Reid was just on C-span railing against Bush because the RNC is

[Pirate Smile]

targeting him. There is a big article in Roll Call about it

"RNC Turns Up Heat on Reid
By Chris Cillizza and Mark Preston
Roll Call Staff
February 7, 2005

The Republican National Committee is set to begin a prolonged attack against newly installed Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) aimed at weakening his support in his home state as well as on the national level.
Drawing on a blueprint used successfully against former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), the RNC will send a 13-page research document today to roughly 1 million people -- a group that includes journalists, donors and grass-roots activists -- detailing Reid's alleged obstructionism among other topics.

"This is the initial salvo in the upcoming discussion that we are going to be having with Sen. Reid," said RNC Communications Director Brian Jones."

I'm not a subscriber so I don't have access to the full article. If someone is and can give us more details, please do.

Reid stated that Bush says all this stuff about being a uniter while he has the RNC doing this divisive work. He went on about how the RNC is Bush's committee - he picks the Chairman and he tells them what to do or not do. Reid said that the President wants to say one thing and do the opposite through the RNC. They are trying to do to him what they did to Dashcle.

Harry was NOT happy.

[Helga Scow Stern]

1. This is the MO.

Maybe now Dems will start to wake up.

[tom_paine]

24. Yeah, they'll wake up, when the Zyklon-B starts coming out of the shower

heads.

And not a minute before.

They have as much idea of what they are up against as the German Social Democrats of 1933.

To be truthful, though, there will be no poison howers, no Zyklon-B.

Amerikan Totalitarianism will take a new form tailored to the norms and mores of the nation it is taking over.

PLUS, a primary Marketing Rule is that if you want to introduce an old, discredited product, AVOID making the new product have any resemblance or connotation to the Old Discerdited Product.

So it will ALL be "new" this time.

No Zyklon-B, no showers.

It will be something else, probably Kinder and Gentler.

[TexasLawyer]

26. A universal draft, perhaps?

But only after the next PNAC-scheduled "Pearl Harbor" event occurs, so that we will accept a draft with appropriate zeal.

[Kolesar]

2. Keep us posted, matey! ... eom

[Pirate Smile]

7. Aye Aye! I shall.

[Pirate Smile]

29. Here is Reid's statement

"Unfortunately, it became crystal clear today that some in the President's Party are going to keep playing their petty, divisive game of politics as usual. And I call on the President today to put an end to it. The Republican National Committee said today they plan to launch a concerted and prolonged campaign against me. And in an even more disgusting step, they have announced their intention to unfairly attack my family as well.

I've been in Washington enough to expect to be the target of criticism every now and then, but raising false accusations against my family is the sort of despicable politics the American people are tired of. It's disappointing to see the Republicans up to their same old tricks. Americans are tired of the same old Republican hackery, and it is incumbent on the President to stop it.

You know, the day after the election the president called me and said, "now that I've been elected for the second time. I don't have to campaign again. I'm going to do everything I can to work with you." I believe he meant that. And it's time for him to show it.

Actions speak louder than words Mr. President, and it's time for you to act. I call on you today to repudiate the plans of the RNC and tell them to cease and desist from spreading this document they have prepared.

With all the important issues facing the American people right now, there is no room in Washington for this revolting kind of politics.

The President needs to stand up today and put an end to it."


http://democrats.senate.gov/~dpc/press/05/2005207830.html

[Kolesar]

31. bush* to attack Senator Reid's family (?!)

I don't know what this refers to, but it sounds like bush & rove.

[Pirate Smile]

41. I haven't seen anything yet that specifies what they are talking about re

his family. We probably won't have to wait too long. As soon as what they mailed today arrives, we'll know about it.

[Kolesar]

44. Yes, we shall see. Thanks. eom

[NVMojo]

59. this probably goes back to that LATimes article about his family

connections, groups who lobby him have hired his sons and son-in-law in the past, largely through a law firm in Las Vegas that also employs former Senator Dick Bryan. The Repugs do it all the time but that's ok ...

[Eloriel]

42. Wel;l, there was his first mistake

You know, the day after the election the president called me and said, "now that I've been elected for the second time. I don't have to campaign again. I'm going to do everything I can to work with you." I believe he meant that.

