# What should the Democrats do about all the "praise" from Al Queda and Iran? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 11, 2006, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986 "2006-11-11T07:13:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/21 "2006-11-11T18:15:15Z")
You guys are doing flips and twists to avoid the reality that al-Qaida had reason to cheer. They’re working to get the U.S. out of Iraq, and so are the Democrats. From their perspective, this is a big win. The chance that the U.S. will pull out of Iraq went up substantially with the Democrats controlling both houses. Since that’s what al-Qaida wants, why wouldn’t they cheer the results of the election? ---
**Author:** ![aclubs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e68b1a/32.png) [@aclubs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aclubs)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/22 "2006-11-11T18:25:07Z")
Oh, I’m not at all suggesting that Al Qaeda doesn’t feel happy about the elections. I’m just saying that they’re jubilation is misplaced. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/23 "2006-11-11T18:27:20Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] My guess is that they are trying to discredit the Democrats ( after all, I’m sure Al Qaeda and Iran know most American’s don’t like them ) by associating the Democrats with themselves. They want the Republicans in power; the GOP has been a massive boon to them, and done severe damage to America, especially internationally. Any sensible enemy of America wants the GOP in power; IIRC even the CIA believed Bin Laden wanted Bush to win, before the last Presidential election. [/QUOTE] I was going to just roll my eyes…but instead let me ask you a few questions. First off…whats your indication that AQ is growing stronger? They have been pretty quiet to be honest since they got their asses kicked in Afghanistan. A lot of the ‘AQ’ groups have been fringe groups that associated themselves with AQ after the fact. Zarquawi in Iraq was one such. Next question…what makes hard data makes you think they actually want the Republican’s in office? They want the US to get the fuck out of the ME…and the Republicans have been dicking around in the ME heavily…which seems to run contrary to their wishes. If they have the IMPRESSION that the Dems would dick around less in the ME, why do you think they would prefer the Pubs to the Dems? Or are you just speculating out of your ass because it fits how you WANT things to be? Last question…do you have a cite that the CIA has data indicating that Bin Laden REALLY wanted Bush to win the last election? Or even cared? Thanks in advanced…this should be good. -XT ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/24 "2006-11-11T18:40:47Z")
[QUOTE=Sam Stone] You guys are doing flips and twists to avoid the reality that al-Qaida had reason to cheer. [/quote] Only by ignoring the context one can say that. > [@](#): > > They’re working to get the U.S. out of Iraq, and so are the Democrats. The Republicans also want out, we disagree only on the timing or what constitutes a victory. (this also ignores that the Republicans lately were accepting plans like the one Murtha proposed (you are also ignoring it was not really cut an run)) > [@](#): > > From their perspective, this is a big win. The chance that the U.S. will pull out of Iraq went up substantially with the Democrats controlling both houses. Since that’s what al-Qaida wants, why wouldn’t they cheer the results of the election? And ignore the fact that they have another thing coming at them? IIRC once we leave, Al-qaeda is toast in Iraq, the bigger local insurgency barely tolerates them. So fuck their opinion. I also remember that Al-qaeda in a recent intelligence report admitted they were actually glad the US was in Iraq, I have to conclude the only thing Al-Qaida is hopping now is that “cheering” like that will have the effect of convincing the remaining followers of “following the course” that remaining in Iraq is the best plan. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/25 "2006-11-11T18:49:06Z")
[QUOTE=Sam Stone] They’re working to get the U.S. out of Iraq, and so are the Democrats. [/quote] Why would they want America out of Iraq ? They’d lose a major propaganda tool, and a place where they have easy access to American targets. Also, if Saddam II takes over, they’d lose the use of Iraq as a training ground and base. [QUOTE=xtisme] First off…whats your indication that AQ is growing stronger? They have been pretty quiet to be honest since they got their asses kicked in Afghanistan. [/quote] They sure don’t seem quiet to me. No did they “get their asses kicked” in Afghanistan; they _left_. [QUOTE=xtisme] Next question…what makes hard data makes you think they actually want the Republican’s in office? [/quote] They were pro-Bush at the very least, according to the CIA. [QUOTE=xtisme] They want the US to get the fuck