by Rick Pearson
Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards warned a returning Congress today that Gen. David Petraeus' upcoming report on Iraq is likely to become part of a White House public relations offensive ignoring the fundamental issue of a lack of political progress that would lead to a stable Iraq.
The Democratic presidential contender, in a conference call to reporters, said the administration will try to steer discussion on Iraq to questions of whether lesser individual benchmarks for progress had been met.
"They want to bicker about this benchmark or that benchmark because they want to keep this policy that's a complete failure going forward," Edwards said. "What should be asked when Gen. Petraeus and the administration officials appear before the Congress…is the basic question of whether there's been any serious move toward a political solution, because everyone recognizes there cannot be stability and peace in Iraq unless some comprehensive political solution is reached."
The answer, Edwards said, is "no."
"I'm calling on Congress to put an end to this. I mean, it needs to be ended. We can't let George Bush continue on this course that's been so devastating for America and it's continuing to cost Americans lives when there's been no indication whatsoever that there's any political solution on the horizon."
Edwards contended the Bush administration has "consistently painted a rosier picture of what's happening in Iraq than reality."
"There's going to be a huge ongoing PR offensive from this administration. That's absolutely clear. And they're going to make the situation look better than it is," Edwards said.
Edwards, who was among the senators who voted for the use of military force in Iraq, said the Democratic-controlled Senate and House needs to "stand its ground" and continually submit war-funding measures to Bush that include a timetable for withdrawal despite presidential threats of a veto. He has called for an immediate reduction of 40,000 to 50,000 troops—a move he said will put "heat" on Iraqi leaders to make progress in taking control of the country.
"I don't think anybody believes that America's military forces on the ground in Iraq can create a solution as long as (Prime Minister Nouri) al-Maliki, the Shia-led government, the Sunni leadership, the Kurdish leadership, as long as there continues to be serious political conflict," he said.
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Comments
How sad is it when all you can do is spend money on advertising to justify your failed invasion of Iraq.
A war that needs advertising is a lost cause.Ask Nixon.
Posted by: Raving Loon | September 5, 2007 3:43 PM
Leave it to a sniveling little rich trial lawyer to muddy the name of a General and the U.S. military.
John, stick to hair styling and leave the world to those with a clue.
Posted by: John D | September 5, 2007 3:47 PM
Speaking of benchmarks...
September 5, 2007:
"Iraq's security forces have made ``uneven progress'' and will be unable to take over security on their own in the next 12 to 18 months, according to an independent assessment.
The study, conducted by a 20-member panel led by retired Gen. James Jones, found the Iraqi Army shows promise of becoming a viable, independent security force with time."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6898703,00.html
October 15, 2006:
The commander, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., also said he now believed Iraqi forces would be ready to take over security responsibility from the Americans no sooner than late 2007 or early 2008. The announcement of a 12- to 18-month target again pushes back the withdrawal of the bulk of the 145,000 or so U.S. troops in Iraq.
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/24/AR2006102400171.html"
May 31, 2005:
"Talabani also put a tentative time frame on the beginning of the withdrawal of U.S. troops, saying it should take 12 to 18 months before Iraqi security forces will be "ready to fight terrorism.""
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/05/31/iraq.main/index.html
Anyone care to guess what we'll be hearing about the readiness of the Iraqi Army and security forces in another 12 to 18 months?
Posted by: Tony | September 5, 2007 3:56 PM
It's hard to believe that there are still people out there who believe what Prez FortunateSon says about anything anymore, let alone what he says about Iraq:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76O2uvmZbzo&mode=related&search=
Posted by: John E | September 5, 2007 4:12 PM
Clearly it is time for Bush to step down and allow Edwards to ascend to his rightful position in the vice-presidency.
We can't let George Bush continue on this course that's been so devastating for America.
I heartily agree. I have been personally devastated every single day of that "man's" presidency...and I'm sick of the devestation.
Posted by: Bartleby | September 5, 2007 4:14 PM
Leave it to a sniveling little rich trial lawyer to muddy the name of a General and the U.S. military.
