Russ Feingold delivered a helluva speech at the Take Back America conference. Here are a few quotes:
Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold, a potential 2008 presidential candidate, received a raucous, enthusiastic greeting Wednesday from a liberal group as he criticized President Bush for the Iraq war and a secretive domestic wiretapping program. The same crowd had booed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., the presumed 2008 front-runner, a day earlier for opposing a set date for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.
Feingold was the first senator to call for a timetable to bring back troops, a popular position at the Take Back America conference. “Run, Russ, run,” some chanted as the Wisconsin senator stepped to the podium. Others wore buttons and stickers with the same sentiment. “They got it wrong in Iraq,” Feingold said to applause. “Iraq was a mistake.” And he reiterated a theme he’s made in recent speeches, exhorting Democrats to show some backbone. Everywhere he goes, Feingold said, people ask him the same question: “When are you guys going to stand up?” Many in the crowd responded by doing just that, greeting the challenge with a standing ovation.
Feingold said that Democrats are wrong to play it safe this year, in the hopes that they can pick up seats in Congress simply because of sinking Republican popularity. “There will not be progressive change in this country this year or any other year if we think we can win by default, or by running out the clock,” he said.
This is the only voice on the national stage telling the bold truth, one based on clarity and conviction instead of hate and racism. Just listening to his words is a tonic in this summer of Neocon sleazes.
If you would like to see a video of the whole speech, CLICK HERE.