It's ridiculous that ANYone on the Dem side believes anything from anyone in this administration, most especially Bush himself. I would expect Harry Reid to know better. Of course, this could be merely rhetorical bluster and it IS appropriate IMO to hold Bush accountable in this way (or try to).

But if Reid means any of this as stated, he's going to have to smarten up fast. In fact, it's probably too late already (and for several years now).

[Pirate Smile]

43. I think Reid knows. He just wants to point out their lies.

He's playing the game. He could say "I'm shocked, shocked I say that the President lied to me" - the bastard.

[LittleClarkie]

46. Makes the Repubs sound like monsters

going after a guy's family.

Maybe the answer is to publicize exactly what's happening when it happens.

But what's the answer, proactively. Attack Frist's family?

I'd rather concentrate on getting more progressive radio.

[Pirate Smile]

49. Hopefully, the DNC will take off at a run. I hope Dean hires some

mean SOB's for behind the scenes. We need some SOB's on our side along with expanding progressive radio around the country and much more.

[tsuki]

54. FDR had the best one. He didn't mind the press attacking him, Eleanor,

his children, but when they went after his dog, that was enough. It was very effective.

[ldf]

50. reid needs to reply, "Do you REALLY want to start down this path?"

"because I will be glad to dish it back. Do you think the american voters know in depth about YOUR dealings? Trust me, I will make your pathetic efforts pale in comparison. You want it? Bring It ON."

[yurbud]

3. Dems need to use this method on key GOP leaders

especially the hypocrites and rising stars--like Arnold in CA.

[BlueInRed]

4. The demonizing has begun

Harry may end up being grateful Dean is around to deflect some of that hateful hit piece stuff. It was to be expected, given what they did to Cleland and Daschle.

I hope Harry finds a way to hit back. This is where Moveon and groups like that should come in, to defend our leaders from this kind of junk.

If the RNC (or related PACs) are running stuff against a Democrat (ANY Democrat) to try and demonize them, I hope we hit back so hard it takes their breath away. It's time to circle the wagons and defend all our own against the GOP attack machine. It should be in unison, loud as hell, unrelenting, and funded by our own deep pocket PACs.

[Emboldened Chimp]

5. So we're to expect pics of Reid next to Saddam or Osama

or the next Boogeyman in commercials to be run in his home state?

This shit will never end. They'll keep attacking until Dems appease them, die an ignominious death or fight back hard enough to repel the bastards. What's it gonna be?

[Eurobabe]

6. we don't have a 2 party system we have a mafia

Complete with "hits."

EOM

[Just Me]

8. That's the best description I've read to date.

Dems better face reality. They are dealing with predators.

[jdots]

11. The Mafia has more class than the neocons

They don't send non mob members into a war,buy the media to tell everyone that non mob members are anti America..etc.....
The ethics of neocons is worse than organized crime because they are hiding behind patiotism when they don't care about any nation's well being.

[Warren DeMontague]

21. Yep. And A Compliant Corporate Media Too.

Look at what they're doing in California, where they have trouble winning elections legitimately. First Gray Davis, now Kevin Shelley.

[d_b]

9. It's time for the DNC to get ready for war.

And not just for the sake of Reid.

[gratuitous]

10. So the Mighty Republican Wurlitzer is cranking up yet again

You've seen what has been done to those who have gone before you, Sen. Reid: Daschle, Cleland, Wellstone, et al. And now you see that it's being done to you. What do you plan to do about it? Cross your fingers and hope the Republicans will play nice? Or come back measure for measure and use the resources at your disposal? The finger-crossers are now referred to as "former Senator so and so."

Capisce?

[Nite Owl]

12. This is one of the reasons

that the GOP is considered 'strong'. They fight, they don't care if people call them names. The sooner we learn that the better and it had better be soon because the wimpiness just hasn't worked. Reid is a fighter, he'll give them a run.

[BlueInRed]

15. Absolutely right

People judge strength on whether you can take the heat or whether you simply back down when challenged. It's not about taking hawkish positions, it's about refusing to back down in the face of bullying. I hope the Dems are learning that.

