What Ben Stein Thinks Bush Should Do

It Is Time For Rumsfeld To Go And For The President To Admit That Iraq Is A Mess, Says Stein

(CBS)  Sunday Morning contributor Ben Stein thinks it is time for President Bush to admit that Iraq is a disaster.

Times are very tough in Iraq and if I was still a speechwriter for the President, like I was for Mr. Nixon and Mr. Ford, this is what I would suggest he say:

My fellow Americans, I have some sobering news. It is my duty, above all, to protect the nation. I sincerely believed I was doing that when I ordered the invasion of Iraq. I still believe Saddam Hussein was the most dangerous man in the world. But it is clear to me now that things are not working out well in Iraq. Despite the incredible confidence, bravery and sacrifice of our men and women on the ground there, Iraq is still a violent, largely out of control nation. We may be making more terrorists than we destroy. "Quagmire" comes sadly to mind. It is clear that change must be made. Therefore, I have this morning accepted Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's resignation with sincere thanks for his service to the nation. He will be replaced by a truly heroic American, Senator John McCain of Arizona.

Despite my best intentions, I made mistakes in Iraq and mine is the responsibility. Good men and women died and hard-earned tax money was lost. Fine young men and women are crippled and disabled, which is a tragedy. It is time for a change. Therefore, I am convening an official, national, bi-partisan, blue ribbon commission composed of Democrats, Independents and Republicans, civilian and military, to start meeting at once and give me a recommendation in one month as to what our Iraq policy should be. All options are on the table. All.

I want to close with this thought. I am just a man. I have no miraculous powers. I have no special pipeline to God. Like all presidents from Jefferson and Lincoln onwards — and believe me, I know I'm not in their league — I make mistakes and sometimes good people die because of them. I am deeply sorry. As we re-examine our policy, I would ask that you all pray for us to make the right decision. May God continue to bless us all. Thank you.

[lsggn63]

I whole heartedly agree with Mr. Stein. If only this were an option and the President could send such an honest message to the people of the US. This is what would make America great!

[jasperlily]

I agree - it would be an honorable thing to do. However, our all having witnessed his character for some time now.......you must be smokin' some good stuff :)

[slimpappy]

This is great and sadly true too many have died too many will die and the out come of it all is we will not be in any differnt situation than we are now .. they keep saying win the war there is no country we are not able to win.. Come home men & women americans dieing is not worth any gain what gain????

[peterbaldwin-2009]

Mc Cain recently sid he wants to send in another 100,000 American toops.

[nccat53]

While I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Stein and feel he has chosen those words very carefully, the real problem is it is nothing more than a speechwriters words and they don't convey what's really inside of President Bush's head and heart. President Bush doesn't have the capacity to comprehend exactly just how big a mess he has created with the Iraq war. He lives in a bubble much like some movie and music stars..surrounded by so many yes men and women, so caught up in what's more important for them or their party, so insulated from reality, that he could never truly comprehend the pain and suffering that his decisions have caused. The scariest part of all of this is that so many supposedly intelligent men and women (including Mr. Stein) allowed it to get this far. Instead of writing a "speech" to give Mr. Bush an "out" from this mess, Mr. Stein should question himself and others and wonder as to why they weren't asking any hard questions in the run up to this illegitimate war. Or why they still supported him in 04. For all your intelligence Mr. Stein, I don't recall any commentary from you prior to the war speculating on what a mess we would have on our hands should this be done too hastily and without a "real" coalition.

[govshore]

as a republican this is difficult to say because I support our President, but Mr. Stein has hit the mark.
Out of the park!
[e-mail]

[phillip59-2009]

I whole heartedly agree with Mr. Stein. If i had the video i would send it to President Bush right now for pracitice. May I also suggest that the American people put a stop to the negitive campaining by refering to them as RED ads and that we their boss will not stand for it any more! Do not vote for any red ads. That means You Guys.

