Those saying Kerry shouldn't attack Bush over OBL tape

[newsguyatl]

are the SAME type dems who're the reason we lost so miserably in the 2002 election year.

folks, you've got to TAKE IT TO HIM on this. you can't say "oh, let's come together over this frightening tape and sing kumbaya while holding hands and praying." HELL NO! doing this only plays into bushco's hands. and he knows it!

we should ALL be OUTRAGED that obl's even still ALIVE and able to taunt us as americans.

and who's fault is it that he is?


you guessed it, BUSH.



this is a great opportunity to close his argument. the war in iraq was a diversion from the REAL threat, osama. and now, we're in more danger than ever.


so to any who say, "no, don't attack, it's not the time." i say to you, you don't have a political bone in your body.

[truhavoc]

1. Very well stated...I agree 110%!!!!! n/t

[shraby]

6. Time to start emailing the media this

very point. They're trying to spin it as a plus for Bush.

[UCLA Dem]

2. I think I agree too. After the initial statment, tomorrow he needs to

come out swinging.

[Longhorn]

3. Other Democrats can attack Bush* over the OBL tape.

It doesn't have to be Kerry. He's the one who needs to remain presidential, in my opinion.

[UCLA Dem]

7. good point. but someone needs to do it.

[Ladyhawk]

21. Howard Dean, where are you? :) nt

[LVdem]

8. good point...nt

[newsguyatl]

9. bullshit!

we're 3 fucking days from the election of our lifetimes.

and this ending couldn't be any more symbolic.

if kerry doesnt' take the bull by the horns, who the hell will?

[d_b]

13. Yes. The campaign should refrain unless attacked.

Let others do the work for now.

[GreenPoet64]

4. I agree.

[lancdem]

5. I don't agree

Politicizing this would make Kerry look really bad. I think he' handling this just right.

[newsguyatl]

11. tell me what you think after tues, eh?

[klook]

12. Correct. But the surrogates must present this viewpoint for him. (n/t)

[THUNDER HANDS]

10. yes, turn your boat into the fire

Attack this head on.

You never want to sit around on Nov. 3rd going 'if I only did this...'

[Bluebear]

14. The PERTINENT paragraphs from bin Laden.......................

"It never occurred to us that the commander-in-chief of the American armed forces would leave 50,000 of his citizens in the two towers to face these horrors alone," he said, referring to the number of people who worked at the World Trade Center.

"It appeared to him (Bush) that a little girl's talk about her goat and its butting was more important than the planes and their butting of the skyscrapers. That gave us three times the required time to carry out the operations, thank God," he said.

In planning the attacks, bin Laden said he told Mohammed Atta, one of the hijackers, that the strikes had to be carried out "within 20 minutes before Bush and his administration noticed."

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041029/ap_on_re_mi_ea/bin_laden_tape_14

[kokomo]

36. Osama sounded like he didn't expect to bring down 7 buildings in the WTC!

Just clip the top floors with some mostly empty airliners. There could have been tens of thousands more dead there with another plan.

The United States blind support for Israel also plays into this tape.

[kokomo]

15. Let's all stand on the Capitol steps, hold hands, and sing Kumbaya

Yeah, all that smooching with Republicans really got us their respect right after 9/11. They thew the Patriotic Act back at us and twisting the knife in our back every since.

[TNOE]

16. Correction: WE didn't lose so miserably in 2002

that election was a fraud and everybody knows it.

[newsguyatl]

20. no, we DID lose in 2002

how else do you explain all those "dem" ads showcasing a snugglefest with bush.



it will come down to this for the kerry campaign -- will he go the DNC/Frum route on this, and pussy his way out and hope the americans fall behind him?

or will he take this fight head on and win on tues?

[TNOE]

24. I guess you missed all the thread about

the black box voting machines and Paul Wellstone's "accidental" very opportune (for Bush/Cheney) timely death, etc., etc., etc., ad nausem. And the fact that most states had projected the DEM the winner - and than something went wrong and the fact that never before in history has America ever voted for a Repub White House and Senate. NEVER.

But I agree that Kerry should hammer this hard and be relentless.

