WP: Santorum Defends President, Iraq War: Backs Bush During Debate

[DeepModem Mom]

Santorum Defends President, Iraq War
Senator Backs Bush During Debate
By Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 4, 2006; Page A04

....In his first and perhaps only debate with Democratic challenger Bob Casey Jr., Santorum lived up to his reputation as a feisty, unapologetic conservative, even though it has caused him problems in moderate-voting Pennsylvania. Ignoring Casey's taunts that he is a "rubber stamp" for Bush, Santorum embraced the president and most of his anti-terrorism policies.

"I think he's been a terrific president, absolutely," Santorum said in the nearly hour-long debate on NBC's "Meet the Press." Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld -- whose resignation is being sought by some Republican candidates -- "has done a fine job," he said, and "there is no question that the Iraq war should have commenced."

Polls consistently have shown Casey, the state treasurer and son of a popular former governor, leading Santorum. Democrats see the race as among their two or three best chances for gaining a Senate seat on Nov. 7, although Santorum has a record of winning tough elections. Santorum, who has asked for many debates, spent much of the hour portraying Casey as a bob-and-weave politician unwilling to take stands on tough issues.

Moderator Tim Russert tried to pin down Casey on whether he still believes he would have voted to support the Iraq invasion, knowing what is now known about Saddam Hussein's lack of unconventional weapons. "If we knew then what we know now," his vote would be no, Casey said, adding, "I think there wouldn't have been a vote" in the House and Senate under those circumstances....

***

Democrats hoped to negate some of Santorum's appeal to conservatives and moderates by nominating Casey, who supports gun rights and opposes abortion. But some Democrats worry that Casey is playing it too safe by refusing most debate invitations and offering unspecific solutions to many problems....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/03/AR2006090300816.html

[Erika]

1. He says W has been a fantastic president

to the 1% rich?

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ignacio Upton]

3. Welcome to DU...

And enjoy your stay while it lasts.

[longship]

4. Self-inflicted Bar-B-Que

He cooked his own goose.
Recommended and :kick:ed.

[fasttense]

5. I watch the debate and don't see how Santorum gained anything by it.

He came across as a slimy weasel. First he would defend himself against his own record and justify voting contrary to his pre-election rhetoric. Then Santorum would, instead of explaining specifics of his own, attack Casey. He had it down pact. Defend his poor record and attack Casey, defend and attack. Each time Russert turned the argument over to him, Santorum would defend or justify his rubber stamp votes in Congress then he would attack Casey on something. Santorum went so far as to tell Casey that Casey's own father would be embarrassed of his son's political position. That was a nasty and mean spirited remark and it came across that way.