Harry Reid's Call for Mosque to be Built 'Somewhere Else' Saddens Liberals, Pleases Sharron Angle

Senator Harry Reid has come out today in opposition to the construction of a controversial Islamic center and mosque in New York City, near Ground Zero.

As CNN reported,

"The First Amendment protects freedom of religion," spokesman Jim Manley said in a statement. "Sen. Reid respects that but thinks that the mosque should be built some place else. If the Republicans are being sincere, they would help us pass this long overdue bill to help the first responders whose health and livelihoods have been devastated because of their bravery on 911, rather than continuing to block this much-needed legislation."

To some, the statement was confusing. For example, Chief White House Correspondent and political director for NBC News, Chuck Todd, tweeted,

So is Harry Reid disagreeing w/interpretation of Pres. Obama's Friday-mosque comments but agreeing w/Pres. Obama's Saturday "wisdom" remark?

To liberals, it was simply disappointing. For example, prominent liberal Peter Daou Tweeted,

Hand it to Dems for being given an issue with unequivocal moral and Constitutional high ground & fumbling it

And liberal Washington Post blogger Greg Sargent wrote,

The second most powerful Democrat in the country is not willing to support the President in his efforts to defend the right of Muslims to build a cultural center on private property, if the site in question is in the vicinity of Ground Zero. This comes after his opponent, Sharron Angle, attacked him on the issue this morning.

To many, Reid's move not only looked weak, it also looked opportunistic. As such, conservative National Review reporter Jim Geraghty mocked Reid, Tweeting,

Send Harry Reid money, Dems! He needs your help so he can continue to adopt Sharron Angle's positions at a slower pace!

At least one person was happy about Reid's decision. Reid's opponent, Sharron Angle, Tweeted,

Nice of you to join us, @HarryReid.