June 9, 2007
Posted: 12:32 PM ET

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN)–Howard Dean says it is incumbent on Democrats to bring the war in Iraq to a close, or risk becoming the minority party in Congress again.

"The American people hired Democrats last November to ensure we end this war, so let me be clear." Dean made the remarks Saturday in the Democratic response the President's weekly radio address. "We know if we don't keep our promise, we may find ourself in the minority again. But we have to face the reality. The Republicans in Congress are standing with President Bush as he stubbornly wields his veto pen in the face of overwhelming opposition to this war from the American people."

Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is a former governor of Vermont, and was a candidate for president in 2004.

– CNN Political Desk Editor Jamie Crawford

Filed under: DCCC • Howard Dean • Iraq


Tricia M Ch'town, PEI Candaa   June 12th, 2007 9:15 am ET

I agree with the Impeach commenters.
Bush and Cheney relentlessly have been and still are turning a deaf ear to the wishes of the American Citizens. Especially in terms of the Iraq war, Immigration and Gonzales.

Presidents have been impeached for much less serious infractions. But, I guess the drawback for impeaching Bush might be that Cheney would then be appointed to take over his Presidential duties. Quite a can of worms for sure.

MJ, Seymour,CT   June 11th, 2007 10:08 pm ET

Let's just stay in Iraq for the next 50-100 years as a military police state. The oil companies war profiteers will surely share in their riches with middle class America. It will only cost us trillions in dollars and thousands of American lives. Of course Non-Intervention is another solution, but the notion of using our military to defend our borders sounds too radical.

C R White. Durham, NC   June 9th, 2007 5:59 pm ET

Dr. Dean has it partly right. If this Democratically elected party does not get unified and stop worrying about what we think , it can Count on losing the congress for a very long time. The people who elected you to right this disgraceful war are Disgusted by your behavior and deal making! We Know you do not have the votes to override the presidents vetos. Who cares! Do it because it is the right thing to do! If you cannot then this country needs to get busy making a populist party that has a backbone and will act by the will of the American party. I am sure Democrats and moderate Republicans will flock to it. Your desenters need to understand that there will be No Legislating for the "folks back home" until this war for the oil barons and war profiteers releases our resoures back to us.
De-activate the war and get on with business becuase otherwise you are republicans in cowards costumes.

Sam, Mill Valley, CA   June 9th, 2007 5:54 pm ET

Howard Dean is correct and this Democratic Congress must also listen to the citizenry who oppose "amnesty" (by any other name) for illegal immigrants. Also, there's the matter of campaign finance reform, lobbyists providing perks to anyone in Congress for any reason, election reform and paper ballots, health care, and other matters important to LEGAL citizens. Illegals should not have the option of "anchor babies", free medical, education, and accommodating them with our bilingual government messages. English is the national language — listen to your constituentcy or you'll all be out in the next election. Wise up!

John L. Griffin, New Bern,NC   June 9th, 2007 4:59 pm ET

If the Congress brought back some form of draft,with very limited exemptions, we could be out of Iraq quickly. A draft would bring the war home to the American people as no other method will. Limited exemptions means exactly that. There can be no shopping list available for cherry picking by the wealthy and/or politically connected.

Patrick Story, Portland, OR   June 9th, 2007 4:34 pm ET

At Last! A sign of life from the dems. How can the dems claim that it's ok for Bush/Cheney to run the country for another 20 months? That's crazy. They can do even more harm to the world than they have already done. Dems! Voters are watching: End the war, impeach Bush/Cheney, or be sorry.

Tom Sager, Naperville Illinois   June 9th, 2007 4:03 pm ET

Well Mr. Dean, you seem to be more interested in maintaining your parties majority than you are in solving the problem in Iraq. When you and all Democrats start talking about a practical solution to the situation and one that includes a goal for a correct outcome in Iraq, you'll find Americans and Republicans more receptive. We all want this conflict to end, but we have a responsibility at this point to leave Iraq in a more stable condition. So to all Democrats and republicans - stop talking about timetables and funding and start talking about the end goal and how to get there. Otherwise you'll all be looking for work at the end of your terms.

Jayball, San Antonio, TX.   June 9th, 2007 4:00 pm ET

Howard Dean knows that being in the Minority is NO PICNIC; Ask any Chicano, from the Pepper Bellies to the Taco Benders, Yes Cumon, Demos You have to vote this Guy, GW, down!The PNAC(Rupert) owns the GOP, do want to Suck Hind Titt to this Clan? For Once in a Lifetime; 3450 Dead GI kids!

Ralston Scott, Albuquerque, New Mexico   June 9th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

Nobody wants war, but by the same token, you don't trash a country and leave it in poor condition. So, Democrats in Congress, you better come up with something better than the rediculous ideas you've had so far.

Eddie richmond VA   June 9th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

What about impeachment?

Carl Cutrone, Hatfield PA   June 9th, 2007 1:51 pm ET

Howard Dean is correct. Democrats in both houses need to keep up the pressure on the administration and Republicans to end the war and the sooner the better. The combined Iraqi and American dead and wounded each month amounts to one 9/11 each month.

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