More debate…
February 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
King: Let’s look at Iraq now. The reports say the security situation is improving. Is Iraq better off today?
Clinton reminds that the rationale of the surge was to buy Iraqis time to make critical decisions. More bodies provides a clear tactical advantage, and that has occurred. But larger purpose has not been fulfilled. Iraqis too slow to take advantage of U.S. sacrifices. Clinton would ask for a plan to begin withdrawal within 60 days. Say Iraqis would have to step up. Says military is stretched thin. Says she’ll bring them home. Not in our interest to stay. Up to Iraqis to “decide the kind of future they will have.”
Now to Obama. He was against the surge. Was he wrong? He acknowledges first calvary, calls it “a tactical victory imposed upon a huge strategic blunder.”
Facing McCain, says we have to discuss the larger strategy, not just the embedded tactics. Says Iran is the biggest beneficiary of our invasion of Irag, and he wants to debate McCain on that point. Says the way we treat returning veterans is still inadequate. Again appealing to Texas’ large military community, notes that South Texas veterans have to drive 250 miles to access a veterans hospital:”That’s unacceptable.”Ultimate point (and argument with John McCain) is that the mission in Iraq is distracting from U.S. infrastructure needs and attention to South America and elsewhere in the world.
