Howard Dean was just on Face the Nation with host Bob Schieffer (sp) and John Hall (political editor of WaPO)
Following are some of the key points he made:
On Iraq: “We need a plan to leave.”
If this new constituttion takes away women’s rights then what are we doing there?
‘What’s a reasonable way to get out? Why isn’t there a plan? The President is responsible for a plan, he has the intelligence, he should have a plan. Where is it?’
On Cindy Sheehan, he was asked, ‘Should Bush meet with her’? Answer: “Sure he should.”
Then he went on to say troops still dont have the equipment needed and this Administration doesn’t know what they are doing. They have no direction.
Other items: Republicans are invading the private lives of Americans.
Iran: ‘Bush lacks credibility to make statements due to his past statements on Iraq and he doesn’t have the resources to follow thru on threats against Iran.’
On what the Dem message should be: “We can do better” Under Clinton, balanced budget. Under Truman, a goal for national health care. Dem message should be consistent from Alabama to California: Budget, health care, education.
Asked about Intelligent Design: “President has been attacking science since he came into office.” ID is a religious perception and even Einstein was interested in it but science is science, facts are facts. The fact is the President doesn’t care what the facts are whether it’s Iraq, deficits, or education.
Dean’s advice to Dems: ‘Always atand up and say what you believe. Dems need to be right and strong.’
On how he is perceived in DC: Quoted Truman, ‘I just tell the truth and they think it is hell.’
Dean stated that Republicans scapegoat a group every election cycle. In 2002 it was African Americans and ‘quotas’, in 2004 it was gays and marriage in in 2006 it will be immigrants. ‘Bigotry is not welcome in a debate.’
What was Not Said and my observation:
Dean continues to confound the ‘pundits’. Reporters just aren’t used to someone who answers questions directly and doesn’t waste time or beat around the issues. He stayed on message and didn’t pull punches. However, while he did not propose a plan to withdraw from Iraq, he did say it needs to happen. He did not stay on Cindy at all and (IMO) missed an opportunity.
If you saw it, what did you think?
