Biden delivers what Dems described as 'major' speech on Iraq

[kpete]

Mr. BIDEN: Today, I want to talk to you about Iraq. I want to start by the addressing the question on the minds of most Americans: when will we bring our troops home?

Here is my conviction: in 2006, American troops will begin to leave Iraq in large numbers. By the end of the year, I believe we will have redeployed at least 50,000 troops. In 2007, a significant number of the remaining 100,000 American soldiers will follow.

But the real question is this: as Americans start to come home, will we leave Iraq with our fundamental security interests intact or will we have traded a dictator for chaos?

By misrepresenting the facts, misunderstanding Iraq, and misleading on the war, this Administration has brought us to the verge of a national security debacle.

As a result, many Americans have already concluded that we cannot salvage Iraq. We should bring all our forces home as soon as possible.

entire speech at:

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Biden_delivering_speech_on_Iraq_1121.html

[wryter2000]

1. I'm scared to look

:scared:

Did he call the war a noble mission and * a great American? I never know what's going to come out of Biden's mouth.

:hide:

[Wetzelbill]

3. you never really know with Biden

he's critical, but he's also very status quo oriented. He and McCain sound interchangeable nearly all the time.

[stevedeshazer]

2. Good for Biden

While I disagree with much of his rhetoric, the crux of this matter is that he is calling for a conditional drawdown of troops.

I've vilified him before, but this is the one thing Democrats must unite on, and I'm glad he appears to be coming on board.

Biden is notorious for sticking his moist finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing, and he's figured it out.

For as long as it lasts, I support him. Ending the war is Job #1, and if Joe wants to help, I welcome him.

[Wetzelbill]

4. yeah, you have that exactly right

I couldn't agree with you more.

[Mass]

5. Good to know that he understands that now, I agree.

[wryter2000]

6. I'd love nothing better than to have Biden back

I'll never forget how he ran the Bork hearings. If he truly has discovered a backbone, I'll go back to being a fan.

[FreedomAngel82]

10. Exactly

I'm still weary of him myself (isn't he PNAC?) but if he can help with getting out than I'm all for it.

[endarkenment]

7. Blah blah blah stay the course must succeed cannot afford to fail

blah blah blah.

"will we leave Iraq with our fundamental security interests intact or will we have traded a dictator for chaos?"

When we illegaly invaded Iraq our 'security interests' became moot. Our only legitimate interest is to stop our illegal occupation by getting out of Iraq as quickly as possible.

[caledesi]

8. Only one problem, these thugs WANT chaos so they can steal

and commit whatever crimes they want. (Thank you Randi Rhodes)

[FreedomAngel82]

12. Exactly!!

Chaos is their best friend. Why else do they have all these scandals? So they'll leave you on your toes. When you think you've got them it'd be really nothing. The US has removed dictators before but Iraq this time is the first time with so much violence. I don't call "shock and awe" freeing people. They could've done this without violence but they didn't want to wait because than they wouldn't have been in there in the first place. With all the choas going on they'll leave you looking at that while they're doing something else behind the scenes.

[plcdude]

9. one important point

I found here is with the quality of withdrawal. In 2006 I bet the * administration will make high profile moves for the purpose of the upcoming elections, but what will be the conditions in Iraq when this happens? * should be held accountable for the withdrawal as well as the situation that will ensue as there are fewer and fewer troops. He is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

[FreedomAngel82]

13. Yep exactly

I've been wondering why Murtha is talking out now...why not earlier when other people were? Why now? Maybe he knew this? I don't know. But remember that going into Iraq was timed perfectly for the 2002 midterms, so I have no doubt in my mind they have some phoney "Mission Accomplished part two" up their sleeves so they can use it for 2006 and than 2008 as well.

[Bluebear]

11. Senator MBNA speaks.

ZZZZzzz.