Posted on 11/20/2005 8:26:47 AM PST by SmithL
BEIJING - U.S. President George W. Bush on Sunday all but apologized to a hawkish Democrat who the White House had called a liberal like American moviemaker Michael Moore for demanding an immediate U.S. pullout from Iraq.
Bush, dogged by questions about Iraq during a week-long Asia tour, tried to cool partisan tempers in Washington that flared over the withdrawal demand by Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha (news, bio, voting record). One Republican had called Murtha a coward.
"Congressman Murtha is a fine man, a good man who served our country with honor and distinction as a Marine in Vietnam and as a U.S. congressman," Bush said.
He did not repeat the White House accusation that Murtha was from the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic Party like Moore, the "Fahrenheit 9/11" filmmaker who is a liberal celebrity loathed by American conservatives.
"I know that the decision to call for an immediate withdrawal of our troops by congressman Murtha was done in a careful and thoughtful way. I disagree with his position," Bush said.
Many Democrats have called on Bush to present a plan to end the war and an estimate of when U.S. forces can start to be withdrawn based on conditions on the ground. Only a few have called for a set timetable for withdrawal.
Murtha has said Iraq cannot be won militarily and the United States must withdraw to send a signal to Iraqis that they are "free from the United States occupation."
Murtha's opposition broadened a partisan divide in Washington and prompted the Republican-led House of Representatives to engineer a vote on Friday on a resolution to pull U.S. troops immediately from Iraq.
It was defeated nearly unanimously in what Democrats called a political stunt.
A CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll this week said 63 percent of Americans oppose Bush's handling of the Iraq war, and 52 percent say troops should be pulled out now or within 12 months.
Bush said a premature withdrawal would have "terrible consequences," but that he recognized Iraqis would like to defend their country on their own and he looked forward to that day.
"As the Iraqi security forces gain strength and experience we can lessen our troop presence in the country without losing our capability to effectively defeat the terrorists," Bush said.
"A reduced presence of coalition force would clearly demonstrate to the Iraqi people that we have no ambition to occupy their country. As I've often said we'll stay as long as necessary but not one day more," Bush said.
Bush, speaking to reporters after talks with Chinese leaders, said no one should question Murtha's patriotism and that it was his right to express his opinion.
"People should feel comfortable expressing their opinions about Iraq," he sai
Why make nice-nice with traitors?
No republican directly called Murtha a coward.
Yes indeed. Cong Murtha is a decorated war hero who was wounded defending his country in Vietnam. Murtha comes from my Mom's hometown of Johnstown PA. Good people in Johnstown. However, Vietnam is history and on the issue of withdrawal from Iraq, Cong Murtha is deadwrong! If we cut and run from Iraq, the terrorists will have won. We can't let that happen.
Congressman Murtha is the one who will have to live with his despicable actions. If he truly did believe in his demand to have troops removed at once, he could have voted for it. The fact that he didn't reveals one thing to me. He shot his mouth off before engaging his brain. While part of his service to the nation was honorable, his actions over the last several years are clearly in question. And his actions this last week were despicable. Even he couldn't back them up with a vote.
Exactly. When 'his opinion' was put to a vote, he wouldn't back up his words with action. The Democrats were hung on their own petard and the President should not be trying to settle things down. This fight is a long time in coming.
Congresswoman Schmidt from Ohio DID NOT call Murtha a coward. She just read the note addressed to him. The action of withdrawal would be cowardly, not him.
What really bothers me these days, is the sudden attempt by the media to cast all this rankor as just too over the top. Early last week it was all described as honest questioning of policy. Now that Bush and Congress have decided to fight back, not seven days later the media is acting as if this has been two-sided all along. Bull ----, and the MSM knows it!
If true, this is foolish. Ride Murtha'a butt harder (Figuratively).
It WOULD be won military--it can't be won with politically correct tactics. Huge difference, Murtha the Moron.
If we didn't have wussies calling the shots and running a political correct police action, this war would be swift and over quickly and then followed by a rapid exit.
"Why make nice-nice with traitors?"
The President is on an important international trip. It is neither the time nor the place to slam Murtha or the Dems.
As usual, Bush tries to take the high road and leaves the others to slog it out in the mud.
GW Bush may be gentle to Jack Murtha, and God may grant him mercy, but I never will. IMHO< he should burn in hell for eternity!!! His statement aids and abets the enemy and urges them on to kill and maim American servicemen and Iraqi innocents. He is a traitor in the highest order and should be treated as such, as is the entire Democrat "treason" Party!!!
cogent DO!
Bush is always there to catch the Democrats when they are about to fall off the cliff. He is the one person in position to destroy the traitors but he uses his influence to enable them, he is their most effective apologist.
What was obvious to me was that the GOP panicked and spun Murtha's call for for withdrawing in a safe and orderly manner into an irresponsible resolution for "immediate pullout" that Murtha would not support.
While part of his service to the nation was honorable, his actions over the last several years are clearly in question. And his actions this last week were despicable.
What is despicable is the knee-jerk smear campaign launched by the GOP and Bush Administration against this decorated military veteran. He is NOT a typical Hollweird style liberal. He is an old school, blue collar democrat: highly patriotic and supportive of our military, pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment. You know.... the type that crossed over and gave Ronald Reagan landslide victories... the type that is most likely to enlist in the armed services... and the type that George Bush thinks should work for 50¢ per hour in the global marketplace.
Thank you.
And the note did NOT call Murtha a coward. It was a reminder to Murtha that Marines don't cut and run. The dimos who wet their pants over this owe Schmidt an apology.
Put yourself in the shoes of our military on the ground.
Don't you think a vote of confidence by the house just might make you feel a little more comfortable in what you are doing?
Don't you think Murta's comments when reported in Al-Jeezra just might be the terrorist's dream come true?
I don't see any GOP panic, you've been imbibing too much MSM kool-aid.
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