[FreedomAngel82]

27. Very true

And the leading dems need to suck it up, dry the tears and fight hard. We have to get them now before it gets worse.

[Langis]

13. Well Dashcle had no spine, I think Reid can take it

I like Harry Reid and I think he is a real figher. I wouldn't worry about what the RNC has planed for him, plus he was just reelected.

[thefloyd]

14. Why are CONS wasting ammo on Reid?

If he was just relected do Cons not believe the american people will start seeing a pattern?

[dave29]

18. to silence the minority leader, make him a caricature and continue

their usual character assasination BS... which hasn't been that hard for them to do, when all our folks have done is timidly ask them to please stop doing that.

[thefloyd]

22. Really though

first off he is the Minority leader.....the clear minority leader and second don't you believe the American public will start to see through this crap

[vickie]

25. I also believe Harry can take it. He's a lot tougher than Daschle.

[tabasco]

28. Daschle was more worried about staying in office than ...

sticking to his guns. A Democratic politician has a better chance to survive if he shows the people he will stand rock solid on principle and not cave in to the destructive right wing warmongers.

I liked Daschle but he was too timid in the face of a truly destructive political coalition. It is better to go down fighting these bastards than to try to appease them.

I don't like politicians who worry about getting re-elected above all else. Take care of the people and the election will take care of itself.

[quiet.american]

16. Here we go again

Still playing defense and surprised that we keep doing the same things with the same results. By "we" I mean Pelosi and Reid and all the rest of the "cautious" Dems. Not saying they don't bring value to the party, just saying THANK GOD HOWARD DEAN is coming on board!

[thefloyd]

19. Democrats are probably just waiting to get the pieces

in place before the attack. Cons are very good at letting the RNC and other CONS do the dirty work. Keeping the game away from most of their elected officials. Even though I despise Trent Lott doesn't it seem as if he is no longer as big an ahole? Hopefully democrats are using somewhat the same approach for the short term. Democrats must play tit for tat for a while

[dave29]

17. waaaaa

stop complaining about their attacks - launch some of your own.

[thefloyd]

20. THANK YOU

Great Post. People Need to Quit crying about the game and just play the game.

[DETERMINEDPROGRESIVE]

33. To respectfully disagree,

Trying to expose the truth is not "Crying about the game". Playing the game means merely stooping to their level.

I'm a firm believer in integrity. If the game is rigged, there is more honor in exposing the truth then there is figuring out how to cheat better then your opponent in order to win, at least in the eyes of integrity.

To sum up, the quick way to win is stooping to their level, adopting their tactics, playing their game. That is why they played the game that way to begin with, because it was the quick way to win. But to adopt that same logic makes us no better than they are.

At the end of the day, to maintain integrity, I'd rather lose while fighting for truth and justice then win by playing a dirty game.

But to each their own.

[thefloyd]

35. Well Democrats have tried the whole "high road"

idea and it does not work. Democrats play the game short term and switch the whole debate towards policy. I am not proposing to play to win but to get the debate away from where it currently resides, morality. When somone believes the guy they voted for is high and mighty everyone follows. Democrats must point towards the hypocracy in order to get peoples attention. It worked for the cons.

[NVMojo]

60. girlfriend, this is a dirty war and it's time for the dems to grow some

hair on their chests ....quit the fecking Kumbaya stuff ...Reid can do it ...

[DETERMINEDPROGRESIVE]

62. Never Said He Couldn't

I agree with how he is handling things. I just don't consider it crying like a little bitch.

[thefloyd]

63. Well we are not talking about Reid

we are talking about some people who seemed surprised Cons are attacking again. Cons have a little system involving sound bites and it should be fought with sound bites (in my humble opinion)

[NVMojo]

65. ok, I read you ...

[quiet.american]

23. Doh! Ya think! :) n/t

[Synnical]

30. Reuters Article on the topic

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=7560834

Reid Calls on Bush to Repudiate Attack on Him

<snip>

"Is President Bush a man of his word (or) is what he is telling the American people just a charade?" Reid asked.

