Make His Words Stick

After first accusing Republicans of race-baiting for wanting to secure the borders, Howard Dean now says that securing the borders is the nation's number one priority and Democrats are better able to accomplish that.

"The first thing we want is tough border control," he said. "We have to do a much better job on our borders than George Bush has done. And then we can go to the policy disagreements about how to get it done."
Republicans reacted with surprise to Mr. Dean's announcement, which puts the DNC chief's views at odds with those of many Democrats in Congress.
"If Dean means what he says about border enforcement, that would put the Democrats somewhere to the right of President Bush on immigration," said Rep. Steve King, Iowa Republican.
A spokesman for the Republican National Committee dismissed Mr. Dean's "newfound commitment to border security" as "not believable."

On the other hand, Dean's suddent interest in controlling borders might have more to do with this little tidbit of information than any real principle. "A Gallup Poll of 1,004 Americans this month found that 81 percent think illegal immigration to the United States is out of control and that 79 percent think it's extremely or very important for the government to take steps this year to halt the flood of illegal aliens."

Howard Dean is nothing if not a cynical opportunist - the perfect man to lead the Democratic Party.