Democrats and the Politics of Fear

As mentioned in my last post, Howard Dean made it clear that the only way to end the Iraq War is by electing a Democrat. Is this not the same "politics of fear" that they have accused Rudy Giuliani and other Republicans of partaking in? Despite this obvious truth, no Democratic Presidential candidate has been asked this hardball question, despite how the media reports the Democrats have been asked "very tough questions" at the debates.

If this was the only thing the Democrats were exploiting fears on, I could dismiss their actions as cowardly and self-interested. Unfortunately, these same dirty tactics have been used in the recent 35-W bridge collapse.

The Star Tribune published a cartoon in which the Lt. Governor of Minnesota was blamed for the bridge collapse. Also, an editorial alluded that Pawlenty's gas-tax veto stifled revenue that could have gone towards roads. If that wasn't enough, one Minnesota state legislator went as far as to blame global warming for the weakened bridge condition.

Although I am disgusted with all of this, I can't say I am surprised. I've seen these methods before.

In the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, a clear failure of government on all levels, the majority of the blame fell on President Bush as the Democratic Mayor and Governor escaped relatively unharmed (politically). In this bridge tragedy, the Democratic Mayor and the state legislators of the area have not taken a political hit regarding the infrastructure of Minnesota bridges.

It's almost like Democrats, and the media, travel along the chain of command searching for a Republican to blame.

Then it was Bush, now it's Pawlenty.