Albright Calls Cheney Charge On Terror "irresponsible"

WASHINGTON, Sept 8 (AFP) - Vice President Dick Cheney's charge that the United States could be hit by another terrorist attack if Democrat John Kerry is elected president was irresponsible, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said Wednesdsay.
"I have heard a lot of outrageous statements at various times in my president's elections, but I think this kind of scare tactic by the vice president of the United States is irresponsible," Albright, a Democrat who served under Bill Clinton, told CNN television.
September 11 "everybody knows, has changed a way that we are looking at fighting terrorism," Albright said.
"Senator Kerry has made very clear that he will seek a victory over the terrorists, and that this is a -- a battle that he will pursue with vigor. I just find this kind of a statement (by Cheney) over the top."
Cheney, campaigning in Iowa, said Tuesday that the United States risked suffering another terrorist attack if voters do not reelect George W. Bush in the November 2 presidential election.
"If we make the wrong choice, then the danger is that we'll get hit again," he said, implying that Kerry was less determined than Bush in fighting extremists.
On Tuesday, Kerry's running mate, John Edwards accused Cheney of "crossing the line" with his comments.
"Dick Cheney's scare tactics crossed the line today, showing once again that he and George Bush will do anything and say anything to save their jobs," Edwards replied in a statement.
"Protecting America from vicious terrorists is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it's an American issue and Dick Cheney and George Bush should know that. John Kerry and I will keep America safe, and we will not divide the American people to do it," he said.