WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2007
Pelosi Says She Wasn't Consulted On Iraq
New House Speaker Wants Bush To Reach Out To Democrats
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More Analysis On Bush's Speech
Only On The Web: Jim VandeHei, executive editor of Politico.com, talks about President Bush's State of the Union address and how politicians and the public are reacting to his Iraq plan.
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Reactions To Bush's Speech
A day after President Bush delivered his State of the Union address, he is promoting one of his key issues: energy. And as Aleen Sirgany reports, reaction to the speech is pouring in.
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Bush: Give Iraq Plan A Chance
Only On The Web: Bill Plante recaps the President's sixth State of the Union address. Mr. Bush pleaded for support of his new Iraq plan, which requires a troop surge in the region.
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President Bush shakes hands with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi prior to his 2007 State of the Union address. (GETTY IMAGES/Alex Wong)
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2007 State Of The Union
President Bush lays out a streamlined agenda to Congress, VIPs, invited guests and the nation.
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Congress Reacts To Plan
Reaction to President Bush's new Iraq stategy, which includes an increase in troops.
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110th Congress
The balance of power shifts and new leadership takes control as the latest session convenes.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that President George W. Bush did not consult her before announcing his new strategy for the war in Iraq — a sign that, despite the cozy rhetoric, the relationship between Washington's two powerhouses has already had its share of friction.
In an interview, Pelosi also said she was puzzled by what she considered the president's minimalist explanation for his confidence in the new surge of 21,500 U.S. troops that he has presented as the crux of a new "way forward" for U.S. forces in Iraq.
"He's tried this two times — it's failed twice," the California Democrat said. "I asked him at the White House, 'Mr. President, why do you think this time it's going to work?' And he said, 'Because I told them it had to.' "
Asked if the president had elaborated, she added that he simply said, " 'I told them that they had to.' That was the end of it. That's the way it is."
She also said during the interview in her spacious Capitol suite that no one else in the White House had asked her what she would do, or what the administration should do about Iraq.
The speaker did praise the president for his gracious salute to her at the beginning of his State of the Union address Tuesday night that prompted two standing ovations. And she said she takes the president at his word when he says he wants to reach across the aisle.
The new Congress may pass some version of his energy and immigration proposals, if Bush can round up enough Republican support, Pelosi suggested. But she rejected the proposal for a tax deduction for health insurance that was a centerpiece of his speech.
In all, she left no doubt that Democrats who now run the House and Senate intend to control the agenda. And, on domestic policy, Pelosi — not Bush — is now arguably the nation's most powerful force.
In Bush's speech on Iraq more than two weeks ago, he said he had "consulted members of Congress from both parties," as well as overseas allies and distinguished outside experts. And the president and his top aides had a swirl of meetings with lawmakers from both parties. But Pelosi said she was not satisfied, particularly recalling a White House meeting the afternoon of the speech.
"He brought us in to tell us what he was going to say in a matter of hours," she said. "It wasn't a consultation — it was a notification. And a late-minute one at that."
Pelosi made it clear the issue was the essential backdrop in Washington for the foreseeable future, however much Bush wants to talk about domestic issues. "We have an 800-pound gorilla in the room and it's called Iraq," she said. "That, to me, is the primary issue facing the Congress and the president in terms of some place that we have to work together."
But she added, "I don't see any signal that the president is ready to listen. Nonetheless I pray — and I use the word very, very specifically — pray that he will go to another place on Iraq."
Describing the president's plan as "add Americans," the speaker said: "Whatever it is, if he's going to go ahead with it, I hope it succeeds, of course. This is the third time."
If it does not, she asked, "What would he do then? Would that send a message to him that perhaps these people have to be left to their own security?"
A senior administration official disagreed with Pelosi's comments, noting that she and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had sent a letter the previous Friday opposing the surge. "By the time we met with her on Wednesday, we knew for sure where she stood," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Despite seemingly unbridgeable differences with Democrats on Iraq, Bush hopes to use domestic issues to fight for relevancy at a low point in his presidency by seeking a series of compromises.
He telegraphed his strategy in the State of the Union address, with his emphasis on providing health care coverage to the uninsured and liberalizing the nation's immigration laws.
Tax cuts are gone as a rhetorical centerpiece and, instead, his aides hoped the headline out of the speech would be sort of a Nixon-to-China idea for the former Texas oilman: The most specific plan for reducing gasoline use that he has ever proposed. But officials said he will stick to his broadest principles, including resistance to tax increases.
"He's going to seek compromise in areas where he can," said a top presidential adviser who spoke on condition of anonymity so he could speak candidly. "You create relevance in politics by appearing to be relevant. If Democrats are engaging with him on a series of issues, that gives him leverage."
In the interview, Pelosi said she was eager to take Bush up on his outreach to the new Democratic majority.
"My confidence in his willingness to work in a bipartisan way springs from his word — he said it," Pelosi explained. "We have enough areas of agreement that we can move forward and that we have to move forward."
