IN THE NEWS

Hoyer: Bush Political Attacks Tired and Predictable

Whip Says Americans Would Like to Hear President Address National Security Challenges Instead

WASHINGTON - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in response to President Bush's repeated political attacks on Democrats:

 "President Bush's political attacks on Democrats are so tired and predictable that Americans are simply tuning them out.  Democrats understand that Americans want tough and smart policies that keep them safe.

 "What Americans would actually like to hear from the President is how he is addressing the conclusions of a recently released National Intelligence Estimate that shows the Republican Iraq policy is undermining our fight in the war on terror.  It would also be helpful for the President to explain why his Administration neglected to plan for the post-war phase in Iraq, which has cost American lives and money.  Finally, Americans would surely find it more useful for him to explain how he is going to effectively deal with growing nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran.

 "President Bush and Congressional Republicans ought to focus less on page one of Karl Rove's campaign playbook and more on addressing their failing Iraq policy and the gaps in American security."

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