Democrats Lose Another Iraq Vote

(CBS/AP)  The Senate blocked legislation Thursday that would have cut off money for combat in Iraq by June. It was a predictable defeat for Democrats struggling to pass less divisive anti-war measures.

The 28-70 vote was 32 short of the 60 needed to cut off a GOP filibuster. The legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Russ Feingold, was indicative of the Democratic leadership's new hardline strategy.

Unable to attract enough Republican support on less contentious proposals, Reid has sought votes on strong anti-war measures intended to force a withdrawal of troops.

Also Thursday, the Senate voted 72-25 to condemn an advertisement by the liberal anti-war group MoveOn.org that accused the top military commander in Iraq of betrayal.

The full-page ad that appeared in The New York Times last week was headlined: "General Petraeus or General Betray Us? Cooking the books for the White House."

Senate Democrats' efforts to challenge President Bush's Iraq policies were dealt a demoralizing blow Wednesday after they failed to scrape together enough support to guarantee troops more time at home.

The bill was the weakest of the Democratic proposals and the one thought to have the most appeal to republicans, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Fuss. But after Sen. John Warner, R-Va., switched positions from supporting to opposing it, it's fate was sealed.

The 56-44 vote - four short of reaching the 60 needed to advance - all but assured that Democrats would be unable to muster the support needed to pass tough anti-war legislation by year's end. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., was seen as the Democrats' best shot because of its pro-military premise.

"The idea of winning the war in Iraq is beginning to get a second look," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who led opposition to the bill alongside Sen. John McCain.

Webb's legislation would have required that troops spend as much time at home training with their units as they spend deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Members of the National Guard or Reserve would be guaranteed three years at home before being sent back.

Most Army soldiers now spend about 15 months in combat with 12 months home.

"In blocking this bipartisan bill, Republicans have once again demonstrated that they are more committed to protecting the president than protecting our troops," said Reid.

Wednesday's vote was the second time in as many months that Webb's bill was sidetracked. In July, a similar measure also fell four votes short of advancing.

[drummer94]

It''s been a very good week for repiglicans. They, once again, have shown disdain for the warriors while licking the boots of the worst president in history. Not for much longer though.

[one_american]

It''s been a VERY BAD week for the Democrats in Congress.

They can''t sabotage the war, and the far-left keeps hammering on them constantly.

MoveOn.org has become the tar-baby to Hillary, Obama and the rest of the Dem candidates; they''re hopelessly stuck to it and can''t break free from it!

And the polls this week say they only have an 11% approval rating - lowest ever in U.S. history.

I''m almost beginning to feel sorry for the poor b@st@rds.

Naw, not really.

They deserve it.

[seven-pesos]

dead-enders in the south refuse to see that they''''ve lost another war...

jefferson davis, lyndon johnson, george bush, jr.

the south has the distinction of losing all the wars they ever started.

ha,ha,ha.

belligerent dixie losers...bush lovers!

the south can''''t be depended upon to do the right thing for america.

ha,ha,ha.

war, hate, christian creeps, republican snakes...

nothing good comes out of the south.

[coffee_guy1]

A right to an opinion, but still an armchair soldier. Make up yer mind, ya fukkkkin high school drop out.

[coffee_guy1]

You can''t talk to republicans. Its like talking to a child.

[liberalvet]

pwrslm

Lets get off the droll of an oil war...you will just continue to refer to White House propaganda to support your view...

Lets discuss the recent progress report from Iraq. I especially am interested in your opinion on the statements that violence is down on civilians. That statement is factual but not the entire story. The part that was omitted was that genocide had all but killed all opposing individuals in the areas mentioned. Those left are scared to come forward in fear of meeting the same fate. Lets discuss the southern ares of Iraq were civil war is raging out of control no matter what the US Military and the Iraqi puppet government can do. Just like WMD''s, this report has been based on cherry picked and washed down data.

I have no doubt though you will reach into that little bag of White House propaganda and come up with addition cherry pickings for us.

Honorable veterans have vast opinions, but we earned the right to have those and for that fact we sacrificed so trolls like you could enjoy the same. I know my past and my service to this nation and I do not care or have to concern myself over what a arm chair soldier as yourself thinks.

[pwrslm]

pwrslm,
I''''ve brought up the fact that it was Congress that gave the authority to the President before, but it just gets ignored. These guys are so delusional in their hatred that they are incapable of having a rational thought, let alone a debate.


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Posted by S1CKD09


Its true. These lib''s havent put one foot forward to debate thier claims. In a debate, you are responsible for providing factual information to defend your claims, but all they do is resort to insults.

[pwrslm]

===You are calling the "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq " a product of the Executive Office?===

Yes I am. It was born of the stream of Bush lies that came from the White House (e.g., the Yellow Cake story). Colin Powell says he is ashamed of what he said in front of the UN. That pretty much says it all. Without the Bush spin on the intelligence, the "Joint Resolution" would not have happened.

Posted by rafterman1

Alot of words, assumptions primarilly. Not based in any facts that you have posted though.

Your still walking around without any pants on.

[pwrslm]

I could not have said it better. This little troll continues to attack and slash anyone that has a different opinion. Pure Right Wing Trash Monger......


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Posted by Liberalvet

Oh

another balless wonder.

So do you have some kind of evidence to prove that Iraq is a war for oil, or are you simply adept at spouting off on issues that are based in ignorance? Face it, any honorable vet would have basis in fact for supporting these kinds of claims against the United States.

So what cha got bud? more rhetoric or real information?

[liberalvet]

pwrtard, Your disdain for REAL veterans, such as myself, is not anything new from you Demented Righty Trolls. I could not care less that a Little Pipsqueek like yourself not only never served, but is so hateful of Veterans Rights, (just like your pathetic, loser of a "leader"), that you denegrate them for having an opinion opposing your Fascist GOPerv Party.
So go ahead, give it your best shot, as all real Americans look on you and your ilk as the pathetic, unAmerican Morons that you are.



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Posted by veteran71 at 12:16 PM : Sep 21, 2007


I could not have said it better. This little troll continues to attack and slash anyone that has a different opinion. Pure Right Wing Trash Monger......