out of the ME…and the Republicans have been dicking around in the ME heavily…which seems to run contrary to their wishes. [/quote] They want to weaken and hurt America. The GOP has hurt and weakened America, more than terrorists could in a thousand years of trying. They’re fanatics, not morons; of _course_ they are pro-GOP. _Any_ outright enemy of America is going to be pro-GOP, unless they are simply fools. [QUOTE=xtisme] Last question…do you have a cite that the CIA has data indicating that Bin Laden REALLY wanted Bush to win the last election? Or even cared? [/quote] \< googles \> [Here’s](http://www.baltimorechronicle.com/2006/102106Parry.shtml) one. > [@](#): > > In effect, Bush and bin Laden share a common goal in Iraq. They both want U.S. forces to “stay the course.” > > Recently disclosed internal al-Qaeda communiqués make clear that bin Laden’s terrorist band is counting on a long-term U.S. occupation of Iraq to build its movement. > > In a letter, dated Dec. 11, 2005, a senior al-Qaeda operative known as “Atiyah” lectured the then-leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, on the necessity of taking a long view and building ties with elements of the Sunni-led Iraqi insurgency who have little in common with al-Qaeda except hatred of the Americans. > > Atiyah told Zarqawi that “the most important thing is that the jihad continues with steadfastness and firm rooting, and that it grows in terms of supporters, strength, clarity of justification, and visible proof each day. Indeed, prolonging the war is in our interest.” [Emphasis added.] > > The “Atiyah letter” – like a previously intercepted message attributed to al-Qaeda’s second-in-command Ayman Zawahiri – suggests that a U.S. military pullout in 2005 or earlier would have been disastrous for al-Qaeda’s militants in Iraq, which are estimated at only about 5 to 10 percent of the anti-U.S. fighters. > > Without the U.S. military presence to serve as a rallying cry and a unifying force, the al-Qaeda contingent faced disintegration from desertions and attacks from Iraqi insurgents who resented the wanton bloodshed committed by Zarqawi’s non-Iraqi terrorists. > > The “Zawahiri letter,” which was dated July 9, 2005, said a rapid American military withdrawal could have caused the foreign jihadists, who had flocked to Iraq to battle the Americans, to simply give up the fight and go home. > > “The mujahaddin must not have their mission end with the expulsion of the Americans from Iraq, and then lay down their weapons, and silence the fighting zeal,” said the “Zawahiri letter,” according to a text released by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence. > > The “Atiyah letter,” which was discovered by U.S. authorities at the time of Zarqawi’s death on June 7, 2006, and was translated by the U.S. military’s Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, also stressed the vulnerability of al-Qaeda’s position in Iraq and the need to buy time. > > “Know that we, like all mujahaddin, are still weak,” Atiyah told Zarqawi. “We have not yet reached a level of stability. We have no alternative but to not squander any element of the foundations of strength or any helper or supporter.” [For details, see [Consortiumnews.com](http://Consortiumnews.com)’s “Al-Qaeda’s Fragile Foothold.”] > [@](#): > > But the biggest boon for al-Qaeda was Bush’s invasion of Iraq in March 2003, which served as a major recruiting tool for Islamic radicals. The U.S. National Intelligence Estimate, written in April 2006, confirmed this fact, calling the Iraq War the “cause celebre” that spread militancy throughout the Muslim world. > > Bin Laden also reciprocated, providing a crucial political boost to Bush in the final days of Campaign 2004. On Oct. 29, 2004, with Bush in a tough fight for a second term, bin Laden took the extraordinary personal risk to break nearly a year of silence and release a videotape that superficially denounced Bush but was interpreted by CIA analysts as a backdoor way to help Bush win. > > “Bin Laden certainly did a nice favor today for the President,” said deputy CIA director John McLaughlin in opening a meeting to review secret “strategic analysis” after the videotape had dominated the day’s news, according to Ron Suskind’s The One Percent Doctrine, which draws heavily from CIA insiders. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/26 "2006-11-11T18:58:04Z")
I’m with those who say ignore it. This isn’t meaningful and isn’t going to last. Keep in mind that the #1 al Qaeda guy in Iraq said he didn’t want us to leave because he wasn’t done killing enough US soldiers yet. That seems more like an endorsement of Bush’s policy than anything else. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/27 "2006-11-11T19:19:55Z")
