Good morning . . .
The talk of the day is the State of the Union address. As expected the President's speech was well received by supporters of the administration and, probably, some hangers-on, and poorly received by liberal, Democrats, and the far-far left folks at MoveOn.org.
Surprisingly CBS reporters gave the President a fairly balanced review of the President's speech. MSNBC's Chris Matthews and Ron Reagan said that the 'hug" was planned as a PR tool to bolster the Presidents ill-conceived Social Security plan and sagging approval numbers. Because so few people watch MSNBC this criticism was not heard by many.
The Democratic response by Harry Reid (d-NV) and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was as expected. There was nothing but harsh and unfounded criticism of the President's speech and its proposals. There was nothing from the Democrats that offered an alternative plan or support for anything. Reid said that he has "45 Senators" who will "never" vote for any changes to Social Security. That is short-sighted and out of touch with the American voters.
I will say this once again. In the last election and for a few elections before, the Democrats have been losing power in the Congress, in the White House,in several statehouses and governor's chairs. The attitude expressed by Pelosi and Reid demonstrate why and who is responsible for this failure. The unwillingness to compromise or discuss change will hurt the Democrats badly in the future. It is possible and now appears probable that the current course set by Reid and Pelosi will result in further losses in Congress. It is possible that the 2006 mid-term election will give the Republicans in the Senate the 60 seats needed to shut down the obstructionists. Increases in the House could make the Democrats seem like yapping dogs with no power and no prospects of power.
The Democratic response to the President's speech could be the beginning of the end for a viable, electable political party. Even Howard Dean as DNC chair would not help the Democrats regain power.
My Way News
Yahoo! News - Democrats Hit Bush on Iraq, Soc. Security
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No sooner had Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) described US forces in Iraq as an "occupying force" Democrats were trying to soften her words with spin that just will not work.
Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX) said it was not a "harsh term."
Lee said that the term really means collaborators with the Iraqi people. No, I don not think so. I think Pelosi meant what she said.
Congresswoman Attempts to Redefine the Phrase 'Occupying Force' -- 02/03/2005
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Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) is planning to run for a ninth term in the US Senate. Byrd, first elected in 1958, is talking with Democrat fundraising about the upcoming campaign. Byrd had no comment, but a spokesman for the former Klu Klux Klan member said that he will run.
If elected, which is likely, Byrd will surpass the late Strom Thurman for years in the Senate. Thurman served 47 years. At the end of a ninth term, Byrd will have served for 52 years.
Byrd, 87, may try for record
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More in the Afternoon Update.
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