Address of the President to the Nation via The DRUDGE Report.
But politics was the word of the day. From My Way News:
Even before Bush's address, the new Democratic leaders of Congress emphasized their opposition to a buildup. "This is the third time we are going down this path. Two times this has not worked," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said after meeting with the president. "Why are they doing this now? That question remains."
There was criticism from Republicans, as well. "This is a dangerously wrongheaded strategy that will drive America deeper into an unwinnable swamp at a great cost," said Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., a Vietnam veteran and potential GOP presidential candidate.
Senate and House Democrats are arranging votes urging the president not to send more troops. While lacking the force of law, the measures would compel Republicans to go on record as either bucking the president or supporting an escalation.
Usually loath to admit error, Bush said it also was a mistake to have allowed American forces to be restricted by the Iraqi government, which tried to prevent U.S. military operations against fighters controlled by the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, a powerful political ally of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The president said al-Maliki had assured him that from now on, "political or sectarian interference will not be tolerated."
Yet the only plan from the Democrats seems to be surrender. Withhold funding. Give up and go home. Many of the same Democrats, having supported a troop "surge" in the past, are now openly and actively against it.
No matter what President Bush proposes, the Democrats will be against it.
As Cold Fury points out, via others:
The controversy over what to do about Iraq has congealed into two camps: supporters of the President who lack a clear plan for achieving victory, and critics of the President who have a detailed plan for America’s defeat.
Make no mistake, this isn't about Iraq. It's about politics and who will gain the White House in 2008. Once again, putting their own interests ahead of those of the American people.
I don't know if the new plan will work, but I damned sure know that running away is not a viable option. Let's put all of our support behind this effort and pray that the Iraqis can take over in November.
And let's pray for our troops.
More at Hot Air and Townhall: Mary Katharine Ham.
Related posts:
Recent Comments