" This Week" shows how our party has problem.

I happen to turn on "This Week" when Hagel and Reed were interviewed. This was really disheartening.

First, I wished that, on this issue, all Republicans were as outspoken as Hagel is. Actually, it was good to see him calling things as they are, even if this is not exactly new from Hagel and if tomorrow, he is still going to vote the same way, despite all.

However, Reed was totally inexistant next to Hagel. He barely criticized the administration (in the piece I saw) and seemed to defer to Hagel. I dont see how this could be seen as good for us. There are plenty of Dems who could have spoken better: of course, Kerry, but also Levin, Biden, Clark, and others. They would have held their ground in the conversation, even if they probably would have agreed with Hagel.

Can somebody tell me again what is the strategy here? Be silent and let the Republicans talk? (OK, I know that some other people will be on the other shows)

I think it's bad for Reed, and a little bad for the Democrats. I wish only the Democrats who can articulate would appear on these programs, but for a host of reasons that's not going to happen. I don't think every Republican is good at articulating their message either. Hell, I saw Ron Christie implode two days go.

People like McCain and Hagel give the Democrats ammunition all the time, even though they vote opposite. When Democrats who are more effective at communicating the message speak, they will be able to point to Hagel's comments. When he votes opposite, they will be able to paint him as a hypocrite. And this is an opportunity the Democrats should never pass up. Imagine if a Democrat was out there spewing Republican points, but voting always with the Democrats. Lieberman on Iraq comes close. I'm sure that would help the Republicans.

JMO

Couldn't hold his own on a talk show with Hagel, who's practically on our side (re Iraq)?

Great. Great call, Harry.

Hagel absolutely dominated, as you said. He really made some excellent points and there is a danger that he could run as the Republican sane voice on Iraq. (I would love to see Hagel and Kerry discuss this in some forum that just allowed them to identify where they agree and where they differ.)

I don't think that Reed was all that bad and the one good thing is that Reed and other Democrats are begging to agree.

because unlike McCain , Hagel is intelligent. you know he gets the issues and he could probably debate Kerry without some nonsense "what about Poland" type crap.

it would be interesting to see what his position would be, especially when called on the fact that he continues supporting Bush despite the many criticisms he has.