Press Release
03/29/06Third Way Lauds Rollout of Democratic Security Plan
Washington — Third Way today applauded the rollout of the Democratic Real Security plan. Third Way President Jonathan Cowan said in a statement:
“For too long, national security has been seen as the exclusive realm of the right-wing, and strategists like Karl Rove apparently have come to believe that they own the issue of keeping this country safe. But Americans have grown weary of the arrogance, incompetence and ideological rigidity that have come to represent the Bush approach to security policy. That’s why it is so timely and important that Democrats today are taking on the fight to reclaim the issue of national security.
“We think that Senator Reid and the rest of the Democratic leadership are right on track with their “tough and smart” approach. Bush and his allies may have talked tough — about “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq; about how the insurgents should “bring it on;” about the “Axis of Evil” — but they haven’t been smart. We need a new approach in Iraq, in fighting terrorism, in homeland security, and in every aspect of national security policy — an approach that is both tough AND smart.
“The critique of Bush’s approach clearly transcends partisanship — many Republicans, like Senator Chuck Hagel, former State Department Chief of Staff Larry Wilkerson, and former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft have come to realize how empty Bush’s tough talk has been.
“The plan being rolled out today has a positive vision on national security, with proposals like changing course in Iraq to ensure that 2006 is a year of significant transition to Iraqi sovereignty, expanding the size of the military to meet 21st Century requirements, and adopting the 9-11 Commission’s recommendations on protecting Americans at home.
“We are convinced that this is the time for progressives to show the country that we are tough enough to use America’s strength to defend our nation and our interests, and we are smart enough to get the job done right.”
Contact: Matt Bennett (202) 775-3768 x212