Posted on 08/15/2004 1:14:24 PM PDT by FairOpinion
NEW YORK -- The city's most vocal supporter of the Republican National Convention and the reelection of George W. Bush is not one of the few Republicans living here, but rather, one of the city's most famous and prickliest Democrats.
Edward I. Koch, the three-term mayor from 1978 to 1989 who some say is New York City's best-known citizen, is not only acting as the welcome wagon for the 50,000 Republicans arriving this month, but he also is unapologetically advocating Bush's reelection.
"There is only one issue I think is important today, and it overshadows and trumps any other issue," Koch said. "On the most important issue -- dealing with international terrorism and standing up -- President Bush has been magnificent, and I believe the Democratic Party does not have the stomach to take on year after year international terrorism."
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
YOU TELL EM, EDDIE !
I thought the Dems wanted bi-partisanship participation in American politics! LOL
Ed Koch is about as liberal as you can get in New York politics, and if he's backing Bush it's another serious blow to Kerry's campaign.
Why isn't he speaking at the convention?
This might help make some headway in luring the Jewish New York vote. Go, Eddy, go!
Last week I got a call from a teacher's union "pollster" (actually trying to identify possible Kerry votes for GOTV efforts). She asked my presidential preference ("Kerry", "lean Kerry", "undecided", "lean Bush", "Bush"), I said "Bush".
Then she asked what was my main issue in supporting Bush. I said "because we are in a war with Islamic fascists who want to destroy or enslave us and the Democratic Party refuses to seriously address that fact."
Boy, she hung up in a hurry.
Here is another article with more detail, written by Koch, in which he explains why he is supporting Bush.
Ed Koch: Why Bush Must Be Re-elected
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1177308/posts
Shortly after 9/11, President Bush announced his commitment to the struggle against Islamic fanatics, who believe they can destroy the values of Western civilization and democratic governments everywhere. On entering this war against terrorism after 9/11, President Bush said, “We shall go after the terrorists and the countries that harbor them.”
This Bush Doctrine rivals in importance the Monroe Doctrine, which limited the colonization efforts of foreign powers in the Western Hemisphere, and the Truman Doctrine, which contained the spread of Communism. President Bush has proven that he is prepared to keep to his commitment to fight terrorism.
If John Kerry were to win this presidential election, would he stand up to terrorism to the same extent as George Bush has? I don’t think so. Regrettably, my party, the Democratic Party, now has a strong radical left wing whose members often dominate the party primaries. Those same left-wing radicals have an anti-Israel philosophy, reviling that democratic state which shares the values held by a majority of Americans.
...
But it was President Bush who had the courage to take up arms in defense of the U.S. and our allies. That is what leadership is all about.
In my opinion, the U.S. presidents who have been Israel’s greatest friends are, in order, the current President Bush, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. This November, we Americans in the Jewish community should remember our friends. We should thank President Bush for his courage in the war against terrorism and for his strong and consistent support for Israel and democracy.
===
Read the whole article. Koch really slams the Democrats.
Click the logo to donate to Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
In New York politics, Koch was moderate compared to bitter rivals Mario Cuomo and David Dinkins.
I was just going to say something along those lines. He was in bed with the real estate interests, started the cleanup of Times Square, and tried closing a hospital (sacre bleu!), and the African-Americans hated him for putting on that afro wig and other shenanigans.
Perhaps other Democrats will begin to reconsider Kerry, as Koch has, especially if they consider the lack of experience and executive leadership ability of the man he chose to be a heartbeat away from defending America from those intent on destroying us (the fawning Edwards). If Kerry's first major decision was an indicator of the maturity of his leadership ability, then Mayor Koch may have many Democrats joining him on Election Day, as they consider the future safety of their children and grandchildren.
They might do well to review Joe Liberman's comments last year about Kerry:
"SEN. JOE LIEBERMAN (D-CT):
"I thought that John Kerry’s statement in his announcement address -- that he voted for the resolution just to threaten Saddam Hussein -- was unbelievable. It was clearly an authorization for President Bush to use force against Saddam ... [W]e also don’t need a waffler in charge of our country’s future.
" The Boston Globe, 9/5/03"
Koch is one of the few high profile Democrats that hasn't been made impotent by hatred. If the Democrats had chosen to treat National security seriously he'd have voted for them. They haven't, nor have they a good track record with Israel. Koch is the type of Democrat I can respect because he puts his country first.
In contrast we have Lieberman. I give him his due in standing up to his party about terrorism, though the view makes him unpopular, but he is a Democrat first, not an American first. Any rational human being knows the only person taking terrorism seriously is G.W. Any rational person knows G.W. has been a better friend to Israel than his democrat counter parts. Unlike Koch, he has chosen to put party loyalty first.
If positions were reversed I would stand with the Democrat pick even if socially they were pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, pro-national healthcare. If it were the Republican driven by seething hatred, not the Democrat, I could not support him nor do I think the majority of Republicans or conservatives would support this person.
This threat is real. This isn't a time to be partisan but to evaluate reality. The reality is that our existence is threatened. We need a person that understand reality and is willing to risk all to protect the safety of our citizens.
I LOVE ED KOCH, aaaaand you may quote me!
I always liked Koch, eventhough he is a liberal.
I remember being in NYC in 2000 seeing an ad by Koch against Lazio saying he wasn't really "pro-choice". Meaning Lazio wasn't pro-partial birth abortion. I must admit I was disgusted, but I have to give Koch credit on seeing the light when it comes to terrorism. I forgive him supporting Hillary.
Everything irks the dimwits.
I have my problems with Koch, but he was a good mayor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