At the White House, spokesman Trent Duffy said, "The president looks forward to working with Senator Reid on addressing our country's challenges."

An RNC spokeswoman said a "research document" about Reid that the Senate Democrat had denounced would be distributed to about a million people, including donors, party activists and reporters.

"It introduces the public to the real Harry Reid," said spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt. "He can try to paint himself as a centrist, but his votes to block tax reform and tort reform and his opposition to strengthen Social Security prove otherwise."

"We intend to make clear that Reid is an obstructionist who is out of the mainstream and we will hold him accountable as the Senate leader of the party of 'no,"' Schmitt said.

[snippy]

34. Why use the word "charade?" BUSH IS A FUCKING LIAR!

Except for the American media the entire world knows that Bush is one of the most compulsive and incessant liar in the history of American politics.

There is no subject so somber, serious, or shallow that Bush will not lie about it. The only other option is not to lie. And that apparently is something Bush can not do.

For example:

Bush says he fell off his bicycle because of the heavy rains and he watched on television on the morning of 9/11 as the first plane hit the first WTC tower and John McCain has an illegitimate Negro daughter and Bush would veto McCain-Feingold and the yawning boy was not there and was not yawning and besides he was standing some place else and Richard Clarke had complete access to Bush and Rice which proves that Clarke was out of the loop which is Clinton's fault but the White House revealed that Clarke briefed the press on background about Bush fighting terrorism which means that unnamed White House sources may not be identified even when Bush wants to and everyone except Bush himself knows where he was during his National Guard service but it was Clinton's fault that Bush did not show up for duty which was after Bush volunteered to go to Viet Nam but before he was no longer required to take a flight physical and about the same time that God ordered him to smite Saddam because the 70 lines of embryonic stem cells and more arsenic in the water and more mercury in the air and the completely safe air in New York City folowing 9/11 prove that republican science is better than sound science and the Bush administration did not illegally conspire to illegally reveal the identity of a covert CIA operative which resulted in 2 million new jobs being created because democrats support terrorism and are not good Americans just as the Jews were not good Germans which is why Bush said he would veto the creation of both the Department of Homeland Security and the 9/11 Commission but now claims credit for their creation and the White House cooperated with the 9/11 Commission which is why the White House withheld documents and called the republicans on the Commission before Clarke testified and why the White House did not coordinate the attacks on the integrity and bipartisanship of the Commission and why Bush and Cheney negotiated with the Commission that the two of them would testfy one time only but never again since the dental xrays prove that Bush spoke with the CIA director everyday and did not ignore either the repeated warnings of the dangers of al Qaeda and Osama or the August 2001 intelligence briefing specifically warning of the upcoming 9/11 attacks because the United States is a nation with a mission and that mission is to bring freedom to every single person in the world which will cut the deficit in half if you do not count those parts of the deficit which will increase under Bush which is Clinton's fault but the boxes from China were labeled "Made in USA" which resulted in 2.6 million new jobs being created even though the $400 billion Medicare prescription drug decorative turkey was not labeled $550 billion and was passed without bribery or criminal deception and was not criminally promoted by the Bush administration using taxpayers' money for propaganda purposes which proves that government spending under Bush has gone down if you do not count the increased government spending under Bush which is Clinton's fault just as acts of terrorism have decreased since 9/11 if you do not count the increase in the number of acts of terrorism and Bush's plane to Baghdad was spotted because before Saddam bought the uranium and became an "urgent" but not an imminent threat which is Clinton's fault Bush had no plans on his desk to invade Iraq since the invasion was not planned before Bush took office even though it was the subject of his first national security council meeting in February 2001 and in December 2001 when plans for the invasion were being finalized Bush said he was focused on the military operations in Afghanistan and then the Carrier Costume Party was too far offshore for the Navy to make a large enough "Mission Accomplished" banner to describe the WMD we have found in Iraq some of which Saddam was giving to Osama for following Saddam's plans and using Iraqi hijackers on 9/11 which is Clinton's fault but everyone who pays income taxes got a tax cut which created 3 million new jobs and allowed Iraqi oil revenue to pay for the cost of the reconstruction of Iraq after the invasion by a small number of troops who would be greeted with floral program related activities except for the dead and wounded troops who are being brought home secretly which is Clinton's fault since Bush is the one who hugs the mothers and the widows and the wives and the kids and since Bush does not watch television news he did not know about the republican torture pranks occurring in Iraq until he saw the pictures while watching television news and that is why Bush who will use the jawbone of an ass to force OPEC to open the spigots and who is responsible for good economic numbers but not bad economic numbers which are Clinton's fault wrote the poem that he did not write blaming Laura for dropping the dog.

