Democrats to Focus on Iraq as Poll Numbers Tumble
And we all know that the only thing Democrats care about are poll numbers, that and what the French think of them. Upon returning from the 4th of July recess, Democrats in both the House and Senate, responding to slumping poll numbers, will refocus on Iraq:
WASHINGTON – With the immigration bill dead, troop withdrawal deadlines vetoed, and other high-profile initiatives stalled, Democratic leaders closed six months in control of Congress mired in low approval ratings and plotting a legislative blitz on an issue they once tried to escape: Iraq.
Over the weekend, Reid called on Republicans to support legislation that will force the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. Starting next week, Democrats are planning weekly votes on the issue.
“Too many times, Republicans have stood in the way of progress instead of helping us lead the way,” Reid said Saturday in the party’s weekly radio address.
While some Republicans are “saying the right things on Iraq,” they need to back up their words with votes. . . . Voting against a bill on a matter of principle is one thing,” Reid said. “To go forward, we will need far more Republicans to put partisan politics aside and work with us for the American people.”
While seeking their votes on the war, Reid accused GOP lawmakers of deliberately blocking ethics reform and enactment of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
Democrats encouraged by Republicans joining with them in calling for a surrender, I mean withdrawal:
Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana , a Republican, yesterday called for a bipartisan approach to scale back the US military involvement in Iraq.
Lugar was one of two Republican senators who declared last week that Bush’s Iraq strategy was not working and that the US should downsize the military’s role.
He was joined by Senator George Voinovich, Republican of Ohio.
Appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation” yesterday, Lugar said Bush should consult Democrats and Republicans on a new strategy that includes ongoing talks with all Iraq’s neighbors. Lugar has resisted Democratic calls for a deadline on troop withdrawal.
– ‘The Commish’ A.J. Sparxx