For instance, she cited what she calls her "innovation agenda" of measures designed to improve technology at U.S. businesses.
"Let's build confidence where we can without there being any ideology involved, and then take it to what we can do on energy independence," she said. "Let's find our common ground. Maybe we can do something on immigration if the president really wants to take the lead because he's going to have to lead his party there, and I think he knows that."
Still, the speaker said she is uncertain that the White House will always sound quite as accommodating.
"They have to do what they have to do," she said. "They have to appeal to their base, appeal to their party."
And she declared, "I have to do what I have to do.''
John Bresnahan and Carrie Budoff contributed to this report.
By Josephine Hearn and Mike Allen
TM & © 2007 The Politico & Politico.com, a division of Allbritton Communications Company
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See all 61 CommentsHe seems to think an elected "representative" is the same as "king" or "dictator."
Someone needs to explain to Bozo he is an employee, he is not the boss. And, the best way to explain that is by indicting him for his multiple crimes which include conspircacy to commit murder and other war crimes.
George Bush is the most incompetent & corrupt "president" (lazy, lying thief & murderer) in US history.
Stop beating around the hedge and tell us what you really think, ha. Question is, how do we get out of this mess?
I agree 100%.
There is ONLY one commander-in-chief NOT 435 commanders-in chiefs.
Period, end of discussion.
.........
the only way out of this "mess" is by doing what we are doing and hoping that the elections of 2008 restore sanity and dignity (?) to the White House.
I lived through the same thing with LBJ & then Nixon and I never thought this nation would sink to those depths again in my lifetime.
But, here we are and we have LBJ (Bush) AND Nixon (Cheney) in the White House at the same time.
This too shall pass. Unfortunately, the stain will last for at least one generation, probably two, and fifty years from now, pinheads will be blaming "liberals" for the neocon's failures resulting from their attempt to dominate the world by force.
And, another generation will be living off the trust funds established by their war profiteering grandparents who got rich during this fiasco. And, they will be demanding tax cuts. . .
The wheel never stops.
Yet she refused to allow any Republican input during her "100 hours".
What a two-faced witch that hag is.
processor2: Exactly.
For at least the last six years Democrats have been completely shut out of the legislative proccess. Bipartisanship is the right way to run the government but the GOP have absolutely no room to whine.
Sorry in advance for improper tone.
We know what the "Rupublican input" looks like. The country is still too sore to sit down from all the "input" we've been getting.
Example: The last time a bill to raise minimum wage came up, the GOP had to attach another a tax break for millionares to it.
You can count on a massive rewrite of history by the neocons. They are just looking for a way to blame Bush's incompetence on the Dems.
That's why they are passing a nonbinding resolution registering their view that the surge is just more failed policy. This is Bush's war. He started it and he refuses to take any sober advice. They are going to let him finish sinking his presidency and he'll take the rest of the neocon nuts with him.
If the Dems stop war funding, the neocons will blame the failures in Iraq on them and the rewrite of history will be stunning. Bush may even secretly wish the Dems would do this because he's off the hook. He can throw up his hands and say, "I tried to win this war and I had a plan but the Dems stopped me". They'll also acuse the Dems of not supporting the troops.
Asked if the president had elaborated, she added that he simply said, " 'I told them that they had to.' That was the end of it. That's the way it is."
WHAT A arrogant little chimpfaced poop eating in your face PUNK he is... I'll bet he got beat up alot as a kid
We agree and I also agree with that strategy.
Congress would not vote to cut off funds, so proposing any such thing would not pass. A non-binding resolution will pass and will clearly indicate Bozo Bush & his sidekick, Deadeye, are going it alone. (without congressional *legal* authority or approval)
And, in the more extreme scenario, it also sets Bozo and Deadeye up for criminal charges when they leave office. There is no statute of limitations on war crimes, so Bozo and Deadeye can be brought before a tribunal any time between now and their deaths.
We can only hope.
No, Ms Pelosi, not what will "he" do - what are you and the congress going to do? The reason Democrats are in power in the congress right now is because the people want you to stop our presence in Iraq -- if something dramatic isn't done about Iraq by the next election you can kiss your majority goodby even if it means the people will have to vote for Ralph Nader. Enough business as usual - bite the bullet and DO something BINDING.
There is ONLY one commander-in-chief NOT 435 commanders-in chiefs.
Period, end of discussion; because it's constitutional.
.........
The executive and legislative branches are co-equal. Look into it.
Wow if anything you said was true I'd dislike the Dems too. Fortunately it's all hot air.
"I tried to win this war and I had a plan but the Dems stopped me".
EXACTLY - THAT'S THEIR STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
"In the end, no ideas, no solutions and no new projects, up with abortion, up with *** and lesbians, screw God and Morals, this is all we get from you Democrats"
How many times a week is Karl Rove *** you?
Don't you know, it's not love....
Most of the country now realises that Bush is incompetent at best and a madman at worst.
