http://www.timeswv.com/westvirginia/local_story_153000632.htmlDNC’s Dean rallies Dems, slams Bush during state visit
By Lawrence Messina
Associated Press Writer
CHARLESTON — Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean predicted Friday that the nation’s politically interested youth will heal the red-versus-blue rift that has polarized politics in recent years.
“That’s what the younger generation wants to do, is set aside our differences and work together to make America a better place,” Dean told several hundred delegates at the 36th annual meeting of the National Federation of Democratic Women.
But the former Vermont governor and 2004 presidential candidate also took time to slam Republicans and the Bush Administration. He cited the allegations surrounding the firings of U.S. attorneys and Hurricane Katrina.
“There’s not a department in government that’s not been touched by corruption or scandal, and we’re going to put an end to that,” Dean said. “The Republicans have showed us what happens when you have irresponsible people running America.”
Dean’s harshest words were for President Bush’s handling of Iraq, which he paired with the scandal regarding poor outpatient treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“You cannot be pro-troops and send our troops to Iraq, and then treat them like dirt when you send them to Walter Reed, and we won’t stand for it,” Dean said.
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