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Tag: Democrats (Page 26 of 28)

The question of hearings

We’re starting to hear the pundits explain why the Democrats shouldn’t start holding hearings and issuing subpoenas. Idiots like Lanny Davis are making this case, arguing that the Democrats shouldn’t make the same mistake that the GOP made in the 90’s when they mercilessly investigated Bill Clinton.

Certainly, there is potential for abuse of this power, but the differences between now and 1998 are very stark. We are three years into a disastrous war, and the GOP has done little oversight over the past six years. The investigations of Bill Clinton seem trivial compared to the isues facing us today.

The leadup to the Iraq War and the prosecution of the war were marred by deception and incompetence by the Bush administration, not to mention tremendous waste and likely war profiteering. It is the duty of the Congress, regardless of party affiliation, to investigate these matters. The public will accept it, and embrace it, if it is done in a fair manner. Republicans like John McCain, John Warner and Lindsay Graham will support responsible inquiries as well.

The Democrats have no choice – they ran on the need for oversight; now they must deliver.

Webb opens small lead

Will George Allen’s lame attempt to criticize Jim Webb’s writings backfire? Webb has opened a small lead in Virginia.

Allen has exposed himself in this race as being unworthy of holding public office. His campaign hit a new low when they pulled passages from Webb’s novels out of context to imply that Webb was promoting deviant sex and demeaning women. Fortunately, this pathetic attack was exposed by the Webb campaign and by the press.

Webb is an intellectual and a man of character. There are too few people like him in American politics. Allen is an empty suit that simply repeats conservative talking points. He seems incapable of expressing an original thought.

This is one of the most important races in this election cycle. Webb will bring fresh thinking and a moderate voice to the Democratic Party. He will also be an important asset in the Senate as we debate how to deal with the debacle in Iraq. Let’s hope he pulls it out.

Warner drops out – who’s left?

I’m disappointed that Mark Warner has decided not to run for President in 2008. Warner looked like one of the guys who could actually win a general election – he was a moderate Southern governor with a decent amount of charisma and a message that would appeal to swing voters along with the Democratic base. On paper, he was a great candidate.

Who’s left? Some are speculating that this helps Evan Bayh. I guess that makes sense since Bayh is one of the most moderate Democratic Senators, but Bayh won’t make a dent unless he discovers a more dynamic personality.

Hillary has to be happy, since Warner seemed like the most formidable rival. I continue to believe, however, that a Hillary candidacy would be a disaster.

I’m hoping this helps Joe Biden and Bill Richardson gain some traction. I don’t know if either guy has a prayer to win the nomination, but this gives them a chance to raise more money and possibly build support in Iowa and New Hampshire. Both guys are smart and they have very clear ideas about how to improve the country. Having them in the race will be a positive for the party.

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