The Raw Deal: Good News For Iraq, Bad News To Kerry

George W. Bush ^ | June 29, 2004

[RWR8189]

"The Iraqi people made history today and so did John Kerry with his unprecedented pessimism about today's progress in Iraq. Kerry revealed his cynicism when he complained that not enough of the money he voted against is being spent and that the contributions of NATO and our allies aren't 'real.'"

-Steve Schmidt, Bush-Cheney '04 Spokesman

Kerry Complains That Money He Voted Against Isn't Being Spent

Kerry Claims Credit For Money He Voted Against. "It is absolutely stunning that of the $18 billion that we approved last year for the reconstruction of Iraq, only $400 million has been spent." (CNN’s "CNN Live From…," 6/28/04)

Kerry Voted Against Senate Passage Of $87 Billion Iraq/Afghanistan Reconstruction Package, Which Included Over $18 Billion For Iraq Reconstruction. (S. 1689, CQ Vote #400: Passed 87-12: R 50-0; D 37-11; I 0-1, 10/17/03, Kerry Voted Nay)

The Supplemental Bill Kerry Voted Against Included Funds To Assist In Reconstruction Of Iraq:

• "for equipping and training police and other security forces";
• "to establish a justice system and courts and investigate Saddam Hussein’s mass killings, other crimes";
• "to rebuild electrical system" and "oil industry facilities";
• "for water and sewage systems";
• "for transportation and communications";
• "to build roads, bridges, housing";
• "for health care." Including "money for local clinics throughout Iraq";
• "for private sector development";
• "for refugees and human rights". ("Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures," The Associated Press, 10/17/03)

Progress In Iraq:

"The Iraqi People Have Their Country Back." President Bush: "Earlier today, 15 months after the liberation of Iraq, and two days ahead of schedule, the world witnessed the arrival of a free and sovereign Iraqi government. Iraqi officials informed us that they are ready to assume power, and Prime Minister Allawi believes that making this transition now is best for his country. After decades of brutal rule by a terror regime, the Iraqi people have their country back." (Remarks By President Bush And Prime Minister Blair On Transfer Of Iraq's Sovereignty, http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/06/20040628-9.html, 6/28/04)

NATO Leaders Agree To Offer Assistance To Iraqi Government. "The contributions of individual NATO Allies as well as the support of the NATO Alliance as a whole has been vital to the ability of the Multinational Force to carry out its mission in Iraq. … In addition to the large U.S. contributions in Iraq, 15 of the other 25 NATO Allies contribute more than 17,000 troops to Iraq stabilization operations. … Alliance leaders agreed today to offer NATO’s assistance to the Government of Iraq with the training of its security forces, in response to a request from the Iraqi Interim Prime Minister. They therefore also encouraged Allied nations to contribute to the training of Iraqi armed forces." ("Fact Sheet: Allied Contributions In Iraq," The White House, 6/28/04)

[Uncle Miltie]

The R attack machine is functioning well this year. The accurate and biting humor is effective. Kerry has been defined. Good job.