Leave it to Cheney to find a way to exploit the devastation in the Middle East:

Vice President Dick Cheney on Friday pointed to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah as fresh evidence of the ongoing battle against terrorism that underscores the need to keep President Bush’s Republican allies in control of Congress.

“This conflict is a long way from over,” Cheney said at a fundraising appearance for a GOP congressional candidate. “It’s going to be a battle that will last for a very long time. It is absolutely essential that we stay the course.”

Cheney’s visit to Tampa helped raise about $200,000 for the campaign of Gus Bilirakis, a state legislator who is running for the Tampa Bay area congressional seat his father, Michael, is vacating.

“Gus is going to remember that the first order of business is to protect the American people and to support the men and women who defend us in time of war,” Cheney told the audience at a $500-a-ticket fundraising reception. “There’s still hard work ahead in the war on terror.”

Cheney said that as Republicans make their case to voters in the midterm elections, “it’s vital that we keep issues of national security at the top of the agenda.” He faulted Democrats in Congress who have pushed for a timetable for withdrawing Americans from Iraq, saying that would send the wrong message to terrorists.

Yes Mr. Cheney – because we all know about Bush’s “Roadmap to Peace”. I believe history shows which party has a better track record when dealing with problems in the Middle East and how effective their diplomacy is. That sure as hell isn’t Bush’s party.

Cheney also seems to be acting like Congress has some sort of say in foreign policy. Considering the actions of Bush, especially in regards to his signing statements, it appears that Congress has no say in foreign policy. Of course a Democrat controlled Congress will hold Bush’s feet to the fire and provide the much needed oversight. Sorry Cheney – your excuses are as bad as your aim. Just ask Harry.