Dems on the upcoming Petraeus report

Posted: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 5:20 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Democrats, Security

From NBC's Mike Viqueira
House Democrats are already dismissing the Petraeus findings -- which are not due for another five days -- while leaving the door open to a compromise with Republicans that would drop a deadline for troop withdrawal.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pointedly referring to the Petraeus testimony as "the Bush report presented by General Petraeus," as opposed to an independent assessment by the top military man in Iraq that has been billed for months now. "Progress is not being made," Pelosi insisted in a Capitol presser this afternoon, no matter how some people might want to "cherry pick" stories of success. "The plural of anecdotes is not data," she added.

But top Senate Dems Harry Reid and Carl Levin have hinted recently that they may be open to putting forward legislation with no end date for withdrawal, thereby putting Pelosi and House Democrats on the spot with core Democrats -- both in Washington and at home -- who would be angry at such a legislative outcome.

Today, Pelosi would only say: "Whether people will go for (something) without a date certain for withdrawal remains to be seen."

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Comments

Have already written to Levin in my state--he is wrong----big time---as far as the generals report ----so much Bush speak---will just be a whitewash of the bloodshed and more lies.

HMT-MI (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 5:29 PM)

Heh. While Issikoff and Co.[the same guys that brought us the ''Koran Flushing''non-story], over at NEWSWEEK,intimate that ''politics''[Bush] was behind the NIE report,they say no such thing regarding the GAO ''study''which was headed up by Clinton appointees. Confusion,as usual,as well as politics,abounds. Yet there is no evidence that Democrats politicized the GAO study any more than the GOP did with the NIE.[which was admittedly used by both FR and the Democrat candidates as a bludgeon with which to beat Bush].

Lee Holmes (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 5:46 PM)

it's nice to know that Nancy Pelosi is an authority on the stratagies of warfare and tactics, she probably has never heard a shot fired in angar but will be the 1st to shoot her mouth off and consult with Bill "I RAN FOR THE CANIDIAN BORDER" clinton...Naccy shut your HOLE nad play horsey with your son on your lap...

Jom does (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 5:48 PM)

it IS the bush report, written by the white house, read by Betrayus.

Tuck, realityville,kansas (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 6:00 PM)

wow..Pelosi and the rest of Al Qaeda's friends already dismissing the Petraeus before it's even filed. "Lose at all Costs"...eh Nancy?

Iraq Vet (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 6:15 PM)

Pelosi is going to bring the war into america, I think we should just stay and fight it over there.

McCoy, Boise, ID (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 6:18 PM)

Nancy Pelosi sucks

SG Phoenix Az (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 6:20 PM)

It is the Iraq Surge report. We already know that Gen. Petreus did not author it, direct it, vet it or approve it.

Sorry to rain on your charade.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 6:22 PM)

pelosi and company would be welcome at jane fonda's house anytime.

don dempsey timberville, va (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:06 PM)

I cheered when Pelosi took the gavel. she was a true role model.
Now I am angry and disappointed with her and Reid. They took our trust and let us down by caving to Bush every time.
I had high hopes for Pelosi. To make matters worse, my party is determined to nominate another establishment loser with Hillary.
What happened to my party? no spine and bad taste and totally guillable to a dishonest, unappealing, outsourcing DLCer. hillary hangs out with Murdoch and yet my party thinks she is someone they trust and think is a real democrat.

diane (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:23 PM)

That is a cool quote: "The plural of anecdote is not data." That might be the only thing Pelosi has ever said that I really agree with.

Nuance - another cool one: "rain on your charade"

Independent, Texas (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:34 PM)

Why are the democrats so against anything republican, if a republian said the sky was blue the democrats would say the sky was not blue but whatever they wanted the sky to be

B Shaughnessy (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:48 PM)

with all the fuss over the "petraeus" report, people tend to forget just what a miracle it is that any republican in the administration can actually read or write

david bruce (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:51 PM)

The speaker & her cronies are defeatists. Sad day to be an American.

American Voter (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:54 PM)

Let's "clear the air" here.... This is now a non-issue: White House staffers, not Gen. Patreus are writing the report on the progress of "the Surge" in Iraq, ok? This has been reported over a week ago-- all over the press. Ditto to: "Sorry to rain on your parade".

Harold Walker, Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:57 PM)

Data on the war in Iraq is just that. It's in Iraq. Does anyone think you would know the whole story of why we are there. I know that if the violent 3rd World Countries are not kept in check, they spread their wings into neighboring Countries to grow into a larger fight group. Think about this. If you think we are having a hard time in Iraq now, think of what it would be like if it wasn't controled, over there. You can take it to the bank, it would be hell over here in America.