Ridiculing Bush for his compulsive and incessant lying needs to become common.

FIRE THE LIAR

[sunnystarr]

38. Totally AWESOME!!!!! I loved it loved it loved it :):):) (nt)

[tsuki]

56. I like the idea of taking that list and mailing it to a million GOP'ers.

[gulfcoastliberal]

32. The repugs will do their worst against Reid just like they did Daschle -

whether or not Reid appeases them, so he might as well fight like he means it. If that's possible. I still cannot understand why Durbin or Feingold is not minority leader.

[zulchzulu]

36. Trust the Repugs like you trust a mass murderer in your house

Fight back and go for the jugular. Nothing less will do.

[TexasSissy]

37. Where are the other Dem senators? They better speak up!

[ClarkUSA]

39. The DNC needs to respond and get on the ball and SOON

Talk is cheap.

If we cannot even defend our own, then the DNC leadership will be worthless.

[paineinthearse]

40. Stop whining and fight back!

I've posted the most recent "obstructionist" attacks at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1575005

Reid has to realize that these idiots do not understand bi-partisainship and will not cease the cheap shots. The see whining as a sign of weakness.

The only thing they understand and honor is an opponent who has the courage to stand up and take them on.

Stand up and fight, Senator Reid, or move aside.

[LittleClarkie]

45. I didn't see it as whining I guess so much as a preemptive framing

of what the Repubs are doing so that people are aware and can fight it.

Did Dascal (sp?-I know, I know) say a mumbling word about what was happening to him, or did he just quietly try to tough it out. If this is a different tactic, then maybe it's good to make sure folks know what's going on.

I think Harry's been doing pretty well. Liked that they came out with an agenda.

But what pre-emptive things could Harry do to the Repubs that would make it though the media spin. Hmm. Gonna think on that one.

[autorank]

47. REID WATCHING. I think ole Harry was waiting for this one!

I've commented elsewhere that Reid is in the SET UP state of defining himself. The set up is where you lay the foundation upon which you will build your case (against * in this case). Reid's set up was, kind, gentle Harry; willing to work with the President; small town Harry roots and all. Nothing about what a tough guy he had to be to survive Nevada politics.

The set up lets read say, "Oh my God, I tried to work with him and now look what he did. He's attacking my family!"

Now Reid is fully justified for launching anything he can get his hands on against *. Why? Because he set things up properly. If he'd started out as a public fire breather, it would not have worked as well. He supported Boxer and the rice rebels; he voted against Gonzo and he's solid on Social Security...all in nice guy mode.

Now you just watch. He will be "shocked, just shocked" at the nasty turn of events. We get to see how tough he really is, which I think is very tough. Geez, the guy grew up in a mining town, was a boxer, and prevailed in a very tough political environment.

I know that there are those of you who wanted Reid to just kick ass from the start. You will bet you wish now but he had to set it up this way.

YOU GO HARRY, KICK SOME ASS

[msongs]

48. the christian taliban has no morals....thats why they steal elections and

love it when the dems cry and whine like candy ass babies, going willingly into future oblivion.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

PS - good thing we have a few non cowards like boxer dean and conyers.

[autorank]

51. Hey I like Clark too. Listen up.

Reid has only been leader a few weeks. He set these clowns up and set them up good. Now, "Mr. Nice Guy" can kick ass Las Vegas style all the live long day because he did that. You watch, it will be something to see. Nevada isn't Kansas. Reid isn't Daschle. We're not taking their shit any more. Have some faith or at least keep an open mind.

[Disturbed]

52. Rethugs are in permanent War mode.

Dems have been appeasers and we see what that has garnered.

