Attack the Messenger

It seems clear now that a few Democrats are completely unable to see past their own partisanship. Both Charles Schumer and Barbara Boxer, among nine other Democrats, refused to attend the joint session of congress in which Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addressed today. It seems that Chuck thinks Maliki didn't condemn Hezbollah enough, and Barb wants Maliki to tell her when American troops can leave Iraq.

Of course, if you follow the logic of these senators Schumer had better not attend a speech by numerous Democrats which refuse to condemn Hezbollah (including John Kerry, who - if he was President - would have prevented the whole conflict; I don't consider that a condemnation of Hezbollah), or attend speeches by numerous leftist leaders in Europe and Central and South America. Boxer had better not attend any speeches by other world leaders that refuse to giver her specific information that she desires (although I doubt that she requested anything from Maliki - but how could he not know what the Senator wants?)

This is simply and purely a political move. Both Senators oppose the President's policies, and will do anything to get a blurb in a news story about their opposition. What they don't realize is that it makes them look like petty pointless politicians (which they are). They should get past their political differences with the administration and support the current freely-elected government in Iraq. Oh, and grow up, too.

Update: What the nine Democrats missed:

"Let me begin by thanking the American people, through you, on behalf of the Iraqi people, for supporting our people and ousting dictatorship. Iraq will not forget those who stood with her and who continues to stand with her in times of need.

Thank you for your continued resolve in helping us fight the terrorists plaguing Iraq, which is a struggle to defend our nation's democracy and our people who aspire to liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. All of those are not Western values; they are universal values for humanity."

Update II: Some hypocracy knows no bounds:

Howard Dean called Al-Maliki an "anti-Semite" claiming that he had not denounced Hezbollah. That term is dangerous to throw around, Howard, considering five Democratic congressmen failed to vote for the House resolution condemning Hezbollah. Scott Johnson asks, "[does] the chairman's judgment extend only to strategic allies of the United States?" One would think it shouldn't.

Update III: Oops! It looks like Howard Dean is anti-Semitic, too...