Dean slams Hamas

[Karmadillo]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1073721717569

Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean on Friday issued a statement deploring terrorist groups, including Hamas, which he called "an unrepentant terrorist organization."

Dean also said he is committed to Israel and its security.

"In my presidency, the United States will remain firmly committed to its special, long-standing relationship with Israel, including providing the resources necessary to guarantee Israel's long-term defense and security," he said.

Dean's statement came after he was asked in a Canadian television interview to clarify a comment he made in an earlier interview on The Editors, one taped in January 1998, that it could be "good or bad" if Hamas took control of the Palestinian leadership once Yasser Arafat had left the scene.

"The bad, of course, is that Hamas is a terrorist organization. However, if they have to run a quasi-state they may actually have to be more responsible and start negotiations. So who knows what will happen?" he asked.

more...

[cindyw]

1. Gee, I wonder why.

The list of times Dean has to say something make clear that he didn't mean what he said before gets longer and longer.

[stickdog]

3. Because Dean tells the truth. And Dean says what he's thinking.

"Gotcha" politics doesn't allow this.

[MIMStigator]

2. Does he still think it COULD BE GOOD if Hamas takes over palestinian

leadership?
He slammed them before and said they were terrorist but said it might be GOOD IF THEY TOOK OVER PALESTINIAN leadership.

Does he still think that or did he flip flop again?

[stickdog]

4. Of course it COULD BE GOOD is Arafat was replaced by Hamas.

Hamas would have to be more responsible in that case, and would have to face reality a bit.

Why is this so controversial? It's not like things could get much worse.

[MIMStigator]

7. Does Dean still think that or did he FLIP FLOP

eom

[sandnsea]

9. It could be good if al qaeda took over the ME too

:eyes:

[stickdog]

10. That must have been what Kerry was thinking ...

[blm]

5. He's really twisted himself up on this issue, too.

.

[Karmadillo]

6. Yes, but in an evenhanded sort of way.

n/t

[shivaji]

8. Hamas has lost an important backer in Saddam, now

Hamas is entirely dependent on Iran, Syria and KSA (covertly).

[revcarol]

11. Will he slam Sharon, the new settlements, "the wall," and AIPAC?

Thought not.

[arewethereyet]

12. how do we know how he really feels about things ? I mean really

he was under no pressure on the Canadian TV shows, he's under intense pressure from his own handlers now.

I know which opinions I think are real but the fact is we'll never know.

Is this a good thing ?

[KaraokeKarlton]

14. Seeing as his wife and kids are Jewish

I highly doubt he's going to support Hamas. He wants two states and peace for both the Israelis and the Palestinians...just like about everybody else.

[maddezmom]

13. those tapes are going to analyzed for every quote.....

anyone can use against Dean. Hope he has his own set.

[KaraokeKarlton]

15. The tapes will just show he's a very intelligent man

who DOES understand foreign policy and who isn't the unelectable flaming liberal the press originally claimed he was. It will help Dean in the general election. What I find is comical is that I could have told you all about these tapes months ago. I would have if I hadn't forgotten about him always doing that show. :shrug:

[NewYorkerfromMass]

16. DO NOT forget- this is the new 'handled' and muzzled Dean

of course, he makes it hard for any sane handler to straighten out his own "straight talk", but they will try.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/08/politics/campaigns/08DEAN.html?pagewanted=print&position=

[ThirdWheelLegend]

17. "guarantee Israel's long-term defense and security"

At what expense?

TWL