Should Republicans go ahead and add Supreme Court Justices to head off Democrats

Kerry disparaging ally

Bill Sammon:

President Bush yesterday hammered Sen. John Kerry for disparaging Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, whom Mr. Bush described as a hero in need of America's help, not contempt.
"This brave man came to our country to talk about how he's risking his life for a free Iraq, which helps America, and Senator Kerry held a press conference to question Prime Minister Allawi's credibility," Mr. Bush told an audience in Janesville, Wis.
"You can't lead this country if your ally in Iraq feels like you question his credibility," he added. "The message ought to be to the Iraqi people: We support you."

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"He came to our country to thank the American people," the president said. "He came to our country to thank the moms and dads and husbands and wives of those who have sacrificed for his freedom and America's security."
He added: "And my opponent chose to criticize the prime minister of Iraq."

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"I was appalled at the complete lack of respect Senator Kerry showed for this man of courage when he rushed out to hold a press conference and attack the prime minister yesterday right after his speech," Mr. Cheney said.
"Iyad Allawi is our ally," he added. "John Kerry is trying to tear him down and to trash all the good that has been accomplished, and his words are destructive."
Mr. Cheney suggested the prime minister was referring to Mr. Kerry when he warned against pessimism during a joint press conference with Mr. Bush on Thursday.
"When political leaders sound the siren of defeatism in the face of terrorism, it only encourages more violence," Mr. Allawi said in the Rose Garden.

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White House spokesman Scott McClellan agreed.
He said sarcastically during a press briefing aboard Air Force One that "denigrating our allies is an interesting way to build coalitions," referring to Mr. Kerry's principal criticism of the conduct of the war in Iraq — that the administration did not put together a sufficient worldwide coalition.
"Senator Kerry questioned Prime Minister Allawi's integrity, a brave leader who is risking his life to bring freedom to the Iraqi people," he said.
"This is part of a pattern by Senator Kerry of showing contempt for our closest friends and allies," he added. "This is not the first time."
Last year, for example, Mr. Kerry called the nations that ousted Saddam Hussein — including Britain, Australia and Poland — "some trumped-up, so-called coalition of the bribed, the coerced, the bought and the extorted."
In March, Mr. Kerry diminished the importance of dozens of nations that were participating in the U.S.-led mission in Iraq.
"Those countries are really window dressing," he said.