Harry Reid Calls For Bush To Boycott Olympic Ceremony

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has become the latest in a growing list of Democratic luminaries who are imploring President Bush to not attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Beijing.

Appearing on the Bill Press Show Friday morning, the Nevada Democrat joined his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in arguing that it was symbolically important that the U.S. show its disapproval with the Chinese government for its human rights abuses.

"I've been invited to the opening of the Olympics and I'm not going," said Reid. "I think the Chinese need to know that what they are doing in Tibet, as an example, is wrong."

Asked by Press whether Reid thought the president should follow his lead, the majority leader replied:

"Well, he doesn't on anything else. So maybe I should say I'm going and maybe he wouldn't go. But I'm not going."

On Wednesday, Pelosi also urged Bush not to attend the opening ceremonies of the August games.

"I think boycotting the opening ceremony, which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table," she said in an interview on ABC's Good Morning America. "I think the president might want to rethink this later, depending on what other heads of state do."

Later in the day, the House passed a resolution criticizing China for its handling of recent unrest in Tibet, with only one (Rep. Ron Paul) dissenting vote.

What to do about the Olympics has also become a sideshow focus of the presidential campaign. Sen. Hillary Clinton was the first out of the gate in calling for an opening ceremonies boycott.

"The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership," a statement from her office read. "These events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government."

Sen. Barack Obama, has been not as absolute, saying, on Wednesday, that the option of a boycott should be kept on the table "If the Chinese do not take steps to help stop the genocide in Darfur and to respect the dignity, security, and human rights of the Tibetan people..."

Sen. John McCain, too, has argued that "the President ought to keep his options open and use that as a pressure lever, and he has plenty of time to decide that."

Comments

[Irons]

Wow, Reid comes out stong on the Olympic ceremonies. Whew, I can hardly stand so much leadership.

[Dunnage]

Reid lets Bush shove through any piece of legislation he desires, so no he's go to advise Bush on his travel plans. Pelosi and Reid ought to both take a long retirement trip and let the Dems try and find some leadership.

[kae]

I don't think Bush should go because I'm sick of being associated with that greedy heartless pig, he does not belong at the Olympics - send brittany or the brangelina clan

[Stirner]

Another display of courage and integrity by Ron Paul. Well, that's not good politics, is it?

[FreedomLoverX]

Instead of that, Reid should be calling for Bush to resign, or calling for his impeachment. Trying to make this an issue of such importance, compared to all of the criminal activity of the Bush crime family, makes little sense. Come on Senator! Grow some! This man is the worst president ever! He is a criminal! He deserves the boot! Boycott an opening ceremony? The Senate should boycott Bush! Throw them all out!

[BlueOnBlue]

One of the best ways to get Bush to refuse to do something is to get Harry Reid to suggest he do it. The only better way is to have a joint press conference of Reid and Pelosi both saying it.

Reid is the Alan Colmes of the Senate, a straw man set up as a target. In fact, Reid is such a weak spokesperson for Democrats that his name should always be printed in small, lowercase letters:: harry reid.

[Sylmason]

Harry is trying to make Hillary relevant. Cheap shot harry.

[JimR]

I think a boycott would be childish and make us look stupid and hypocritical. What if China retracted their invitation until we leave Iraq? The Olympics should not be used as a political football.

[IronMikeHouston]

I agree. What does the US government have to do with the Olympic Team. Why was Nancy, Harry and G W invited anyway if the Olympics is about sports. Those three don't know anything about sports (well G W knows MLB).

Anyway, who listens to that LOSER Harry about anything. How does he get re-elected?

[rojo7449]

What if China stopped funding the war?

[mellene]

Reid needs to call for impeachement. Where's his backbone anyway?

[AxelDC]

Next he will ask Bush to protest Exxon and attend an Earth Day Rally.

Bush thinks that the Chinese are the best thing to happen to the US economy, because Walmart told him so.

[not one of the sheep]

Don't you be bashing Bills buddies the Chicoms or Hillarys pocket liner, Walmart.

[dontshootme]

Check that. I meant that I agree with Obama and McCain.

Agree with Bush. yeeesh. I certainly did not mean that!

[billythekid888]

maybe harry reid needs some viagra to get him hard enough to do his job and push the house for impeachment proceedings?

somethings got to stiffen the reids backbone otherwise it's just more mush in the brown marsh of congress.

[EyeWantOneNation]

As Senate Majority Leader it's not Reid's position to "push the House for impeachment proceedings" !!

I find it unfortunate, tho, that Pelosi used the term: "on the table" when referring to boycotting the opening ceremonies in China.

It would shock me - absolutely SHOCK me - if Bush DID boycott the opening ceremonies !! Think China would loan him anymore money if he "spit in their face" that way ???

[BongWater]

It is the job of every elected official in the United States of America to uphold the law and their oath of office.

Just because impeachment needs to begin with Congressional hearings does not mean that anyone who opposes impeachment gets a free pass. Especially a dirty dog like Harry Reid.

It is his job, it is the job of every Congressman and Senator.

[dontshootme]

Strange as it may sound. I actually agree with Bush and McCain. The US needs to use the threat of a boycott as a pressure lever.

If America simply boycotts the opening ceremonies. It will be pointless. It certainly won't help either Tibet or Darfur. They just will make China very very angry.

Instead, the US should introduce some resolutions in the UN regarding Tibet and Darfur, with the implicit threat that if China vetoes, then the US and the other European countries will not be taking part in the opening ceremonies. This may be a fools errand, but at least we would be leveraging the Chinese to support serious reform. As it is, if we simply boycott at this point in time, we will get nothing for our efforts.

The problem with Reid. and Clinton for that matter, is they are more interested in scoring political points than in anything really accomplished.

[AKJM]

Harry Reid need to step down, he is an enabler. As Senate minority leader he had little success-- even less success a majority leader.

[billythekid888]

history will prove he's a pathetically spinless individual.

a yellow bellied brown worm

[faith]

I agree. ALSO, HUFFPO could you please quit displaying pictures that point up to Reid. You make him look like some severe person from the 14th century. He's ineffective - not threatening as the pictures always depict.

[Dunnage]

Put Pelosi on the list too.

[billythekid888]

harry reid needs to honor his oath to the constitution and call for impeachment proceedings now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[billythekid888]

Dear Rep / Senator,

The Bush Administration has committed so many high crimes and misdemeanors that it is beyond the scope of this letter to cite these violations of law.
The Bush Administration has damaged America"s reputation in the world beyond repair. America is no longer considered "good." America will now be remembered as "hypocrites of torture," and "a force of evil."
Now our economy is in severe recession because of failed political and economic policies of this Administration.
As a member of Congress you swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.
It is your duty to impeach President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of State Rice, Attorney General Gonzales and members of this Administration who have participated in criminal activity immediately.
Failure to impeach means you are in violation of your Constitutional oath.
Which is it?
As a tax paying citizen and registered voter, I demand an explanation. I want to see articles of impeachment introduced now!
If you are in violation of your Constitutional oath; then the Constitution of the United States of America is dead!
If you refuse to act out of fear, cowardice or for other reasons, I will see you voted out office and replaced with a 3rd party candidate.
We elected you to represent us, the common citizen. Make us proud this one time. Hear our cry of patriotism and introduce impeachment articles against this Administration.
Sincere Regards,

[not one of the sheep]

Earth to everyone, impeachment isn't going to happen so give it a rest already. Harry "I can't" Reid and his co-hort Peloser have not and will not do anything but provide the usual lip service. The US will not boycott anything especially if these two clowns stand up there and run their mouths for their feel good, media shots to act like they give a crap. Vote all the weasels out.