DSM Rag on Harkin - send letter defending Harkin please

[DU9598]

<http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040818/OPINION01/408180315/1035/OPINION>

Carlson writes:

Sen. Tom Harkin saw it as an easy way to get himself on television and say something vicious.

He saw the McCarthy story in the paper, hustled to the steps of the Des Moines police station, shook his head sadly, and showed us he's outraged, disgusted and horrified.

He hit the Bush administration, saying the so-called "stop-loss" policy is an unfair "back-door draft." Which was OK as far as it went.

Harkin embarrasses himself by saying these things.

Worst of all, a longtime senator who has the opportunity to thoughtfully help lead the nation and his party in the most dangerous of times is demonstrating he's not to be taken seriously.



My letter to Carlson and editor in reply:

You state in your column today that "Harkin embarrasses himself by saying these things" - in reference to calling Cheney a "coward".

I am curious if you think that Bush and Cheney embarrass themselves by not following Sen. John McCain's advice in denouncing the ads run by the Swift Boat Liars for Bush? I am curious if you think that Cheney embarrasses himself by saying that Sen. Kerry "didn't understand" what it takes to stop terrorists because he used the word "sensative" in describing a hypothetical war - mind you, Bush said the same word "sensative" in both 2001 and the day after Kerry used the word.

Plus, it is typical of you rightwingers to point a finger at Bill Clinton. Get over it and find some other scapegoat. Take some of your own personal responsbility and look at your own sides' actions without blaming others. Are you going to blame Clinton for lying us into this war that has cost nearly 1,000 American soldiers to die, another 26,000+ to be seriously injured, and over 20,000 Iraqi civilian deaths. Heck, Cheney and Bush are both cowards for not stepping up to the microphone and apologizing for their misleadership.

I don't understand what your argument is. I think it may be that the Democrats should not say bad things about Republicans, but Republicans can saw whatever they want. Pretty lame argument, but typical for those used to spewing their random thoughts and hate on rightwing radio without the counterbalance of thoughtful discussion.

[glitch]

1. excellent reply - let us know if it gets printed. nt

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Most interesting part of this is....

that it appears that Harkin's attack on Cheney ( a home run with the bases loaded, IMHO) was covered by the CNN but given no notice in on the big broadcast networks yesterday.

PBS News Hour devoted a short segment yesterday (Tuesday) to the economic debate but no mention of foreign policy or the Harkin grand slam.

ABC World News Tonite ( without Jennings) had NO coverage at all of the presidential campaign.

Curious indeed since I've seen the Cheney "sensitivity" remarks broadcast and rebroadcast with enthusiasm ad nauseum all week. The Kerry camp ( foolishly, in my opinion) ignored them and they went unrefuted).

I suspect that unless Kerry, or at least Edwards speak to these gratuitous, disingenuous attacks DIRECTLY they will go, for all intents and purposes, unrefuted.

Here is the Q. that bothers me: is this a good strategy? Have not Senator Kerry's advisors heard of Dukakis? Is there any real reason to believe that this " stay above the fray" strategy is more than wishful thinking?

I'm half expecting the candidate to undertake a tour of western Massachusetts next week. (OK he's not THAT out of touch, but you see my point.)

Paul

[newyawker99]

3. Hi PaulHo!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[tom_paine]

4. Well the Orwellian Fear of the networks is now quite obvious

They wouldn't want to be accused of being "liberal", now would they?

And, yes, I have been asking for quite awhile what the hell the Dems are thinking running much the same campaign as in 2000.

But that's the way it's gonna be, as even here on DU it seems like a majority of people want to "rise above th fray". Buckle your seat belts...