It's time for Democrats to show that they are strong on defense

[politicasista]

I was listening to Tavis Smiley's commentary on Tom Joyner, and he was citing polls, surveys that say Americans want Democrats, rather than to the GOP to control the Defense issue, since it is "never" a Democratic issue.

He cited Kerry as a "war hero," "decorated veteran" that was beaten by the "M.I.A." Bush and saying that Democrats never control the issue of Defense and Military matters. He said he had to laugh at polls that say that Americans would trust Dems on the issue of Defense, more than the president.

He was just basically saying that the war in Iraq is the "weakest link" but it's time for the Dems to erase the perception that they are weak on Defense.

Audio here: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/smiley

[wisteria]

1. Wow, that is great. Senator Kerry is trying to do just that. n/t

[Mass]

2. I agree, as long as being "strong in defense" does not mean embracing the neocon vision.

This is why it is so important that Democratic candidates expose their vision and do not stop at saying "we need to be strong in defense".

Kerry has done just that in many occasion. Others have not.

[sandnsea]

3. SMART Defense

It would be helpful if a certain chunk of our party didn't think out-warring the warmongers was the definition of defense. They tend to be the same ones who think execution is being tough on crime. I don't know how this country is ever really going to change until some tough people stand up and talk about how self-destructive that attitude is. I don't see anyone like that in the Democratic field. Another reason it is all very discouraging to me.