WBZ's More on This

Democratic Radio Address 7/26/08

  • Highlights
  • Full Text

Play from 0:57[0:57] ..." troops have made in Iraq. And it recognizes. The desire of the Iraqi People to take control of their own destiny. During our trip Iraqi leaders made it clear that they share these -- Prime Minister mallet he told us that while the Iraqi People deeply appreciate the sacrifices. Of American forces. They do not want an open and -- presence of US combat forces. We in turn had a very clear message for the Prime Minister the Iraqi Government needs to do more. At a time when the war in Iraq course ten million dollars each month. Americans are paying four miles a gallon gasoline. And our economy is struggling. We cannot continue down the path that President Bush and Senator McCain proposed. Writing blank check after blank check. The United States has spent hundreds of the -- of American taxpayers dollars in Iraq. More than 4100. Of operate young men and women have been killed and 30000 hadn't. There heroic efforts have brought the Iraqi Government additional time. But so far that precious time has not translated into a sufficient political reconciliation. That brings a lasting peace. Unless the Iraqi Government can make tough political compromises. And deliver basic services to its citizens. And the gains -- troops fought so hard to win could be easily -- Our proposal to responsibly. Redeploy American troops out of Iraq. We'll send the message the Iraqi Government that it must do more. And it will encourage more progress towards Iraqi self sufficiency. This new mission in Iraq is the right policy for the future. It is not an end -- support for the Iraqi People. But he is a transition that allows us to focus on the terrorist threats that are grown elsewhere like Afghanistan. During --"...

Play from 0:00[0:00]" Good morning -- senator Jack reed -- I've just returned to our troops and commanders in Afghanistan and Iraq. I had the opportunity travel with a bipartisan delegation that included senator Barack Obama and Republican senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska. Heroism and dedication of our men and women in uniform inspire Cecil. As someone who had the privilege of commanding paratroopers. I know the tremendous sacrifices that our troops are making. Some of the soldiers and Marines we -- in the field on their third and fourth tours of duty. And they deserve a policy that is worthy of their sacrifice. Democrats have outlined a better strategy to carefully redeploy our forces -- program. And give them missions of counterterrorism. Training Iraq's military and protecting our forces. Make no mistake. This is a plan that seizes on the progress and sacrifices of troops have made in Iraq. And it recognizes. The desire of the Iraqi People to take control of their own destiny. During our trip Iraqi leaders made it clear that they share these -- Prime Minister mallet he told us that while the Iraqi People deeply appreciate the sacrifices. Of American forces. They do not want an open and -- presence of US combat forces. We in turn had a very clear message for the Prime Minister the Iraqi Government needs to do more. At a time when the war in Iraq course ten million dollars each month. Americans are paying four miles a gallon gasoline. And our economy is struggling. We cannot continue down the path that President Bush and Senator McCain proposed. Writing blank check after blank check. The United States has spent hundreds of the -- of American taxpayers dollars in Iraq. More than 4100. Of operate young men and women have been killed and 30000 hadn't. There heroic efforts have brought the Iraqi Government additional time. But so far that precious time has not translated into a sufficient political reconciliation. That brings a lasting peace. Unless the Iraqi Government can make tough political compromises. And deliver basic services to its citizens. And the gains -- troops fought so hard to win could be easily -- Our proposal to responsibly. Redeploy American troops out of Iraq. We'll send the message the Iraqi Government that it must do more. And it will encourage more progress towards Iraqi self sufficiency. This new mission in Iraq is the right policy for the future. It is not an end -- support for the Iraqi People. But he is a transition that allows us to focus on the terrorist threats that are grown elsewhere like Afghanistan. During -- trip centers Obama -- and I met without commanders on the ground in Afghanistan. With the Taliban recruit and -- it has found say it. The translation of allocated in English means -- base. Al -- is currently using the border region between Pakistan. And Afghanistan. As a base for launching attacks. I'm US and NATO troops and the Afghan people. Our intelligence officials report that the researchers. Of Al -- a terrorist in this region. Now pose as the most Soviet threat to our national security. Yet alarmingly. And by its own admission the Bush Administration. Does not have a co parent plant destroyed this -- is denying these terrorists say things. In on meetings with president Karzai. We stressed our strong commitment. To rooting out the terrorist. And helping Afghanistan. With its security and economic -- and we urged him to work -- more for more basis. More resources from the United States and NATO. But also more action from the Afghan government to improve the lives of its people. I was proud to join with senators Obama and -- and thanking our troops in the field. These young men and women are serving with the extraordinary courage talent and distinction. They get up each morning and crossed the line of departure risking their lives in doing everything in their power to seize the objective. With that indomitable Spirit and with a leader like Senator Obama who can restore our hope and leadership and deliver real change. We will meet the challenges of our time thank you."

Related Episodes

Bush defends pace of progress in Iraq

audio

27 Mar 2008

Bush defends pace of progress in Iraq 

The 'war on terror' was the topic of President Bush's speech at the Air Force museum in Dayton, Ohio.

listen

[7:41]..." the sectarian violence and civilian deaths. We broke in the grip of Al Qaeda on the capital. We've weaken the influence of Iranian backed militias. We dramatically improve security conditions in many devastated neighborhoods. And what some have gained a -- liberation. In Anbar province. Which eighteen months ago was declared lost to Al Qaeda. We join with the brave local -- to. Launch the first large scale Arab uprising against -- Together we systematically them dismantled Al Qaeda in that province. Just over a year. Remodeled the capital of Anbar. Has seen its average number of attacks plummet from more than eighteen per day to less than one per week. It's becoming clear that -- has not been. Lost Qaeda. They Al Qaeda has been has lost handbook. And that's important because just as the place where Al Qaeda leadership. Has said it will find safe haven from which to launch further attacks against the United States of America. In other parts of Iraq. Baghdad belts to -- Providence to parts of the south we've worked with coalition Iraqi forces to drive the terrorists out of strongholds. And put him on the run. Al Qaeda is concentrated its efforts. In the area but also. Which is in northern Iraq. There's going to be tough fighting and most. And areas around Mosul in the weeks and months. What we are determined along with the Iraqis. To make sure Al Qaeda meets the same fate there that is met elsewhere in Iraq. "...