Phillip Hanley
Elmhurst, IL 60126
[e-mail]

[bluestardad]

What do we Leave Behind In Iraq if we leave now?
The answer to this question is that we leave no more dead or maimed American Soldiers, family members, contractors, nor journalists. We take with us our two Billion TAX Dollars a week back to America and put it to use in America. Leaving the forty plus billion tax dollars still unaccounted for behind in Iraq to be used as those who took them see fit. We leave the Iraqi people who are currently fighting each other to fight. There will be no more need for (IED) Improvised Explosive Devises because we would have removed all our lightly armored Hummers and equipment. Halliburton will have to renegotiate their contract with the Iraqi leaders. So you see we can disengage from Iraq without any %u201CImmediate Threat%u201D of harm to the American People and without the fear of them coming after us with a mushroom cloud, yellow cake, or chemical weapons. It is a %u201CSlam Dunk%u201D that there are currently people at the Rand Corporation, Harvard Business School, Ohio State University, Virginia Military Institute, at most American High Schools or other businesses, that if ask, can come up with a operational plan to disengage from Iraq and bringing our troops and equipment home safely to America.

[howlingzoe]

This was an elegant, thoughtful way without attacking to address what so many of us are thinking.

CBS: will you PLEASE make Sunday Morning available via InnerTube, or atleast post video clips of the commentaries such as this?

For anyone else, I can't find this on YouTube, can anyone post? While the words are deep, the delivery is poetic.

[hopefulman]

Ben, your counsel to the president is spot on. But I believe this president is not capable of such a mea culpa, nor of bridging the divide with such a sensible and powerful political solution.
I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I was truly impressed and won over by Mr. Schwarzenegger's apology to California in which he said, 1) I never should have held the special election, costing Californians so much time and money, 2) I learned I need to work closer with both sides of the aisle in order to get things done, and 3) the people of California don't want to legislate these complex issues; they want their elected reps to do it.
I now have the feeling that Arnold actually listens to both sides of issues, that he's learned to work and compromise with people with whom he disagrees in order to achieve progress. Our president is devoid of these personality or character traits. He's a born again, not only religiously, but politically. He's an ideologue: his opinions are based on a faith that his "ideals" are right; he is brittle and unchangeable. not the brilliant mind that could call for a bi-partisan commission. He's hasn't even recognized that Rumsfeld is one of the biggest problems on the planet.
I have no hope that your suggestions will be taken up by this calcified and unwise man. And part of me is glad to think that he would never do that. It would cause a groundswell of popular public support that could lead to a Republican victory in 2008, and I certainly would not like to see that.

[ottovbvs]

It's a bit late for Mr Stein to have this conversion on the road to Damascus. When this war was seen as vote winner for Bush and the Republicans during its inception and early stages, he was its vigorous proponent. Even as it has spiralled out of control over the past three years he has served up a steady diet of we're making progress, stay the course, or whatever talking points he got from his friends in the white house. Now the enormity of the debacle we are in is being fully revealed, he gets religion all of a sudden. All that's missing is the check into an alchohol or drug clinic where the patient can join those that have gone before. Tell this to the families of the kids who have died out there. And Mr Stein spare us your crocodile tears, they are as phony as most of the other nonsense you have shilled for three years. And yes I'm angry about the 2800 young people who have died for nothing. The whole of America should be, this is not a TV show.

[dargay]

George W Bush is too proud to admit his mistakes and too weak to correct them.

[malizia3456]

I don't always agree with Mr. Stein but he was spot on here and it was done so eloquently! The sad thing is this president has divided us as a nation like I have never before seen, even during Vietnam. As another poster said so well,Mr.Bush is not capable of such a mea culpa.
His arrogance is mind boggling to me.

It could go a long way but now I have to be honest so close to election time I think it may be a little too late. But it sure could start the healing non the less.

Let's bring our men and women home!

