TIP-TOEING PAST "THE DECIDER"

The GOP candidates have a difficult task. On the one hand, they can't be too critical of the FIASCO in Iraq because that will alienate "loyal Bushies." On the other hand, the American publilc is fed up with this war. Giuliani, who has picked rabid neo-cons for foreign policy advice, is the only one who seems to follow in Fredo's footsteps. Note below the matter-of-fact hypocrisy from the Mitt.


Republicans opt for new worldview
The candidates try to distance themselves from the president's foreign policies without alienating Bush loyalists.
By Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
December 23, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Last week, after Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee criticized the Bush administration for an "arrogant bunker mentality" toward the world, rival Mitt Romney rose to George W. Bush's defense. "Mike Huckabee owes the president an apology," Romney said.

But Romney too has criticized the Bush administration, saying the occupation of Iraq was "underplanned, understaffed [and] under-managed," resulting in "a mess."