Posted on 05/09/2007 5:55:32 PM PDT by kellynla
TIM RUSSERT, NBC NIGHTLY NEWS: Brian, all eyes on the Republican party. How long will they support the president's position on the Iraq War? Yesterday may have been a defining, pivotal moment.
At two-thirty in the afternoon, in the private quarters of the White House, the Solarium Room, eleven Republican congressmen had a private meeting with the president, the secretary of defense, the secretary of state, the chief political advisor Karl Rove, and the White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, and others.
This delegation was headed by Mark Kirk of Illinois and Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania. It was, in the words of one of the participants, the most unvarnished conversation they've ever had with the president.
Another member has said he has met with three presidents and never been so candid. They told the president, and one said, quote, "My district is prepared for defeat. We need candor, we need honesty, Mr. President."
The president responded, "I don't want to pass this off to another president. I don't want to pass this off, particularly, to a democratic president," underscoring he understood how serious the situation was.
Brian, the Republican congressmen went on to say, "The word about the war and its progress cannot come from the White House or even you, Mr. President. There's no longer any credibility. It has to come from General Petraeus.
The meeting lasted an hour and fifteen minutes, and was, in the words of one, " remarkable for the bluntness, and no holds barred honesty and the message delivered by all these Republican congressmen.
BRIAN WILLIAMS: And Tim...how did the president react and how did this then affect the instructions for VP Cheney heading off to Iraq?
RUSSERT: One congressman said, "How can our daughters and sons spill their blood while the Iraqi parliament goes on vacation? The president responded, "The Vice President is over there to tell them, 'Do not go on vacation.'"
Developing...
I just called and left a very angry message on Kirk’s machine. Let’s fill up his answering device.
Washington, DC Office
1030 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-4835
Fax: 202-225-0837
I agree 110%... forget the arguements pro or con on the whole Iraq issue. Just look at the facts as they are now. If something doesn’t radical change in the landscape of Iraq, Republicans could very well be in deep in 2008. People argue that the President needs to make a coherent arguement. No argue, no matter how strong, can go up against the constant carnage and reports of casualties on the daily news from Iraq.
You said — “He got to where he is with poll approvals ratings in the tank because he is perceived to be weak.”
—
That’s easy to say *after* he’s already President. However, it’s not easy to get to be President by throwing people out of your office. You don’t build any kind of constituency that way to ever get there in the first place. So, remember, he did *get there* and he’s not likely to start throwing people out of his office when he hasn’t done that in years past.
“Petraeous is a sell-out!”
Sometimes FR is as looney-toons as DU, I swear to god.
most americans believe that the war has gone on too long,
republicans, and, of course, democrats.
bill bennett made this point on the dennis prager radio show yesterday.
rumsfeld, franks, bremer, et al made some BIG mistakes.
read:
Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq by Michael R. Gordon and General Bernard Trainor Paperback - Feb 27, 2007
Buy new: $16.00 $10.88 56 Used & new from $9.42
p.s. in case you did not notice, the democraps won the u.s. congress in 2006.
The Ft. Dix arrests are proof that there is a real, global war on terror and it's here as well as there. When they care more about re-election than national security, it's over. There are domestic issues that can be put on the back burner but national security is not one of them.
Thanks for the ping!
Why get on them? What has Bush done for them except make the Republican brand a joke and help drive their associates out of office. Bush couldnt order from a menu much less convince the public that he's doing the right thing. He and his entire stuff are totally incapabale of communicating anything of importance.
The detractors certainly spend more time sniping at republicans than fighting the DUmocrats/enemy. With the daily BDS threads, FR looks more like DU every day.
I like your post - thanks for the Greenburg KS news link. Our President, under attack himself, is focused on comforting the tornado-stricken town.
Prayers for our President and our awesome troops.
Actually, most Americans want a victory in Iraq - NOT what you're selling...
p.s. in case you did not notice, the democraps won the u.s. congress in 2006.
Oh, so you're one of those 'mandate' idiots, who suggest that we ought to surrender, just because the D@mocrats have a ONE seat majority in the Senate? Why don't you go 'invade' yourself, you worthless sack of...
These congresscritters will really enjoy explaining to their constituents that the enemy massing on our Northern and Southern borders don’t really intend any harm to their constituents.
I think he is a Ron Paul Libertarian
Not past tense, still a reservist and the only member of Congress to have served on active duty during the current conflict. He voted with the Dems opposing the surge, so this isn't a surprise. He's wrong, but I'll cut Kirk a bit of slack based on his service.
My friend, +7 Dems is a blowout. Republicans typically do better with turnout but this time the normally Republican leaning independents vered to the Dems and voted.
The generation that abandoned Southeast Asia to the murder of millions and to tyrrany for their survivors, lives yet on....
Bull, the President decimated the Republican party in 2006 and has not been on the offense for years. He confuses repeating plattitudes with strategy. He doesnt understand that he is responsible for communication. Its not the publics fault they dont understand. Its his. He left his party out to dry, dont shed any tears for Bush. He did it to himself.
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