[Confident]

27. Taking "this [particular] fight head on" means

making Bush and OBL equally guilty for the 9/11 dead. Guess what - even today, eveon on DU, it's Bush over OBL in a landslide

[TNOE]

37. Yea, its probably getting a little warm for the

Bush/Cheney team.... Zogby's poll came out and said 49% of New Yorker's believe they (this administration) were involved -

Stanley Hilton has a suit against Bush from the 9/11 Families

Phil Berg has a suit against Bush

The 9/11 Victim's Families and NUMEROUS people brought their case before the New York Attorney General and he accepted it

It took over 3 1/2 years for most people to get it - but you can't hide all the evidence... and as they said in Watergate - FOLLOW THE MONEY.

[aquart]

17. Agreed.

Except for the part about Iraq being the diversion. Osama was the diversion from the real purpose, the invasion of Iraq so George could play might conqueror.

Bush never gave a damn about anything that threatens Americans, not terrorists, not flu, not Osama.

[unfrigginreal]

18. I don't think that Kerry can go directly at Bush

but I do think, that among the statements that he makes, declaring that the focus will soon be back on tracking down terrorists like Osama would help.

[graywarrior]

19. Bet Wesley Clark will have something to say about this

[Ladyhawk]

26. And Howard Dean and Jon Stewart, you can bet.

Kerry can stay out of it. He can focus on getting that OBL bastard and say nary a word about the Pretzeldent's failure.

:tinfoilhat: WHY do I not trust the timing of this???? It feels like something else is going on.

[Confident]

22. Not true

Dems went into a frenzy at Wellstone's funeral and it cost Mondale a Senate seat.

Hate and anger don't win US elections - never have, never will.

[newsguyatl]

23. welcome to du newbie

i hope others will read your post and get my point.

[Confident]

33. thanks

it's terrifying to go against the flow tonight

[KittyWampus]

Who Said Anything About Hate & Anger?

Newsuy's post is about Kerry pointing out the obvious so HE CAN WIN!

Democrats lose when they are doormats.

[Tansy_Gold]

30. Hate and anger are very powerful emotions and they DO

tend to spur people to action.

We do not act when we are comfortable and at peace. It's a nice condition to strive for, but it's when we're uncomfortable that we act.

Peace and flowers aren't getting out the vote in Florida; the lingering anger over 2000 is what's getting people out. They were robbed four years ago, and they ain't gonna be robbed again.

The Dems have to STOKE that anger. They have to keep it at a fever pitch. Making nice nice with the enemy should only happen when they are utterly and completely defeated.

No retreat, no surrender.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

31. This is a minefield for Kerry

Kerry really needs to be cautious on this one. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bin Laden "captured" by the Bushies on Monday right after Kerry spends the entire weekend ranting and raving over the inability to get OBL. Now that would truly be a Rovian October Surprise.

[Cats Against Frist]

32. Explain the rise of the radical right through

Rush's sweaty red ass crawing hate into a microphone, then.

Hate wins elections more than anything -- well, except fear. It just depends who you hate.

[w13rd0]

44. The only reason that happened...

...is because once again the GOP feigned outrage, and the Dem spokespersons FLINCHED, and so the GOP charged. When they feign outrage and start their charge, step aside and STRIKE THEM squarely on the nose. If we don't, they'll continue to be the Bull in the China Shop, trashing everything in their rabid attempt to Gore us, all puns aside.

OBL would NOT BE ALIVE TO PONTIFICATE TODAY if Bush had SEIZED ON THE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION extended us to FINISH THE JOB. Instead, he alienated everyone to pursue an occupation of ANOTHER Arab nation in a war based on LIES.

Staple THAT to the church door!

[saracat]

45. Really?

It has always worked for the repugs! Max Cleland and John McCain would probably disagree with you!

[saracat]

47. Use it or lose it.

We can't Dashle our way into the WH. Americans don't appreciate niceties!

[mtnester]

25. I can only hope the tv commercial is being cut this minute

to blast him for letting OBL walk free...show the I don't care where he is comment, show the my pet goat moment, show the mission accomplished moment, then take the worst clip from OBL and end it with....do you really think you are safe with GW in charge?

