Bayh says Democrats must be willing to use military

[IntenseOperator]

One of their own, say it ain't so......


DES MOINES, Iowa -- Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, a possible Democratic presidential candidate in 2008, said Thursday that his party lacks credibility on national security and needs to convince Americans that Democrats are willing to use force when necessary.

Until the party can persuade voters, it will be unable to move the debate to issues that work for Democrats, Bayh said.

''Unless the American people know that we will be good stewards of the nation's security, they're unlikely to trust us with anything else,'' said the two-term Indiana senator.

Bayh said there are legitimate grounds to criticize President Bush's approach to fighting terrorism, but until Democrats establish more credibility on the issue, many voters won't listen.

Bayh has spent three days in Iowa, the first presidential caucus state, attending party fundraisers and meeting privately with activists who play a crucial role in Democratic politics.

He also has visited New Hampshire, where the nation's first primary traditionally follows eight days later.

AP

 

[IntenseOperator]

''Unless the American people know that we will be good stewards of the nation's security, they're unlikely to trust us with anything else,'' said the two-term Indiana senator.

...

:yup

 

[gardenweasel]

i.o...that`s an incredibly relevant post......and it gets ignored......

""Bayh said there are legitimate grounds to criticize President Bush's approach to fighting terrorism"...

i couldn`t agree more...and we`re not even talking the border,stem cell,cafta and many other issues....

ignored when a dem makes a cogent comment that`s not hysterical and over the top.........

unfortunately,i defend bush when i hear what i consider totally partisan attacks that are way beyond the pale....it`s a reflex reaction...

because bayh showed real maturity and diplomacy.and real insight...pointing out a democratic political shortcoming..that hurts them with some in this country.....along with a criticism of bush.... ...

the way he couched his criticism of bush.....it is much appreciated from me...and i`ll listen to the particulars....whicjh i will try and find on the net..

and believe me,i believe there`s plenty to criticize bush about.....

if more democrats...and their extremist groupies....could be more thoughtful and adult about their grievances against bush and the administration....they`d get more consideration from conservatives...like myself.....who are willing to listen to legit arguments....posed in a demeanor that is worthy of debate...

as the iraqi invasion is...a legit case for debate....i agree with that..always have...

i think bayh is a serious,thoughtful guy...and i wouldn`t for a second give him short shrift in 2008 if he were nominated....

democrat or republican...the guy seems to be an independent thinker and level headed as hell...

i have not taken a comprehensive look at bayh`s politics,but he`s a serious young,fresh face that`s worthy of honest,objective consideration....regardless of your party affiliation...

excellent,i.o...

 

[bjfinste]

I don't think many democrats (or just the anti-Bush folk that don't affiliate with either party) in here disagree that we should be willing to use our military for national security. The question that separates the two sides (at least for me) is "when is that necessary?" I felt it was after 9/11; I felt it was completely and totally unjustified with Iraq. If I'd considered Iraq to be any sort of a threat to national security, I would've had no problem using the military. But I didn't, and still don't.

Of course, that's irrelavant. The fact of the matter is the Bayh is correct. Democrats do lack credibility on national defense with the nation as a whole. I think it's a completely unwarranted reputation, but nonetheless it remains a fact.

As a side note, I like Bayh quite a bit. Seems like a good guy (well, at least as good as a politician can be).

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

I think his statement was is valid but skewed.
I would trust your ave Dem to defend country--however the party has been hijacked by the Puloskis-Kennedy-Dean/moveon.org crew and they get all the attention reflecting negatively on Dem party in general. There is no possible way for them to get into power unless they figure way to pull 90% of hispanic vote along with black vote--and that will be difficult considering the hispanic religious factor.

 

[AR182]

imo, when people realize that hillary is a fraud.....

bayh is my darkhorse for the dems.

 

[IntenseOperator]

I just remember him being popular as hell in Indy

 

[djv]

Always use are military if threaten. Or in case of Afghanistan where the cause was of importance. But for sure don't use it for foolish ventures. And don't just listen to the military because they always will be ready to go. However there planing is not always correct.
Somalia and rescue attempt of the Iran hostages were big screw ups by the military. And the government must level with American people. After all it's there sons and daughters dieing. Iraq was mistake.