Why shouldn't we expect our candidates aggressively challenge the idea that Dems won't defend US?

[jefferson_dem]

Apparently, some here think we should cower in the face of the tired, old lie, smear and fear tactics promoted by repugs.

I say FUCK NO! Put an end to that bullshit once and for all. If it requires we raise our voices a bit and speak with passion...so be it.

***

Obama: Takes Terrorism ‘Deadly Serious’
By Jeff Zeleny

GRUNDY CENTER, Iowa – It was the final question last night at a town meeting here for Senator Barack Obama. Of all the hands that were raised in the air, he called on a woman seated in the middle of the crowd.

From the moment she rose to speak, it was clear the exchange was going to be interesting.

“I want to know specifically what you would do to protect this country from terrorism,” said the woman, who later introduced herself as Jane Svoboda, 64. “And are you going to close the borders and get rid of the illegal immigrants?”

“Those are two separate questions,” Mr. Obama said.

“Probably,” she replied. “Maybe three or four.”

So Mr. Obama launched into a long answer, arguing the United States took its eye off the biggest terrorist threat by waging war in Iraq and allowing Osama bin Laden’s network to prosper in Afghanistan. He said the United States must forcefully pursue radical Islamic terrorists who are intent on launching an attack on America, but also work to build goodwill around the world to change minds of those who revile the United States.

The answer seemed to not sit well with Ms. Svoboda, who interrupted Mr. Obama. Later, she wondered whether Democrats were as equipped to protect America as Republicans.

“This is a part of the world that I’ve studied deeply,” Mr. Obama said. “This is part of the misinformation that’s been coming out of this administration.”

As they exchange continued, the volume and intensity increased in Mr. Obama’s voice.

“My job as commander-in-chief is to keep the American people safe,” he declared. “I’ve got a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old daughter. Don’t think that I care any less than Rudy Giuliani or Mitt Romney about making sure that my daughters don’t get blown up.

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http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/19/obama-takes-terrorism-deadly-serious/