Quote of the Day II: No Democrat is “Divisive”

According to the Washington Post today, Dick Gephardt has been blasting away at Howard Dean. Speaking before a group of Teamsters in Iowa, Gephardt showcased his opposition research, emphasizing Dean’s past criticism of medicare (“one of the worst federal programs ever”) and social security (it should not be spared budget cuts; the retirement age should be raised [a position Dean “recanted,” says WaPo, “in his run for the presidency”]). Gephardt actually accused Dean of lining up with the GOP during the battles of the 104th Congress, just after the Republicans took over the House.

Dean, “deeply saddened,” lamented this “politics of the past” from “someone he considered a friend.” And then came the Quote of the Week (or rather Quote II):

“It is a sad day for Dick Gephardt when he compares ANY Democratic candidate running for President to Newt Gingrich and his divisive policies,” Dean said.

That’s a relief. I had thought that Al Sharpton and Dennis Kucinich — and even Gephardt with his new, continuous “miserable failure” line, not to mention the constant chorus of “Liar! Liar!” in the background — were, well, divisive.

Say What?