DO IT...Lockhart, et al...do it NOW

Politics is NO PLACE for weenies...not with this country at stake. It is the final hour, the moment of truth...THE future of this country is at stake...if you don't believe that and do everything you can in the next 4 days to GOTV and get Kerry in the white house, then get out of the way and let the next guy take your place.

The OBL tapes should be pissing us off, not scaring us dammit!

[TakeBackUSA]

28. Wesley Clark, Top Generals should endorse Kerry ....

as the best guy to get Osama. Bring up Bush's failure to get him. That's how you attack this. Kerry can sound the uniting tone today, and increase the attack in the next few days

[DuaneBidoux]

29. Kerry shouldn't do it. That's perfect work for Clark, maybe Edwards

Kerry has already reacted perfectly

[Q]

34. Agreed...

...although it doesn't have to be a frontal attack. Kerry can stay on message while his team continues to mention the tape and that the very person Bush* said he would 'smoke out of his cave' is still alive and well and taunting America.

[baltodemvet]

35. Disagree

Kerry should not bash Bush in response to obl. Bush is no longer relevant. This is now between Kerry and OBL. Kerry response should be "Yep, he's still at large and I make his capture a critical priority"

[Malva Zebrina]

38. I agree

Bush has set himself up as the voice of the god, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, able to protect us all from the evil axis and the evil terrorists. The image has been firmly implanted in the minds of dumb people almost half the country. It doesn't matter that he lies, it doesn't matter that he bungled the Iraaq war and is personallhy responsible for the lost lives of thousands upon hundred thousands of lives who died for nothing. It does not matter that he has screwed up the economy. He is to be trusted because he has the god behind him , who speaks to him. He, and only he, can save us from Bin Laden and to change horses in the middle of the stream is NOT the way to be saved from terrorist attacks. It is firmly ensconced in the minds of simpletons who have just not reached that point of intelligence to be able to parse his phoniness.

This appearance of Bin Laden will stoke those dumbasses into voting for Bush.

It is time to make the strong statement that it is because of Bush's ineptness that Bin Laden is still alive, and apparently in very good health. It is because of Bush that he is able to be a threat.

[phirili]

39. I agree. Blame Bush or lose.

[InvisibleTouch]

40. Totally, totally agree with you!!

Especially on this part:

you can't say "oh, let's come together over this frightening tape and sing kumbaya while holding hands and praying." HELL NO! doing this only plays into bushco's hands. and he knows it!

Exactly. Extend the hand of friendship to this administration, and they will take off your whole arm at the collarbone. I thought we'd learned this by now?

[Carni]

41. YES! THANK YOU NEWS GUY!

YES YES AND YES AGAIN!

[harpo]

42. right on!!

[Ladyhawk]

43. A re-run of the Move-On ad featuring Bush's statement...

...about not being concerned about bin Laden would help. I've e-mailed MoveOn and told them I would contribute more if they needed it (even though I'm tapped out). If you agree, contact MoveOn. It's a way to attack the chimp without getting Kerry's hands dirty.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

46. WHA?

Why would ANYONE here suggest Kerry shouldn't attack bush on this?

Any Dem who thinks so, ask yourself this: "would bush attack Kerry on this, if the tables were turned?"

You bet your ass he would. You bet your ass.

Besides, all politics aside, I am HIGHLY pissed off that OBL is still alive and free enough to MAKE a video tape. All those people, dead.

[Mr_Spock]

48. Somebody who is good at teasing should laugh in his face

HAHAHAHA!!! you've been chumped by OBL - what a loser. You killed thousands and you haven't done a thing to make us safer - heck, you ALLOWED us to be attacked in the first place. Bush = loser.

[sandnsea]

49. Kerry should be Presidential

If he can make a couple more comments about how we can go after Bin Laden, that's what he should do. Be a President America can get behind. And let everybody else rip Bush to shreds over the explosives and Bin Laden.

[DeadManInc]

50. OBL

Kerry should bitch slap shrub every time he has the opportunity.

[WillyT]

51. How About Something Like...

Kerry: Ladies and Gentleman, have we come to this? Pundits, pollsters, and politicians of every stripe are asking of the latest Osama bin Laden tape: Will this hurt the President, or hurt his opponent?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I humbly submit to you, the question we ALL should be asking is, how is Osama Bin Laden, 3 and 1\2 years after September 11th, able to stand up and deliver ANY MESSAGE AT ALL???