[QUOTE=John Mace] I’m with those who say ignore it. This isn’t meaningful and isn’t going to last. Keep in mind that the #1 al Qaeda guy in Iraq said he didn’t want us to leave because he wasn’t done killing enough US soldiers yet. That seems more like an endorsement of Bush’s policy than anything else. [/QUOTE] This is all too nuanced for the average US voter. Bush said an election victory for Democrats help the terrorists. That’s enough for the Bushites and independents will also fall in line if Al Qaeda, _et sl_, keeps claiming to be happy. Especially if the Democrats don’t perform to expectations. I think it’s roughly equivalent to “Swift Boating.” There appears to be a rising tide of opinion in quarters where is counts for a [change in course as to Iraq](http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-na-usiraq11nov11,0,7264525.story?coll=la-home-headlines) notwithstanding opinions to the contrary from the cheap seats in Canada in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2006, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/28 "2006-11-11T23:23:24Z")
I walked past a bar last night and saw that Faux News was pushing this line of reasoning, so apparently the 'Pubs think they can get some mileage out of it. Ultimately, though, I don’t think they’ll hit this idea very hard. They must realize that they need to grow more media-savy, and the whole “Iran endorses Democrats” line sounds too much like something Stephen Colbert would say. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/29 "2006-11-12T01:13:41Z")
[QUOTE=David Simmons] This is all too nuanced for the average US voter. [/QUOTE] Ah, yes…more superior leftist arrogance aimed at the average American voter. Good on ya, **David** , keep it up. This kind of attitude is sure to help my side come 2008. But just for the record, where is the error? Bush says a Democratic win helps the terrorists, then the terrorists themselves cheer the Democratic victory. Sounds to me that the terrorists–who know their own viewpoint far better than you–view the Democratic victory as advantageous for their side. The whole world over knows the Democrats historically are weak, wishy-washy and factious and reluctant to take anything more than a symbolic stand where anything requiring military action is concerned, so why should the terrorists feel any differently? I have no doubt whatsoever that they feel their path will be traveled much more safely and easily (and unfortunately, more successfully) with the Dems in power…and even worse, I fear they are right. I see them moving money, manpower and weapons into the U.S. much more easily by taking advantage of Democratic reluctance to cast a suspicious (or in leftist terms, discriminating) eye their way, thus making another 9/11 much more likely, and I see them working much more successfully to spread terror and influence events thoughout the ME as a result of our unwillingness to do anything to stop them. But we’ll see. My guys took the right approach, but they blew it. It’s only fair now that you guys have a shot at it. My only hope is that you don’t take the wrong approach and succeed with it. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/30 "2006-11-12T01:55:10Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] But just for the record, where is the error? Bush says a Democratic win helps the terrorists, then the terrorists themselves cheer the Democratic victory. Sounds to me that the terrorists–who know their own viewpoint far better than you–view the Democratic victory as advantageous for their side. [/quote] Or, as I said, they are trying to discredit the Democrats, who are far more dangerous to them than the Republicans. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] The whole world over knows the Democrats historically are weak, wishy-washy and factious and reluctant to take anything more than a symbolic stand where anything requiring military action is concerned, so why should the terrorists feel any differently? [/quote] Really. And your evidence for “the whole world knowing this” is ? The Republicans are bullies who enjoy attacking people who can’t fight back, and shy away from anyone who can; that doesn’t make them strong, it makes them weak, and scum. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] I have no doubt whatsoever that they feel their path will be traveled much more safely and easily (and unfortunately, more successfully) with the Dems in power…and even worse, I fear they are right. [/quote] And I have little doubt that they feel exactly the opposite. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] My guys took the right approach, but they blew it. [/quote] No, they took an approach guaranteed to fail, and their incompetence turned it from simple failure into a disaster. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] My only hope is that you don’t take the wrong approach and succeed with it. [/QUOTE] Ummmm . . . if it succeeds, how is it the wrong approach ? That makes no sense. