WASHINGTON, D.C., May 10, 2007
GOP Moderates Warn Bush On Iraq
Moderate Republicans Tell Bush Their Support Will Be Lost If Iraq Conditions Do Not Improve Soon
-
Photo
President Bush's promised veto of a Democratic bill that would fund the Iraq war only into the summer may survive an override vote, but moderate Republicans warned Mr. Bush that they will jump ship if there aren't signs of progress in Iraq. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
-
Interactive
Iraq: 4 Years Later
The conflict wears on as the nation struggles to rebuild.
-
Photo Essay
Iraq In Pictures
A daily diary with scenes of the latest attacks and snapshots from the effort to rebuild a nation.
During a private meeting in the White House residence Tuesday, attended by Mr. Bush, several key White House officials and 11 moderate Republicans, the Congressional leaders warned the president that their continued support comes at a price — namely, certifiable proof of progress in the war.
They really gave it to the president, says CBS News Chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer, basically telling him if there is not a dramatic change on the ground in Iraq, the president is not going to be able to hold the Republican support he now has on Capitol Hill.
The meeting was a prelude to Vice President Dick Cheney's surprise trip to Iraq Wednesday, during which he met with Iraqi officials on a variety of issues, from security in Baghdad to the Iraqi parliament's announced two-month summer recess. One administration official characterized the tone of Cheney's message to be, "We've got to get this work done. It's game time."
That seems to have been the message from Congressional Republicans to the White House as well.
Mr. Bush was reportedly told that the war is unsustainable without public support and is having a corrosive effect on the GOP's political fortunes. Congressman Charles Dent says he told the president that his Pennsylvania constituents are "impatient, and in some cases have a sense of futility" about the war.
Virginia Republican Tom Davis says he told the president that recent polling data from his suburban Washington district shows Bush's unfavorability ratings exceeded his approval ratings.
"We asked them what's Plan B," said Davis. "We let them know that the status quo is not acceptable."
Davis told CBS Radio affiliate WTOP, "Members are saying, you know, 'My constituents don’t care if we lose this war, they want out of this at this point,' and just giving him the public mood."
"The president listened, he was engaged," Davis said. "This was not what I'd call a 'suck-up' session."
However, Davis also said the president responded that if he began discussing a new strategy, his current one never would have a chance to succeed.
Following the reports on the president's meeting, White House spokesman Tony Snow will only say there are "a number of different views" within the president's party on "how to proceed in Iraq," reports CBS News White House correspondent Peter Maer.
Snow said any claims of a Republican revolt are wrong, and he tried to change the subject to what he described as disunity among Democrats on Iraq war funding.
Moderate Republicans up for reelection in 2008 are "very anxious to get this thing over with," says CBSNews.com Senior Political Editor Vaughn Ververs. "They're going to start defecting — and Democrats are just waiting for that to happen."
Today, Mr. Bush attended a "tank session" at the Pentagon, where he received the latest assessment on Iraq from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mr. Bush continues to believe that the surge in U.S. forces will help secure the Iraqi capital and let the government there stabilize the country, says CBS News correspondent Mark Knoller, but the Pentagon says it cannot come to a fair judgment on that until September.
Following his Pentagon meeting, Mr. Bush said the White House will seek agreement with Congress on benchmarks to measure progress in Iraq. At the same time, re repeated his pledge to veto a bill that would cut of funding for the war by the end of July.
"We reject that idea. It won't work," the president said.
White House officials decided the president should change course by declaring what he is for since he been emphatic about what he is against.
"One message I have heard from people of both parties is that benchmarks make sense and I agree," Mr. Bush said. He said his chief of staff, Joshua Bolten, would talk with congressional leaders "to find common ground on benchmarks.
While the White House is calling the President's Pentagon meeting "routine," there is nothing routine about public messages being made by three retired generals. In ads being run by the advocacy group VoteVet.org, the retired officers challenge the president's argument that he listens to his commanders on the ground in Iraq.
"I am outraged, as are the majority of Americans. I'm a lifelong Republican, but it's past time for change," retired Maj. Gen. John Batiste told reporters in a conference call. "Our strategy in Iraq today is more of the same, a slow grind to nowhere which totally ignores the reality of Iraq and the lessons of history. Our president ignores sound military advice and surrounds himself with like-minded and compliant subordinates."
© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Video and Galleries from Politics
-
Video
Cheney's Top Secret Plan
-
Video
Sotomayor's Confirmation
-
Video
Probing The Bush Administration
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- next
See all 200 CommentsHow much clearer can it be said, even for a dumb a55 like Bush?
Nice to see some Republicans and Generals saying this too.
he retired after he was duiped by the president,vp,rice,rumsfeld so were is he????????????
