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Reed calls Harkin 'Tokyo Rose of al-Qaida'

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By Charlotte Eby | Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:41 PM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — Republican Christopher Reed, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, accused Harkin of being the “Tokyo Rose of

al-Qaida and Middle East terrorism” during a televised forum Thursday.

Tokyo Rose refers to English-speaking broadcasters who spread Japanese propaganda during World War II.

Reed criticized Harkin for what he said was accusing Marines of torture, voting to defund American troops and having an “anti-American

policy.”

“We need somebody who believes in the United States of America, believes we have the most professional and powerful fighting force the world’s ever known,” Reed said during a forum broadcast on Iowa Public Television.

Reed said what he meant when he called Harkin “Tokyo Rose” was that he was providing aid and comfort to the enemy and giving them the playbook by saying when troops would be withdrawn.

Harkin has been a critic of torture by the military or interrogation techniques such as waterboarding. He has also advocated a timetable of when American troops would be withdrawn from Iraq.

“These kinds of personal attacks are what people get sick of in politics,” Harkin said in response to Reed’s comments during the debate.

Harkin, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, sent out an e-mail entitled “Vile” to supporters afterward lashing out at Reed.

“As someone who has proudly worn the uniform of our country and who has served the people of Iowa in the United States Senate, this is a disgraceful attack,” Harkin’s statement said.

Harkin also used the e-mail to criticize other “outlandish and hateful accusations” by Republicans on the campaign trail in recent weeks and urged supporters to vote against them.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at 515-243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.