[curtdennis-2009]

Ben Stein himself has done the hard thing and changed his mind...from his April statements about support for Rumsfield to his statement today suggesting he resign. His commentary today suggesting Bush change his mind was in and of itself news, and I too wish it was available in video. His use of the speech writting metaphor grabs the listener's attention as something different than the 100 or so opinions expressed every day in the media. The "speech writter" approach is as if he is the only one actually working to provide a proposal. Listening to it was like hearing something of such importance that I assumed this story (commentary) itself would be discussed on the news as a bold, articulate, and significant event of the day. I hope that is the case and hope his commentary becomes a rallying flag for those that agree with his message. Those that disagree may struggle to do so due to Ben Stein's productive, thoughtful approach to his comments. His comments were not partisan or meant to smear. They were constructive, newsworthy dialogue and I bet the White House will take notice of this commentary on Iraq more than all other ones expressed today.

Well said, Mr. Stein!

[djconklin]

I agree with all of the comments made so far! This was excellant! Unfortunately, as dargay noted President Bush is most likely unwilling and unable to shift gears as fast as is necessary.

[wedeservebet]

Much like the Romans, Bush is too stupid and arrogant to take the gracious, albeit best, way out. He, and what they refer to as his "administration" will not take advice from a has-been apologist..They will do as the Romans and all good cowboys do..They will fight to the death. As history continues to prove that Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush and Rice could not hold Powell or Card's jockstraps further damage will already have been done. Remember: One must have a conscience to make a conscious decision!!

[cccjava]

Dear Ben, thank you for your claity in offering a way out for President Bush to not lose face.

Your's continues to be a voice of reason, though I don't always agree with you.

What are the chances that Pres. Bush would even consider such a broad, thoughtful, even handed and inclusive proposal.

Would you consider running for president, as a democrat!!?

[cccjava]

Dear Ben, thank you for your claity in offering a way out for President Bush to not lose face.

Your's continues to be a voice of reason, though I don't always agree with you.

What are the chances that Pres. Bush would even consider such a broad, thoughtful, even handed and inclusive proposal.

Would you consider running for president, as a democrat!!?

[learning2be]

That speech, coming from President Bush, would be a turnaround point for me in my opinion of him. The only thing that would truely make it better were if it ended in former President Roosevelt's statement, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself %u2014 nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." If it were to end in that manner, I would have hope that this country could remain a democracy, and that its people would stand to reject removal of their freedoms and rights done under the guise of protecting them, by an administration intent on pruning the tree of liberty and avoiding the underlying root issues existing both at home and abroad.

[minipennydm]

Ben!
Wow! how perfectly and eloquently stated. I stood up in my living room and clapped at the end of your speech. I hope President
Bush was watching and copies your speech verbatim and presents it tomorrow night during primetime!
Good job!

[jimpilarski]

I have never been a big fan of Ben Stein until I started to listen to his editorials on the Sunday Morning Show. Now I find my self being entertained and usually agreeing with his opinions on everything from Cadillacs to politics.(I also happen to drive a STS). This morning his editorial was another one of those ocassions. As I reflected on the speach he would write for President Busch, I thought, what a logical, responsible and honorable approach this would be for our president to take. Unfortunately, as I reflected further I concluded that it's a shame that that we don't have a president that is logical, responsible or honorable.

[learning2be]

That speech, coming from President Bush, would be a turnaround point for me in my opinion of him. The only thing that would truely make it better were if it ended in former President Roosevelt's statement, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself %u2014 nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." If it were to end in that manner, I would have hope that this country could remain a democracy, and that its people would stand up to reject removal of their freedoms and rights - done under the guise of protecting them - by an administration intent on pruning the tree of liberty, buying more weapons, and avoiding the root underlying issues both at home and abroad.