The deal is the second multibillion-dollar U.S. purchase in two years for BAE, which is now the No. 8 supplier in the world's biggest military market."
Defense contractors getting rich is the real reason for the Iraq invasion, all other reasons are lies. Shame on everyone close to the White House for killing our troops for money.
(CBS/AP)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates told lawmakers such a move would be disastrous. "In essence, the bill asks me to run the Department of Defense like a skiff, and I'm trying to drive the biggest supertanker in the world,"
Yes and its filled with oil for bush and cronies.
Moderate Republicans Tell Bush Their Support Will Be Lost If Iraq Conditions Do Not Improve Soon
There are no republican moderates in congress as proven by their voting record. rubber stamp, rubber stamp. The only reason their position is changing is they know they will lose their cushy job. What bothers me is if they can supposedly see the light now,just where were they looking for the last four years. More republican lies.
"When the country is together, we are strong and can respond to our problems effectively," the three House Republicans wrote. "The more we are divided, the harder this becomes."
It is to bad they couldn't see this ten years ago when the right wing took control of congress.
Davis said the president responded that if he began discussing a new strategy, his current one never would have a chance to succeed.
--This quote signifies the utter blindness of the GOP. Plan B? It's been established there is none, and they're asking now that they're threatened? Classic ignorance. Then there's the current occupant's reply... But what did we expect?
"I am outraged, as are the majority of Americans. I'm a lifelong Republican, but it's past time for change," retired Maj. Gen. John Batiste told reporters in a conference call. "Our strategy in Iraq today is more of the same, a slow grind to nowhere which totally ignores the reality of Iraq and the lessons of history. Our president ignores sound military advice and surrounds himself with like-minded and compliant subordinates."
--Who expected to find the truth so succinctly put in the same article? Thank you for this service, Major General Batiste.
I say with glee, Run you Republican ***, run! Not that you'll acknowledge it, but your legacy is already one of degradation and shame, and you're not even out of office!
Posted by netadmin1 at 09:56 AM : May 10, 2007
That's a typical neo-con post: "BE AFRAID!! BE AFRAID!! Only the Republican Party can save you!!" Why would Iraq attack us after we leave Iraq, when Iraq never attacked us in the first place? We should have all of our occupation forces in Afghanistan looking for the people that actually attacked us. Please keep up the scare tactics though if it makes you feel better - no one with a brain believes it.
Are you buying Darth Vader's idea that the "terrorists" will "follow us home?"
What a crock of horsepucky! First, if the "terrorists" you are referring to are Al Queda, then you must realize that they are not only in Iraq, but in every other Muslim country in the world. Leaving Iraq will do nothing to change that.
Second, the vast majority of the violence in Iraq is Sunni against Shiia, and visa versa. I doubt that they want follow us to America so they can kill each other over here!
Wake up!
"I am outraged, as are the majority of Americans. I'm a lifelong Republican, but it's past time for change," retired Maj. Gen. John Batiste told reporters in a conference call. "Our strategy in Iraq today is more of the same, a slow grind to nowhere which totally ignores the reality of Iraq and the lessons of history. Our president ignores sound military advice and surrounds himself with like-minded and compliant subordinates."
"The fact is, the president has never listened to the soldiers on the ground effectively," said retired NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark, who ran for president in 2004. "This administration is not listening to the troops and is not supporting them."
This morning I told my "representatives" in Congress that, since their actions are in no way reflective of my personal position, I now understand that *my* ability to vote is limited to that which I do with my checkbook.
Consequently, "No more money for any political contribution to *anyone* from the Keeners until we stop making war on Iraq, Iran, Afganistan, and any other country that does not present a tangible and immediate threat to my Country".
These guys have got me scared I guess I'll have to defend my home. Does anybody know where I can buy some claymore mines and some rpg's.
He's the one thats afraid of in invasion of terrorists.
They got me scared where can I buy some claymore mines and rpg's.
They got me scared where can I buy some claymore mines and rpg's.
They got me scared where can I buy some claymore mines and rpg's.
Posted by drummer94 at 10:20 AM : May 10, 2007"
Well said drummer94. People who say terrorists follow us here do not even recognise where Iraq is in the world map. Iraq's problem is VP, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Armitage & Rich@rd Pearl's creation. Halliburton made enough of money to feed 100 generations of people with Cheney last name. Enough is enough.
He's the one thats afraid of in invasion of terrorists.
That mysterious 28% who still support these crooks must be on drugs.
Bush is doing an awsome job in Iraq.
Anyone who questions the President is a traitor.
Anyone who doubts the President is a traitor.
Why do you all hate freedom so much?
Why do you all support the terrorists?
These "moderates" used to be the rank and file the the religious right took over. True Rep. wanted smalled govmnt, lower spending, NO nation building.