John, stick to hair styling and leave the world to those with a clue.
Posted by: John D | September 5, 2007 3:47 PM
"What should be asked when Gen. Petraeus and the administration officials appear before the Congress…is the basic question of whether there's been any serious move toward a political solution, because everyone recognizes there cannot be stability and peace in Iraq unless some comprehensive political solution is reached."
Johnny Torture-
How does suggesting that Petreaus be asked about political progress in Iraq "muddy" his name?
Is the military never to be questioned?
Is the Senate just to stand up and salute when Petreaus testifies, my fascist friend?
Posted by: Tony | September 5, 2007 4:57 PM
Tony,
Ours not to question why, Ours but to do and die--Alfred Lord Tennyson
Clearly it's time for John D. to get behind the Surge of the Light Brigade. Here's some more traveling music, go Johnny Torture:
The Golden (Bush) Years...apologies to David Bowie
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
Don't let me hear you say life's taking you nowhere, Dyslin
Go sign up, you baby
Look at that sky, life's begun
Nights are warm and the days are young
Go sign up, you baby
There's little Johnny, lost that's all
Easy to fix with some Whack-a-Mole
Whack-a-Mole, whop whop whop
Go sign up, you baby
Last night they loved you, opening doors and pulling some strings, Dyslin
Soldier-up, you baby
In walked luck you signed up in time
Never look back, walk tall, act fine
Soldier-up, little Johnny
They only want you for a thousand years
Nothings gonna touch you in your battle gear, now go
Whack a Mole, whop whop whop
Be sure and duck, little Johnny
Some of these days, and it wont be long
Gonna drive back down where you once belonged
In the back of a Humvee twenty foot long
Don't cry John D., you'll get a Purple Heart
Doing all right, but you gotta get smart
Wish upon, wish upon, day upon day, I believe oh lord
I believe all the way
Soldier-up, little Johnny
Run for the shadows, run for the shadows, run for the shadows in these Bush years
There's little Johnny, lost that's all
Once I'm begging you save his little soul
Whack-a-Mole, whop whop whop
Be sure and duck, little Johnny
Don't let me hear you say the surge is going nowhere, Dyslin
just soldier-up, little Johnny
Run for the shadows, run for the shadows
run for the shadows in these Bush years
Ill think of you Johnny, shed a thousand tears
No ones gonna find you, just your battle gear, Ohhh. whop whop whop
A great big hole whop whop whop
Where did Johnny go? whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
How were we to know? whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
Tell Tony Snow, whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
The Bush years blow, whop whop whop
Posted by: dt | September 5, 2007 6:23 PM
Katie Couric recently said things have changed dramatically in Iraq, i wonder if the "Breck Girl" thinks that the popular conservative Ms Couric,is part of the PR blitz ?
Posted by: Don B. | September 5, 2007 8:07 PM
Since Johnny E loves youtube so much, I thought I would present this little tiddy about the Breck Girl, also known as John Edwards.
And for a man who loves to primp, BC still thinks he buys his suits at Sears!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AE847UXu3Q
Posted by: John D | September 5, 2007 9:08 PM
It sickens me every time I hear a politician talk about the sacrifice our country has paid, without mentioning the sacrifice the Iraqis have paid. We started this thing, not the Iraqis. How pathetic.
Posted by: Abo | September 5, 2007 9:34 PM
So far, the only objections I've heard from the wing-nuts towards Edwards are:
1. The allegation he's vain, or variations of same; Breck girl, $400 haircut, blah, blah blah.
2. He's wealthy, and therefore is not qualified to speak on behalf of the poor (Stop it!, Warren Buffett)
3. He's a trial lawyer, and the implication that this is an dishonorable profession (betcha Bush didn't think so when he went crying to the U.S. Supreme Court).
Is that all ya got, Edward's detractors?
Posted by: dt | September 6, 2007 12:18 AM
Katie Couric recently said things have changed dramatically in Iraq, i wonder if the "Breck Girl" thinks that the popular conservative Ms Couric,is part of the PR blitz ?
