I REALLY FEEL THE NEED

TO DEFEND MY OUTSTANDING SENATOR, BOB GRAHAM.

Several on these boards have criticized Senator Graham for not voting on yesterday's proposal to further investigate prewar intelligence and the like.

To even suggest that Senator Graham missed the vote because he did not want to have to betray his party and vote with the Republicans or any scenario like that, is insulting. Senator Graham has authored a comprehensive report on intelligence failures in the post-9/11 era, which Dubya has yet to release to the public despite the insistence of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Senator Graham was the only Senator who voted against the Iraq war on the basis that Dubya's fun and games would make America less safe, and that is on the record.

Thanks to Senator Graham, the Democrats actually have a statewide position in Florida (besides our new Senator, Bill Nelson). Thanks to Senator Graham, the Democratic Party has a credible spokesman on national security issues.

Senator Graham said today that Dubya's lies to the American public are an impeachable offense using the Clinton impeachment as a precedent. He said it's only an academic discussion because Tom Delay will never conduct an impeachment vote! Senator Graham stated that Dubya deserves a recall :) and that Dubya is responsible for America being misled, not anyone else.

Today, Senator Graham announced that he wants to raise taxes on the rich to higher levels than under Clinton--40%. He has routinely spoken out against this administration on many issues. He is bold and he is risking a lot of political capital in Florida to speak his mind.

I have said before, I do not care if you are supporting a different Democrat for President, but an honorable man, a bold spokesman, a true Democrat, is being insulted today, and I refuse to let such insults go by. To say Senator Graham is a chicken for not voting on yesterday's reolution is an absolute disgrace and an immature train of thought.

Senator Graham does well explaining himself.

He was great on Hardball tonight.

He lost it after I heard the "clarification".

If he wins the nomination, he'll have my vote in the general election.