C. Stover (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:09 PM)

You can always tell when the Democrats are heading in the right direction by how many neo-cons start screaming, crying like babies, or calling people who disagree with them "terrorists". Fund the withdrawl and let's be done with it.

And for the record, I bet John Does above me has never heard a shot fired in anger either. It's the typical Republican tactic. Support the troops... from the comfort of your own living room.

John Doe, The Peanut Gallery (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:24 PM)

The usual piliticking with Dems unable to commit to an action and the Repubs green washing it. Repubs serving their own best (corporate) interests in the name of God and Dems serving their own best (corporate) interests in the name of the People. I can't wait for the report, just like I can't wait to read how hard oil companies are working to save the environment. Why do we pay these people?

ffikralem (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:36 PM)

Just another shrub flunky with a fairy tale written for the MOOT DECIDER.
The Iraq splurge report is moot.

H P Boston (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:37 PM)

It is clear to see that people will not allow the Petraeus report to be judged SOLELY on its content. Those who already believe that the report will be a sham will see plenty of evidence to support their view. And those who believe that the report will be fully indenpendent, factual and honest will see just as much evidence their way.

James Lee, Chatsworth, GA (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 9:11 PM)

If you really think about Dems and Repubs are all sleeping in the same bed of denial. I've been there and done that, so all of you well wishers can forget about Iraq's oil. I found it quit distrubing that you so called Americans can force feed your beliefs on people of a different time. Until you participate in day to day operation on Iraqi soil keep all comments to the Peanut Gallery........

A Concerned Vet (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 9:31 PM)

Notice that the tone around here changes after 6pm. All the conservatives have come home from work, have had dinner with the family, and then login. All the liberals are out getting drunk on their welfare checks.

Paul Malovich, Lexington KY (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 9:56 PM)

It would be appropriate at
this time not only to charge
bush with his many war crime's ( We all know that is why he insisted the war was over so quickly. So he wouldn't have to follow the rule's) but he also should be charged with Treason. And if the Dem's would do the job we sent them to do, he would already be impeached. How many
mass murder's are you going to let him do? Before he's judged and hung like his bosom buddy, Sadom ???

Barb. Missoula, Mt. (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 10:07 PM)

We know from past experience that we can't rely
on any white house report. if the patreaus report
was coming direct from him to congress, it would be credible. But it's taking an editorial detour thru the white house. How sad this is for bush. He really thinks he can pull this off.

jesse sanchez Pawling, New York (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 10:55 PM)

-12 Billion Dollars per month squandered in Iraq
-Military personnell being deployed under the premise that they will be non-combatants (medics, radio operators, etc.) only to check for explosives and engage on the FRONT lines.
-American death toll nearing 4000 (read some of their bios so they're more than a number).
-Iraq excess death toll nearing 700,000
-Multiple reports stating that there is no SIGNIFICANT connection between Al Queda and the war Iraq (get your news from CSPAN for the whole picture)
-Multiple reports stating that the war in Iraq SIGNIFICANTLY weakens our stance against Al Queda.
-Our education, V.A., infrastructure, lower class, enviornment, economy, healthcare, and standing in the world plummeting.

-F%^#k Petraeus' motherf@#$kin report!!

JB, Bethesda, MD (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 11:07 PM)

Barb in Missoula, please stop drinking the emerald green water in the abandoned copper pit as it affects your spelling and conceptual abilities...In fact, you represent a profound misconceptual entity otherwise known as an abortion. And "Sadom"...??? Sober up, freak.

M. Peach Barb, Billings, MT (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 11:08 PM)

Paul in Lex,Ky, Oh so you have one of the Corparate jobs, your good buddy Mitch has brought to Our state. I'm glad for Ya. What a sad argument You make. Give up your Corparate job & serve your country. take the place of one of those over there fighting for Iraq oil. Go on. Be All You Can Be!!!!!!!

rick,ky (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 11:39 PM)

Hang Em High -- movie with Clint Eastwood

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 11:58 PM)

Wading through all the dross.

Democrats are not defeatists, we have been forced to be realists.

Diane, don't give up on Pelosi and the Dems in Congress quite yet. Perhaps you don't realize they have done quite a bit in the face of needing 60 votes in the Senate to get anything really controversial done. Its a miracle they were even able to raise the minimum wage. Bush probably only agreed to back it because he knew there were enough votes for it to be
veto proof.

