MSNOW: Democratic leaders are failing to stand up to Trump on Venezuela

[Mysterian]

Congressional Democratic leaders’ criticisms of President Donald Trump’s shocking military operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have been so weak and ambivalent that they’ve left him on far stronger ground politically than he should be as he lays out an imperialistic agenda to “run” the oil-rich country.

“Nicolas Maduro is a criminal and authoritarian dictator who has oppressed the people of Venezuela for years,” Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a Saturday statement. “He is not the legitimate head of government. Undoubtedly, the rule of law and democracy have broken down in Venezuela and the people of that country deserve better.” The entire first paragraph of Jeffries’ statement was devoted to condemning Maduro — not Trump.
...
When Jeffries finally gets around to criticizing Trump’s actions, he does not express opposition to the invasion itself, but to Trump acting without Congress’ permission. “The Trump administration has not sought congressional authorization for the use of military force and has failed to properly notify Congress in advance of the operation in Venezuela,” he said. Democrats deserve credit for taking steps to pass a resolution to constrain Trump’s ability to conduct further military operations in Venezuela without congressional approval (even if it faces slim chances of gaining veto-proof support). But instead of making an issue about Trump not going to war the right way, they ought to be making a case against war itself.
...
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed Jeffries’ mealy-mouthed position. In a statement, he also began by condemning Maduro as illegitimate, objecting to the Trump administration’s failure to seek congressional authorization, and then describing Trump’s intention to run Venezuela “without a credible plan” as “reckless.”

https://www.ms.now/opinion/trump-venezuela-jeffries-schumer-democrats-war

[choie]

1. What a fail.

mealy-mouthed is right. They're so concerned about not being seen as "communist lovers". Makes me sick.

[BeyondGeography]

2. In other surprising news, tomorrow is Friday

[AloeVera]

3. They have just legitimized Trump's actions and strengthened his position.

Sure, attack and take over another country, take their resources, kill at least 80 people, start another foreign policy boondogle, spit on international law - but the only criticism is the lack of congressional approval?

They may as well have come out and said WELL DONE, MR. PRESIDENT, you took down that evil dictator and the world is a better place for your courage!

What's going on?

[tirebiter]

4. Jeffries and Schumer are both sorta busy right now.

Getting the Republicans to vote for extending ACA Healthcare subsidys. It’s what they said they’d prioritize. I’m for that. I need my anti cancer treatment NOW. I am glad they see it my way.

[choie]

5. They make the big bucks.

I think they can multi-task.

[stopdiggin]

6. I for one am not particularly offended that someone (read Democratic leaders)

acknowledges the unvarnished truth - that Maduro was a thuggish dictatorial strongman - with every intention of clinging power by whatever means necessary, despite the demonstrated will of the people.

In fact - I think it somewhat difficult to hold any sort of informed discussion over the situation - without stumbling over those basic facts. Sorry if that doesn't meet the 'standards' of certain critics.

Does that equate to apology or endorsement of illegal unilateral actions by the administration? Not in my book! And - reading fairly carefully - apparently not in the mouths of Jefferies or Schumer either.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[lees1975]

7. This has been the problem with opposition to Trump going back to 2016 when he was first elected.

They want our vote, based on Trump being the greatest threat to American democracy in history, then, they won't do anything to stand up to him, cower off in the corner, whine about it and justify their lack of decisive, bold action by saying, "well we just can't do anything." Then, when they are in power, they take the Merrick Garland approach, dawdle, drag your feed, whine about how poltical the opposition looks and do absolutely nothing so that he gets right back in power. Did you hear Jack Smith's testimony? It was criminal for Garland to foot drag, obfuscate and incompetently fail to use the power he had to make that happen.

It's OK to recognize that Maduro was bad, and at the same time, point out that two wrongs do not make a right.

I'm becoming increasingly convinced that we have too many Democrats still playing politics and not taking the threat of Trump seriously. That's why I support those looking for bolder, new leadership.