Bob Woodward: Decision Iraq (Kerry Dodges Interview About Iraq)

Washington Post ^ | October 24, 2004 | Bob Woodward

[West Coast Conservative]

The role of commander in chief is clearly one of the president's most important jobs. But a presidential campaign provides voters little opportunity to evaluate how a candidate would handle that role, particularly if the candidate isn't an incumbent.

At the end of last year, during 3 1/2 hours of interviews over two days, I asked President Bush hundreds of detailed questions about his actions and decisions during the 16-month run-up to the war in Iraq. His answers were published in my book "Plan of Attack." Beginning on June 16, I had discussions and meetings with Sen. John Kerry's senior foreign policy, communications and political advisers about interviewing the senator to find out how he might have acted on Iraq -- to ask him what he would have done at certain key points. Senior Kerry advisers initially seemed positive about such an interview. One aide told me, "The short answer is yes, it's going to happen."

In August, I was talking with Kerry's scheduler about possible dates. On Sept. 1, Kerry began his intense criticism of Bush's decisions in the Iraq war, saying "I would've done almost everything differently." A few days later, I provided the Kerry campaign with a list of 22 possible questions based entirely on Bush's actions leading up to the war and how Kerry might have responded in the same situations. The senator and his campaign have since decided not to do the interview, though his advisers say Kerry would have strong and compelling answers.

[Cowboy Bob]

I'm sick and tired of hearing Kerry saying "I have a plan."

I wish President Bush should spend this last week asking: "What is your plan, Mr. Kerry?"

[maine-iac7]

this is too nuanced for me -

[WOSG]

Kerry wouldnt answer the questions?!?
Classic! Shows really the lack of leadership at play here.

[Young Werther]

Hey Bob!

I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan!I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan!I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I gotta plan! I woulda formed a coalition. I could do it better.

Hey Bob! There's twenty two answers. so what more doya want?

[brooklin]

I hear that he has a plan that is smarter, better, more sensitive, too.

[maica]

I agree with you. The questions as worded cannot be answered by an opponent, who has not been in the situation of actually making the decisions.

These questions are digs at the decisions made by Bush all along the way. - not consulting with certain people - not listening to other people, eg Powell - secret transfers of money - and on and on

[maica]

I agree with you. The questions as worded cannot be answered by an opponent, who has not been in the situation of actually making the decisions.

These questions are digs at the decisions made by Bush all along the way. - not consulting with certain people - not listening to other people, eg Powell - secret transfers of money - and on and on

[Angry Enough]

The senator and his campaign have since decided not to do the interview, though his advisers say Kerry would have strong and compelling answers.

This would make me laugh if it weren't so pathetic.

[kezekiel]

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[SandRat]

ROTFLMAO!

NOW that's a WAPO candidate!