Dean asks for proof on Iraq

Dean is in Iowa, this is from the Iowa Press Citizen, here are some excerpts from his speech:

Dean, who spoke Monday night at the Iowa Memorial Union, also said he would endorse a pre-emptive strike against Iraq if it can be proven that Saddam Hussein has access to weapons of mass destruction and the means to discharge them. He said President Bush has never proven that case.

"Pre-emption is not off the table, but the moral high ground does matter," Dean told the audience of roughly 60 people. "It's important that others respect our decision, and it's important that we respect our own decision."...



Dean described himself Monday night as a political moderate who can balance budgets, reduce the deficit and spend wisely on social programs that reduce child abuse and make health insurance accessible. He also said he was pro-choice and in favor of rights for all people, including those who are gay.

"I'm tired of being bullied by the right wing," he said. "We're going to bring this country back to the middle. Our president has taken us so far to the right, we've forgotten what the middle looks like."

Julie Thomas, a Democratic candidate for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District seat held by Republican incumbent Jim Leach, introduced Dean. Also a doctor, Thomas said Dean inspired her to run for elected office.

"He recognizes it's important to invest in children ... if we want to have a good outcome," she said.

Richard Twohy, a 57-year-old Iowa City resident who attended Dean's speech, said he was impressed with the Vermont governor's perspective on the issues raised Monday night.

"Everything that he said in the speech, I agree with; that's incredible," Twohy said.