Hoyer Says Candidates' Bickering Will `Hurt' Democrats in 2008

[babylonsister]

Hoyer Says Candidates' Bickering Will `Hurt' Democrats in 2008

By Laura Litvan and Alison Fitzgerald

Nov. 16 (Bloomberg) -- House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer said the acrimonious tone of recent Democratic presidential debates may hurt the party's prospects in 2008.

``I've been disappointed,'' Hoyer, 68, said in an interview on Bloomberg television's ``Political Capital with Al Hunt,'' scheduled to air tonight. ``I think it will hurt the party.''

He took particular exception to Illinois Senator Barack Obama's assertion in a Las Vegas debate yesterday that Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton hadn't given ``straight answers'' on ``a host of issues.'' Hoyer said that comment is ``likely to get used by Republicans'' in the general election.

Clinton, a New York Democrat, has come under increasing attack from her chief rivals for the Democratic nomination, Obama and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards, whom she accused last night of ``throwing mud.''

In both the television interview and a separate session with Bloomberg reporters and editors, Hoyer said the House would stick to its demand that Congress find new revenue to pay for any legislation shielding millions of middle-class households from the alternative minimum tax. The House voted last week to raise taxes on buyout-firm and hedge-fund managers to pay for a one- year minimum-tax fix and to extend several tax breaks that expire this year.

more...

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aLARsov37OWI&refer=home

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. I didn't realize Hoyer was that old (68)

[Vincardog]

2. WE need to quit worrying about how the GOP will act and fight for OUR positions.

Fuck the Parasitic Corporations and their enablers.

[murielm99]

3. They always do this bickering.

I think it is normal.

As long as they all pledge their support to the eventual nominee, I don't think it is a problem.

We have plenty of outside forces to worry about. The nominee will have to respond quickly to repuke and corporate media detractors. They are the enemy.

[OHdem10]

4. Tell Hoyer that those who live in glass houses should not throw

stones.

If the Democrats get hurt, it will be because those Dems on
the Hill(House and Senate) have not put forth an image
of strength in governance.

Americans expect Candidates to mix it up and attack. This
is part of campaining.

[Forkboy]

5. He's one to talk.

[MethuenProgressive]

6. The only way we lose to the GOP is 08 is with help from Democrats.

But I don't know if the attack dogs really care.

[saracat]

7. I say Hoyers existence will hurt Dems in O8.He is just being silly.

We hold primaries , not coronations! Perhaps he has forgotten.

[AnnieBW]

8. He's my Rep

Can someone PLEASE challenge this DINO in 2008?

[LWolf]

9. And I say Hoyer and his efforts to table impeachment

will hurt the Democratic Party in '08 and beyond.

There's a simple solution to his "concerns." Nominate a better candidate than HRC.

I note that he seems to be anointing her ahead of the voters.

[hayu_lol]

10. To show Hoyer what is hurting the Dem party...

tell him to stand in front of a mirror and look at the image reflected therein.

[BeyondGeography]

11. Hey, Steny: Why not put the Hillary Clinton Protection Act up for a vote?

What a pile of crap...as if every little criticism now being voiced about Clinton wasn't plain as day to the Pubs before the campaign even started.