[3:54]..." on a fateful day in this war. -- delivered justice to the Al Qaeda terrorists are college. In the form of two precision guided 500 pound bombs. Military achievements in Iraq have been accompanied by political "...

[4:41]..." found themselves. Buried in mass graves. No matter of fifteen months. The Iraqi people reclaimed their celebrity. They went on to choose an interim government. And to ratify the most democratic constitution in the Arab world. "...

timeline

41:54

Bush orders a halt in U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq after July

audio

10 Apr 2008

Bush orders a halt in U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq after July 

The president says his top commander in Iraq will 'have all the time he needs' to evaluate the situation in Iraq.

listen

[2:17]..." mainstream Sunni and shia are actively confronting the extremists. Fifteen months ago Al Qaeda bases in Iraq it was using to kill our troops and terrorize Iraqi people. Today we put Al Qaeda on the defensive in Iraq we're now working to deliberate crippling blow. Fifteen months ago. Americans were worried about the prospect of failure in Iraq. Today thanks to the search we Britain renewed and revive the prospect of success. With his goal in mind general Petraeus and ambassador Crocker had submitted recommendations on the way forward. After detailed discussions of my national security team including secretary of Defense Secretary of state. Joint Chiefs of Staff accepted these recommendations. The room recommendation likely to receive the most attention is on troop levels. General Petraeus has reported that security conditions have improved enough it would -- five surge brigades by the end of July. -- by July 31. The number of US combat brigades in Iraq will be down by 25% from last year. Beyond that general Petraeus says he'll need time to consolidate his forces and has established reduced American presence. Will affect conditions on the ground before making "...

[0:00]..." Good morning. Fifteen months ago I announced to search. And this week general Petraeus and ambassador Crocker. Gave congress a detailed report on the results. The immediate goal of the surge was to bring down the sectarian violence that threatened to overwhelm the government in Baghdad. Restore basic security to Iraqi communities. And drive the terrorists rather safe it. As general Petraeus told congress American and Iraqi forces have made significant progress in all these serious. While there's more to be done sectarian violence is down dramatically. Civilian deaths in military deaths are also down many neighborhoods once controlled by Al Qaeda had been liberated. Cooperation from Iraqis are stronger than ever. More tips from residents more Iraqis joining your security forces. And a growing movement against Al Qaeda called the sons of Iraq. Improvements in security at helped clear the way for political and economic developments described by ambassador Crocker. "...

[1:44]..." direction. Serious and complex challenges remain in Iraq from the presence of Al Qaeda to the destructive influence of Iran. To hard compromises leader needed for further political progress. It was a search of major strategic "...

timeline

17:18

Face The Nation, 05.25.08

video

25 May 2008

Face The Nation, 05.25.08 

The 2008 presidential race continues to intensify, as Bob Schieffer speaks with supporters of candidates John McCain and Barack Obama, as well as a representative from Hillary Clinton's campaign.

watch

[17:51]..." I'm not going to suggest what senator Obama's schedule or Senator McCain schedules going to be in the remaining. Few months before the November election I would hope that Senator McCain would join Senator Obama you're meeting with some returning veterans and soldiers who. I enthusiastically support the GI bill which John McCain opposes. I think -- Senator McCain would come to realize that these veterans deserve the same good treatment coming back from this war. As those who returned from World War II. The second point I'd like to make his Senator Obama is not calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops he's calling for an orderly responsible withdrawal from Iraq. In the sixth year of this war I think that that's long overdue and I think he's on the right track but the last point -- want to make Bob. Is one that I noticed and some of the comments of my friends Lindsey Graham. He made reference to this one on one with Petraeus I can just tell you point blank that. Barack Obama has had his opportunity to meet with General Petraeus -- questioned him in committee. They have -- had this exchange of dialogue. So this is nothing new but this is unfortunately coming out of -- script from a group called veterans for freedom. Which senator Graham and senator Lieberman on the advisory board of this to 527 that is produced an attack -- on Barack Obama. And that's unfortunate it's unfortunate because they use an Illinois soldier -- the name Garret Anderson. The staff sergeant who -- a victim of an IED who lost a part of his right arm and had traumatic head injuries Senator Obama and I both worked hard for this veteran. To get him the disability that he was entitled to I've visited with them in -- home. And I just I would say to senator Graham and senator Lieberman take a look at this ahead this really is misleading. And it really shouldn't be in this part of the campaign and I I wonder how they're being involved and it these senators being involved in it. Is consistent with senator McCain's recent statement. I was saying that if you have a title or position -- campaign. You shouldn't get involved in a five "...

[0:20]..." Howard Wolfson. Then we'll turn -- the battle already shaping up between Barack Obama and John McCain. Over foreign policy lobby and moved -- top vice presidential candidates my feet. -- one of McCain's closest advisers "...

[4:34]..." apologized to Obama nor should she. Will her remarks were not about Senator Obama they had nothing to do with Senator Obama. And so you know there would be no reason for her. To apologize to Senator Obama the remarks were not about him -- nothing easy to how he might have taken offense to this you know I think "...

timeline

23:53