Will Nets Notice? After Iraq Visit, Previously Anti-War Dem Opposes Quick Withdrawal

NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

On November 17, 2005, Rep. Jack Murtha (D-Pa.), who had previously supported the Iraq war, announced his call for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The story led all three broadcast network evening news reports.

A mirror-image shift of position was reported today: a previously anti-war Dem has announced, after a visit to Iraq, that he now opposes withdrawal at this time. Will the MSM give anything like equal time to the story?

Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wa.) is a five-term member of Congress, representing Washington's 3rd District. Baird voted against the initial resolution authorizing the war. But now, having recently returned from Iraq, he has another perspective on events there, telling his hometown newspaper, the Olympian, as reported in this article, the following, :

We're on the ground now. We have a responsibility to the Iraqi people and a strategic interest in making this work.

I think we're making real progress.

I think the consequences of pulling back precipitously would be potentially catastrophic for the Iraqi people themselves, to whom we have a tremendous responsibility … and in the long run chaotic for the region as a whole and for our own security.

As I write this, we're a bit less than two hours away from the evening network newscasts. Stay tuned for lead-story coverage on ABC, NBC and CBS. Or not.

Mark was in Iraq in November. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Anti-war Dem now opposes withdrawal. Will MSM notice? Ping to Today show list.

[dirtboy]

Dear Representative Baird - be prepared to become villified beyond recognition by the far left nutroots. Rational observations from the field cannot be allowed to interfere with the burning desire to bring the troops home while disregarding the consequences to Iraq, the Middle East, global economic stability and our national security interests.

[neodad]

Flip . . . . . . . .

[neodad]

Flop . . . . . . . . .

[maryz]

Gee, I’m glad you mentioned it . . . otherwise, I’d never know! ;-)

[toast]

Another one trying to wiggle out of the noose before it gets too tight.

Some will manage to do it, others will strangle.

[rocksblues]

Baird’s name is now dirt. Active progressives will vilify and your name will be besmirched forever!

[Chuck54]

Stay tuned for lead-story coverage on ABC, NBC and CBS. Or not.

I've just cleaned out the TIVO to make room for the taping of these monumental announcements.

Good catch Mark and if my TIVO malfunctions I'll expect to get the video from your site.

:)

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Nah..........not important enough to report to the sheeple. sarc/

[governsleastgovernsbest]

LOL. Yes, the nets will surely preempt all other stories to lead with this one ;-)

[johnny7]

Fresh from McClatchy...

U.S. officers see no reconciliation in Iraq
Troop surge won't work unless factions can agree, Americans say

Spin... spin... spin...

[lowbridge]

bump

[sportutegrl]

Democrats don’t do anything if it is not politically expedient.

[TWohlford]

Yet more drumbeats as the Dems try to avoid another 1968 convention, as well as antiwar riots a la Johnson administration.

Plus, I’m betting they like heat in the winter, electricity in the night, hot water in the shower, and gas in their SUV.