I read
this piece in the New York Times this morning and can't decide what to make of it.
On the one hand, it seems to warn democrats about any "rethinking" of the position on abortion.
On the other hand, it seems to gleefully nudge the democrats for what the author sees as lack of a cohesive position on the issue.
What struck me most, though was this lead-in assertion:
Party leaders, including Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and the new chairman, Howard Dean, have repeatedly signaled an effort to recalibrate the party's thinking about new restrictions on abortion.
Now, I've not heard anything from either Clinton or Dean (set aside the fact that no one outside the 4th Estate considers Clinton a "party leader") on this issue. As for Clinton, it wouldn't surprise me that she'd stake out pragmatic positions on this.
But as to Dean -- our party's leader -- I would bet dollars to donuts that this is just an out and out false statement.
My question is: have any of you seen in your surfing on the net, etc. come across
ANYTHING that would suggest that Howard Dean (or any party leader) has
"repeatedly signaled an effort to recalibrate the party's thinking about new restrictions on abortion." (my emphasis)
Has the "good doctor" become a hack politicion over night, or is this Kirkpatrick fella engaging in the Fuax-news "some democrats say" nonsense?
Please feel free to link any stories, quotes, or statements, suggesting that Dr. Dean (or any party "leader") is signaling a change.