her attack? And what was before and after in the speech (which was NOT about Iraq anyway)? We all know that quotes out of context may be misleading, and knowing the Herald, we cannot be sure they are not.

We certainly can agree or disagree with the notion of not pulling the troops NOW, but this is clearly not her point here.

[realFedUp]

11. Kerry, of all people, should have a clue about troop pullout timelines

How much time will it take for Senators, especially
Democratic ones, to demand a reality check on this
"war" and occupation. Maybe Kerry should confer with
Juan Cole, who calls for US troops out of Iraq now.

[karynnj]

13. Maybe it's because he does have a clue

Look at the things he is saying about other issues, he is not equivocating. His criticisms are strong and fact based and he simultaneously is proposing solutions. Look at his entire life - I really don't think he is playing politics on this.

On Iraq, he is considering the big picture and he is knowlegable. He is at least as well informed on what is actually happening as any other Democrat. (even Juan Cole) I look forward to hearing Kerry's speech. If he outline the situation clearly explaining the serious mess we are in and explains what he would do, maybe explaining various options and their pros and cons, he can elevate the disscusion on this issue. (Who knows, if a Kerry suggestion for an exit stategy is good, Bush will rename and reframe it, call it his and do it.)

[rodeodance]

5. i am glad to see Kerry is working on a withdrawal plan.

[karynnj]

12. But do you likewise call her on misconstruing Kerry's position

She has a well read blog and she is using a RW source WITHOUT EVEN READING IT'S FULL ARTICLE. I question what her agenda is. This is either sloppy research on her part or she wants to silence what is and should be a strong Democratic voice.

Kerry will make an Iraq speech soon. His previous Iraq plans have been thoughtful - whether they would have worked, if implemented when suggested - can't be known. What is true is the steps proposed were consistent with his stated goals; to bring some stability and to get out.

I trust Kerry far, far more than Huffington. He is trying to make the situation better. She is screaming - which is not an effective way to win support. Were you persuaded when she was similarly screaming as a RW talking head?