Democrats may unite on plan to pull troops

Boston Globe ^ | February 20, 2006 | Rick Klein

[AZRepublican]

WASHINGTON -- After months of trying unsuccessfully to develop a common message on the war in Iraq, Democratic Party leaders are beginning to coalesce around a broad plan to begin a quick withdrawal of US troops and install them elsewhere in the region, where they could respond to emergencies in Iraq and help fight terrorism in other countries.

The concept, dubbed ''strategic redeployment," is outlined in a slim, nine-page report coauthored by a former Reagan administration assistant Defense secretary, Lawrence J. Korb, in the fall. It sets a goal of a phased troop withdrawal that would take nearly all US troops out of Iraq by the end of 2007, although many Democrats disagree on whether troop draw-downs should be tied to a timeline.

Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee chairman, has endorsed Korb's paper and begun mentioning it in meetings with local Democratic groups. In addition, the study's concepts have been touted by the senator assigned to bring Democrats together on Iraq -- Jack Reed of Rhode Island -- and the report has been circulated among all senators by Senator Dianne Feinstein, an influential moderate Democrat from California.

The party remains divided on some points, including how much detail to include in a party-produced document, fearful of giving too much fodder for attacks by Republicans.

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"...he is always calculating something you would never be able to grasp."

This attitude is one of the reasons DemocRATs are an endangered species.

I hate it when they assume they hold the intellectual high ground almost as much as I hate it when they assume they hold the moral high ground.

Michael Frazier

[OnRightOnLeftCoast]

Looks like a bunch of 'Sheet' Heads to me!

[Just A Nobody]

I believe that what the article means to say, is that this will be their presidential platform for the 2008 election.

How can you believe that it is a '08 platform when the troops, according to their plan, would be withdrawn by '07.

The concept, dubbed ''strategic redeployment," is outlined in a slim, nine-page report ... It sets a goal of a phased troop withdrawal that would take nearly all US troops out of Iraq by the end of 2007

[Zacs Mom]

LOL ~ good one! I hadn't thought of that!

[Just A Nobody]

Great job! Dilbert56 for CONgress in '06

[Melas]

Ha! You call that a platform. I especially liked the part about stationing the troops elsewhere in the region. A pull out without a pull out. This is a party that's struggling to redefine itself and failing miserably. 2006 isn't going to be a good year to be a Democrat.

[Just A Nobody]

I so love your work!!! ;*)

[Bushman2]

Let them say, plan all they want to. The roops are directed by the POTUS and not congress. The President is COMANDER IN CHIEF. The dems are small, minority and INSIGNIFICAN,T

[Just A Nobody]

Democrats desperately want the war ... on its way to being resolved before 2008 because they don't want to have to take responsibility for the war

By Jove I think you nailed it! They KNOW the country thinks they are weak worthless on national security and terrorism in particular.

It could also explain why the last two former occupiers of the WH and a vice, are traveling around the world trashing our country, our military and our President. Some doing it for money.

Makes me wonder if side deals are also being made, ie: we will help get the US military out of "your lands" if you promise to drop the terrorist acts until we regain power. Hmmmmmmm?

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks for the ping Tonk!

[Matchett-PI]

[Just A Nobody]

Bring it to the floor for an up or down vote tomorrow.

They did that three short months ago ..... it was

DEFEATED ... 400 - 3

[Just A Nobody]

The President is COMANDER IN CHIEF.

And I thank God for him everyday!!!

[listenhillary]

They need to keep doing it.

[Just A Nobody]

You may have a point. My only concern is what it does to the troops and our enemies.

[Colt .45]

Seems to me that the motto of the Dems should be "Cut and run". What color should the Democratic party fly? YELLOW!

[Lorianne]

This article makes their position much clearer ....

[stephenjohnbanker]

They are playing right into our hands : )