Posted by: Don B.
She also said that the improvements are only in the parts the military allows her to see. She knows she is not seeing the whole picture...they won't allow it.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | September 6, 2007 7:36 AM
We started this thing, not the Iraqis. How pathetic.
Posted by: Abo | September 5, 2007 9:34
Abo: You neglected to mention a minor detail...U.N. resolution 1441, passed in Nov. '02
Posted by: Don B. | September 6, 2007 9:15 AM
dt, here are more things as to why Edwards is unqualified to be prez:
1. He was a do-nothing senator for 6 years.
2. He has not experience in running or leading anything.
3. He is a neo-socialist at heart, except where his own finances are concerned.
4. He is a hypocrite. For instance, all the while moaning about the treatment of Katrina victims, a company he is heavily vested in is throwing those folks onto the streets (while he makes more money).
5. What has he done to deserve to be president?
6. He is a flip-flopper too.
7. He wants to raise taxes, which of course, will not affect him.
Is that enough?
Posted by: John D | September 6, 2007 9:43 AM
Edwards is winning in Iowa. If he wins there he has a real chance to win the nom over HIllary. As a moderate Republican I can see the appeal of Edwards. He reminds me the most of Bill Clinton. Unlike most of the other candiadtes, w/the exception og Rudy, Edwards is the only one who did not grow up rich. He knows what it is like to be part of a working class family. I dont get people bashing him because he is rich now. He did what most of us wish we could. He made something out of himself w/out all of the benefits that the rich get from birth. I am a Republican and I admire John Edwards. I do not agree w/ everything he says but I have a lot of respect for him.
Posted by: Vinny | September 6, 2007 10:15 AM
"Abo: You neglected to mention a minor detail...U.N. resolution 1441, passed in Nov. '02"
Posted by: Don B. | September 6, 2007 9:15 AM
Bush and his cronies continue to ask for "patience" in the Iraq war "surge". But I argue if Bush had more patience, we would not be in this war. 4 1/2 months (The time between of res. 1441 and the bombing of Bagdad) was hardly enough time for such a UN resolution to take affect and be fully complied with.
And it was being honored.
The inspections were moving along. Maybe not as fast as some people like, but the UN inspectors were in Iraq inspecting military sites in the days leading up to the invasion.
Face it, the reason Bush invaded when he did was because "he knew", the inspectors would not find anything, and therefore not have any justification for the war.
Bush lied to Congress to get authorization for the war and then to the American people with the famous "16 words" in the 2003 State of The Union address.
Posted by: Steve | September 6, 2007 11:16 AM
Bush lied to Congress to get authorization for the war and then to the American people with the famous "16 words" in the 2003 State of The Union address.
Posted by: Steve | September 6, 2007 11:16 AM
Revisionist history Steve, have another tall one of Kool-Aid on me.
Posted by: Don B. | September 6, 2007 1:41 PM
[quote]
And for a man who loves to primp, BC still thinks he buys his suits at Sears!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AE847UXu3Q
Posted by: John D | September 5, 2007 9:08 PM
[/quote]
I know for a fact that you buy yours at a K-Mart Blue Light Special sale.
Posted by: BC | September 7, 2007 3:41 PM
Don B. - You forget one major point - the Iraqies dying today had no say in the matter. We have killed, maimed, and left homeless millions because Bush didn't like one man - Saddam Hussein. Reagan stopped the Soviet Union without killing anyone. But Reagan was a bright man, whereas Bush has trouble forming a sentence.
Posted by: abo | September 9, 2007 6:39 PM
Don B. - You forget one major point - the Iraqis dying today had no say in the matter. We have killed, maimed, and left homeless millions because Bush didn't like one man - Saddam Hussein. Reagan stopped the Soviet Union without killing anyone. But Reagan was a bright man with a conscience, whereas Bush has trouble forming a sentence.
Posted by: abo | September 9, 2007 7:06 PM