Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Can the Dems deal with Iraq?

From Capitol Hill Blue:
Congress returns to work on Thursday, where Democrats will inherit a congressional agenda dominated by the war in Iraq, increasing their exposure to what has only been a politically damaging issue for Republicans.

In the weeks ahead, the new Democratic Congress will be confronted with President Bush's new plan for Iraq and a White House request that lawmakers authorize an estimated additional $100 billion to pay for the war.

Democrats also may be asked to support a plan lifting restrictions on reserve deployments to ease the strain on active-duty troops.

While Democrats may try to deflect as much attention as they can toward Bush — citing the president's ownership of the war and congressional limitations on foreign policy — they no doubt will find themselves playing a starring role in a debate that cost Republicans votes in the midterm elections last fall.

"They'll have to show they can govern and govern in a way that will help the executive branch resolve this," said James Thurber, director of American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies.

But resolving Iraq won't be easy, and Democrats run the risk of going too far in criticizing the president. Recent polls show Americans remain frustrated with Bush's handling of the war, but don't think Democrats have offered much of an alternative.

"They will be in the majority, and they will be blamed if they try to block the president from implementing an exit strategy," Thurber said.
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2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Democrats have NO STRATEGY yet they continue to critique the Bush Administration. That would be like you or me going to our place of employment and saying we do not like the way business is conducted. Our company leaders would expect us to critique the current plan and then give an alternative plan. The Dems keep berating Bush's War plan, but have given nothing other than 'Cut-and-Run' which is not viable.

3:27 PM  
Blogger earth2you2 said...

Yo, d.a., haven't you got the memo from the RNC that "cut and run" is no longer a phrase to be used? Thought not.

Sending more U.S. troops into harm's way did not work in Vietnam and it will not work in Iraq. Unless your purpose is the death and maiming of many more Americans.

Here's a plan for you: Let's say we made a horrible mistake, remove our troops and just send the Iraqis half the money it takes to have the troops over there, so the Iraqis can start rebuilding their country.

In you insist that we keep the troops over there, then either enlist yourself (yes, you are young enough) or shut the fuck up. Or haven't you the courage of your convictions? By the way, take the twins with you when you go.

12:12 PM  

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