Or something along those lines.

:shrug:

[The Magistrate]

53. That Is An Excellent Line, Mr. T!

It has the sovereign advantage of being true.

How is it that Bin Ladin is still around, more than three years after he killed thousands of our countryman, and the wretched Andover cheerleader put on his cowboy act about how Bin Laden would be taken deead or alive, smoked out, and could run but could not hide, and all the rest of that drivel?

Bin Laden's head ought to have been adorning a spike atop the Capitol dome for years now already, and every human in this country and the world, including Bin Laden himself, knows it....

"Kill one, warn one hundred."

"LEY'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[WillyT]

58. Thank You, Sir !!!

Much appreciated.

:hi:

:bounce: "LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!" :bounce:

[phish420]

52. Agreed - Why shouldnt this tape be politicized?!?

This tape proves the obvious failure of this administration and SHOULD be politicized in the days leading up to the election!!

[Ell09]

54. EXACTLY

Kerry needs to HAMMER Bush on this. Bin Laden is out there because YOU (Dubya) took your eye off the ball. Under John Kerry, Osama Bin Laden heads our "Most Wanted List".

Get out there and ATTACK on this. It's a glaring failure of the Bush administration and people need to hear the truth. There's simply no reason not to take the aggressive approach.

[venus]

55. Well put. But disagree. I'll follow Kerry's lead on this.

Hope he's not looking at DU on which way to go (no offense DU'ers). But wherever he decides to lead, we as foot soldiers must follow. Whatever Kerry feels is right -- is right at this point anyway. After he wins, then that's another story.

[sampsonblk]

56. On the money - 110%

The weak wing of the party.

[Frankensteiner]

57. Dems should talk about the link between * and terrorist recruiting

The message was stated so as to position OBL against Bush, and then have the American people vote for Bush to spite Osama. Of course OBL actually wants Bush re-elected to help terrorist recruiting efforts.

Dems need to start making this point in the media: OBL is actually against Kerry. I don't think it should come from Kerry himself, or even anyone directly associated with the campaign, but that message needs to be floated out there.

[newyawker99]

61. Hi Frankensteiner!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[TheWebHead]

59. Kerry isn't attacking Bush over UBL tape

Kerry was asked about bin Laden and merely repeated what he has said consistently on the campaign trail regarding Tora Bora and Saddam distraction from the real war on terror. He wasn't parroting any argument by UBL, he wasn't injecting anything new as it related to the tape, and if he had suddenly because silent on the issue of bin Laden, it would look like he was being politically afraid.

What Kerry has done and continues to do about the Iraq distraction, Tora Bora outsourcing is attack Bush at his strength, the same doctrine ironically that Rove would have employed against him were the tables turned. This mock outrage from Bush/Cheney over anything that Kerry says that makes him not look like a lip weenie shouldn't be tolerated by anyone supporting Kerry. Don't let the right wing media and turncoat Imus force you to believe Kerry has to act like a Lieberman-esque apologetic wuss to win next Tuesday.

[chefgirl]

60. I absolutely agree, newsguy

I cannot believe people on DU are even thinking Kerry SHOULDN'T attack Bush on this one.

Who's fault is it that OBL is even alive and well enough to be making video tapes?

We all know the mouthbreathers are going to want to rally around the president, but I'm completely shocked at the DUers here tonight who seem to be reacting out of nothing but fear...just the way Bushco wants us to.
If thats the reaction that the largely politically savvy DUers are having, imagine the reactions of most Americans who don't particularly pay attention to politics beyond what their TV tells them!

Kerry needs to hit the ground running with this one tomorrow.

Hit'em and hit'em HARD!

George W. Bush is the one who said he was going to 'smoke him out of his hole'
George W. Bush is the one who THEN said he wasn't that concerned about him.
George W. Bush is the one who STILL has not captured OBL.
George W. Bush is the reason why OBL is still on our television screens threatening us.

I might feel that a more subtle approach would be more appropriate if we were a few months from the election, but three days out, the smartest thing Kerry could do is hammer away at Bush, again and again, and do it loud enough that Bushco can't get a word in edgewise!


-chef-