Tom Daschle's opponent has been studying the George Bush school of diplomacy. Brand anyone troubled by 1,000 dead Americans a traitor.
But he said U.S. troops were disturbed by Daschle's criticisms of the Bush administration's Iraq policies shortly before the 2003 invasion. "What it does is emboldens our enemies and undermines the morale of our troops," Thune said.
Interrupted by Russert, who called the statement "a very serious charge," Thune repeated, "His words embolden the enemy."
Daschle called the remarks "very disappointing." "It's not only an attack on me," he said, "it's an attack on where I'm from. I got my values from my mother and dad" in South Dakota.