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/31 "2006-11-12T02:14:03Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] Or, as I said, they are trying to discredit the Democrats, who are far more dangerous to them than the Republicans. [/quote] How on Earth do they figure the Democrats are more dangerous to them than the Republicans? [QUOTE=Der Trihs] Really. And your evidence for “the whole world knowing this” is ? The Republicans are bullies who enjoy attacking people who can’t fight back, and shy away from anyone who can; that doesn’t make them strong, it makes them weak, and scum. [/quote] Oh, please! Where’s your evidence that we ‘enjoy’ attacking people, especially those who can’t fight back, and who do we shy away from who can? The world is full of countries who are no match for us militarily and yet, amazingly, we haven’t attaked them. [QUOTE=Der Trihs] And I have little doubt that they feel exactly the opposite. [/quote] Again, why on Earth would the terrorists fear the Democrats? I’m serious. If you can give me a good reason, it will bouy my spirits immeasurably. 😉 [QUOTE=Der Trihs] …their incompetence turned it from simple failure into a disaster. [/quote] This part of your claim I’ll grant you. [QUOTE=Der Trihs] Ummmm . . . if it succeeds, how is it the wrong approach ? That makes no sense. [/QUOTE] If it succeeds in bringing about the changes that Dems seem to favor, and those changes allow terrorism to flourish (and even worse, another 9/11 to occur), then it’s the wrong approach. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/32 "2006-11-12T02:17:54Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] The whole world over knows the Democrats historically are weak, wishy-washy and factious and reluctant to take anything more than a symbolic stand where anything requiring military action is concerned, so why should the terrorists feel any differently? [/QUOTE] Yeah, FDR was a real pansy. Truman, the only world leader to authorize the offensive use of a nuclear weapon, was another obviious pantywaist. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/33 "2006-11-12T02:22:30Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] Ah, yes…more superior leftist arrogance aimed at the average American voter. Good on ya, **David** , keep it up. This kind of attitude is sure to help my side come 2008. [/quote] The Straight Dope is extremely persuasive in the real world. I’ll go ahead and say the average U.S. voter is ignorant of many subjects and deserves little respect intellectually, at least when it comes to politics. Of course, I could say the same about the average voter in any Western democracy. The problem is the average person is pretty dumb no matter where you go. > [@](#): > > But just for the record, where is the error? Bush says a Democratic win helps the terrorists, then the terrorists themselves cheer the Democratic victory. Sounds to me that the terrorists–who know their own viewpoint far better than you–view the Democratic victory as advantageous for their side. This is a devastating assessment. I suggest interning for Mr. Limbaugh, he could use your analytical tools. The **first** problem with your hypothesis is that Democrats say they wish to implement the rest of the 9/11 commissions recommendations. If they do that and nothing else they would have done more concrete than the Republicans have in the last five years (at least domestically). > [@](#): > > The whole world over knows the Democrats historically are weak, wishy-washy and factious and reluctant to take anything more than a symbolic stand where anything requiring military action is concerned, so why should the terrorists feel any differently? In my estimation, both Democrats and Republicans are willing to wage pointless wars for political clout. The military-industrial complex isn’t in danger of waning away under either party. I think you could find many instances of Democrats bravely putting their sensitive bits into meat grinders to show how brave and manly they are. I suppose you’re more impressed with the other side’s recert forays (personally, I always thought SE Asia was prettier than the ME, but that’s just me). > [@](#): > > …and I see them working much more successfully to spread terror and influence events thoughout the ME as a result of our unwillingness to do anything to stop them. This puzzles me. What are we currently doing in the ME to prevent terrorism? I’ve thought we’ve already belabored the point that Iraq was the biggest boon to ME fundamentalism and terrorism in the 21st century. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/34 "2006-11-12T02:25:11Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] Ah, yes…more superior leftist arrogance aimed at the average American voter. Good on ya, **David** , keep it up. This kind of attitude is sure to help my side come 2008. But just for the record, where is the error? [/QUOTE] Just here, anyone can notice that you therefore ignored the letters that show what Al-qaeda’s real ideas are regarding the occupation. Assuming you are not “like the average American voter” I have to conclude you are willfully ignoring the evidence to score points. ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/35 "2006-11-12T02:36:55Z")