Have some patience Diane and others. Just because a party is in the majority does not mean they can run roughshod over the other party, even with 100% solidarity. Remember the power of the veto and the thin Democratic margin in the Senate. For example even with some Republican support, a progressive bill on stem cell research bit the dust.

Its going to require some Republican support to get any meaningful legislation on Iraq. But it's clear that the Republicans are crumbling on that issue. After this recess, look for more and more Republicans, especially those up in 2008, to cave in.

Nick Dorsey (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 1:48 AM)

I agree with you Rick, jobs are good for the country and for Kentucky. I have a job with a defense subcontractor. How do you serve your country?

Off to work now. Have a double shift today.

Paul Malovich, Lexington KY (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 5:12 AM)

Don't forget September 15th. It's time to get off the computer and march for what you believe. I'll be in Washington to march for the impeachment of Cheney/Bush and to end the war. I don't want thousands marching; I want millions.

Ken Mesle (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 8:45 AM)

Oh yeh, and judging by the neocon comments... The republicans are already drunk when they log on and they aren't spending time with their family - they've been in the public restroom doing lines of coke and playing footsie with the boys.

Ken Mesle (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 8:49 AM)

When the coup is over and the military back in civilian hands maybe the next president will take the reigns and make some decisions based on knowledge and not wait for generals who have their career at stake to come up with something that works for BUSH.IF the surge is working WHY? WHY? wouldn't you double or triple the number of troops,unless its not working and you cant find troops to sustain the surge.THUS is the end game Bush has going the timetable is when our troops are exhausted and we are out of cash.Be ready the phrasing could change and leave you spouting the last talking points memo,KEEP ALERT it changes daily,DEFINITION OF SUCESS

kenn"ITS OVER"O (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 1:29 PM)

Considering that Bush lied to Tony Blair about the 'evidence' for WMDs, this whole war and anyone involved is a traitor and should be tried for war crimes. This includes contractors and mercenaries.

Sean, Torrington CT (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 1:49 PM)

Ken M. - I'll be in Washington to march for the impeachment of Cheney/Bush and to end the war.

Let us know how that goes Ken. Should we expect Bush/Cheney to be impeached this month, or next? We are looking for results you know.

Ronnie JuJuan (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 2:03 PM)

Harold: If it has been ''reported on all over the press'',then you will have no problem with providing specific examples of where ''White House staffers''rather than Petraeus,are compiling this report. The patent dishonesty of Democrats is at its usual gutter level. We are to take the word of non-serving politicians coming back from vacation,many of whom voted for the war to begin with,over that of a decorated four-star general,who ,unlike them,has had his boots on the ground in Iraq,and who was overwhelmingly approved for his command by these selfsame Democrats. To expose the lies eminating from Schumer,Reid,Pelosi and others,go here:[all of these are military/Iraqi civilian blogs from the Iraq Wars front lines, that cast the light of truth upon the dishonest antics of posturing politicians inside the Beltway].

www.michaelyon.blogspot.com[Ghosts Of Anbar Pts.I-IV]

www.iraqthemodel.blogspot.com

www.insidethewire.com

www.military.com [Mil-Blogs]

Lee Holmes (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 2:40 PM)

There is an excellent editorial in today's Washington Post, "How To Change Iraq," by Madeleine Albright. http://www.washingtonpost.com/

I don't always agree with her, but this time she describes the situation we are in with great clarity.

Let me know what you think.

Dan Harrison (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 4:44 PM)

i wonder if you idiots realize that Bush is by law required to write this report, now tell me, how can any democrat justify dissing this report when they put in the law that they passed that the President is REQUIRED to submit this document

agarwaen, fort wayne (Sent Thursday, September 06, 2007 6:34 PM)

What sort of people has this country elected that desire to see their own country defeated in war? Isn't it amazing that even Democrats who actually visit the area and see first hand return saying there is progress?

What price political power from these Bolshevik/Democrats

Lew Waters, VAncouver, Washington (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 12:25 AM)

agarwaen: In addition, the areas of the report regarding the security situation in Iraq eminate from Petraeus. Not from Bush. Petraeus,cannot,in the total lack of any proof whatever,be construed merely as a ''Bush mouthpiece''.This is a partisan supposition that does not vest itself in fact. Indeed,the Democrats own handpicked general,Jones,whose report was completely divorced from that of Petraeus and Bush,floored the House Democrats this morning when he testified that the Surge ''was working''.

Lee Holmes (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 3:26 PM)

God bless America! Blackwell/Martin, TN

rblackwell, Martin, TN (Sent Tuesday, September 11, 2007 5:21 PM)

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