For $150 they could have at least said something original

Democratic Congressman John Murtha appeared at a local Democratic fundraiser last night.

WEST PALM BEACH — Americans don't support the war in Iraq and need a Democratic Congress to force President Bush to change his policy, a leading war critic told about 600 Palm Beach County Democrats at the local party's annual fund-raising dinner Saturday night.

"This is going to be our year.... We know America wants a change," said U.S. Rep. John Murtha, a Pennsylvania Democrat who wants the United States to begin pulling troops from Iraq immediately.

Murtha said the situation in Iraq is steadily deteriorating and "the truth is there's no plan for victory."

The congressman, who spoke for less than 20 minutes, urged the partisan crowd to help elect Democrats in November.

"We need your help. We need Democratic members of Congress. We need a Democratic majority," Murtha said. "The Congress is an equal body, but we've been losing our power because the Congress won't stand up to this president."

Palm Beach County is home to two congressional races in which Republican incumbents are being challenged by Democrats.

Democratic state Sen. Ron Klein of Boca Raton, who is facing U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, in a nationally watched race, followed Murtha at the podium at Saturday's dinner. Klein criticized Shaw as an unquestioning "cheerleader" for the Bush administration, which Klein said is waging "a war without a plan."

While critical of the war, the senator does not support setting specific dates for the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

Tim Mahoney, a Palm Beach Gardens Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fort Pierce, met with Murtha before the dinner. Mahoney has said America can "win the peace" in Iraq by firing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and building an international coalition.

Both Democratic candidates for governor, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, attended Saturday night's event at the county convention center, although Davis arrived after Murtha's remarks.

Also attending were Democratic U.S. Reps. Robert Wexler of Delray Beach and Alcee Hastings of Miramar, along with a host of other Democratic officeholders.

Note- My basis for the $150 is a previous Post article that previewed last night.

Maybe it's bad reporting by George Bennet. He's been behind before. If true, this fundraiser just further shows the intellectual bankruptcy of the Democratic party. It saddens me because I for a long time supported the party. TFM is a registered Democrat.

Let's go down the list

1- So the Democrats can stand up to the President? I seem to recall a Senate vote to set a withdrawal date for Iraq being defeated 90 something to a handful. If the Dems are so certain of victory, why not vote yes. Won't the voters support their vote then?

2- No mention of a Democratic plan but they attack the Republicans for not having one. Is it fight or leave for the Democrats? See Point #1 if its leave, if its stay isn't that what we're doing now?

3- Tim Mahoney is clueless. How does firing Rumsfield bring peace? As to a coalition, well I seem to recall there being over 40 countries assisting us in Iraq already.

I guess those talking last night were talking to the like minded. Its us moderate or moderate conservative Democrats who are left scratching our heads at how bankrupt the party sounds today.

Open Post- Right Wing Nation, Bright & Early, TMH's Bacon Bits,