Democrats corner Cheney over Saddam (India)

The real fun of American politics is not the debate proper, but the post-debate scramble by both parties to drive various messages home and, in the process, get digs in at the opposition.

http://us.rediff.com/news/2004/oct/06us1.htm

<The clip begins with a quote from Cheney, taken from the night's debate. "I have not suggested there is a connection between Iraq and 9/11," the vice president said in response to a salvo from Edwards.

The clip then compiles past Cheney statements, thus: "I think there's overwhelming evidence that there was a connection between Al Qaeda and the Iraqi government" - on the National Public Radio, Morning Edition, January 22 this year.

"If we're successful in Iraq...we will have struck a major blow right at the heart of the base...of the terrorists who have had us under assault now for many years, but most especially on 9/11" - on NBC, Meet the Press, 11/14/03.<snip>

When I heard Cheney say last night that he never suggested a connection between Iraq and 9/11, I immediately remembered that remark. Even Bush had to back peddle and distance themselves from Cheney's comments after that interview with Russert. Cheney talked himself into a corner last night and this is red meat.

This is going to have some legs, I believe.