Unsolicited Advice for Democrats

The Huffington Post is headlining a Agence France Presse article in which the White House sees yesterday's airline terror attempt to "play big" for Republicans in the fall elections. they hope to talk about it instead of the war in Iraq. Knowing Cheney, he'll try to tie it into the Iraq war, like Lieberman's loss in the primary.

Some simple advice for Democrats. When Republicans talk about the War on Terror, say Iraq. Never debate them on grounds where you agree with them. Acknowledge that there are true terrorists that must be killed. But Iraq is not part of that. Iraq, Iraq, Iraq. That's all any Democrat should be talking about this fall. Don't get off that topic.

One final thing. Keep Al Sharpton off your podium. He is one of the most polarizing, antagonizing characters in American politics. If you really want independents to vote for you keep the old publicity hound off camera. His face on Lamont's podium is not a good way to start that campaign.

Gay rights is also what this campaign is not about. It is about Iraq, Iraq, Iraq. Keep it simple. Get off topic and kiss your chances to win back either House of Congress.