Cross-posted at
Dem News.
Several bloggers have made points similar to those I made yesterday regarding John Kerry and George Bush's recent remarks about Iraq. In addition to President Bush's commenting that "the Democrat approach in Iraq comes down to this: The terrorists win and America loses," GOP Majority Leader John Boehner appears to have criticized the commanders and troops on the ground in an effort to defend Donald Rumsfeld.
Here's what he said in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer:
House Majority Leader John Boehner: Wolf, I understand that, but let's not blame what's happening in Iraq on Rumsfeld.
Wolf Blitzer: But he's in charge of the military.
House Majority Leader John Boehner: But the fact is the generals on the ground are in charge and he works closely with them and the president.
Democratic leaders Howard Dean, Harry Reid, and Rahm Emanuel have all issued statements slamming Boehner, but I think they've got to do more. This should be on the front page of all Democratic web sites. The blogs should be relentless in attacking Boehner for his rampant hypocrisy -- just earlier today he threatened to "beat John Kerry to death" if he didn't apologize for his remarks. The fact that Boehner values the job of the most incompetent Secretary of Defense in recent history more than that of the troops should be on the lips of every single Democratic talking head whenever he or she is asked about the Kerry controversy. That's the most effective way to end this news cycle and keep the Democrats on offense.