Another stupid D&C editorial
I think I’ve figured out the basic strategy of the D&C editorial board: write something so stupid that people on both sides of the debate disagree, so that they can then say “see, both sides hates us, so we must be in the center.” Today’s piece on the new Iraq funding bill is a classic example. They write:
Congress is setting itself up for an exercise in futility. A war funding bill passed by the House on Wednesday is more of a symbolic gesture than a step toward meaningful movement in Iraq.
[...]
While presidential candidates such as Sen. Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani will need to be prepared with a strong vision for the future in Iraq, there’s still work that can and should be done now.
Local lawmakers Republican Jim Walsh and Democrats Michael Arcuri and Louise Slaughter voted for the bill. Instead, they along with their colleagues, need to go back to the drawing board. Congress should be working with Bush to create a strategy and funding level that make sense. A plan is needed that wisely draws down troop levels, and eases Iraqis into a position of greater power.
First of all, does anyone seriously think there is such a thing as a “strong vision” for the future of Iraq? Even the president’s staunchest supporters know the issue now is disaster management, not bold plans for the future. Secondly, does anyone seriously think it is possible to work with president Bush? The Republicans in Congress sure don’t think so. Check out this clip where David Brooks says “Republicans hate Bush”, specifically citing Capitol Hill as a hotbed of anti-Bush sentiment. I think he’s overstating things, but his basic point, that Washington Republicans dislike and distrust Bush, is right on.
I would love to see Congress get veto-proof majority votes mandating withdrawl from Iraq. And for all I know, this is a place where Democrats in Congress could do a better job of getting Republicans to come and vote with them. If the D&C wants to write that Democrats need to do a better job of working with Republicans in Congress to get a veto proof majority on Iraq and other issues, they might have a point. I’m not sure I’d agree, depending on the issue, but it would be a reasonable suggestion.
But the idea that anyone has ever worked with, or will ever work with Bush is something that exists only in the minds of out-of-touch editorial writers.
Related posts:
From the Markos Moulitsas’ (dailykos) column in Newsweek this week:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/70653
moderate man in weimar us
Can we impeach the D&C Editorial board?