Bush blasts Democrats for 'agenda of road block'

By Adam Entous

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush on Tuesday unleashed his harshest criticism yet on Democrats for thwarting his second-term agenda, demanding they put forward ideas of their own or "step aside" and signaling a more aggressive administration strategy of attack.

With approval ratings the lowest of his presidency and critics suggesting he is already losing political clout, Bush blamed "do-nothing" Democrats for holding up an overhaul of Social Security and delaying votes on his nominees to the federal bench and the United Nations.

The assault highlighted administration frustrations over Democratic tactics, and offered a preview of Republican strategy in the run-up to the 2006 mid-term elections.

"On issue after issue, they (the Democrats) stand for nothing except obstruction," Bush said at the annual President's Dinner, a $23 million fund-raiser attended by Republican leaders, party donors, and a blond porn star and former California gubernatorial candidate named Mary Carey.

Bush accused Democratic leaders of trying to "delay solutions" and "obstruct progress."

The speech marked a combative turn for the president, who declared two days after winning re-election last November that he had earned "political capital, and now I intend to spend it."

Much of Bush's legislative agenda has run into opposition, and critics point to the administration's recent troubles keeping fellow Republicans on board as a sign Bush may soon become a lame duck.



So, Bushco thinks the Dems are his problems. Hmmmmm. Maybe an illegal war in Iraq, a Social Security plan that will cut benefits, and a polical party that is taking hand outs from lobbists and big business is his problem! Not us Dems! I just don't see how Bushco can come out and bash the Dems to get his poll numbers back up and think the American people are going to buy it. If the Bushco numbers were up a little higher, and the Dems were (which we are not) trying to "delay solutions" and "obstruct progress", then I could. But, Bushco poll numbers are so low, he has to use a ladder to see them. And also, this country was not build for one polical party rule. Thank God the Dems haven't been rubber stamping the neocons agenda!

Semper Fi