It is a mistake to think the Democrats will do our job for us, even inadvertently, let alone deliberately.
Of course Republicans shouldn't comment on "every" treasonous utterance by "every" Democrat. That misses the point. Murtha isn't just "any" Democrat. He is a senior congressman who doesn't fit the Democratic stereotype. He looks and sounds like a regular-guy Middle American. And he's talking like Michael Moore and has gotten a lot of publicity. We can't let this slip by, shrugging it off with an attitude like, "Let George do it."
We're a team. Saying that it's someone else's job is the way of losers.
OK, I'm going to give you a quick course in the manipulation of people. Which do you think will get Diana Irey more votes?
- "Congressman Murtha, how dare you, you oxygen thief, even think of smearing our great men and women in the US armed forces? No wonder the Marine corps didn't make you a general after over 35 years, you mushy headed nitwit!"
- "Congressman Murtha, I am sad and disappointed that you have chosen to criticize our armed forces at this time. With your distinguished record of service, you should know full well that the fog of war distorts the circumstances of the dangerous job our courageous fighting forces are doing."
The second sounds Daschle-esque but it works on the lazy voter. I've seen it too many times. Republican congressmen are better off saying nothing. Otherwise, people will sympathize with the poor old man.
Never mind that if he can't handle a little verbal abuse he shouldn't be in Congress, this is the way the elderly, socially-conservative, third-generation-union voters in his district will see it.