Democrats United On Attacking Bush

Decrying Bush's policies as trickle-down economics, Kerry said, "I believe every worker in America is tired of being trickled on by George W. Bush."

Through most of the forum, the nine candidates savaged Bush's record on the economy and workers' rights. They blamed Bush for the loss of nearly 3 million jobs since he was sworn into office in January 2001 and accused him of presiding over one of the most anti-worker administrations in history.

"This administration has declared war on the middle class in this country," Gephardt said. Saying Bush has the worst record on the economy of any president since Herbert Hoover at the start of the Depression, he added, "He's got to go, for us to get jobs back in this country."

Kucinich played the role of aggressor throughout the evening, and challenged his rivals to prove they were as pro-labor and pro-worker as he is by asking if they would repeal the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The others let his comments go without responding, instead laying out their own plans for expanded health care, more money for education, additional aid to the states and more protections for workers.

Dean used his closing statement to argue that centrist policies will not defeat Bush, as he sought to answer a question many Democrats are asking about his insurgent candidacy: Could someone who opposed the war in Iraq defeat Bush?

Noting that he opposed the war and also wants to repeal Bush's tax cuts, Dean said, "You can't beat President Bush by trying to be like him. We tried that in 2002 and it didn't work. . . . We need to stand up for ourselves again and take on the president directly."

Lieberman and Kucinich did not come off well, Braun seemed irrelevant.