What we witnessing here is one branch of government perfoming it's duty to place checks and balances on the other. One branch (Congress) has heard the will of the people and realises that it serves at the will of those same people. Another (Executive) has not heard the will of the people and behaves as though the people that put them there are irrelivant.
You say this makes you disgusted. Sorry to hear that.
"Nancy Pelosi is NOT the president.
There is ONLY one commander-in-chief NOT 435 commanders-in chiefs.
Period, end of discussion; because it's constitutional.
.........
Posted by processor2 at 01:14 PM : Jan 25, 2007"
How come no one heard whining and complaining when Clinton shut down a sizable portion of our defensive and offensive capabilities? Sizeable enough to allow Middle East do de-stabilize into the blood-thirsty monster it is today? News flash: Geopolitics do not change overnight, it usually takes two presidential terms.
"Nancy Pelosi is NOT the president.
There is ONLY one commander-in-chief NOT 435 commanders-in chiefs.
Period, end of discussion; because it's constitutional.
.........
Posted by processor2 at 01:14 PM : Jan 25, 2007"
How come no one heard whining and complaining when Clinton shut down a sizable portion of our defensive and offensive capabilities? Sizeable enough to allow Middle East do de-stabilize into the blood-thirsty monster it is today? News flash: Geopolitics do not change overnight, it usually takes two presidential terms.
KEEPING AMERICA SAFER
CLINTON -- PELOSI -- 08
For instance, the recent proposed "legislation" against Bush's Iraq troop deployment. It's not a law, it's not anything that means anything! It's like issuing a press release. I surely hope THIS isn't what people voted for...
LORD BUSH SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPEACHED.
THE IRAQ WAR IS ABOUT WAR PROFITS.
WHO CARES ABOUT THE 2008 ELECTIONS??
WE THE PEOPLE HAVE NO SAY IN OUR GOVERNMENT. NONE.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Uh, what other "place" does she want him to go to.
"I don't see any signal that the president is ready to listen. Nonetheless I pray %u2014 and I use the word very, very specifically %u2014 pray that he will go to another place on Iraq."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif
Maybe Speaker Pelosi should articulate WHERE the other "place" she wants the president to go on Iraq.
There is ONLY one commander-in-chief, NOT 435 commanders-in chiefs.
Period, end of discussion; because it's constitutional.
frankly6
The US constitution clearly states that the President is commander-in-chief.
YOU NEED TO STUDY THE CONSTITUTION YOURSELF.
.......................
Okinawa is the "other place" I think she has in mind. She got the idea from Jack Murtha.
Or maybe she consulted her grandkids.
Anyway, she says she "prays". That's bound to really upset her liberal constituents, for sure.
It's a war plan, not a face-lift!
Not KING and DICTATOR FOR LIFE.
Why should he consult others before unilaterally deciding to put our children in harms way? Because that the way the system was set up. The system he swore to protect and defend. Perhaps you should study a bit yourself.
Now that Democrats are in the majority, and the president has laid out a new plan from the Baker Commission, the Military Generals, and after consulting Congress...
...the Democrats still say we are headed in the "wrong direction".
Do you get the impression that the Democrats "direction" is RETREAT FROM THE ENEMY?
The President has laid out a new plan THAT COMPLETELY DISREGARDS INPUT from the Baker Commission, the Military Generals, and Congress.
Cliff, what color is the sky in your world?
That's it? That's the plan?
Yeah, that'll work... just like it has every time in the past.
Oh yeah, and Bill Kristol says shut up for a few months about it too.
What an incredible plan this is - if you criticize it, it will fail!
That's it? That's the plan?
Yeah, that'll work... just like it has every time in the past.
Oh yeah, and Bill Kristol says shut up for a few months about it too.
What an incredible plan this is - if you criticize it, it will fail!
That's it? That's the plan?
Yeah, that'll work... just like it has every time in the past.
Oh yeah, and Bill Kristol says shut up for a few months about it too.
What an incredible plan this is - if you criticize it, it will fail!
That's it? That's the plan?
Yeah, that'll work... just like it has every time in the past.
Oh yeah, and Bill Kristol says shut up for a few months about it too.
What an incredible plan this is - if you criticize it, it will fail!
Seriously?
Gee, wouldn't that be an honor...but Tony Snow doesn't need any help, I'm sure.
It's great fun to watch Tony take on the liberal press' biased and sometimes downright bigotted questions, with reason, tact, and humor in the White House Briefings.
We have a President, and a fairly GOOD one, thank you.
She doesn't need to be filled in on anything on matters relating to National Security. The last time Dems handled National Security matters they f*cked up. Pelosi should go back to her hires of ILLEGALS and pushing through a GOOD minimum wage act that also protects small businesses.
But then again, Nan wants her ILLEGAL workers to shop at Wal-Mart. After all, better to pay Chinese pockets than American ones.
Not KING and DICTATOR FOR LIFE.
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