Troop funding: Neither's quite right

Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008 9:54 PM by Carrie Dann
Filed Under: Joe Biden, Sarah Palin

From NBC's Carrie Dann and Mark Murray
Sarah Palin is correct that Biden has consistently voted for troop funding and criticized Democrats for voting against a funding bill. In August 2007, Biden challenged his Democratic primary contenders on the issue, saying "There's no political point worth my son's life. There's no political point worth anyone's life."

What she didn't mention: Obama voted for all but ONE measure to fund the war in Iraq. He explained that single vote, cast on May 24, 2007, by saying that "this vote is a choice between validating the same failed policy in Iraq that has cost us so many lives and demanding a new one. And I am demanding a new one." The reason for his 'nay' vote? The appropriations bill did not contain a timetable for withdrawal.

But Biden isn't quite correct to respond that McCain has done exactly the same thing. McCain OPPOSED - but did not vote on - a Senate measure with troop funding because it contained a timetable for withdrawal. Biden said McCain "voted" against it.

*** UPDATE *** Per an amended entry from Factcheck.org: On April 26, 2007, McCain did, in fact, not vote on the final version of a troop-funding bill after it emerged from a House-Senate conference committee. But he DID vote "nay" on an earlier version of the bill when it first moved through the Senate, before the final version was agreed to by a House and Senate compromise

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Comments

We should never have been involved in the Iraq nightmare, and I will not support any candidate that does not come up with a plan to bring our troops home as soon as possible!

Chris Brill. Westbrook, Ct. (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:08 PM)

The problem is Palin has limited understanding about everything, I would not trust her as President.

john battle, Virginia (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:09 PM)

Sarah is well informed about what is going on with the average American citizen, and can be a good advocate for the down to earth person. Biden looks old and a part of the good ole boy society. He says he has no new ideas, but supports Obama and finds fault with McCain without being specific.

Erica Woodson (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:10 PM)

Voting present is not the same as voting for something.

kathyinNewMexico (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:11 PM)

Is there a difference if McCain is not present? Let's do not parse words!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:12 PM)

I find it amazing that Palin with her 6 week crash course of the Middle East can lecture Biden who has been doing this for years? Am I the only one that sees her as a complete joke? I am not an idiot and do not think I will vote for McCain just because he plucks some pretty woman who talks like everyone else. God help us

Joe Des Moines (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:15 PM)

Palin sucks...really! I can't believe she is getting through a debat without answering 80% of the questions up to this point. She keeps rambling. She is a dumb blonde, but she is not blond! Wow...what's up with the people that has went along with this BS so far. I was a republican until today!!! I can't beleive the press has let her get away with this act this long! This is a shame for the country and for women. There where a lot of women that could have given Biden a run for his money! I am voting for Obama!!!

Robert, Auburn Hils MI (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:15 PM)

Palin continues to stretch, even lie about things. But, she really does not know the difference herself. It is what she has been told and taught by her handlers. It is eveident that their is not a single solidarity thought of her own coming from her mouth.
Now, as far as McCain opposing, or voting against something, he was against it and just didn't show up to vote, but then again, hasn't he not showed up to vote very much?

Olga, Oswego, New York (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:17 PM)

That's because she's been behind closed doors for over a week being schooled. Really, 30 days before the election she needs to be schooled? I haven't heard how the McCain ticket is going to implement any of it's policies in either debate.

Rather Not (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:20 PM)

I wish someone would tell McPalin that WE would not be winning the war, the Iragi people would be winning. Why is America so dead set on there being a winner or a loser? Just because we leave does NOT mean that anyone is losing!

Obama/Biden Supporter! (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:23 PM)

Palin said she's only been around for 5 weeks! I REST MY CASE!!! Not ready. Also, has she EVER served on CAPITOL HILL?????

CJ, MD (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:27 PM)

Totally agree. Governor Palin has not been very specific on McCain's policies - whereas Senator Biden has been completely on point with his answers. And by the way - as a professional woman in her late 40's -I find Palin's whole folksiness thing more than a bit annoying. Please - no wonder no one can tell the difference between Palin and Tina Fey.

Andrea Corman, Plantation, FL (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:31 PM)

GO SARAH. SHE IS GREAT. SHE WON HANDS DOWN. JOE LOOKED A LITTLE ILL.

MARY, NEW CASTLE, PA (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:34 PM)

She stayed in her comfort zone by avoiding the questions. She did not give a straight answer to any question. For being on the "Strait Talk Express", she did not issue very much straight talk.

Curtis Minor, Bentonville, Arkansas (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:35 PM)

As a disabled vet, I will tell you all american troops require funding weather or not the war is right. As Americans we must support our troops that give us our freedom.

brian (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:38 PM)

I feel Palin is definitely so called "out of the loop" in the current status of the war. It is not justified to be at war in Iraq, there is no longer a severe threat compared to Afghan...as a military member, I am fearful for my future if we continue to "fight" in Iraq while allowing chaos to build and overpower the US in Afghan if left untouched without threat.

Rounds B, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:44 PM)

Palin had already revealed her lack of knowledge and qualifications. Whatever came out of her mouth wasn't hers; they were her handlers' words.

Rue from Murphy (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:55 PM)

What a crock!At best, the debate weas a draw, but Joe Biden clearly won on substance. Palin won on "snarkyness". Look where that has gotten us for the last 8 years.

She only mentions what she had been scripted to say, and then add in her "folksyness", which almost made me gag.

This woman is a dangerous person to let anywhere near the VP's office, much less the Presidency.

Joe, MN (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 10:59 PM)

My thought was that she seemed very scripted in her speaking where Joe Biden seemed more genuine. What a difference a coaching makes. Why wasn't she coached for her interview with Katie Couric? That was a pathetic show and really shows what intensive coaching could have prevented. I really do feel that Sarah Palin believes that Alaskans keep an eye out for those pesky Russians.

DJ, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 11:00 PM)

Biden had Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan playing the part of Governor Palin in order to NOT appear condecending. He doesn't know when to shut up and can't stay on subject.

spareme, detroit, MI (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 11:01 PM)

yea damn if she does good, and damn if she doesn't. Liberals have a lot to excuse. If they use your normal brain to debate with experienced candidate like biden, it would take you all 1000 years to learn let alone to learn in 30 days

p0int_0f_no_r3turn@yahoo.com (Sent Thursday, October 02, 2008 11:48 PM)

Wasn't there. Didn't vote. That's a vote against.

mw (Sent Friday, October 03, 2008 12:53 AM)

It is impossible to remember all the dates of who voted for what. Given that there was ONLY ONE vote that Obama voted against funding the conflict in Iraq, he can't and shouldn't be seen as going against the troops.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Friday, October 03, 2008 9:11 AM)

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