Dean speaks (statement on SOTU)

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Dean on President Bush's State of the Union Address

1/31/2006 10:28:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Karen Finney of the Democratic National Committee Press Office, 202-863-8148; Web: http://www.democrats.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on President Bush's waning credibility and his failure to lay out a positive agenda for the nation during his State of the Union address tonight:

"Tonight, President Bush's failed policies and waning credibility were on display for all Americans to see. While President Bush talks about elevating the tone in Washington, his speech resorted again to scaring Americans and using issues to divide us. Instead of playing on Americans' fears, President Bush should answer their concerns. Instead of using issues to divide, we need to come together around our shared values and common goals as Americans. Democrats want to restore our American community with honesty, security and opportunity.

"Unfortunately, the president's tired rhetoric on energy independence would be credible if only he hadn't let the energy industry write the proposals for Vice President Cheney's energy task force. Democrats have been fighting for energy independence years before President Bush's first day in office, while this Administration has offered only lip service, and only when its poll numbers resemble Nixon's.

"President Bush's words hailing the bravery and heroism of our troops would be more sincere, if only it was matched by real action to keep them safe and a real plan for success in Iraq. The best way to protect our country and support our troops is to provide our men and women in uniform with the body armor and intelligence they need to get the job done. The American people want a real security plan that addresses the threats of today and tomorrow. America can do better than failed policies that have made Iraq a mess and let North Korea and Iran develop nuclear weapons while leaving our own country vulnerable to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

"President Bush's newfound focus on health care fails to recognize the fact that millions more Americans are now uninsured since he gave his first State of the Union address five years ago. Even worse, his health care proposal is brought to you by the same special interests who tried to privatize Social Security and who conceived the Bush Administration's disastrous Medicare plan. Democrats remain committed to making sure that all Americans have access to quality and affordable heath care.

"Our country is ready for change and a new direction. Democrats offer a vision and a new direction guided by the belief that together America can do better."

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=60279