Intelligent Debate Among the Democrats

The Democrats consider themselves to be the party of intellectuals, and it’s easy to see why, after the high-powered debate that erupted over Howard Dean’s “controversial” reference to the Confederate flag: “I still want to be the candidate for guys with Confederate flags in their pickup trucks. We can’t beat George Bush unless we appeal to a broad cross-section of Democrats.”
Seeing an opportunity for high-level policy analysis, Dean’s rivals entered the fray with these cogent critiques:
Dick Gephardt: “I don’t want to be the candidate for guys with Confederate flags in their pickup trucks. I will win the Democratic nomination because I will be the candidate for the guys with American flags in their pickup trucks.”
Joe Lieberman: “Governor Dean ought to be more careful about what he says. It is irresponsible and reckless to loosely talk about one of the most divisive, hurtful symbols in American history.”
John Kerry: “Howard Dean is justifying his pandering to the NRA by saying his opposition to an assault weapons ban allows him to pander to lovers of the Confederate flag. It is simply unconscionable for Howard Dean to embrace the most racially divisive symbol in America. I would rather be the candidate of the NAACP than the NRA.” (Huh?)
Dean, reeling from this cerebral onslaught, issued a clarification: “I want people with Confederate flags on their trucks to put down those flags and vote Democratic.”
Most Americans, demonstrating once again that they just aren’t smart enough to follow the nuances of sophisticated political debate, paid no attention whatsoever.

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