[autorank]

64. Well, get ready for DEMCON 1, our war footing. It's time to fight back

and we're laying the foundations. Their time has run out!

[NVMojo]

66. perfect!! DEMCON!!!!

[mvd]

53. This is why I'm very happy about Dean becoming chair

He'll pick up statements like Reid's and blast it everywhere. These Rethug bullies do not play nice, and neither should we! They want to marginalize us forever. Dean gives me a sense of protection.

[Sparkly]

55. AP article on this

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=512&ncid=1278&e=1&u=/ap/20050208/ap_on_go_co/reid_gop_criticism

Reid Urges Bush to Disavow GOP Criticism

7 minutes ago

Add to My Yahoo! Politics - U. S. Congress

WASHINGTON - Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid on Monday urged President Bush (news - web sites) to stop the Republican National Committee (news - web sites) from calling him an obstructionist and criticizing his Senate record, a tactic the GOP used to help defeat Reid's predecessor.

Bush repeatedly has said he wants work with Democrats, most recently during his State of the Union speech last week, Reid noted in a speech on the Senate floor.

"Why didn't he stand and tell the American people last Wednesday that one of the first items of business we were going to do in Washington is send out a hit piece on the Democratic leader?" Reid said.

The Republican committee plans to send a 13-page document to more than a million people — including in Reid's home state of Nevada — analyzing and criticizing his votes and stances before he officially took over as Senate Democratic leader in January.

(more)

[NVMojo]

61. oooooh, Harry Reid is PISSED!!! This is good stuff!!! He ain't no Daschle

who would go about humping the enemies leg to appease them ...Reid is a very strategic thinker ...

I just wish he'd call them on the Nevada election shenanigans ...the Rove mastering of the smear job against Kerry with Cheney in Nevada ...

[paineinthearse]

57. Will be re-broadcast at 10PM, CSPAN2 n/t

[NVMojo]

58. Reid can handle it, he understands the game, he picks who runs

the Nevada Dems so he knows the game intimately and will use it against the Repugs.

Nobody is perfect. Reid has done some things I don't agree with in the past but I chalk it up to someone who lobbied him and his staffers better.

They'd better watch out. Reid will come out on top, better than Daschle did.

The only way they could nail him in Nevada is if he turned his back on the mining or gaming interests. He did very well in this last election, Repugs voted for him because he protects their industry. Of course, Rove is from Nevada but he couldn't convince the mining execs to burn Reid at this point, not even Rove ....

Those RNC idiots are so full of shit, their eyes are all brown...

Read this ....



Balancing Nevada, National Interests
Reid Protects Gaming and Mining Industries While Advancing Democratic Agenda

Washington Post
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; Page A15

Last August, Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry pledged to boost funding for the national park system by $600 million a year by raising fees on mining companies. The National Mining Association immediately denounced the proposal, saying it would cost Nevada, a key battleground state, 44,000 jobs.

But that was before Sen. Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) went to work. Two months later, Kerry pledged to steer clear of any program that would threaten mining jobs: "Let me just say clearly to Nevada while I'm here: that is wrong. . . . As president I'm going to work with Harry Reid and with your miners to keep mining jobs, to keep people working."

The episode shows a side to Reid, the new Senate Democratic leader, that is not that well known outside Nevada. Like former Democratic leader Thomas A. Daschle (S.D.), Reid at times has had to balance his party's national political agenda against his state's more parochial economic interests.

Mining and the gaming industry are of paramount importance to Nevada, and Reid has repeatedly fended off legislative and regulatory threats to those two mega interests. At the same time, those industries have provided Reid with crucial political and financial support.

Reid has championed the mining industry's access to public lands and opposed environmental restrictions, while battling Internet gambling that cuts into Nevada's gaming revenue.

In the last election cycle, three of his top 10 sources of cash were casinos and their employees: $568,500 from Mandalay Resort Group, MGM Mirage and Park Place Entertainment. Two mining companies, Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc. and Newmont Mining Corp., gave $191,300.

more ....

try one of these two links to get the whole article ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52469-2005Jan31.html

or this one

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A52469-2005Jan31?language=printer