Posted on 08/31/2007 7:17:12 AM PDT by Froufrou
Saying the coming weeks will be "one of the last opportunities" to alter the course of the war, Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) said he is now willing to compromise with Republicans to find ways to limit troop deployments in Iraq.
Reid acknowledged that his previous firm demand for a spring withdrawal deadline had become an obstacle for a small but growing number of Republicans who have said they want to end the war but have been unwilling to set a timeline.
"I don't think we have to think that our way is the only way," Reid said of specific dates during an interview in his office here. "I'm not saying, 'Republicans, do what we want to do.' Just give me something that you think you would like to do, that accomplishes some or all of what I want to do."
Reid's unwavering stance this summer earned him critics who said he was playing politics by refusing to bargain with antiwar Republicans. In the interview, he said that his goal remains an immediate return of U.S. troops but that now is the time to work with the GOP.
He cited bringing up legislation after Labor Day that would require troops to have more home leave, forcing military leaders to reduce troop levels, a measure that has drawn some Republican support.
During the week of Sept. 10, Congress will hear a progress report on the war from the U.S. commander in Baghdad, Gen. David H. Petraeus, and the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan C. Crocker. After those hearings and a formal report from President Bush, lawmakers will renew their debate on the war.
That debate screeched to a halt in late July after the most poisonous confrontation since Democrats took control of Congress eight months ago.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Warner
Lugar actually voted the right way on Iraq. During the all-night debate he voted not to pull the troops out.
Touché!
Nice one. Can’t wait for hockey season to start, by the way!
What is with the tie?? And have you ever noticed that Democrats never wear flag pins on their lapels like the Republicans, just some round, circular type thing? Says a lot.
I’m looking forward to it myself!
I’m already signing up players for the upcoming high school hockey season, and I just sent in my season ticket information for the Hershey Bears.
You can check out drawings of the proposed Penguins arena on their web site. They’re also displaying a new jersey design on September 5.
As are many people, even here on FR.
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