[hamiltongrad]

With very clear eyes, I disagree.
We need to remember that phrase of the 1960s, which is "Power to the People". Before such a pullout, we should hold a plebicite in Iraq . And have it monitored by internationals including asking Germany (who refused to send troops for the last Iraqi election ! ). Perhaps the Iraqi they would vote for a federation, or surprise us with what is best for them. It is very difficult to get the real story here, as our reporters are huddled in bars and hotels in the Green Zone, but the oil output is far above prewar, cell phones are everywhere, free Iraqi TV news, rebuilt schools, and multiple newspapers are sold on the street.
I say, a bold move is needed, but let the Iraqi decide !

[ceekuei]

It would be wonderful if Bush could publicly mimic the words of Stein, but alas it will not happen. Bush the man is incapable of feeling responsible for the mess he and his administration has created in Iraq. On a real personal level, he has achieved nothing. Everything was handed over to him, so are the responsibilities of being President. Bush is possibly the least qualify man to ever hold the office of the presidency. Ignorance is not a sin but Bush suffers from incurable ignorance and his affliction is fatally contagious to the nation and the world at large. When I watch him on TV, I see an incompetent and ill equipped man tragically thrust on to the world stage. He is an anomaly that has wrought nothing but miseries.

[kleuzinger]

On the McCain recommendation: Does moving him to the executive branch replace his seat in the legislature with someone more conservative friendly? Does this insure a run at the Presidency in 4-8 years?

[crusl]

As usual, Mr. Stein's commentary was eloquent, thoughtful, and concise. This is probably the most gracious way for President Bush to get us out of Iraq. Well done, Mr Stein. Any president would be wise to have you as speech writer.

[mindiofnc]

I actually shed tears...tears of longing. I wish like anything that we would hear those words for real.
I agree with one post: Bush is too ignorant to admit to his mistakes and too weak to correct them. Well said.
Now, if this upcoming election would just turn our country around and change the face of Congress, Bush could start "quacking" now!

[pureusa]

As they say, or use to, on the RASH Limbaugh cartoon, DITTO from KY. to you Mr.Stein. For that speech to come from Bush would be many prayers answered world wide. If we don't get back to what this Country was founded on, United We Stand, Divided We Fall, we will do just that! I am so sick of hearing too liberal this and too conservative that. We should put being American first and take care of our people first no matter what party. As far as Bush,what scares me, is how did he get voted in the first time, oh, thats right , he didn't, but the second term? Didn't anybody see the debates between Kerry and Bush? They said Kerry was just a good debater and Bush,well, i guess he just has a problem with the English language, but Kerry ate him alive. And the people voted Bush to be our leader. Now thats a scary thought for Halloween.

[nanran3]

It's not an easy thing for anyone to admit he or she had been wrong, much less for a narcissistic president to do so, but if it were possible that Bush could say this to the American people, he would be treated much more favorably by history. This is one of the more diplomatic, classy and appropriate speeches I have heard, and sadly, it will most likely be relegated to the confines of this commentary thread rather than the annals of history.

[emhawks]

What an eloquent & intelligent speech! Now, if only Bush would actually give a speech like this one & mean it.
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

[paulfromnj]

I agree with "emhawks:" "What an eloquent & intelligent speech! Now, if only Bush would actually give a speech like this one & mean it." Further, Bush and Cheney should also do us one more favor: resign, especially since their elections remain in question and their "leadership" has been so abysmal. But they won't, so I'd surely settle for what Ben Stein proposes; it would be more steps in the right direction than Bush and Cheney have taken during their entire administration to date.

[snowhound119]

Ben Stein is absolutely right. I support the president because he is our commander and chief however everyone knows he is not perfect and the war was a mistake. Mistakes put aside, we are there for better or worse now, so he should admit that the war is now a quagmire and that we need new leadership and new bi-partisan policy.

[snowhound119]

Ben Stein is absolutely right. I support the president because he is our commander and chief however everyone knows he is not perfect and the war was a mistake. Mistakes put aside, we are there for better or worse now, so he should admit that the war is now a quagmire and that we need new leadership and new bi-partisan policy.

