WP: Kerry Challenges Bush on Iraq Abuse

[Dems Will Win]

Kerry Challenges Bush on Iraq Abuse
Democrat Says President Should Accept Responsibility for Scandal
By Dan Balz and Lois Romano
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, May 8, 2004; Page A05


PHOENIX, May 7 --

-snip-

Speaking shortly after Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld offered an apology on Capitol Hill for the abuse scandal that has put the administration on the defensive this week, Kerry said Bush should emulate other presidents and acknowledge that "the chain of command goes all the way to the Oval Office."

The Massachusetts Democrat, who earlier called for Rumsfeld's resignation, said: "America does not merely need a new secretary of defense. We need a new president." He went on to say the country needs a president strong enough to accept responsibility when things go wrong: "We need a president who knows the difference between strength and stubbornness."

-snip-

Kerry countered by saying that, ever since Vietnam, the GOP has "tried to frighten voters into thinking that only Republicans cared about national security." But he said he rejected the strategy of some Democrats to change the subject and focus mainly on domestic issues, saying that as long as he is the leader of the Democrats, "this party will put the strength of America first."

He blasted the Republicans for attempting to portray him as soft on defense. "Our opponents have run $60 million in misleading ads," Kerry said. "They think we'll back down and we'll cede them the issue of strength. Well, if they think the tired old arguments of the past are going to win in this new world, they guessed wrong."

-snip-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8538-2004May7.html

"America does not merely need a new secretary of defense. We need a new president." That's great and yesterday Kerry said "If I'm President, I won't be the last to know in my command."

For Bush, that's gotta smart!

[UrbScotty]

1. All about responsibility.

Kerry cares about America.

[JoFerret]

2. Good approach from Kerry

Takes a high ground.