The groups controlling the Rep. now basically are trying to turn the USA into IRAN: The Christian version. Eisenhower would puke if he saw these extremeists today.
Or you could do the opposite and keep your head in the sand, thinking we won't be attacked ever again once we leave Iraq...totally ignoring the IRANIAN GOVERNMENT made that they've spied/planned to attack 29 sensitive sites throughout America and the world. No, Iraq won't attack when we leave...but the only reason we haven't had several terrorist attacks since 9/11, is because our forces are targets overseas. They don't have to travel to kill American GIs.
And your "people who actually attacked us" currently includes many people in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, etc etc etc. You saying they'll all have a meeting in Afghanistan so we can get 'em in one swoop? I agree though, that we should be going after terrorists, not blundering in Iraq.
Anyone who doubts the President is a traitor.
Posted by Processorr2
All of these decorated Generals are traitors???
GOOD GOD MAN... GET HELP!!
Netadmin: The logic behind this statement is so shallow it defies description. If they are so intent on coming to our shores, how does the failed occupation of Iraq prevent them from doing that now? In fact, logic would suggest that Iraq has done nothing but detract from our homeland security. Take that 500 plus billion and all of the troops and focus them right here: now that would seem to be a start. This whole "fight 'em over there" cannard has blinded people to the reality. Terrorists organizations would no doubt love to inflict damage here. NOTHING about the Iraq occupation prevents them from doing so. Only significant investment in true homeland security (i.e. port security) will protect us. Getting bogged down in Iraq does not protect the homeland, period.
My response was to the post that suggested we will be more susceptible to attacks on our own soil if we leave Iraq.
I believe that we are more likely to be attacked now, than we were before Bush and Cheney started this war with all of their lies.
Do you know what happens when you walk up to a hornets nest or killer bees hive and start hitting it with a stick?
Rush Limbaugh:
He goes over how much these 11 Republicans are actually Liberals and traitors to America. And how they are supporting and emboldening terrorism by the words they spoke yesterday to the President. His lemming supporters call in and agree with every word he says.
Sean Hannity:
He goes over how much these 11 Republicans are actually Liberals and traitors to America. And how they are supporting and emboldening terrorism by the words they spoke yesterday to the President. His lemming supporters call in and agree with every word he says.
Mark Levin:
He goes over how much these 11 Republicans are actually Liberals and traitors to America. And how they are supporting and emboldening terrorism by the words they spoke yesterday to the President. His lemming supporters call in and agree with every word he says.
Glenn Beck:
He goes over how much these 11 Republicans are actually Liberals and traitors to America. And how they are supporting and emboldening terrorism by the words they spoke yesterday to the President. His lemming supporters call in and agree with every word he says.
If you are noticing a pattern, then you are an observant person. As all of the right wing facist talk show hosts spout the same BULL S*H*I*T day after day after day.
The question is, which Republican Senator will turn "Liberal" tomorrow?
Hmmm.
We all know this old story. Bush will get one message (like he did in 2002-2006) and delivery one full of holes and lies to the public that in no way reflects what the NIE reports or any other top level meetings said. As it happens, the groups who met with him will stay mum out of loyalty or fear--and about 6 months from now, the real information will come out and we will learn that Bush was told one thing, then LIED to fit what he wanted into his agenda.
Leopards don't change their spots--and a snake is still a snake--no matter when you see one. Bush is a snake---watch him slither.
GOOD GOD MAN... GET HELP!!
Posted by im4honesty at 10:43 AM : May 10, 2007
.........
Processor2 had OD'd on Budweiser many years ago. He's two brain cells away from being declared a vegetable.
But don't worry about explaining it to America. No one has explained why we really went in there in the first place--we certainly don't need explanations about playing games this time.
Anyone who questions the President is a traitor.
Anyone who doubts the President is a traitor.
Why do you all hate freedom so much?
Why do you all support the terrorists?"
Posted by Processorr2
What a load! Bush is doing a terrible job. Why are there war crimes trials going right now which concern USA involvement in Iraq if what we are doing is so good?
Anyone who doubts and questions the President is a loyal American dedicated to the principles of Democracy! Generals, Senators, Representatives, Columnists, and Americans question Bush's motives. Why is he killing so many American soldiers?
We don't hate freedom. On the contrary you seem to hate all that America stands for. You should leave to find the totalitarian state you desire so much. A place which only tolerates narrow thinking.
We are not supporting the terrorists. The war in Iraq has nothing to do with terrorism other than what Bush is perpetrating on them. The real war on terrorism is in Afghanistan.
Wouldn't it have been more appropriate for Gates to compare a PT boat with an aircraft carrier. I thought our military was in Iraq to promote democracy not to extract oil. Hmmm. Makes you wonder.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- next
See all 200 Comments