Cord Byrd: “I commend the distinguished Democratic leader for the position he has taken here today. I commend him for the restraint…”

“I commend the distinguished Democratic leader for the position he has taken here today. I commend him for the restraint he has shown in his remarks. I, too, was astounded upon reading this story in the Washington Post this morning. It reads as follows in part: As he seeks to boost Republican candidates in the midterm elections, President Bush is increasing his emphasis on terrorism and national security, shedding his previous determination to demonstrate his concern about the flagging economy. Four times in the past two days, Bush has suggested that democrats do not care about national security, saying on Monday that the Democratic-controlled Senate is "not interested in the security of the American people." His remarks, intensifying a theme he introduced last month, were quickly seconded and disseminated by House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.). At a fundraiser for GOP House candidate Adam Taff in Kansas Monday, Vice President Cheney said security would be bolstered if Taff were to defeat Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.). "Cheney talks about Iraq at congressional fundraiser/ Electing Taff would aid war effort," read the headline in the Topeka Capital-Journal. Mr. President, are we to believe this? Are we to believe that this President said what I have just quoted? This is the President who was going to change the tone in Washington. I am terribly disappointed. We are entering an election. War clouds loom over this country.”