Clinton, Dole Back Troops, Blast Critics
In Agreement When It Comes To The War
NEW YORK, April 6, 2003
(CBS) In the latest in a series of two-minute debates for CBS News 60 Minutes, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and former President Bill Clinton talk about critics of the war in Iraq. Following is a transcript of their debate:
SENATOR DOLE: You know, it's a good thing the Iraqi civilian who risked his life and his family to help rescue Private Jessica Lynch didn't have American TV. That way, he didn't have to see people who should know better trashing the war.
To protect his identity, the Marines call him Mohammed. I call him a hero. He reminds us to focus on the big picture: getting rid of Saddam's regime. Liberating 25 million Iraqis while limiting our casualties, and theirs.
President Bush warned the fighting would be difficult. I just wish the critics, including retired brass, would let us win this war before being told how poorly it was managed.
Sure, critics have a role, but they should consider their impact on families across America. Like countless others, I've been there. I know how folks at home worry about loved ones in a combat zone. When I fought in WWII, I don't remember anybody second guessing General Eisenhower.
Let's give our leaders and courageous troops some slack. Be patient and supportive. They deserve it. Don't you agree, Mr. President?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: I do agree, Senator. Our troops and commanders should have our support and our patience, especially in a conflict that's only two weeks old.
As my Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen said this week, it only took the critics about five days before they started questioning the military action I ordered in Kosovo. Senator Dole, you didn't join that chorus then, either, and I was proud to have your support.
Whatever our view of what happened leading up to this conflict, or what we should do when it's over, for now, we should want our men and women in uniform and their commander in chief to know that we are pulling for them, and praying for them to finish their jobs as soon as they can -- with as little loss of life as possible on both sides.
When it's done, our military will conduct a post-operation review as they always do. Others can do the same thing to see what lessons can be learned and to debate what comes next.
But now, it's enough to know that our military is the world's finest with wonderful young men and women of every race, religion and walk of life. They'll do what they've been asked to do and they do deserve our support. About that, there can be no debate.
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