Daschle is sounding more like he's running for President:
Daschle argues Bush presidency ''is essentially over''
By MIKE GLOVER
AP Political Writer
The Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle said Saturday that President Bush's presidency ''is essentially over'' but warned that Democrats can't count solely on Republican troubles to win in the next election.
''I don't think it's enough for us to watch the Republicans self-destruct,'' Daschle said in an interview with The Associated Press. ''I think it's important for us to set forth some ideas that give the party an opportunity to define itself and to contrast with Republicans.''
Daschle focused on increasing the use of alternative fuels and energy efficiency, and on repairing a health care system that he said is ''the biggest single domestic problem facing our country today.''
In addition, he said Democrats should confront President Bush on his policies in Iraq, calling for immediate withdrawal of 80,000 troops, bringing National Guard troops home and having all troops out of the country by the end of 2007.
Daschle, who lost his Senate seat in the last election, keynoted the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner, the party's biggest annual fundraiser. He said Democrats can make real gains if they can sharpen their contrast with Republicans.
''It's not a given than 2006 and 2008 will be good Democratic years, but I think that given the direction and the environment, the backdrop is far more conducive to Democratic victories than we've had in a long time,'' Daschle said. ''This doesn't guarantee them, but it does give us a leg as we start looking at these elections more seriously.''
The troubles rocking the Republican party include the indictment of Vice President Cheney's top aide, the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, an investigation of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's finances and growing public disfavor about the war in Iraq.
Those forces have combined to create an environment that's as favorable for Democrats as any in the last 20 years, Daschle said.
''You've got a lot of sense of drift and just sort of an anxiety level that has been mounting in recent months,'' he said.
''My message is that the presidency of George Bush is essentially over,'' Daschle said. ''They are self-destructing and careening from failure to failure.''
The potential for victory stretches to Congress, where Democrats have had a much better recruiting year than two years ago, Daschle said.
''I honestly do believe that there is a better than even chance that we're going to take back the House and Senate,'' he said. ''Two years ago in the House, all they could do was recruit 10 Democrats to run in competitive races. This year, so far, they've got 53 Democrats running in competitive races. They've actually raised more resources than Republicans to date.''
Daschle said the message he offered on energy prices, health care and the war in Iraq will resonate with voters.
He offered specifics, such as a five point energy plan that includes an increased focus on renewable energy, but coupled it with energy efficiency and forcing oil companies to rebate some of the excessive profits they've reported as gasoline prices soared
''These kind of things are something this country has needed for a long time on energy,'' Daschle said. ''I think this is just one example where government can specifically give this debate about the future of the country some meaningful direction.''
The Democratic fundraising dinner comes as both parties begin girding for a midterm election that looks to be one of the most intense in years. In Iowa, the governor's office is coming open with Gov. Tom Vilsack not seeking a third term, and there are heated primaries in both parties.
At least two of the state's congressional races are shaping up as competitive, and both parties vow to compete for control of the Legislature.
In addition, potential presidential candidates are already beginning to visit Iowa, where precinct caucuses launch the presidential nominating season.
''I think we need a little wind at our back, but we've recruited well and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting political years that we've seen in a long time,'' Daschle said.
Recent Comments