[QUOTE=Oakminster] Yeah, FDR was a real pansy. Truman, the only world leader to authorize the offensive use of a nuclear weapon, was another obviious pantywaist. [/QUOTE] Those were “oldschool” Democrats. He is referring to our modern age Dems. Who knows what would happened to this great country if (shudder) Al Gore were in the White House on 9/11. Surely the entire eastern seaboard would’ve been ceded to and occupied by The Terrorists ™ (who would invade using Iraq’s great navy). ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/36 "2006-11-12T02:41:29Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] How on Earth do they figure the Democrats are more dangerous to them than the Republicans? [/quote] For one thing, I expect the Democrats will actually **try** to stop them, instead of using terrorism as an excuse to push their agenda. For another, I expect them to push for sensible tactics, instead of military dick-waving. Such as concentrating our assets on going after terrorists, instead of countries that are no danger to us. The Republicans are effectively allies of the terrorists; both sides find the other quite useful. The Dems are not and do not. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] Oh, please! Where’s your evidence that we ‘enjoy’ attacking people, especially those who can’t fight back, and who do we shy away from who can? [/quote] 1 : Simple observation; the rightwingers always make a point of hurting people, whenever they can. 2 : We atttacked Iraq, which couldn’t possibly stand up to us, or even do serious damage in a direct military conflict. If they had the slightest clue how tough the resistance was going to be, I’m sure they would have _never_ attacked Iraq either. 3 : We have not attacked the other members of the “Axis of Evil”, who could do us damage. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] The world is full of countries who are no match for us militarily and yet, amazingly, we haven’t attaked them. [/quote] Because we are bogged down in Iraq. Otherwise, the Republicans would. Possibly the Democrats as well, but it’s less likely. [QUOTE=Starving Artist] Again, why on Earth would the terrorists fear the Democrats? I’m serious. If you can give me a good reason, it will bouy my spirits immeasurably. 😉 [/quote] See above. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/37 "2006-11-12T02:41:39Z")
[QUOTE=Oakminster] Yeah, FDR was a real pansy. [/QUOTE] Yeah, that FDR. What an ass-kicker! What would you have expected him to do after Pearl Harbor? [QUOTE=Oakminster] Truman, the only world leader to authorize the offensive use of a nuclear weapon, was another obviious pantywaist. [/quote] “Offensive use?” Japan attacked us, chum. Further, they refused to give up and the atom bomb was the only way to get Japan to surrender without a horribly bloody invasion of the Japanese homeland. Not much of a question as to how to proceed if you ask me. But be that as it may, it’s telling that you’ve had to go back sixty and seventy years to try to come up with examples of militarily strong Democrat presidents. Unfortunately, Democratic-controlled congresses have played an even greater role in the reputation of a Democratic-ruled U.S. as being weak, wishy-washy and unwilling to take a stand, and that’s what we’re going to have now, I’m afraid. ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/38 "2006-11-12T02:50:51Z")
C’mon **SA** , don’t ignore me…what about LBJ? He killed lots of people, too! “Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?” Not enough for **SA** , apparently… ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/39 "2006-11-12T02:51:03Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] Yeah, that FDR. What an ass-kicker! What would you have expected him to do after Pearl Harbor? [/quote] Since we are assuming him acting like Bush, I see FDR correctly attacking Japan and then the Soviet Union! Those commies had it coming! (He would ignore he was helping Germany anyhow) ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2006, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986/40 "2006-11-12T02:51:56Z")
[QUOTE=Starving Artist] Unfortunately, Democratic-controlled congresses have played an even greater role in the reputation of a Democratic-ruled U.S. as being weak, wishy-washy and unwilling to take a stand, and that’s what we’re going to have now, I’m afraid. [/QUOTE] You still haven’t demonstrated that America _has_ that reputation under the Democrats. And if it does, it would still be better than the reputation of being a bully and torturer - _including_ from the perspective of fighting terrorists. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-democrats-do-about-all-the-praise-from-al-queda-and-iran/379986.md?page=3)