Text 22017, 95 rader
Skriven 2006-08-20 15:12:00 av Jeff Binkley (1:226/600)
Ärende: Lieberman
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Excellent....  Keep attacking Lieberman.

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http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Politics/story?id=2334709&page=1

Kerry Calls Lieberman the New Cheney

Senator Labels Bush Iraq Policy 'Disaster,' Lieberman Bid 'Huge Mistake'

By ED O'KEEFE

Aug. 20, 2006 — Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., blasted a fellow Democrat, 
Sen. Joe Lieberman, for continuing his bid in the Connecticut Senate 
race despite a narrow loss to newcomer Ned Lamont in the Democratic 
primary earlier this month.

"I'm concerned that [Lieberman] is making a Republican case," Kerry told
ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" in an exclusive 
appearance. 

Kerry accused the 2000 Democratic vice presidential candidate of 
"adopting the rhetoric of Dick Cheney," on the issue of Iraq. 

"Joe Lieberman is out of step with the people of Connecticut," Kerry 
added, insisting Lieberman's stance on Iraq, "shows you just why he got 
in trouble with the Democrats there."

Kerry called Lieberman's independent bid a "huge mistake" and applauded 
businessman-turned-politician Lamont as "courageous" for challenging 
Lieberman on the war.

Of his own views on Iraq, Kerry stated forthrightly, "The course of this
country in Iraq is making the world more dangerous." 

Kerry, the Democrat's nominee for president in 2004, supported the 2003 
Senate resolution that ultimately led to the invasion of Iraq, and was 
criticized throughout his White House bid for then opposing a measure 
funding continuing operations in that effort. The Bush campaign seized 
on what they described as Kerry's wavering views on Iraq, which in part 
led to the senator's 2004 election defeat.

Since 2004, Kerry has steadily sharpened his opposition to the Iraq war,
calling for a steady withdrawal of U.S. troops beginning last year.

Kerry told chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos, "Iraq 
is not the center of the war on terror," while also asserting, "Iraq is 
in a civil war; of course it's in a civil war."

Kerry said he supports the efforts of Senator John Warner, R-Va., to 
introduce a second resolution on Iraq if and when the country descends 
into outright civil war. Kerry believes that moment has come and 
reiterated, "We have to set a date for the withdrawal," before 
concluding, "The absence of diplomacy is putting our troops at greater 
risk and is reducing our ability for success."

On the uncertain ceasefire involving Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah, 
Kerry said the near-month-long violence "set back" Hezbollah, but did so
"at a greater cost to Israel."



Kerry also criticized President Bush's approach to the troubled region. 



"I know that I would have handled the diplomacy," he said.



Kerry connected the hostilities between Israel and Lebanon to Iraq, once
again proclaiming, "I believe the president's policy in Iraq is a 
disaster of catastrophic proportions." He said his more diplomatic 
approach to Iraq might have prevented the instability the region 
currently faces. 



Regarding the 2008 presidential content, Kerry remained uncommitted, but
dismissed early polls that seem to frame Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-
N.Y., as a leading contender.



"George, you're talking to somebody who was once 30 points down," Kerry 
said. "My decision [to run] … will not be based on any poll. It will be 
based on my vision for the direction of the country."



George Stephanopoulos' entire interview with Kerry can be viewed at 
"This Week's" Web page at www.abcnews.com. 

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