[lucyloo4]

Thank you, Ben Stein, for delivering a vision
we could embrace regarding the Iraq nightmare. I wish President Bush had the wisdom to employ Mr. Stein's talents. A straightforward and honest speech from President Bush would be a welcome change. Unfortunately, it is difficult to
envision the administration listening instead of talking.

[mlmj14]

All the I'm sorry's in the world will not bring back the young men and women we have lost. The I'm sorry's will not heal all the scars of war that our service men and women will face forever that were in this war. Mr Bush did not make a little mistake that he can apologize for. He made a huge one that cost lives of both Americans and the people of Iraq. He should resign and take Rummy with him.

[barbarast59]

My money is on Ben Stein. I dnt believe I could have said it better myself.

[primary73]

Your critical error is in assuming that Bush would have the humility to admit his mistakes.

[senthee-2009]

NOpe Mr Bush could have been wrong but still there can be many many valuable lessons that could be learnt and that could even be good for America only time in the future should answer that and cannot be told now.
Indeed his invasion of Afganistan is reallly good and a nice move.
Senthee

[juliehg-2009]

Way to go Ben -- send a copy to The White House!

[k_newmexico]

Go Ben%u2026the most intelligent comment on Iraq I have heard yet. However, I don%u2019t think Bush is listening. If he were the type to listen he would have heard his father when he gave the American people his reason for not going into Iraq %u2013 he could win the war but not the peace.

[junie231]

Mr. Stein! How in the world could you think a simple apology would do? Our soldiers and many innocent people of Iraq and other countries gave their lives for just a mistake in judgement? Come on. You must think the American people are just idiots that would respond to such a lame excuse. Remember that half of the people in this country did not want him in office either term. I have always respected you, but you're letting him off to easy this time.

[dcalla4910]

You got it Ben, got gettum

[spencert6]

CBS should cut out the middle man and just hand over all Terrorist propaganda directly to al Sadr and Saddam.

[spencert6]

CBS should cut out the middle man and just hand over all Terrorist propaganda directly to Bin Laden, al Sadr and Saddam.

[edjohn66]

Some minor problems with the speech:

How are Republicans supposed to scare anyone into voting for them if they tell the truth? And how could the Republicans survive a 180 on how the Democrats deal with terrorism -- from the Dems being responsible for helping the terrorists to being accepted at a table to talk about what to do?

Such a speech by W. would be the ruin of the Republican party.

[edjohn66]

Spencer T6:

I'm amazed at how quickly you right-wing radicals throw your own kind under the bus. Ben Stiller has been a respected conservative for generations. Suggesting he is working propaganda for the terrorists shows your immense ignorance and/or anger. I'm just alarmed that your type seems to be running the country (for the moment, at least).

[edjohn66]

typo:

Ben STEIN, not Ben Stiller.

Sorry.....

[em50bc11]

Eagle Eye
Mr. Stein I read your speech to bad President Bush will never deliever it

Everyone seems to be missing the point accourding to what I have read and heard the Iraqi's did not fly planes into the WTC. Soddam
was contained we knew everything he was doing.

You go after the people or nation who invaded your country and killed over 3000 U.S. citizen, not turn 360 and go after a nation which did not have WMD. Mistake No 1.

When Japnn attacked Pearl Harbor the U.S. went after Japan. FDR knew what to do.

All the voters who voted for the President and relected him should take time out and think did we make the right choice.

This is a President who does not listen he has painted himself in a corner and can't get out his father did the same. Mr. Stein your speech was great but to bad it will never be delivered

[cathaleen]

Ben Stein has a great idea but unfortunately he does not live in the real world. Bush would never throw Rumsfeld under the bus or admit he was wrong about Iraq.
This war will not be settled until Mr. Bush is out of office and it will be up to the next president whoever he or she is to resolve this catastrophy.