None of the three Democratic frontrunners went far enough yesterday in denouncing Giuliani’s offensive and ludicrous statement that America would suffer “more losses” under a future Democratic regime than under a Republican one. The response should not be, “Oh, that was a low blow,” or “You’re not playing cricket, old sport.” The response needs to be, “ Mr. Giuliani, if you actually believe something so stupid and so wrong you, sir, are unfit to serve.”

“All thinking Americans, Republican and Democrat, understand as historical fact that the failed policies of this administration have sabotaged our own military, dangerously reduced its readiness, thus endangering the lives of every American on the planet. All thinking Americans, Republican and Democrat, understand as historical fact that this voluntary war in Iraq distracted us from the necessary one in Afghanistan. All thinking Americans, Republican and Democrat, understand as historical fact that this Administration’s shortsighted and boneheaded policies have bred thousands more suicidal anti-American zealots than existed before September 11th.”

These facts are the basis for any reasonable discussion on the next necessary steps to rebuilding our decimated military and effectively combating global terrorism. If any candidate cannot embrace this sober and difficult reality than they have no business asking Americans to trust us with the safety of our lives.

Instead, that candidate needs to go back to the Land of Make Believe where Bush, Cheney and the neocons dwell -- and let the grown ups roll up their sleeves and start cleaning up their mess.