Posted on 11/17/2005 9:30:08 AM PST by meandog
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today submitted the following statement for the Congressional record on the Iraq amendments offered by Senators Warner and Levin:
“Mr. President, the Iraq amendment under consideration today constitutes no run-of-the-mill resolution and reporting requirement. It is much more important than that, and likely to be watched closely in Iraq – more closely there, in fact, than in America. In considering this amendment, I urge my colleagues to think hard about the message we send to the Iraqi people. I believe that, after considering how either version will be viewed in Iraq, we must reject both.
“Reading through each version, one gets the sense that the Senate’s foremost objective is the drawdown of American troops. But America’s first goal in Iraq is not to withdraw troops, it is to win the war. All other policy decisions we make should support, and be subordinate to, the successful completion of our mission. If that means we can draw down troop levels and win in Iraq in 2006, that is wonderful. But if success requires an increase in American troop levels in 2006, then we should increase our numbers there.
“But that’s not what these amendments suggest. They signal that withdrawal, not victory, is foremost in Congress’ mind, and suggest that we are more interested in exit than victory. Mr. President, a date is not an exit strategy. This only encourages our enemies, by indicating that the end to American intervention is near, and alienates our friends, who fear an insurgent victory. Instead, both our friends and our enemies need to hear one message: America is committed to success in Iraq and we will win this war.
“The Democratic version requires the President to develop a withdrawal plan. Think about this for a moment. Imagine Iraqis, working for the new government, considering whether to join the police forces, or debating whether or not to take up arms. What will they think, Mr. President, when they learn that the Democrats are calling for a withdrawal plan? The Republican alternative, while an improvement, indicates that events in 2006 should create the conditions for a redeployment of U.S. forces. Are these the messages we wish to send, Mr. President? Do we wish to respond to the millions who braved bombs and threats to vote, who have put their faith and trust in America and the Iraqi government, that our number one priority is now bringing our people home? Do we want to tell insurgents that their violence has successfully ground us down, that their horrific acts will, with enough time, be successful? No, Mr. President, we must not send these messages. Our exit strategy in Iraq is not the withdrawal of our troops, it is victory.
“If we can reach victory in 2006, that would be wonderful. But should 2006 not be the landmark year that these amendments anticipate, we will have once again unrealistically raised the expectations of the American people. That can only cost domestic support for America’s role in this conflict, a war we must win.
“I’d repeat that, Mr. President. This is a war we must win. The benefits of success and the consequences of failure are too profound for us to do otherwise. The road ahead is likely to be long and hard, but America must follow it through to success. While the sponsors of each version of this amendment might argue that their exact language supports this view, perceptions here and in Iraq are critical. By suggesting that withdrawal, rather than victory, is on the minds of America’s legislators, we do this great cause a grave disservice.”
give em' hell McCain
He submitted it for the record....did he actually stand up and SAY these things on the Senate floor...to his fellow Senators..???
This doesn't mean anything if he didn't IMHO>
...yep, on the floor.
I have written to both my senators, Freshman Burr, who voted Nay, and Dole who voted Yea. I told Dole that this vote and some others make me want Burr to become the Senoir Senator from NC.
Boy, it sure is hard to fault McCain here.
McCain comes down on the right side on spending and pork and the wrong side on the treatment of terrorists, campaign finance and so many other issues...
But, here...he is right on! (I would hate to be his psychologist!)
Good for McCain!
Sounds like McCain is running for President. His response surprises me - pleasantly.
After calling for MORE troops this resolution it a kick in the groin for McCain.
Pardon my cynicism. McCain himself is half the problem.
Give the Devil his due, he nailed it.
McCain sensing an opportunity to look good compared to the other Pubbie senators?
I don't think the cowards had any idea that their votes on the Levin and Warner amendents would cause the current ruckus. On a thread earlier today, one R Senator (don't remember who) said a lot of his colleagues were wishing for a "do-over" of their TUE votes.
Oh, darn, I missed it then...
The article just said he submitted the speech for the record.
Did you see his speech? Was he passionate?
I do NOT like McCain at all...but, if he did stand up on the floor and tell them this, then I will give him points for that.
Please freepers....get on the phone!
Someone should put a resolution before the Senate demanding the immediate withdrawal from Iraq and our surrender to Islamic extremists. Then all the Republicans can vote against it, and the Democrats will be put in a position to go on the record.
Okay, so it won't happen and it probably shouldn't happen, but it would be nice to find some way to get the Democrats on the record.
And Hillary sits silently......Wondering what the hell her position will have to be if we are able to draw down troops in 2006, 2007 etc., especially since she supported the war via the advice of Bubba. Did Bubba trick her?
Hey, McCain sounds like President Bush at this moment. And he deserves our support on this issue. It is the right thing to do. Now is not the time to go wobbly.
Thanks Senator John McCain.
That would be John Thune that said they wanted a "do-over", but when Hugh Hewitt pushed him about the chances of the Republicans getting together today and presenting a resolution standing BY the troops...
Thune said he would LIKE that, but.....
BTW....Harry Reid is on the Senate floor right NOW...saying that Bush is USING the War as a CAMPAIGN subject!!!
McCain got this one right.
Good for him!!!
Taken together with Rep. John Murtha's call for the administration to "immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces," I don't see how the Islamists worldwide can help but celebrate what they will see as their impending victory. If only 13 Republicans are willing to support Bush's foreign policy, the collapse of any meaningful war on terror seems imminent. This is happening just as their are signs of success in the denial of financing and the exhaustion of the supply of reliable terrorists.
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