Democrats Debate How to Hit Bush

WASHINGTON -- Democratic Party leaders and rank and file are increasingly divided over how best to take on President Bush -- whether to match his assertive style, finger point for finger point, or offer a contrasting tone of moderation.

Most of the leading presidential contenders, backed by seasoned strategists, are taking the latter approach, offering detailed criticism of Bush's stewardship while taking pains not to alienate those who have respect for Bush as a leader and commander in chief.

But last week brought the strongest indications yet that the party regulars are frustrated with the muted tone. Former Vice President Al Gore gave a fiery speech attacking the Bush administration and implying that Democrats are not being aggressive enough in countering the president. And a poll by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center showed a sharp increase in dissatisfaction among regular Democrats with their party's leaders.

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Kristin Carvell, Lieberman's spokeswoman in New Hampshire, predicted that voters will turn on Bush without a lot of frothing rhetoric by Democrats.

But Joe Trippi, campaign manager for Dean, said, "You had the approach of silence for 2 1/2 years and look what happened."

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MORE: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0812-05.htm

Why is there any debate about this?

Democrats tried being "nice" in 2000 and 2002 and we lost badly.

If we don't learn that we need to go on the attack from two obvious failures, then the people at the top should all be replaced.

FIGHTING, for our country is still anathema to our party.

the GOP "for our country" as you say?

Who has the longest record of compromising with the GOP?

n/t

Edit for 2nd question: Zell?

and not a shred of self-respect left when we get sand kicked in our faces yet again by trying to "play nice"

I'm really stunned at how completely out of touch with reality the Lieberman campaign is.

HARD, FUCKIN HARD.

that's why dean has mojo. the dems want HARD.

Dems are tired of hearing loud mouth right wingers walk all over them! We need someone to stand up to Bush and his rethugs and tell them how it is!!

I do agree that is why Dean is so popular and Liberman is going nowhere. There is a big population of America that is pissed off, no jobs, no money, poor education, poor health care, poor security, the list goes on... is this something to remain calm and dignified about!?! NO!

they make no apologies for what they do. We SHOULD DO the same!


:dem: :kick: