"Years ago, former president Ronald Reagan said in the Republican Party that there ought to be an 11th commandment, speak no ill of another Republican. We’re Democrats and we may not find that kind of commandment as accessible, but to the extent that we can recognize the stakes in America today, I would urge all of the other candidates and campaigns to keep their eyes on the prize."
Al Gore, in his December endorsement of VT Gov. Howard Dean
"In a sign that Wesley K. Clark's presidential campaign may be gaining ground in New Hampshire, Howard Dean's staffers on Wednesday staked out Clark's campaign appearances, handing out fliers that called the retired Army general 'pro-war' and questioned whether he was a 'real' Democrat."
Staffers for Front-Runner Dean Seen Chasing After Clark, LA Times, Jan. 8, 2003
Touchy, touchy.
I don't like to see the Dean camp do this kind of stuff, since it's unnecessary and kinda small-time. But criticisms of Clark not being a "real Democrat" are hardly wildly off the mark. And Dean has yet to suggest, as some of his opponents (including Clark) have of him, that any of the nine are as bad as (or worse than) Bush.
I'd say that overall, Dean's playing nice. Not perfect, but nice.
Posted by: strannix on January 8, 2004 09:50 AMI agree. I don't like this kind of stuff, but its pretty mild compared to the kind of crap Dean has been getting. What's more, its specifically designed to appeal to Democratic voters without giving ammunition to the Republicans (how would Rove use this flyer against Clark if he were to become the nominee?) This is in contrast to the large number of attacks by Democrats against Dean that are basically recapitulations of Republican talking points.
Besides, the 11th commandment is more of a guideline than a rule. Do you honestly think that Reagan never violated it?
Posted by: Chris Andersen on January 8, 2004 01:18 PMOh this is the living end. A Deaniac has the unmitigated gall to call someone ELSE "touchy"!? The guy's whining to Terry McAuliffe out of one side of his mouth, and calling the entire Democratic side of the aisle "cockroaches" with the other.
You don't get it both ways, pal.
cazart, you seem pretty touchy, too!
Nice straw man.
Posted by: strannix on January 9, 2004 02:10 PMI AM NOT TOUCHY!!!!
Just kidding.
But seriously, ya don't get it both ways. If anyone has the capability to defend himself, you'd think it was Ho-Ho. So it's, um, interesting when he pulls that guff. If that's a straw man, so be it.
Posted by: cazart on January 13, 2004 02:24 PM