In Congress, GOP backs Obama's Egypt stance, Dems not so much

[somone]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2011/0201/In-Congress-GOP-backs-Obama-s-Egypt-stance-Dems-not-so-much

In Congress, GOP backs Obama's Egypt stance, Dems not so much
House and Senate Democrats, including Sen. John Kerry, are calling on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to 'step down.' Republicans are deferring to President Obama's policy.
By Gail Russell Chaddock, Staff writer

Congress is taking a cautious approach to the massive street protests sweeping Egypt – encouraging cries for reform, but wary that a more radical regime in Cairo could damage US interests, including the survival of Israel. In a rare display of bipartisanship, both Democrats and Republicans have largely deferred to the White House’s balanced tone and handling of events, including avoiding calls for 30-year President Hosni Mubarak to step down.

But as protests intensified in the streets of a key US ally, some Democrats are breaking ranks, while Republicans are largely standing behind President Obama's position. Sen. John Kerry (D) of Massachusetts called on Mr. Mubarak to “step aside gracefully to make way for a new political structure,” including an interim government before a planned September presidential vote. “For three decades, the United States pursued a Mubarak policy,” he said in an opinion essay in Tuesday's New York Times. “Now we must look beyond the Mubarak era and devise an Egyptian policy.”

On Monday, Sen. Bill Nelson (D) of Florida urged Mubarek to take himself out of presidential elections in September. “Mubarak must immediately open these elections to international observers and give his written assurance that his name won’t appear as a contender,” he wrote in an op-ed in The Hill. “I believe this could help quell the protests.”

By contrast, Republicans are signaling strong support for Mr. Obama’s calls for the Egyptian government to adopt reforms and avoid violence against protesters. “We ought to speak as one voice during this crisis,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. Speaker John Boehner told Fox News Sunday that reform was needed in Egypt. “Senate Democrats are getting ahead of the president, while Republicans are not,” said Don Stewart, a spokesman for Senator McConnell. “Gitmo notwithstanding, we’ve had pretty consistent comity with the White House on foreign policy.” At a weekly communications meeting on Monday, GOP leaders urged staff to close ranks and back President Obama...

[gateley]

1. “We ought to speak as one voice during this crisis,” of all people, Mitch McConnell!

And Boehner's and the others' remarks. Their hydroxy makes me want to gouge my eyes out.

[global1]

2. Actually I Think Both The Actions Of The Repugs And The Dems Is Coordinated......

This country needs to send a signal that it is primarily unified behind the President in the handling of this situation. It wouldn't look good if the Repugs were calling for Mubarek to step down and not towing the US policy on this issue. Not for the country, them or the President.

On the other hand - if the Dems - those of the party of the President - make these statements - they are giving the President some cover and saying the things perhaps that he cannot say in such a volatile situation in Egypt. I don't think Kerry would spout off without the knowledge or sanction of the WH. I'm thinking this effort is coordinated. I think Kerry's message is a subliminal message from the administration.

The Repugs are the party of crazy when it comes to domestic issues. But what is going on in the ME now is a potential powder keg and even they know it. Even though they don't want Obama to succeed - this is not the way they want to tank him - because of the potential backlash to their party if it looks like they caused this situation to explode.

Just my opinion.