Reid slams Bush on Iraq policy

Benjamin Grove

Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 | 11:06 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., had tough words for President Bush today in a Democratic "pre-buttal" to Wednesday's State of the Union.

In a speech at the National Press Club, the Senate minority leader challenged Bush's Iraq policy. Reid said Bush had a "golden opportunity" to articulate an understandable definition of what victory in Iraq means, and how to achieve it.

Reid reasserted last week's call for better support of troops with equipment and armor and for an increase in troop strength by 40,000 in the next two years. Troops are "stretched too thin, he said"

"President Bush needs to do much more to live up to his obligations as commander-in-chief."

There is not a partisan split in Congress in its commitment to defending the nation, he said.

"America stands united in waging the war on terror," Reid said. "We Democrats simply believe we need a stronger strategy for winning this war."

Bush called the Iraqi elections a "resounding success" but also said there is more work to be done to secure democracy there.

Reid called the Iraqi elections a "milestone" but said Bush needs a clearer plan for defeating a growing insurgency and increasing political participation by all parties.

Reid also said America should put more emphasis on diplomacy.

"President Bush, America needs to start making more friends in this world," Reid said. "We certainly have enough enemies."

Reid today teamed with House Minority Lleader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who criticized Bush's domestic agenda, especially his plan to allow younger workers to invest a portion of their Social Security payroll taxes. Bush's plan would cost the nation $15 trillion over 40 years while decreasing enefits, she saidPelosi and Reid said there was no Social Security crisis. "Social Security will be there for today's young people -- unless President Bush gets his way," Pelosi said. "Social Security is the closest thing our government has to a sacred trust. President Bush, don't betray that trust."

Pelosi did not say whether Democrats would offer a Social Security alternative. She said a bipartisan solution is needed and Democrats would not support a plan that increases the federal deficit.

Bush's costly plan should be included in his budget proposal, due for release next week, she said.

Reid and Pelosi today aimed to seize some of the attention that will focus on Bush this week. The media event was part of a larger strategy to aggressively seek ways to get their message to voters.

Reid leads a group that intends to challenge Bush on high-profile issues. Bush's State of the Union is likely to focus on Social Security and Iraq.

Republican officials today said Democrats are focused on slamming Bush on Social Security but offer no alternative plan. And they said Democrats are continually negative on Iraq, even in the face of what they deemed a successful election.

The Republican National Committee called Reid and Pelosi the "Dynamic Duo of Obstruction."

"While President Bush is looking to work with Democrats in confronting the challenges facing our nation, the Democratic leaders' attacks on a speech that has not even been delivered are a sad reminder of their determination to score partisan political points even at the cost of accomplishing the business of the American people," RNC spokesman Brian Jones said in a written statement.