"If there was only such debate amongst the Republicans,"

[Alexander]

"we might not have been in this war in the first place."

EVERY Dem needs to scream this.

It would be a PERFECT comeback to those who say the Democrats are divided on the war.

[Kagemusha]

1. It's making lack of leadership into a virtue.

I'm an analyst type. I like having debate. But I know my kind don't lead nations.

[Alexander]

3. Not necessarily true.

Eventually a consensus is made, presumably by the leader who wishes to incorporate the viewpoints of everyone.

Bill Clinton did this to great effect.

So look for whomever takes bits of everyone's arguments.

I'm reminded of that part in "Primary Colors" where the Clinton-esque main character is asked "What, if anything, are you against?

And his comeback is perfect, something along the lines of "I'm opposed to doing nothing while millions are suffering. I'm opposed to ignoring an opinion just because it's not my idea."

[RoyGBiv]

4. You've heard of FDR?

A President of the United States who openly encouraged debate among his cabinet members?

Your kind don't lead totalitarian nations.

[hopeisaplace]

2. Yah. I agree. That was actually my first thought on all this stuff.

Who wants to be a "Stepford Republican".

What kind of party is able to get EVERY person in it, nearly
every time to "stay on message". That's some scary crap.
People debating, discussing and not always agreeing, but who
can still be of the same party, is how shall I put it.."sane"
one might say, "normal".

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

5. THERE WASN'T A DEBATE BECAUSE

THEY WANTED REVENGE, PLAYING POLITICS LIKE FOOTBALL, SHOWING US HOW TOUGH THEY ARE. AND THE OIL. AND ALL THAT PROFIT. THEIR UNHOLY GOAL WAS AND IS - ENDLESS WAR FOR ENDLESS PROFITS! ITS OUR NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY AND IT MUST BE STOPPED!